Blog | Marie Labbancz Photography

Oklahoma is OK

May 28, 2008 My So-Called Life, Travel

Last week I flew out to Oklahoma with a few of my staff to photograph a really big, beautiful and Pink Oklahoma wedding. It was my first time visiting the state and I was so impressed with the graciousness of the “Okies”! I also was struck by how flat everything was. Definitely not a place for skiing! On our first day there Jessica, Megan and I had brunch with several Oklahoma wedding photographers. I was looking forward to hearing how different our worlds would be, but I found that being a wedding photographer is probably pretty much the same everywhere. The only difference I found is that in Oklahoma they don’t have one hour cocktail hours. Thanks Tara, Christian and Shannon for sharing your world with us! The rehearsal dinner was in Oklahoma City. Jessica shot this great image of a “van-vertisment”. We also visited the Oklahoma City bombing memorial. Our wedding in Oklahoma was Very big so I needed 4 shooters. Shannon Ho was our “Oklahoma Shooter”. Thanks so much Shannon for your beautiful work. With 4 shooters it will be awhile before I can share any images of the wedding, but I promise it will be worth the wait!

Lauren + Adam 05.10.08 (Part 2)

May 22, 2008 Weddings

I must say I was totally blown away when I entered the ballroom of the Union League to see the breathtaking flowers and décor by Nancy Saam. The usually very dark ballroom was all aglow with white tulips. It was very grand, yet so spring like. It was my first time working with event planner Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting. She kept the day running perfectly; it was a pleasure as I was able to just concentrate on capturing all the moments of the day! After the cake cutting the couple were surprised with a visit by one of the Philadelphia mummer groups. Adam really got into it; donning a Mummers hat and microphone. Lauren and Adams motto for their wedding was “Live, Laugh, Love” and everyone certainly did!

Lauren + Adam 05.10.08 (Part 1)

May 20, 2008 Weddings

I need to do another 2 part wedding. Lauren and Adam had so many fantastic and unique details of their Philadelphia wedding that I would really like to do a slide show. My May is so busy with tons of unbelievable events that it seems like I’m running in place and will think about a slide show for my blog sometime in July. I will share some teasers for now. I knew I was in for a treat when I say Laurens Ulla-Maija Couture gown hanging in the doorway. I’ve always loved this designer because the fabric has such an amazing sheen. Ulla-Maija gowns seem to glow in photographs. You can see how Lauren glowed as she descended the stairs of her parents’ home to her fathers waiting arms. Lauren wore her mothers mantilla, which goes to show taste is timeless! I cannot rave enough about the astounding job that Nancy Saam did with the flowers for this wedding. If you love the vines that graced the aisle of Saint Patrick’s Church wait until you see Part 2 in the Union League!!! After the ceremony Laurens mom surprised her with a bagpiper (Perfect for a Duffy bride). The bagpiper led the way for the bridal party to walk to Rittenhouse Square for pictures. The couple then dropped by their center city town home for a picture in front of their home. Very romantic! Right around the corner was one of Philadelphia’s famous murals. They always make a great backdrop for artistic pictures. Lucky me!!! I have many more surprises in round 2!

Stacy + John 05.09.08

May 18, 2008 Weddings

May has been a very busy “wedding” month for me, with several events most weekends. This is my first season with a BLOG and I really love sharing the beauty and uniqueness of every event. There is so much prettiness to share! Last week they had predicted a “Nor’easter” rain storm for Stacy and Johns wedding day but Stacy was not going to let that put a damper on her wedding day. She envisioned a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club and come rain or shine she was going to have it. She had 100 umbrellas for guests overnighted so she could still have her outdoor ceremony facing Long Island Sound. It poured and poured all morning and most of the afternoon, but about 5 minutes prior to the ceremony the rain suddenly stopped, Though there was not enough time for the venue to put out chairs, Stacy and John were able to have their wedding outdoors with all their family and friends looking on. Stacy wore a gown by Melissa Sweet which had the sweetest back detail. Her bridesmaids dressed in teal and all had different bouquets. John got teary eyed when he saw Tracy walking down the aisle with her mother. (The always chokes me up) After their ceremony it began to rain again, but that did not deter the couple from taking a stroll under their new umbrella.

Alisa’s Bridal Shower 05.04.08

May 13, 2008 Engagements

Well, there’s a first time for everything. I’ve never been commissioned to photograph a bridal shower and this was an incredible first; afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. Check out the Sylvia Weinstock cake with candy birds and butterflies. Everything was edible, but it must be difficult to eat such a beautiful work of art. Alisa arrived in an adorable Betsey Johnson gold part dress. I have always been a big Betsey Johnson fan! Guests were treated to a delish Matino Martini in her honor! Her bridesmaids brought a tear to her eye when they presented her with a sentimental storybook of her single life. Say tuned for Alisas amazing October wedding. I know I can’t wait