I shot my first Burgundy Basin wedding this month (and then promptly proceeded to shoot a second one there the very next week). The day was overcast – which is perfect for pictures! – but also very humid and threatening to rain. It seems like we’ve had a lot of those days here in Rochester this year, no? The “i think it’s going to rain, but it may not” kind of days. Sigh.
Mimi got ready at Brookwood Inn, where we noticed two more brides and their entourages walking around – later we figured out that all three weddings were taking place at Burgundy Basin! Anyway, Mimi got a beautiful room with huge windows, which we were able to use for some naturally lit portraits. I arrived early enough to take my usual pictures of the details – the dress, the shoes, the fan and umbrella.
Her wedding dress was beautiful and fit her perfectly
Relaxing for a while (oooh la la wedding gloves!)
This was taken outside Brookwood Inn on a little bridge that Mimi found. Gotta love adventurous and creative brides!
Meanwhile, Joe was pacing around his hotel room, waiting for festivities to start.
The couple opted to have their ceremony indoors due to heavy rain clouds coming our way. I must say I wasn’t a fan of the dark venue and the fact that guests had to sit at their tables. However it’s much better than getting soaked in the rain! Mimi looked radiant as she walked down the aisle. I love how in this pictures she is all smiles while dad is holding on real tight and probably thinking of the moment he will have to give his daughter away.
Married!
Someone recently said “I don’t see many (any) formal shots in your portfolio, why is that?” See, I photograph them at every wedding, but if you’re not family, these will not have any meaning to you. I’d rather blog more fun stuff. But yes, I do shoot family formals every time.
Bridal party “informals” are way more fun. I asked the bridesmaids to show more hip, and Mimi thought I was talking to her
They had the hardest time trying not to smile.
My fantabulous assistant Amanda shot from a different angle than the teaser I showed you last week, and got this awesome image.
Then it was time for reception inside Burgundy Basin – and toasts from Joe’s dad/best man.
How cute is this cake topper?!
Dance with dad
There are at least three things of significance in this shot. I love experimenting with rings.
The bouquet toss took three tries and the garter was tossed twice. Some people just aren’t meant for sports.
The highlight of my night – the Polish unveiling. Being a Lithuanian myself, I have a soft spot for traditions that hail from my part of the world. It was a wonderful ceremony to celebrate Mimi’s heritage.
The bride’s veil gets removed and a matronly cap is put on, which symbolizes the bride becoming a woman. I have no clue what the funky hat with the fruit and sausage on Joe’s head means!
Congratulations to the Manfridas! It was such a pleasure to photograph your wedding, especially since we never had a chance to meet beforehand. I may just have to come out to Arizona to visit you guys sometime! I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon. And for guests and family who were at the wedding, the whole wedding is posted in my PhotoKisses online proof gallery. Enjoy!
5 comments
Kami - WOW! She is beautiful! I think this is one of my favorites!
Sherry Faith - Mimi and Joe, love the pictures! Kudos to your photographer – she’s a gem. Mimi you are truly one of the most beautiful brides I have seen. Your joy and happiness is written all over you. Congratulations!!
Irene Frankhouse - Great job on these!
Josh Jones - Another awesome set Kristina! I love that reflective ceiling over the dance floor there, you can get some really good lighting effects by bouncing your flash off it!
Keep up the awesome work!
Mimi - YAY! I just *have* to gush at how much Joe and I love the pictures…ALL of them! Thank you thank you thank you! There’s not a single detail that escaped the flash of your cameras!!!
As for our Polish unveiling ceremony…there are many versions of this tradition out there but we followed the one that has been done at my family’s weddings for years. Sometime during the reception after the cake has been cut, the unveiling ceremony called the “Oczepiny” takes place. This is when the bride’s veil is removed as guests sing (in Polish or in English) a song called The Twelve Angels Waltz and the bride’s veil is replaced with a lace “czypeck” which signifies the woman assuming her married responsibilities. A goofy hat is placed on the groom’s head to ensure that the marriage is filled with fun and happiness.
You and your assistant Amanda have definitely made friends in AZ. We’d love to see either or both of you guys again!