Sarah and Mike got married last weekend! I had been looking forward to their celebration since first meeting them last year, and then photographing their engagement. They are a wonderful couple and I knew their wedding would be a blast. So, even though it rained allllll day, we were in high spirits and had tons of fun! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Morgante

Thanks to my fabulous 2nd, Amanda, for spending some time with the guys while the girls were doing their thing.

The bridesmaids decided to do tequila shots, but there was no salt and no lime… Strawberries to the rescue! Ick, not very good!

The ceremony under the Ravenwood tent was very emotional, very funny, very loving, and very wet.

Yes, I am that photographer who will take couples out in the rain and show no mercy! Ravenwood recently remodeled their beautiful lawn garden, so the newlyweds and their families and bridal party braved the cold wet rain in order to get some amazing photos out on the lawn. Thank you thank you thank you for going along with my crazy requests!

Some gorgeous details…

First dance as husband and wife – “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele.

Coolest cake ever!

Party time!

Thanks for having me photograph your amazing wedding! Hope you guys are enjoying your honeymoon in Hawaii!!!
With love,
Kristina

Welcome to the MEGA post which is all about hair and beauty and skin care for your wedding day! My special guest today is the super talented Sara Lovell, Rochester MUA/Hair Stylist for fabulous brides – thank you Sara for such informative answers to all our questions. Hopefully this will help our brides get some good ideas and better prepare to look fabulous on the big day!

First, meet Sara:
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HAIR

Braided updo (photo by Photo Impressions)

How should I take care of my hair in preparation for my wedding? It’s a good idea to have your color touched up about a week before the big day. Early on the day before the wedding, wash and style your hair as you normally would.  Day-old hair holds a style much better than fresh, clean hair does. The morning of the wedding, shower but DO NOT wash or even wet your hair.  Even if you are on the oily side, I have special products that will soak up any greasiness.
What are some updo styles that are popular and how do you make each request unique? Bridal styles are usually very timeless and classic, but I’d say that the last few seasons I have had more brides wearing their hair half-up with loose, romantic waves or curls. Other than that, soft updos with lots of texture are still popular.  I like to take a few things into consideraton, like the neckline of the dress, type of jewlery, and personal preferences while working with the bride to achieve the look she is dreaming of.

flower hair piece and curls (photo by PhotoKisses)

What are some of your favorite accessories for bridal hair? Last season, fascinators were very popular, along with birdcage style veils.  I personally love the vintage inspiration with those, but it’s not a look for everyone. There are classic accessories like fresh flowers that will always look appropriate and tasteful for a bride.
Any specific brands or types of hair products you like? I use a lot of Kenra, Rusk, and Surface styling products for my bridal parties and studio work.  I have tried many, many products that don’t deliver what the bottle says it will, and I need reliable products that are priced well… Kenra seems to have cornered the market for that.
Any no nos?  Two major tips: 1.   Look like yourself.   I am all for changing up your look and doing something different, but your wedding day is not the day to do it.  You should look like a really awesome version of yourself for the day, and you want your new husband to recognize you as your walking down the aisle.  2.  Stay away from glitter!  Glitter will get all over everything and everyone. When lit up by flash lighting, it looks like dandruff in photos.  Soft,suble shimmer is great, but glitter is best left for little girls.
Priscilla asks – My hair is very fine and brittle, what kind of products should I get and are there any tips you can give me to avoid flyaways in an updo? For fine and brittle hair I highly recommend a strengthening regimen to bring back some integrity to the hair so that it can hold up to styling better.  Surface Trinity Shampoo, conditoner and leave in tonic will protect color treated hair, strengthen your strands, and has built in styling protection so that you don’t have to worry about as many hair products that may weigh your hair down.  I like to finish dry, styled hair with Surface Push powder which adds texture and makes your hair feel thicker, followed my a good finishing spray like Kenra Volume Spray.  Spray it on your hair brush before teasing to help build volume and mist over your finished style and smooth any flyways down with your hands before it dries.

