Still going through memory lane for a project and I bumped into Melissa’s bridal session. I thought for sure that I had posted more than I did, but I guess that it just slipped through the cracks! I’m shocked because this was one of the most touching portrait sessions I’ve ever had.

Kent was only a few months old and I had taken a break to focus on being a new mom. I was getting a little cabin feverish, so one day I put out an all call for anyone that would like to don their gown for a session. I was in such luck!  Melissa had just gotten married, but she didn’t get as many bridal photos as she would have wanted. I was really happy that we were able to connect and that I could do something great for her.

She was nervous, so I asked her to do what every girl wants to do when they put on a gown. Twirl!! Spin! Let the inner princess out for a bit. She did and she was just radiant.

I was so excited for this session that I spent hours scouting for the right location. I can’t wait to use this spot again!!

On the left: I love the flow of her gown as she is spinning. I would truly love to get into my wedding gown again and try something like this. On the right: Melissa says “Am I doing ok?” Me: “YES!!”

I hope you are enjoying this trip down memory lane with me. I’m thinking of doing more, and letting you know the thoughts and feelings behind some of my favorite photographs. If you’d like to see more, please let me know

I’m working on a project that took me through several years of images and several moments that drew me in. I don’t often write much here, but I wanted to take the opportunity to explain some of my feelings and thoughts that took place when these images were created. They say a photo says a thousand words, but in the heart of the photographer, in the moment it’s happening, they say a million. That was a lot of commas. But stay with me.

If you follow my work, you know that I adore using light in the best way possible. Moments don’t always happen in the best light but when they do, it’s simply amazing.

For Suzy, I was so struck by her gorgeous red hair and stunning eyes. On the left, I seated her in front of a window and it was just perfect. On the right, I wanted to encapsulate her love of organic, natural things. The sun was softly glowing behind the trees at the Bird and Bottle Inn, and for a moment it felt like she was a part of the garden, like a goddess of the woods. I placed her at the edge of the frame so that all of the nature around us would lead to her in the photograph.

I took these below while helping my friend Fatima.  On the right: The room was so tiny! But there was this beautiful arched window that just framed her so perfectly. I loved the way the light enveloped her and enhanced the delicate details of her dress. I remember thinking how amazing her eyes were.  On the left: You don’t always get a gorgeous sunny day. It was completely overcast so I decided to use the sky as a backdrop. I absolutely loved her poise. I remember getting completely lost in that moment and my friend Fatima hinted gently that it was time to go.

Another example of why I love window light. Victoria was not only regal by name but in person. I remember my eyes widening behind the view finder because I knew I was about to capture an image that I would be in love with. It’s all her-  the way she is sitting with her hands gently folded in her lap.  The only thing I asked of her was to turn her face to the window. These are the photos I live for- where you can practically touch the essence of a person.

Yes, more window light! If you’re working with me, you’ll most likely be turning towards a window at some point  I loved Jenn’s sophistication. Her wedding was at the Jersey City Hyatt and everything about it was full on glam. From the views of NYC to her drop dead gorgeous dress, it was definitely an event to remember. I placed her towards the corner of the sofa so that we could show off her dress in the best way. I’m so glad I did.

My beautiful cousin, Ana. What can I say about this image?  I had flown down to the Dominican Republic to photograph her wedding and to see my family. The schedule was very tight, so we ended up doing all of the bridal portraits after the wedding and at NIGHT! Nope, you don’t always get the light you want- it happens. We took a ride down to the Ciudad Colonial and I sat her on some steps near the Casa de Colón.  For this image, I decided to use only the light from the building spotlights. I love the way her eyes are slightly closed and the way her shoulders are contoured by the light. It was a long day, but I couldn’t go home without creating a beautiful image of Ana, dark or not.

This is from one of my earlier weddings at the de Seversky, in Old Westbury, NY. It was commissioned by the Dupont family in 1916 and the architecture is simply  wonderful. The bridal suite was filled with antique furnishings and I loved the position of the four poster bed. I decided to place her so that she would be centered with the window and bed behind her. The bride smiled for most of my photographs here- which is totally ok! But, in this moment, I caught her mid breath. She was a bit nervous, excited and pensive. It was a lovely moment.

Yes, again, more windows! If I had a catch phrase for these images like I do on some above, I would call this one “Simple and Charming”. This wedding took place at Locusts on Hudson, in the Hudson Valley. I was enamored by the beautiful, leafy trees outside of the ceiling to floor windows in the bridal suite. One of the most beautiful details of that day was her dress, which was her mother’s. It was so delicate that Christine wore a different dress to her reception. Their wedding was featured on Style Unveiled- they give some wonderful detail on how they planned their wedding day so definitely check it out!

On the left: I asked Christine to sit on the window sill and her bridesmaids came in right away to make sure her dress looked perfect. I instantly snapped away, loving how they were framing her. On the right: Christine was so nervous! I caught this on a deep exhale.

These are just  a fraction of some of my favorite bridal images and there will be much more coming soon!

With love,

Chelo

The Avi Maza Orchestra

These are processed a little, ok a lot, differently than what I usually do. I’m exploring