Blog | Marie Labbancz Photography

Eastern State Penitentiary Engagement Portraits

August 29, 2008 Engagements

What a beautiful and inspired time I had with this special couple at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia! Both artists, they wanted their engagement portrait to be at an imaginative location. They couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot. I always go a little crazy with artistic Photoshop effects when I have a shoot at the penitentiary because I feel it so lends itself to that. I had such a blast working on these images but I just couldn’t just pick a few favs. On my “List of things to do during my slow season”, is to do a great slide show of all the images from this shoot. I’m really looking forward to their wedding at The College of Physicians in Philadelphia this coming November. I know they have many very unique details planned! Can’t wait!

Uma + Jack 08-09-08 (Ceremony 2)

August 27, 2008 Weddings

Uma and Jacks guests were treated to a delicious vegetarian Indian luncheon while the couple washed all the rice out of their hair! After several hours of preparation Uma and Jack were ready for Round 2 of their wedding day ceremony. Uma changed into an “oh so sexy” Carolina Herrera Gown. It was such a perfect gown for her. LOVED IT! I’m not sure all of us gals could pull off a beautiful gown like that, but it was so perfect on her. The couples’ Catholic Ceremony was held at St. Teresa’s of Avila Roman Catholic Church in Summit, NJ. Uma and Jack were so happy and playful during the ceremony, even though they had no rice to throw! We went off to Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, NJ for some scenic couple pictures. The Arboretum was packed with people as they were doing some sort of Revolutionary War reenactment. We got a cute picture with the musicians. I’ll definitely have to blog that image next 4th of July! We were able to find a few deserted locals for pictures. I really have trouble picking my favorite couple portraits. Hope I didn’t put up too many. Uma and Jack were just so relaxed and having such a great time having a few moments alone on a very busy wedding day. I thought I’d share a bunch with you!

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Uma + Jack 08-09-08 (Ceremony 1)

August 25, 2008 Weddings

Well, they say you can never have enough of a good thing and for Uma and Jack that meant 2 beautiful wedding ceremonies in one day. In the morning exchanged vows in an “oh so playful” Hindu wedding ceremony at The Westin Governor Morris in Morristown, New Jersey and in the afternoon they had a Catholic ceremony. I usually photograph at least 2 Indian Ceremonies each year and every one has been different in so many ways. It seems that different customs and traditions are followed depending on where in India the couple is from. Uma’s family is obviously from the “playful” part. Some really cute parts of the ceremony were the bride and groom throwing rice and flower petals on each other heads. This escalated to the couple throwing an entire bowl of rice on each other. Everyone was in stitches. The couple also played a cute game where their rings were placed on a jar with water. Whoever found the ring first was the winner. Uma found the ring 2 out of 3 times. A clear winner!

Sometimes you just have to “make do”. Uma and Jack wanted a few couple portraits prior to their morning ceremony. I was able to find a few rows of trees around the Weston parking lot. See, you don’t always need a park!

The groom arrives on his golden steed.

Though Indian weddings are outrageously colorful, black and white imagery is beautiful too!

One of the prettiest garlands I’ve ever seen!

Fran + Bill 08-03-08 (Part 2)

August 20, 2008 Weddings

As promised, part 2 of Fran & Bills sweet wedding. I must tell you, I really found their wedding inspiring. I’m a single gal and always keep one eye open for “Mr. Right” or even “Mr. Sort-of-Right-but-very-Fun”. Because weddings are my life I sometimes think about what sort of wedding I would have if the opportunity ever presented itself. I always thought that “at my age” I would just do a small and quiet sort of thing. Fran’s wedding was such a beautiful celebration of love and blending of families (at any age) that I think I might do it big. All I need is the guy! Here are some more images of their lovely day. Check out the ice sculpture/martini cooler!

Fran + Bill 08-03-08 (Part 1)

August 19, 2008 Weddings

Some might have thought that Bill was a “confirmed bachelor”, but that was before he met the effervescent Fran. His first marriage, Fran really wanted to make the day very special, and that she did, at the always beautiful Carinwood Estate in Bryn Athyn, PA. Fran’s three beautiful daughters gave her away and her grandson, Sincere, was the ring bearer. I must ask her how she arranged for the perfect “puffy cloud” day. With the backdrop of Bryn Athyn Cathedral for their ceremony I thought I was back in France. It was wonderful to work with Janet McKrancy again of Janet’s Weddings & Pretty Parties. She’s known for her classic and opulent wedding flowers and décor, which was a perfect match for Fran’s style. Check back tomorrow for some more details.