MAKE UP

What kind of preparation can a bride do a week or two before the wedding to get ready for make up? A facial is great to have done, usually you’d want to have of series of these done over the course of a few months, with the last one being no sooner than a week before the wedding.  The night before, I recommend using your normal skin care routine, with a rich and hydrating eye cream.
How about the morning of?  Use your normal skin care routine, including a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Use a light eye cream to reduce puffiness and smooth fine lines.  Make sure you eat something for breakfast, no matter how nervous or excited you may be! Any specific brands or types of makeup you like? Among my favorites in my kit, I like Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Makeup Forever Professional, Mehron, and Smashbox.  I use a little bit of everything; many lines have great products for different needs and I haven’t yet found one single line that meets all of my needs as an artist.
Most unusual request? I had a bride that had a tattoo on the back of her neck that her mom didn’t like!  I have a special tattoo concealer that did the trick, it was gone for the day until she washed the makeup off.
I heard about airbrush make up, is that something I should consider? It is the lightest, most natural-lookng coverage you can get possible that offers a feather-light feel with full coverage and lasts ALL DAY, making it my favorite for brides.  The water-based formula and fine spray-dot pattern it lays blends with your skin’s tone and texture seamlessly which is why it is my favorite choice. I  really love the airbrush makeup system by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.  There is no brush, sponge or any other tool that can duplicate the “spray dot” pattern that the airbrush creates, which is why it’s the preferred modality for artists like me, working with photographers shooting hi-def digital images and videos.  It makes a huge difference and offer durability unlike anything else.

Brooke asks – I am not sure how I should do my makeup for the big day. I do a pretty good job with my day-to-day makeup… would you recommend a more natural look? It’s always a good idea to take your everyday look into consideration when planning your bridal look.  If glam is your usual look, you don’t want to stray too far away from that, same as if you are more of a fan of the natural look.  With that said, I do find that the most timeless makeup look is a natural, “glowing” one… just make it yours!
What brand of lipstick do you recommend? How do I find the perfect shade that works for me? I HATE buying lipstick only to find it looks HORRIBLE and I can’t return it! Whether you prefer lipstick, gloss, stain or pencil, I highly recommend shopping for your lip color at a shop like Sephora or Ulta, where there are hygenic ways to sample the products before you buy them.  My favorites for brides are stains or long-wearing liquid colors that won’t “kiss off” like NYX semi-permanent lip color or ColorStay Overtime by Revlon.

daytime wedding make up

How do I know my makeup will last through tears, oil, and sweat? Prepping the skin with appropriate skin care products and primers is crucial before any makeup goes on.  High quality & highly pigmented makeup expertly applied to suit your skin type followed by appropriate setting powders and/or fixers.  It may seem like a lot, but it makes a difference in the durability of your makeup!

EYES

Christine asks – hi Sara! i have almond shaped eyes… how do i make them appear bigger and still pop? Almond-shaped eyes are beautiful and exotic and you can easily make them pop by lining the inner lower lid and tear duct area with white or very light shimmer, then smudging darker brown or black eyeliner into the outer corners of the lower and upper lash line. smudge out the liner from the middle of each eye out towards the corner and blend well.  Curling your lashes and adding lots of black mascara will also make your eyes pop.

airbrush make up and strip eye lashes (photo by Photo Impressions)

My natural lashes suck!  Is there a natural-looking lash option? Yes!  False eyelash inserts are very natural-looking and comfortable.  The extra strong adhesive holds up to water and tears very well, when latex-based adhesives may fail when exposed to moisture.

lash inserts

Should I do a hair and makeup trial?  There are many schools of thought on this one, this just happens to be mine. it’s not always practical for every bride to have done before she chooses to book with me if they live out of town, but they have seen my portfolio and reviews and that makes them feel comfortable in my ability.  I think many brides-to-be think that this is their deciding factor when booking a beauty artist, when I think trials are most appropriate when used as a planning tool closer to the day of your wedding.  Its a great way to plan your look for the day, and even better when done before an engagement session, (to see how your look reads on camera) or before a dress fitting, (to see if your entire look is cohesive and what you want it to be) Ultimately, you should do what makes the most sense for you.    What I consider more important is the consultation, which is always free, whether its done in person , over the phone or using video chat.

