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ZO2 Photo Shoot - May 21, 2006

Remember a while back I told everyone that I was going to be doing some photography for ZO2's second album, "Back to Oz." Paulie and the band really liked the look of my fine art photography style and wanted something like that for their album portraits. I have to admit that I'm not really a rock band photographer but I had lots of fun doing this crazy shoot. Just bringing all the instruments, amps, speakers, etc. through my studio apartment building's 4'x6' elevator was a mission. Here's just a few of the cool shots from the shoot.

The first thing we shot were regular type portraits, where the boys behaved.

Once we finished with the portraits then the boys started jamming and I got a personal mini concert.

Once they start rocking, they get wild.

I would also like to thank my good neighbor, Patti, who stopped by during the shoot to get the guys some beer, wine, nachos, and cake. We all had so much fun.

To find out more about ZO2 including upcoming performances, check out their official website:

www.zo2.com

Lavinia & Sitesh's Wedding - May 20, 2006

A few weeks back, I had another great multi cultural wedding at the Glenridge Womens' Club in Glenridge, NJ. Here's some of the beautiful photography taken during the wedding. More can be viewed through the link on the bottom.

Lavinia Getting her hair and makeup done.

Lavinia's bridesmaids help her into her wedding gown.

On her way to meet up with Sitesh.

Sitesh getting ready.

A prayer before leaving.

Seconds before they each other for the first time on their wedding.

We took some portraits around the park.

I couldn't resist taking a bunch of individual portraits of Lavinia, one of my most beautiful brides.

The bridal party.

Lavinia dad walkning her down the aisle.

Sitesh's expression.

Lavinia and Sitesh had a ceremony that combined Hindu and Chrsitian traditions.

This part of the ceremony is called the Jaimala where the couple exchange garlands as a gesture of acceptance of one another and a pledge to respect one another as partners.

Here the father of the bride applies a small dot of vermilion on both the bride and groom.

In this part of the the Hindu ceremony, the brother of the bride holds the grooms big toe until the groom agrees to grant the brother any wish he desires.

Here's Sitesh's reaction.

Here the bride touch feet over fruit as a sign of commitment.

After the Hindu ceremony ends, Lavinia and Sitesh perform the Christian ceremony.

The exchange of rings.

The kiss.

The groomsmen and guests applaud.

The bridesmaids were emotional as well.

During the ceremony, it was actually raining but the rain ended by the end of the ceremony. With the end of the rain, a rainbow actually formed in the sky right behind the club. Most of the guests along with myself came out to check it out.

The first dance.

Lavinia's dad was very emotional during the dance.

Toasts by the best man and best woman.

Sitesh's sister was the best woman and her toast bordered on roasting.

Lavinia and Sitesh did get a kick out of it.

Now the party starts.

Congo line.

A final toast by Sitesh's dad.

And the party comes to a close.

To check out a bunch more photos from the wedding click below:
more photos

Tara & Jason's Wedding - May 19, 2006

A couple of weeks ago, I shot an exciting Italian Wedding at the Puck Building in Manhattan, NY. Here's just a small sampling of the great shots taken during the wedding. More can be seen through the link on the bottom.

The view from the On the Ave. Hotel suite where Tara was getting ready.

The wedding band.

Tara getting her hair and make up done.

The tiara.

Tara's mom and one of her bridesmaids helping her get into a gown.

Putting on the garter.

The finishing touches with the veil.

Jason getting ready with the help of his dad and best man.

Putting on the tie.

The handsome groom is all ready and checking out the view from outside his suite.

Waiting to see Tara for the first time in her wedding gown.

They rendezvous at Tara's suite.

We took some portraits around the hotel.

About to enter the beautiful St. Ignatius of Loyal Church.

Being escorted down the aisle by her dad.

Jason's expression.

Jason hugs Tara's dad.

The priest gave a beautiful service.

Tara and Jason looking at each other.

The exchange of rings.

Lighting the unity candle.

The kiss.

After the ceremony we went to take some portraits at the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park.

In the limo to the Puck Building.

More portraits taken at the Puck Building.

The beautiful Puck ballroom.

The first dance.

Toasts by the father of the bride and best man.

Jason gave a beautiful toast to Tara.

Now the party kicks in.

Tara's brother even got up to sing a song.

Cake.

Parent dances.

Tara & Jason had a hilarious and fun boquet and garter toss.

Last dance.

To check out a bunch more photos from the wedding click below:
more photos

New York Marriott East Side Bridal Expo - May 8, 2006

A few weeks ago, I participated in the first bridal expo at the New York Marriott East Side Hotel. It was a small private expo which featured their preferred vendors. I had a great time and met two new clients during the expo. Below are a few pics I took before and during the expo.

They set up the expo to also showcase the beautiful ballroom. They had Jerry Sibal from Design by Fusion create the gorgeous look and florals of the expo. That's my table/booth on the upper right hand corner.

Some of the expo guests taking a break.

Barrie & Frank's Wedding - May 6, 2006

A couple of weeks ago I shot an amazing Jewish wedding at The Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Manhattan, NY. Remember I shot Barrie's final dress fitting at the Vera Wang Salon. I had a blast and here is a small selection of the great photos I had the opportunity to capture. There's a bunch more to check out through the link at the bottom of my post.

Barrie getting her make up done.

Checking herself out in the mirror.

Putting on her earrings.

Getting into her Vera Wang gown.

Getting the veil on.

The gorgeous bride.

Frank getting ready. First things first, the groom has to be clean shaven.

One of the groomsmen helping Frank put on the bow tie.

Frank's dad helping out. His dad was just as nervous as him.

