We arrived last Wednesday at the fabulous Majestic Colonial Resort, located right on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.  This resort is amazing…10 different restaurants, at least as many bars, a meandering lagoon swimming pool that is more than 1/4 mile long, a private beach on the ocean, shops, a covered outdoor theatre, etc, etc…you name it; it’s there!

The rooms are spectacular.  Our clients treated us to a junior suite with a four-posted bed, a jacuzzi on a center island in the middle of the suite and a view of the enormous garden courtyard and pool. Wow.

We spent a little time that afternoon scouting out locations at the venue at which we would be creating photographs over the next two days.  On Thursday we spent some quality time at the beach and poolside before meeting Tara and Ray for an informal photo session in the afternoon.  We took lots of photos in and about the resort winding up at sunset on the beach, where Tara and Ray couldn’t resist the urge to plunge into the beautiful blue-green Caribbean waters!

Friday was the big day, so after suffering through breakfast on the balcony followed by some quality beach time we set out to photograph the wedding.  We did some formal portraits in the grand lobby and lots of casual pictures on the beach during and after the sunset wedding ceremony followed by some after dark images by the pool.

We spent the day after the wedding lounging on the beach and poolside.  Finally, on Sunday, we chartered the 35′ Bertram Sportfisherman “Chrispa” for some deep sea fishing.  The captain put Vivian onto a 30LB class Mahi-Mahi which she masterfully handled on her first offshore fishing adventure.

These are just a small sampling of the images we created for Tara and Ray on their big day.   The rest of their images will be on my web site shortly for your viewing pleasure after I finish the daunting task of editing down the 1,500+ images we created on location.

I want to thank Tara & Ray for the privilege of photographing their awesome Caribbean wedding and I especially want to thank Tara’s Mother, Tess, and all the rest of the Diaz & Rodriguez families for their hospitality…treating us every bit like family while we shared in this joyous occasion.  It was an amazing opportunity…one that I’ll never forget.

COURTNEY & BRANDON • OCTOBER 2, 2011
Thatched Cottage • Centerport, NY

JULIE & TREVOR • OCTOBER 22, 2011
Crest Hollow Country Club • Woodbury, NY

CAROLYN & JOHN • NOVEMBER 11, 2011
Lombardi’s on the Sound • Port Jefferson, NY

REGINA & PASCUAL • NOVEMBER 12, 2011
The North Ritz Club • Syosset, NY

KATHERINE & DANIEL • NOVEMBER 19, 2011
The Royalton • Roslyn, NY

MANDI & ERIC • NOVEMBER 20, 2011
Thatched Cottage • Centerport, NY

We’ll be spending the month of December making sure all of our gift orders are filled in time for the holidays and enjoying some quality time with family & friends.  Next up on our shooting schedule is the January wedding of Tara & Ray…a multi-day Caribbean destination wedding to be held at The Majestic Colonial at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.  We’re very excited about creating the images for this special event and spending some vacation time thereafter in the warm tropic sun.

Here’s wishing each and every one of you the happiest of holidays and all the best for a healthy, prosperous and loving new year.

ELLIE & RICHARD • AUGUST 21, 2011
Thatched Cottage • Centerport, NY

ANGELA & PETER • AUGUST 27, 2011
Crestwood Manor • Northport, NY

NICOLETTE & OMAR • SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Jericho Terrace • Mineola, NY

AMBER & JOSEPH • SEPTEMBER 3, 2011
East Wind Caterers • Wading River, NY

DANA & TONY • SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
The Venetian Yacht Club • Babylon, NY

JAIME & MASSIMO • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011
Villa Lombardi’s • Holbrook, NY

ROSA & STEVE • SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Crest Hollow Country Club • Woodbury, NY

KATHERINE & RORY • JUNE 10, 2011
Chateau LaMer • Lindenhurst, NY

MONICA & JULIO • JULY 2, 2011
Villa Lombardi’s • Holbrook, NY

SAMANTHA & JAMES • JULY 9, 2011
Thatched Cottage • Centerport, NY

HELENA & CHRIS • JULY 23, 2011
The Venetian Yacht Club • Babylon, NY

CHRISTINE & CHRIS • JULY 29, 2011
Lombardi’s on the Sound • Port Jefferson, NY

BREANNE & CHRIS • JULY 30, 2011
The Hamlet • Commack, NY

These are just a handful of images from each of these special events.  All of the images from each of these events are available for viewing on our web site.  Enjoy!

Alexis & Rob • May 29, 2011

We started our day taking photographs on the streets of Brooklyn, NY and in the garden at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.  We then travelled out to Long Island for an outdoor sunset ceremony, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing at Crestwood Manor in Northport, NY

Jenna and Lewis • May 30, 2011

This entire day was spent at the couple’s catering venue, Giorgios, in the Long Island wine country at Baiting Hollow, NY.  The couple enjoyed an outdoor ceremony, a spectacular wedding reception and a sunset over the newly planted vineyard on site.

Rubyna & Sean • June 3rd & 4th, 2011

This amazing celebration took place over two full days.  On Friday the couple participated in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony, followed by a luncheon, at Bella Verde overlooking the Heartland golf course.  Later that evening a beautiful sunset rehearsal dinner overlooking Huntington Harbor took place at The Harbor Club.  On Saturday the couple exchanged vows at St. Patrick RC Church in Huntington, NY.  Afterwards we wandered the streets and beaches of Huntington creating pictures with the bridal party.  On Saturday night a gala wedding reception was held at The North Ritz Club in Syosset, NY.  We had the pleasure of working alongside the digital cinema crew from MPW Media Group who created a wonderful video presentation, on site, for viewing at the couple’s dinner reception.  You can check out their amazing same day edit here.