And most importantly… get as much rest as possible, avoid drinking too much alcohol so you will feel great and look well rested in the morning!

Thanks so much Sara!

Jenn and KC’s wedding at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa was a spectacular event on a beautiful and warm September day. I was particularly excited because in the past, I would go to Woodcliff to photograph brides getting ready, or to the reception, but never the whole shabang – Jenn got ready in one of the many beautiful suites there, got married outside on the patio overlooking Victor, and in the distance, Rochester, and also had the reception in the ballroom inside. So, an excellent day for celebrating, all in one place!

If you’d like to comment on individual pictures from this wedding, or share them with your friends, I’ve also posted A LOT MORE PICTURES!!!! to a gallery on my PhotoKisses Facebook page – so go check it out, and tag people you know in the pictures!

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Isn’t the back of Jenn’s dress simply spectacular?!

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Because the newly made Burritts wanted to enjoy their cocktail hour, we decided to do a First Look a few hours before the sunset ceremony.

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The beautiful bouquets were provided by Sarah from Kittelberger Florist

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I loved that both of Jenn’s parents walked her down the aisle.

After the ceremony, we took a few more minutes for some newlywed portraits, since the sun was setting and the whole Woodcliff hill was covered in soft hazy light.

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One of my favorite images of the whole season!!!

Then on we went to have fun at the reception.

There were many excellent deserts including a cookie and chocolate fountain bar – YUM!

Hide as much as you want – you can’t escape me  =)

Ok, now the CONTEST!!!
1. If you have Facebook,  “like” this post.
2. Comment! Any valid comment* will be eligible. (preferably more than two words)

50+ LIKES will earn the couple $25 in account credit with PhotoKisses.
25+ COMMENTS will earn the couple $50 in account credit with PhotoKisses
You could essentially be helping them upgrade their album or get an awesome wall print. Yay freebies!
A reasonable time frame of one month (so, until 1/21/12) will be given so that anyone who wishes to “like” and/or comment may do so.

*A random number generator will be used to pick a lucky commentator, who will receive a gift card to my favorite addiction store Starbucks

Reminder: If you’d like to comment on individual pictures from this wedding, or share them with your friends, I’ve also posted A LOT MORE PICTURES!!!! to a gallery on my PhotoKisses Facebook page – so go check it out, and tag people you know in the pictures!

I photographed a fun and relaxed wedding at the Hornell Golf Club in July for Brianne and Eric (engagement pictures HERE) It was a perfect day in every way, we had a ton of fun. The newlyweds were very easy going, the staff at the golf club were fantastic in helping everyone get situated and in keeping everyone fed and entertained. No one could have asked for more.

(Full image gallery is available to view HERE if you were a guest at this wedding)

Where everything happened – Hornell Golf Club

The beautiful champagne wedding dress

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The super talented Becky from Berry Vine Creations provided these gorgeous wedding flowers – excellent work! (Psst… it’s almost Becky’s birthday, so go on her Facebook fan page and wish her a happy birthday on 8/14!)

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Ready for festivities to start

Ceremony on the super long porch

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I’m lucky to have such beautiful bridal parties all the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Eason

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We took golf carts to the top of the hill above the club for some intimate newlywed portraits.

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This will be a gorgeous canvas print for their home.

Reception time! First up, cake cutting. Yummy cake from Stone Cottage Cakery

First dance as husband and wife

These guys win wedding present of the year with *drum roll* … a KEGARATOR!