Checking himself out for the final time before he sees Barrie.

Seconds before they see each other.

Frank's Expression.

Barrie's expression.

The first kiss.

We took some portraits around Times Square, one of my favorite NYC landmark locations.

Taking a ride on a NYC yellow pedicab.

Next up we went to the NYC public library. There's beautiful mable arches there which is a great backdrop for classical and romantic portraits.

The handsome groom.

The beautiful bride.

Next stop, Bryant Park.

Last portrait destination, Grand Central.

The Whipering hall is one of Grand Central's most remarkable spots. Whispering into one of the corners, creates a whispering echo only heard from the opposite corner. Frank and Barrie whispered intimate words to each other.

Signing the ketubah.

The bridesmaids trying to get a yamika on Barrie's cousin who had high spikey hair. No easy task.

Barrie's parents, Barbara and Howard, congratulating Frank on the ketubah signing.

Barrie's parents walking her down the aisle.

Frank's expression.

Barrie's parents lifting the veil.

I love this shot of Frank looking at Barrie.

Barrie's aunt (a bridesmaid) getting emotional during the ceremony.

The exchange of rings.

The kiss.

Heading into their cocktail hour.

Yummy Sushi.

The Le Parker ballroom is located on the penthouse deck of the hotel and has a gorgeous night view of the NYC skyline.

The grand entrance.

The first dance.

Dancing the hora.

Barrie and Frank are involved in producing TV newscasts. There were lots of prominent TV news guests who attended the wedding. Pictured here is Fox 5 news' lead anchorman, Sheppard Smith, dancing with Barrie.

Lots of great toasts for the bride and groom.

The awesome music that night was provided by the Bud Maltin Orchestra. The band is one of NYC's best and it's always a treat to work with them. Here we see Bud playing the sax.

The party getting live.

Kissing each other after the cake cutting.

Parent dances.

The last dance.

To check out a bunch more photos from the wedding click below:
more photos

Tammy & Bryon's Wedding - April 29, 2006

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph an amazing wedding at the Union Square Ballroom in Manhattan, NY for my good buddy Tammy Tyson. Tammy's a great wedding coordinator and catering manager for the Westin Hotel @ Times Square, where she spends her days helping brides-to-be plan their dream weddings. However on this day, Tammy got to feel what its like to be on the other end of the wedding picture. Here's some of my favorites from the wedding. Check out a bunch more through the link on the bottom of the post.

Tammy getting her hair and make up done.

Tammy sharing a special moment with a friend's baby.

Checking out her wedding gown for the final time before she puts it on.

Tammy's mom helping her into the gown.

Putting on the earings.

Checking out the incredible view from her bridal suite at the W Hotel @ Union Square.

Bryon getting ready.

Helping his dad out.

Tammy & Bryon getting ready to see each other for the first time on the gorgeous W Hotel staircase.

Heading out to the Union Square Ballroom (which happens to be only a few blocks away).

The beautiful bride in the ballroom right before the ceremony begins.

Tammy's dad escorting her down the aisle.

Bryon's expression while Tammy walks down the aisle.

Bryon and Tammy gazing at each other.

The exchange of rings.

Exchanging their vows.

Tammy's parents looking on.

The kiss.

Being a wedding coordinator means that Tammy spent a lot of time deciding on the all the little details and the look of the wedding. Tammy chose a deep red theme with warm accents. All the linens, seat covers, center pieces, and even light projectors were carefully chosen to match her theme. The result was a beautiful and well coordinated ballroom.

Tammy chose a delicious cake designed by renowned pastry chef Ron Ben Israel.

The place cards.

The grand entrance.

The first dance.

The best man giving a sincere toast.

Bryon a little wet in the eyes.

The maid of honor giving another great toast.

Now it's Tammy's turn to get emotional.

Now the party starts.

Tammy dancing with her little sister.

The cake cutting.

They fed each other at the same time.

Parent dances.

The party resumes.

The last dance.

Before they head back to the hotel suite.

To check out a bunch more photos from the wedding click below:
more photos

Katherine & Nick's Wedding - April 27, 2006

After Barrie' dress fitting, I headed out to the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park where I shot a small wedding ceremony. Katherine and Nick are another couple from England that decided to have a small intimate Manhattan destination wedding ceremony.

Katherine being escorted by her dad to the ceremony.

Nick watching as Katherine approaches.

Nick looking at Katherine.

Katherine saying her vows.

Exchange of rings.

All of their guests looking on.

Their guests threw petals at the end of the ceremony.

Barrie Dress Fitting - April 27, 2006

A couple of weeks ago, I got a chance to photography one of my bride's final dress fitting before the big day. Barrie chose a gorgeous an elegant Vera Wang dress from the Vera Wang's Flagship Store on 991 Madison Ave in Manhattan, NY. Here's a few shots from the fitting.

Here's a shot of me shooting the dress fitting.

The staff at the Vera Wang Store were terrific in helping Barrie out with the fitting.

I love the little details on the dress.

Barrie's Mom beaming a smile while looking on.

The beautiful bride.

Bellydance Photo Shoot with Rena - April 22, 2006

Here are a few samples from a terrific shoot I had with Rena from Philadelphia, PA.

Bellydance Photo Shoot with Sue - April 19, 2006

The last bellydancer of the evening was Sue from Texas. Here are a few samples from the awesome shoot. I also want to thank my two interns, Fernanda and Erica who helped me out during the day's bellydance photo shoots. They were both great in helping me set up the lights, smoke machines, and buying and carrying a 12 foot long black backdrop across mid town to my photo studio.