For their portraits Beka and Jesse took a little walk around the gardens of the Governors Residence. There was a threat of rain all day and it was pouring just north of Harrisburg but we were very lucky at portrait time. It was a relaxed and casual time for them before all the excitement of their day. We took a little trip with their bridal party around the Harrisburg. The images next to the caboose of the Pennsylvania Railroad car were so adorable. We then returned to the Rose Garden for family pictures. What a beautiful location for a ceremony! Check back soon…. the next edition of this very detailed wedding will be the stellar ceremony!
LOVED her hairdo by Claudia Seyler. It was so perfectly flowing, yet stayed in place all day. How did she do that?
OK, so I could not resist those Louboutin shoes!!!
I thought this was such a cute image with her bridal party. One last “weigh-in” before the ceremony.
Beka found this beautiful blue church door for pictures. As a seasoned event planner she knew exactly what to look for. She made my job so easy!
When we got back to the Governors Residence Nancy Saam had these beautiful bouquets waiting for the bridal party.
Beka + Jesse 09-13-08 (The Preparations)
As I said, I’m definitely going to have to do more than two parts of Beka and Jesse’s amazing day. As a certified “fashionista” and a brilliant event planner, Beka had so many stellar details to her day (and you know how I love the details)! She set the stage with pink French Macaroons in a tiered tray for family, friends (and photographers) to munch on. It brought me back to my summer in Paris. As you will see, her day was filled with casual elegance with a splash of Paris! What’s not to love about her Monique Lhuillier gown made with the most delicate of tulle? Beka had it customized by Suky Occasions in Ardmore, PA. The bottom half of her gown could separate for a new look later in the evening! LOVED IT! She paired her gown with a pair of outrageously beautiful feathery Christian Louboutin shoes. I once again had to pay homage to these feathery wonders (I can’t help myself). Her sister wore the feathery Manolo Blahniks that I adored at a wedding in August. Fashionista sister award!! Beka’s hair and makeup was done by none other than Claudia Seyler. I loved the modern day Marie Antoinette hair. Beka pulled it off so beautifully! Let’s not forget Bekas’ husband to be, Jesse, who wore Giorgio Armani. The couple decided to meet ahead of time to do couple portraits so they would be free to enjoy all the many events of their day. Stay turned for their couple portraits!
I had Jessica and Megan also photographing the day. It was so great to have three perspectives as Beka made her way down the winding staircase to see Jesse.
The couple are off to their have a few couple portraits taken. Probably the only time alone of the day!
Beka + Jesse 09-12-08 (The Rehearsal Dinner)
When one of Philadelphia’s top event planners creates her own wedding you just know it’s going to be incredible. There are just so many charming and beautiful details to Beka and Jesses wedding day that I’m probably going to have to do a 4 part post and I’m sure you will all enjoy every one! Beka Nave, of Innove Events married her long time love, Jesse Rendell on her birthday, September 13th, at the Pennsylvania Governors residence in Harrisburg, PA. I thought I’d start with the rehearsal dinner. You know how fabulous the wedding is going to be if this is the rehearsal. Nancy Saam Flowers beautifully executed Bekas many gorgeous ideas. The original plan was to have the tables outdoors in the rose garden but the weather was not cooperative. I really think the umbrella tables worked indoors just as well. Stay tuned for part 1 of the wedding day!
The presentation of food for the buffet was just so full of country charm. Beka found these great blackboards and crates that so add to the whole feel.
A few teasers of the beautiful wedding day to come.
All the guests received these yummy baskets hanging on their doors. I loved the YUMMY chocolate chip cookies by Chef Barry of the Governors residence. I must get the recipe.
Stephanie + Charles 08-31-08 (Part 2)
As promised, part 2 of my beautiful Long Island Vineyard wedding. There was a spectacular flaming sunset just in time for Stephanie and Charles ceremony. I had to shoot right into the setting sun, so it was not for “faint-of-heart” photographers. Trusting the impressive dynamic range of my trusted Canon 5D’s, the images came out astonishing. (OK, so I’m ready for my vineyard wedding on a hillside at sunset!! Hint, hint call me out there from a hillside vineyard in California!! I’m ready). We quickly ran to the vineyard for a few couple portraits. I really had fun creating fine art photographs of these. Their reception was just full of country charm. With no need for a tent because of zero chance of rain, long tables were set up for their guests to dine under the stars. Thanks Stephanie and Charles for my first vineyard wedding!
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Wedding Reception of Sally + Jorey
Sally and Jorey’s reception at the The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was just so Dazzling!!! From the beautiful decor of Vito Russo of Carl Alan Floral Designs and check out that bridal bouquet! The grounds were in full summer bloom for lovely portraits. I was a most beautiful wedding. Congratulations Sally and Jorey! Preparations: The Pierre Hotel, New York, NY
Ceremony Venue: Temple Emanu-El, New York
Reception Venue: The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Wedding Planner: Gina Sole of Instyle Planners
Florist: Vito Russo, Carl Alan Floral Designs, Philadelphia, PA
Hair: Jerami Brown
Makeup: Beke Beau
Videography: CinemaCake Filmmakers
Ceremony Gown: St. Pucchi, custom design by Rani Totman. Bella Bridal Shoppe,
Reception Gown: Ines Di Santo, custom design from Bridal Reflections, New York
Veil: Boutique De Voile, Robin Mayer
Ceremony Shoes: Harriet Wilde, custom
Reception Dance Shoes: Eckse ballroom, custom
Bridesmaid gowns: Bill Levkoff
Bridesmaid bolero jackets: Custom, Gesinee’s Bridal, Concord, CA
Grooms Tux: Bespoke by Alton Lane
Invitation suite & day of stationary: Custom: KatBlu Art & Design Studio
Music: Milan 77 Band
Caterer: Patina Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Cake: City Sweets, New York