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a dance off!

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One of the main reasons I connect so well with my couples is because we all like to have FUN.

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Ok, now the CONTEST!!! Something new I’m doing this year for all my awesome couples and my wonderful readers who so far have been quiet on this blog. The rules are simple!
1. If you have Facebook,  “like” this post.
2. Comment! Any valid comment* will be eligible. (preferably more than two words)

50+ LIKES will earn the couple $25 in account credit with PhotoKisses.
25+ COMMENTS will earn the couple $50 in account credit with PhotoKisses (Note: comments must be made below this post. Not just on the Facebook album, not via email, not via messenger pigeon or smoke signals…Here.)
You could essentially be helping them upgrade their album or get an awesome wall print. Yay freebies!
A reasonable time frame of one month (so, until 9/12/11) will be given so that anyone who wishes to “like” and/or comment may do so.

*A random number generator will be used to pick a lucky commentator, who will receive a $10 gift card to my favorite addiction store Starbucks

I also posted even MORE images from this wedding on my Facebook fan page, so be sure to check it out, like my page, and of course feel free to tag yourselves in the album. Oh and PS, Goof Booth pictures are coming in the next few days, too, right here on this blog.

I am happy to report that wedding season in Rochester has officially started, at least for me. I have never, in my 7 year career (4 of which were in Rochester) photographed a wedding before May 1st. This year was no exception. I wondered if it would be snowing on May 1st, but luckily the weather was actually pretty decent, all things considered. A bit windy and rainy, but definitely no snow!

The wedding took place on Angela and Merlin’s estate in Middlesex NY. Angela is a writer and Merlin is an artist and art dealer, so it was only appropriate that they would have a spiritual celebration among art pieces and a small gathering of family and friends.

Dreary, windy, rainy day. What else is new? That’s Merlin’s art studio in the back.

Some amazing art in the living room/reception area

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Getting ready

This 90 year old cactus has a looooong history in the family. I’m glad I didn’t know that when I was squeezing in there to get this shot, or I would have chickened out and refused to touch it.

Bridal bouquet with purple accents

Waiting for the ceremony to begin

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Married!

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Are you next?

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I loved this idea of plant bulbs as favors. Plant it and remember their wedding day every year whenever it blooms.

Cheers!

With love,
Kristina
Rochester Middlesex Wedding Photographer

Photographed Angela and Merlin’s wedding in Middlesex last week – full post to come on Wednesday!

Rochester wedding photographer

Heather and Michael got married on Labor Day weekend. It threatened to rain most of the day, but that did not stop them from giving each other sweet loving looks all through the ceremony at St. Mary’s in Canandaigua and having fun at their reception at the Country Club of Mendon.

As usual, I photographed the girls getting ready at the house.

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A ceremony page from their album

We were close to Canandaigua lake so we decided to stop and get a few bridal party pictures. It got really windy and cold though, so we had to move on to the country club before the sky opened up.

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I just love this shot inside the limo.

The shoelywed game : )

This shot by my amazing 2nd shooter Mike was probably my favorite of the evening.

With love,
Kristina
(Rochester wedding photographer)

Every year we try to make at least one trip out to Letchworth, and this year I was lucky enough to photograph a wedding there, at the Glen Iris Inn. Unfortunately the day turned out to be pretty terrible weather-wise, but Laura and Cooper weathered the storm (teehee) and had a great celebration regardless.

The Glen Iris Inn:

The library room, where brides traditionally get ready.

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The bridal party consisted of one groomsman and one bridesmaid. Easy peasy!

The handsome groom

Showtime!

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Love this!

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The view from the library room

Bouquets by Bonnie did an excellent job with the flowers, as usual.

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“uh oh, I felt a rain drop”

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You can stand under my umb-uh-rella, ella, ella…

One part of the ceremony had to be moved indoors due to rain.

