I saw it in a magazine or wedding blog . . . . I forget.

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Okay lets take a minute and talk about all these amazing “weddings” your flipping through in all those pretty bridal magazines and wedding blogs.

They are wonderful. So wonderfully set up. So wonderfully perfect. So pretty , and chic, and rustic, and vintage, and everything no one on the east coast is doing. :/ Whyyyyyy

I’ll tell you why. Because 99% of what your seeing in magazines and blogs are styled shoots and not real weddings. Hours are spent in photographing setups and details and portraits of the fake bride and groom with their maid of honor and best man. I can’t tell you how many photographers I know are shooting these styled setups for a magazine and then are posting them on their blog as if it is a real wedding. But this is a story for another time.

I’m not saying the ideas are not very cool, but they are ideas. Not real weddings.Not usually anyway.

But I wonder WHY? Why is no one having that cute little vintage wedding in the middle of the woods with all these cute little DIY details. Rustic wooden tables with candelabras and beautifully upholstered arm chairs? I love this. I have been shooting weddings for 10 years and have seen so many of these styled shoots but have never had a client with this kind of style so  I am just curious where are the brides and grooms doing this. I want to photograph it for real. Not for fake. For a styled shoot.

Lets turn those beautiful ideas your seeing in bridal magazines and make it happen.

 

#VintageWeddings , #BridalMagazine , #TheKNot , #WeddingBlog , #VintageWeddingDetails , #MiddleofTheWoods , #DIYWedding

Punch Drunk Love- How I shoot

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Lately I have been getting a lot of people asking how I work. How I shoot the day of, etc.

It’s a good questions because for most people it is the first time they will be working with a professional photographer and they just don’t know what to expect.

So How do I work?

For one I shoot what I see. I don’t mess with whats going on. I’m extremely candid. Most people are familiar with the term photojournalism. This term refers to telling a story through a series of photos by simply capturing what is happening and not by making things happen. This is how I photograph 50% of the day. The other 50% is when we are doing portraits. The portraits are one of the most important and funnest parts of the day for me. It is also the couples (for most)  toughest part because now its just you and the camera. But don’t worry because this is where I am 100% directional. It is the only way to get what I want and to give you the photos I know your going to love. I call this candid posed portraits. Because my style is very natural doesn’t mean it was naturally happening. My couples have loved this part about me because if your a person that is not comfortable in front of the camera or don’t know how to be or feel like its not right, don’t worry thats what I am here for. I’m here to tell you exactly what to do. no thinking involved. YET still causing the naturally posed series of portraits. If something doesn’t look right don’t worry I’ll change it up. My goal is only to make you look your best , feel your best, have fun doing it and not have to feel like your working for it.

When we meet at our consult you’re likely to notice immediately that I am different from most photographers because I am more casual than most  you will ever meet with. 9 times out of 10 I will probably be in flip flops or barefoot.

When we shoot your engagement session you’ll see exactly what I am talking about when I say candid posed, and the directions I give for getting the right shot.

On your wedding day you won’t see me all dressed in black like I am the vendor feeding you food. Nope. Thats just not how I roll. It’s 2013 not 1983.

All in all the way I work is the way I see it happening, and you guys are the subjects of life moving around. Let me capture it.

When I decided on the name Punch Drunk Love I wanted it to portray, chillness, fun, love, sweetness, fashion, power, and a little drunkenness all in one name. If none of those words describe you, then my friend you will not understand how I photograph.

Liz and Carlo at #Rutgers University #Engagement Session

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A couple of weeks ago on a rainy’ish day it was Liz and Carlo’s turn for an E-session. Although the day was wet and cloudy it was not enough to keep us inside. We took on Rutgers like their mascot! Got some great shots around the area, the infamous Grease Trucks and even a shot at Carlos old Sorority home. Rain ain’t got nothin on us!

Check out some of the great photos we were able to take.

Congratulations Elizabeth and Carlo. Just a few more weeks and we can do this all over again for your wedding day. Can’t wait.

rainy day engagement photos

Rutgers University building stairs

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_SFS6993#Rutgers , #EngagementPhotos , #GreaseTrucks , #NewJerseyPhotographer , #RainyEngagementPhotos

 

Lindsay and Thomas Wedding Sneak Peak Photo

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Here is just a quick sneak peak before I officially blog  about this recent wedding. :)

asbury park wedding photographer

weddings asbury photography

#AsburyParkWeddings , #NewJerseyPhotographer , #WeddingPhotography , #BeachWeddings , #BerkleyOceanFrontHotel , #PuglieseWedding

Serena and Adam at the Willshire Grand Hotel in West Orange

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A beautiful day in March Serena and Adam were wed. Though a bit chilly and windy outside everything was perfect inside. Serena & Adam had decided on doing photos before hand which I always love .

