Blog | Marie Labbancz Photography

Stephanie + Anthony 12.19.09 Blizzard Portraits

January 8, 2010 Weddings

Imagine my delight when Stephanie asked to take some outdoor portraits around the city of Philadelphia right in the middle of a blizzard. I really thought that she would forgo the outdoor portraits given the heavy snow, winds and her beautiful Priscilla of Boston gown! Unfortunately Stephanies bridesmaid brought the brides boots along with the bridal party so all Steph had to wear in the snow were her open toe Wittner bridal shoes from Australia. Not the best for walking in the snow. Though it limited where we could go I do admit that Stephanie was a trooper. So much so that their “blizzard” pictures were so amazing it landed them on the cover of the Philadelphia Daily News. The couple were able to negotiate having their wedding reception at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. We took some cozy and warm portraits inside the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton prior to joining their guests in the cocktail hour!

Check out Stephanie walking across Broad Street in the blizzard with open toe shoes so she could have her iconic City Hall portrait. Bravo!

The beautiful christmas tree at The Ritz-Carlton made for some festive Christmas wedding images!

Stephanie + Anthony 12.19.09 The Ceremony

January 6, 2010 Weddings

The couple spent the majority of the morning trying to plan a reception. They knew they could not get their guests to the Glenn Foerd Mansion but Anthony assured Stephanie that they would be getting married that day not matter what. Stephanie was in the Four Seasons Hotel which is right across the street from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul but their guests were dispersed in hotels throughout the city. The couple were not sure anyone would be there for their ceremony. A special “shout out” goes out to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, the Philadelphia streets department and wonderful taxi drivers of Philadelphia who ferried their guests 2 by 2 to the Cathedral!

I adored these flower girl dresses by Us Angels. Combined with the flower balls by Beautiful Blooms they were just too cute!

Only about 30 of their guests were not able to make it to their wedding. I was happily surprised by the crowd!

No, the snow didn’t stop after their ceremony but the couple said they were game for some outdoor portraits. Yeah! Even in Stephanies beautiful Priscilla of Boston gown!

Stephanie + Anthony 12.19.09 The Preperations (for a blizzard!!!)

January 4, 2010 Weddings

Well, I know allot of people are waiting to see more images from this wedding. Stephanie and Anthony flew in from their homeland of Australia earlier in the week. When they left the temperatures in Sydney were reaching the 100 degree mark. Little did they know what they were in for! It’s not everyday that a couple chooses to get married in a blizzard, and this was no “average” blizzard. This was the second largest snow storm on record in Philadelphia with 23″! With weather reports getting worse and worse on Friday night I checked with Stephanie to see if we were still on. She and Anthony said “absolutely”! They were getting married on 12.19.09 no matter what. That said, I drove into Philadelphia on Friday night to assure I’d be in the city. Stephanie was preparing for her wedding at The Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia which is right across the street from The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul where their ceremony would take place. Even in the worst scenario she could walk across the street. The problem came in when the trolley company they hired to transport guests to their reception at Glen Foerd Mansion in northern Philadelphia had to cancel. I agree that trolleys might not be the safest form of transportation in a blizzard. Stephanie, a corporate event planner back in Australia went right into action trying to find solutions. Even her makeup and hairstylist Claudia Seyler got into the act trying to secure transportation. Now that’s a makeup artist! They say “it takes a village” but for this wedding to come off so beautifully it took some of Philadelphia’s most talented and devoted professionals and I’ll be giving “shoutouts” to all of them in the next several posts!

Stephanie was on the phone for hours trying to redesign her “blizzard” wedding.

The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul where Stephanie and Anthony were to be wed from the window of Stephanie’s room at the Four Seasons.

Stephanies spirits seem to lift as final preparations were made.

Stephanie requested this portrait from the cozy lobby of The Four Seasons Hotel just prior to her departure for her ceremony. .

A New Years Resolution for 2010

December 31, 2009 My So-Called Life, On the side..., Weddings

Happy New Year everyone! Here is to another decade of photographing the art of love. What a way to make a living! I’m a lucky girl and I want to thank all the beautiful and creative couples that have graced me with their weddings. I’ve sort of given up on traditional New Years resolutions. Let’s face it, if I do lose the weight, I’m only going to gain it back. My New Years resolutions are more “wishes” for the New Year. For 2010 my wish is to photograph a European wedding. Every Summer I go off to Europe for fun and inspiration. In my travels I’m always visualizing brides and grooms in my images. I adore world travel and I adore photographing weddings. Combining the two in a European wedding is one of my dreams and has continued to elude me. Though I’ve had requests, I’ve never had dates available. I know from my blog tracking that you European brides are always chatting about me. Why not drop me an email and help me keep my New Years resolution. I can see you in my pictures. Happy New Years everyone!

Carly is Featured on Monique Lhuillier Website!

December 28, 2009 As seen in..., Weddings

Carlys Monique Lhuillier gown was such a hit with brides around the US and around the world. I can’t tell you the amazing response I received from fashionistas everywhere! Well, I just found out that some of Carly and Dans images are being featured on on Monique Lhuilliers own web site. You all know my passion for bridal fashion and Monique Lhuillier has always been one of my favorites. What an honor. The website has a section under The World of Monique Lhuillier that feature real Monique Lhuillier brides. Congratulations Carly! You wore the gown so well!