Thanks to my assistant Michael and a big umb-uh-rella, I was able to take family formals outside at the front entrance to the Glen Iris Inn.

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Miraculously, it stopped raining just as we started wondering what to do about newlywed pictures.

Laura’s adorable sons

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This beautiful wedding cake was created by Lori of Lori’s Luscious Layers

Simple yet beautiful centerpieces and decorations. The trees came apart so everyone could take a sapling to plant at home.

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Michael took some great environmental pictures while I was photographing the reception.

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First dance

The “DJ”

Glen Iris at night

Thanks to Laura and Cooper for having me and Michael at your wedding! And thanks to a random wedding guest for taking this fabulous picture (please ignore the wet look I’m sporting)

With love,
Kristina
(Rochester Mt. Morris wedding photographer)

I guess I should apologize for my prolonged absence. It’s spring time here in Rochester NY,  which means that before the wedding season truly kicks off, I am busy photographing engagement sessions and preparing guest books for the upcoming weddings. So much to do, so little time – as always!   However, I still haven’t blogged the last couple of weddings from the end of last year, so here is one that happened on September 6, 2009. It was Channon and Todd’s wedding in St. Ambrose Church and the Webster Golf Club.

The girls got ready at home. We were able to use natural window light which made me very happy since I don’t enjoy using artificial light too much.

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The wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful St. Ambrose Church. It was sweet and touching, and the newlyweds had some good laughs.

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Don’t you just love the purple/pink color scheme? Or, rather “eggplant” and “fuchsia”

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We took the bridal party to the Webster park and Arboretum (even though it was closed for renovation, no one stopped us from going in)

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When we got to the Webster Golf Club, we took some family and friend pictures outside while the cocktail hour was going on indoors. Channon’s great mood never faltered, even though it was hot and humid and we had been outside for what felt like forEVAH.

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Thank you guys for having me as your wedding photographer! I had a blast working with you. Both of you are an inspiration to me, carrying on throughout the day with a terrific energy and positive attitudes, lots of smiles and laughter. It was a fantastic celebration!

I am preparing a Brides For Brides post in which Channon answers some questions about her day, so hang tight for a few days and all your questions will be answered, including other vendors I had the pleasure to work with on the Loiacano wedding.

With Love,
Kristina
(Webster Wedding Photographer)

I am enjoying this cluster of years when I am able to celebrate my birthday and photograph a wedding all in the same weekend.  After next year my birthday will fall on a weekday for another 5 years or so and I won’t get to eat wedding cake in celebration. Just kidding!  What’s nicer than celebrating a birthday and a wedding in one weekend? Celebrating them on the same day!

Yelann and Kevin’s wedding in Bristol Harbour was on September 5th, 2009. They got married outside at the gazebo, with wonderful views of Canandaigua Lake in front of them, and had their reception in the newly remodeled Great Room. I arrived in time to catch the girls getting ready and Yelann was just about to get her wedding dress on. I snapped a few quick images of the dress, shoes, bridal bouquets, and other details while the girls were putting on the finishing touches.

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One of my favorite images from the day:

The gorgeous bridal bouquet and bridesmaids flowers were courtesy of Wegmans. Impressive!

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The handsome groom Kevin:

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The ceremony

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Ring exchange

After the perfect wedding ceremony, we took some family formals and then had some fun with the bridal party.

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My associate photographer Will shot this image while I was photographing the guys.

You may have seen this image already, it’s on the header on top of my website. Favorite!

Little Bakery provided the wedding cake

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First dance (you can see how different the ballroom looks from how it was at Kelli’s wedding – gotta love creative minds and different ideas!)

The newly minted Momots and all their wedding guests were able to enjoy an unexpected fireworks show which I have now seen twice at Bristol Harbour.

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For this shot, I placed the wedding rings on a Chinese fan that had a bright red/orange cover. Ring shots are my favorite!

With love,
Kristina
(Rochester Canandaigua wedding photographer)