Usually we always say enjoy your wedding it goes by so fast. & I have to say this wedding went by so fast for me as well. Before I knew it we were at the reception and then saying our good byes. When it flys by for the photographer you know its been a good evening.

For entertainment Serena and Adam hired Brian Kirk and the Jerks. Not my first gig shooting with them as the band. And as usual they were phenominal. Everyone was dancing all night. It was certainly good times had by all.

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One can never go wrong with a pair of Jimmy Choo for wedding shoes._SFS4228 _SFS4232 _SFS4238 _SFS4244 _SFS4246 _SFS4287

I loved the detail of the purple orchids in her hair. It went so perfectly._SFS4297 _SFS4328-1 _SFS4347

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This shot below makes me laugh because while we were thinking of what we could do with this fabulous hat from the mexican food station for cocktail hour, I literally said talk to each other and this is one of the cute shots that came of it_SFS4506

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I like this photo below because the best-man and the groom where just goofing off at the piano and then the bride came over and it just made for such a sweet shot. Leading to a series of really nice shots between the two of them._SFS4609 _SFS4610 _SFS4611 _SFS4736 _SFS4743

I have photographed a lot of Ketubah signings but have never had any of them break out into song. It was a fabulous moment when the father of the bride bursted into song! I loved it._SFS4758 _SFS4766

And oh Yes the Ketubah. A very special piece to the two of them. With the theme of Dave Mathews Band. It had all kinds of artwork that resembled songs from Dave Mathews Band. The Couples favorite band. _SFS4794 _SFS4825 _SFS4861 _SFS4892 _SFS4893 _SFS4896 _SFS4904 _SFS4906 _SFS4929 _SFS4947 _SFS4953 _SFS4961

Time for the reception.

I love that the bride Serena let her hair down after the ceremony and just had a good time the rest of the night._SFS4978 _SFS4982 _SFS4985

Ready to PARTY!_SFS4988 _SFS5140 _SFS5148 _SFS5158 _SFS5164 _SFS5237 _SFS5241 _SFS5344 _SFS5361
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Purple mini Calalilly’s. They were stunning._SFS5498 _SFS5518 _SFS5542 _SFS5586

A call out to a Guest at Serena and Adams Wedding

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This past weekend I photographed the Amazing Serena and Adam’s wedding at the Willshire Grand Hotel in West Orange.

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Among the guests was a gentlemen with a Canon that has multiple photos of me. I must get those images. I loved my outfit that day and hair. :) I’m a girl what can I say. Besides I am always behind the camera never in front so photos of me while I am working or posing for you are so important to me cause I never have them.

SO PLEASE PLEASE if you can email them to me I’d be ever so grateful. punchdrunklovenj@gmail.com

Thanks, Stephanie

serenaadam

Are two wedding photographers better than one

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Thats definitely a debatable topic. That’s why I bring it up in a short post.

In this area we live it seems standard to have a second photographer for the day. But is it always necessary. A lot of it depends on you.

Any professional photographer will be able to handle an entire wedding all by themself. A lot of the times it is how they started. Assistants certainly make it easier on them but it can absolutely be done alone. Providing you don’t need them to be in 23 different locations at once and you understand that they can not be in 5 different spots at one location.

So what is the second photographer/assistants job? That can vary from photographer to photographer but mainly they are there to capture a different angle. Hold up a flash if needed. Change batteries, grab lenses, sometimes photograph the guys getting ready.

So it really is up to you if you think those secondary angles are important enough to have a second photographer there. The main photographer will be the one looking to capture all the important photos of the day. And don’t worry about the amount of images you are going to get. Some people have it in their heads that 3 thousand photos are necessary for one wedding. I don’t think most people realize how many even 1,000 images are. Instead be concerned with the main photographers work. They will be able to capture everything necessary and beyond to make lasting memories no matter how little or as many photos it takes.

Spring Fever is Early | New Jersey Photographer Spring Lake Asbury Park Red Bank you name it

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It’s only February and I already have Spring Fever. Spring Fever to photograph that is. Every winter I typically take off from November through March/April.

It gives me just enough break to clear my head, re-fresh, think creative thoughts put photography back into perspective and keep loving what I do.

But Honestly I’m dying to photograph. Anything really.

I think 2013 is going to be a great season.

DIY Wedding | The Details | A Photographer?

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I love how amazing brides have become with really being involved in their wedding on a different level. Times have changed. We used to see what we liked then go have it made or created by the vendor. Now a days brides are so brilliant with seeing what they love and creating it themself. I think it’s awesome. It adds so much more of that personalized feeling for your wedding. There are a lot of details now that can be done at home. Maybe together as a couple if he’s into that sort of thing or just with your bridesmaids.

So many of the amazing wedding blogs now are sharing what other Do it Yourself brides have done. You never would have seen this 6 or even 7 years ago. I think it’s because DIY was termed and looked at as a cheap way of doing things. But that’s not the case these days. Some of these detail oriented projects for your wedding require skill, time, patience, and money. And sometimes a little extra money because the first 3 times didn’t quite work out how you expected. Don’t get me wrong I think it’s always sweet to have a limitless budget to be able to hire someone to do the things we can’t. But we all can’t do that. & times have changed so much in the last 10 years.

All in all a DIY wedding can be a really chic, fabulous and full of fashion adventure. But there is one thing you will never, and I MEAN EVER be able to DIY. No Matter how sweet your skills may be. And I am not just saying this because of my profession, but you will never be able to DIY a wedding photographer. Think about it. You just spent months putting together your perfect wedding. Details of you two are coming out your ears. And everything is so perfect. All you want to do now is enjoy what you two have created. You hope to remember it forever, and likely you will remember most of it. BUT only your professional wedding photographer will be able to capture it in a way that you will absolutely remember every detail that day involved. It’s only the photographer who is going to preserve your memories alive basically, not just for your lifetime but your kids, grand-kids grand-kids. As the photographer it’s pretty sweet knowing how important we are to the couples life on this very day. Oh Yes Stressful, ha but oh so very awesome.

So I question no matter what your budget may be for your wedding so many brides don’t invest in a photographer but simply book someone they can afford. Almost as if they are fitting them in. It’s something to think about because after all is said and done it is the only remnants of your wedding that last, that you will brag about, share with your daughters or sons and keep in a special place in your house.

No matter your style, budget, DIY know how I think every bride can agree on one thing. Brides wants to be able to look back at those photos and be able to relive those very moments and feel the emotion of the day. And more times than not it’s by looking at a single photograph they fell in love with that their photographer took.

Your wedding can be a DIY dream come true. Just make sure you planned for it to be remembered for years to come by investing in your photographer.

The Perfect Pair of Wedding Shoes

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What can I say I’m a girl. I was born to love shoes. And shoes. And Shoes. And more shoes. I need a shoe closet. To me a pair of shoes make the outfit. You can wear the same outfit with 3 different kinds of shoes and it change it. The shoe investment is always a great investment.

I LOVE a beautiful pair of shoes. Your wedding day should be no exception. Although for most brides their shoes will be hidden underneath their dress having the perfect wedding shoe completes your look.

The shoes I chose for my wedding dress happened to be a pair you could see AND they happened to be a pair that I already owned. Which was kind of nice. Even though I wouldn’t have minded buying new shoes, the ones I had were perfect I really didn’t have to. I’ll have to find a photo of them. But they were nude colored strappy heels with a wooden stilleto. And they worked. Perfect. Of course after 10 years of shooting weddings and seeing all the other brides options I wish I would have had another pair to wear. Just to have, to change it up. I would have chosen a yellow stiletto peep toe.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Courtesy of Pinterest

I guess what I am saying in this wedding shoe blog post is.- Never underestimate the power of your wedding shoes. Let them make a statement, wether it be visible or not. Feel amazing in them. – and have an alternate pair for when the perfect ones are killing your feet. :)

Plus I love to photograph a really cute pair of heels. It adds to all the little details of your wedding day.

 

Engagement Portraits

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Engagement photo season is starting very soon here at Punch Drunk Love. One of our favorite pre-wedding details to do. It’s such a great way for us to get to know each other see how I work see how you photograph. It makes the wedding day photos that much more enjoyable.

If you haven’t set your date for Engagement photos yet spring time is the perfect time to shoot them. The lighting is great and the weather is comfortable.

Not to mention New Jersey has such a diverse background you can go from City, to Park, to Ocean all in one day. There are even some really amazing farms in New Jersey still. So whatever your style I’m sure we can find the perfect spot.

redbank engagement photos

A big part of making great engagement photos is having a great location as well as having the right attire to wear for it. I tell all of my clients one thing. To match without being to matchy. In other words don’t ever ever ever ever ever ever come to the shoot wearing the same color pants and same color shirts. Instead bring a common thread to both your styles to the table. Go through some magazines and check out the ads then adapt it to your style. The more comfortable you are in in what you like instead of looking like the “JcPenny Photo Spot” couple the more enjoyable it will be for the two of you. And I am always hear to give some advice if you have any questions.

Happy Soon to be Engagement Photo Season!

Wedding Bouquet Inspiration

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Ohhhhh the bouquet. I know when I was planning my wedding almost 10 years ago now (time fly’s) I don’t remember having a clear idea of what I wanted so what I ended up with was something I really wish I would have thought harder about. I’m only talking about the bridesmaids flowers and my bouquet. I didn’t have flowers for a centerpiece.

purple flower bouquet

What I ended up getting were calalilies. I am not even really sure why. I chose the mini calalilies. But the day of my wedding they regular me large calalilies and it looked ridiculous. We all  had huge flowers to hold and I hated it. Except for my maid of honor. She wore a haku lei made out of orchids which was awesome. But for the rest of us because the florist was to far from where the wedding was and I wasn’t the one to pick them up I basically had no idea until I opened up the box and I was SOO ANNOYED. for 2 reasons One it wasn’t what I had spoken to the florist about and Two WHY did I choose Calalillies.

Which brings me to Bouquet inspiration. I really wish I had things like pinterest when I was getting married. It’s kind of crazy how only 10 years ago there wasn’t much in wedding blogs and now there are so many great sites to get inspiration from its almost maddening because then you end up loving so much and its hard to narrow it down. In any event wedding bouquet inspiration is pretty important. If you think about it your being photographed with them ALL DAY for the most part. Just like your wedding dress it should fit perfect.

sunflower bouquet

The best part of choosing your bridal and bridesmaids bouquets is its one of the things that don’t need to be booked 12 months prior to your date. So there is plenty of time to search for what you think your looking for and then eventually end up with the perfect bouquet for your day.

Here are a few simple things to remember when choosing a bouquet.

1. fall in love with them. really really love the style you chose

2. they can be pretty expensive so keep in mind your bouquet doesn’t have to be a traditional bouquet. There are so many great ideas out there now that aren’t flowers that look absolutely amazing. Not to mention a bouquet that is not fresh flowers makes for a really great keep sake.

3. Brides bouquets can be pretty heavy. Believe it. It’s not something you EVER EVER would think of. But some of them are a good 3-5 pounds. JUST for flowers. holding a 5 pound bouquet gets old really fast, so maybe see if the florist you are working with can show you a mock up to test out. not to mention it just may be to big for you. I have seen some beautiful bouquets but they be to big for the bride( I am talking about the whole circumference of the bouquet). What happens in a scenario like this is it covers up a lot of you, a lot of your dress, and in a lot of ways become a focal point of you instead of well you.

and 4. Make sure you and your florist or designer are on the same page. The last thing you want is for your flowers to show up the day of your wedding and not be able to do anything about it if you hate them. Trust me it sucks.

Take advantage of all the avenues that are out there for inspiration. It’s well worth it. It’s a small part of your wedding but can make priceless statements.

white flower bouquet

Your Wedding Album

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punch drunk love albums

Wedding albums are my favorite part after the wedding. They bring everything together so perfectly.

Wedding albums are such a huge part of the lasting memories from your wedding. It’s only fitting that it be perfectly designed just for you.

hardcover photo album

It’s also nice to have a set of the prints along with your digital files. Sometimes it’s nice to hold the photos in your hand. Like old times. Its crazy to think that having digital files are just the norm now a days. It’s great don’t get me wrong but some times it’s really nice to have actual printed photos to look back on and pass around.

photoboxes

 

Engaged? Bride and Groom to Be? | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

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I LOVE November through February. It seems to be such a lovey dovey time for everyone. So many couples get engaged. Love is in the air. It’s the perfect time for any nervous grooms to pop the big question.

wedding rings and lobsters

In a couple weeks- if you haven’t already started- your checking out venues, dresses, photographers, entertainment pretty much going crazy already. :) First comes the venue then the photographer or entertainment. So this means one thing when it comes to booking your photographer. The photographer you have been keeping an eye on is likely to get booked since it’s one of the first things brides do. Most photographers book up anywhere from 6 months to a year before a wedding. Making the popular months of September, October, May and June book very quickly.

Punch Drunk Love will only book one wedding a weekend from May through October giving my full attention to one couple at a time.

If you are a new bride and groom to be and have been thinking about booking me be sure to send me an inquiry soon after you have your date set. I love being that photographer you dreamt about photograph your wedding.

CONGRATULATIONS to all you newly engaged New Jersey couples planning your 2013 or 2014 weddings.

 

Year End Album Deadline

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Greetings!

HAPPY FRIDAY!
With the end of the year fast approaching Albums are in Demand.
This means two things: Album companies are working day and night printing and binding your perfectly designed memory for the holiday rush, and Album costs will be on the rise.

In order to have your album in a timely manor, hopefully before the holidays and beat the raise in pricing
ALL ALBUM ORDERS need to be in by October 31, 2012.

If you have any questions on your album, layout or need assistance so this can be expedited please send me an email and we can work together to finish your album.

Any album orders delayed passed October 31, 2012 will incur the new years album price change.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all my 2012 Clients.
Every year gets better than the last.