Jamilyn & Jay • June 5, 2011

We spent the day with Jamie & JJ at their catering venue, The Bourne Mansion, in Oakdale, NY.  Exploiting all the beautiful interior spaces and the outdoor environment resulted in some wonderful images for this great couple.

These are just a few of the images we created for these couples over the last two weekends.  All of their images are available for viewing on our web site.  It was an absolute pleasure working with all of you on your big days.  We thank you for for the privilege.

AMANDA & MICHAEL • MARCH 5, 2011
Venetian Yacht Club • Babylon, NY

KERRI & GENE • APRIL 8, 2011
Flowerfield Celebrations • St. James, NY

BRIDGET & JOHN • APRIL 9, 2011
Lombardi’s On The Bay • Patchogue, NY

RITA & FRANK • MAY 13, 2011
Vetro • Howard Beach, NY

REBECCA & MICHAEL • MAY 15, 2011
Lombardi’s On The Sound • Port Jefferson, NY

TINA & KEITH • MAY 21, 2011
Jericho Terrace • Mineola, NY

OLGA & ALEX • MAY 22, 2011
Thatched Cottage • Centerport, NY

We’ve also had a little personal fun, having just returned to New York at the end of a 3,000 mile motorcycle road trip.  After loading up the Electra-Glide like the Beverly Hillbillies we travelled to Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, Deal’s Gap in North Carolina, Cartersville, Ga; Charleston, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC; Ocracoke Island and The Outer Banks of North Carolina, Virginia Beach, VA and Cape May, NJ.  It was an awesome trip in every way!  So many great destinations and the company of a lot of dear friends along the way.

So we’re back in New York now and “wedding season” is in full swing.  Our 2011 calendar is basically full…just a few dates are available for weddings in the fall.  2012 is going to be an incredible year!  Our 2012 calendar is filling up very fast.  To avoid being disappointed, any wedding couples interested in our services are urged to contact us at your earliest convenience.

All the best…

“Red Rock Canyon” has been released as a very limited edition of 50 pieces in the 8″ X 12″ size as an enhanced giclée print.  An edition of 25 pieces will be offered in the 14″ x 21″ size and an edition of just 10 pieces will be offered in the 20″ X 30″ size.  “Red Rock Canyon” is being offered for acquisition, artist-direct, on my web site at this time.  We are accepting orders now with special introductory pricing on all editions.  Collectors of my works interested in taking advantage of this special pricing are urged to order quickly before price-protected gallery consignments are made.  Collectors and galleries can use the contact link on my web site to order prints.

Well, we flew in late last night from seven days in Sin City at the WPPI Convention.  I gotta’ say that it was just a little too long a time to spend in Las Vegas and it feels great to be home.  I’m recovering today from all of the activity and a little bit of jet lag.  Bags are unpacked and I’m back in the studio.  Met with a wonderful prospective wedding couple today and looking forward to the consultation with yet another couple tomorrow.  Figured I’d take a few minutes to share with you some of the past week’s highlights.

We flew into Vegas last Friday and checked into our beautiful room at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.  Saturday morning, bright and early, I took my place on the judging panel for the 2011 Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Accolades of Excellence print competition.  Once again I got to spend two days alongside some of the finest photographers in the world:  Marcus Bell & Ryan Schembri from Australia, Dennis Orchard from the UK, Susan Stripling, Kevin Jairaj and Nick Adams from the US.  Ken Sklute acted as the chairman for our judging panel and the wonderful volunteer crew of print handlers did their usual amazing job.  Over a two day period we viewed, critiqued and judged prints from some of the finest photographers in the world.  On Sunday our panel joined the group of judges chaired by Yervant to choose the best prints in the wedding categories as well as the 2011 Grand Award winner.

Monday morning I presented my Master Class program, “Adaptive Lighting” to a sold out audience.  Thanks go out to my sponsors, Nikon USA and Leather Craftsmen, Inc. for making this program possible.  Special thanks to each and every one of the students who attended my presentation.  You guys were a great audience and I wish you all the best of luck as you take what you learned and put it into action in 2011.  Monday afternoon was spent at the trade show checking out some of this year’s hottest new products and services.

Tuesday we took a well-deserved break from the show and rode out into the desert for a little photo safari.  Visiting both Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon provided some fantastic photo opportunities.

Wednesday it was back to the trade show, networking with some of my professional associates and making some plans for bringing some new and exciting products to the industry.  Wednesday evening was the awards ceremony.  My congratulations go out to each and every one of the award winners.  It was a privilege to serve as one of the judges.  Each and every one of you deserved the awards for the phenomenal works of photographic art that you created.  I’m happy to announce that my print “Daddy’s Little Girl” was chosen for an Accolade of Excellence in the portrait category.

Gambling is not one of my vices and The MGM Grand will never invite me back as a high roller but I topped off the whole week Wednesday night by hitting a $900.00 jackpot on a 25¢ slot machine and came home from Las Vegas with more cash in my pocket than I left with!  What a great way to finish off the week.

So we’re back in the studio now looking forward to 2011…armed with lots of new gear & software…and full of inspiration.  We look forward to putting it all to use this year with all of the amazing couples who have granted us the privilege of capturing their wedding memories.

See you all soon,

A lot of you have been asking to see some pictures of the home we purchased this year. What better time to take a few snapshots then when it is festively decorated for the holidays. (Apologies for the amateurish images…I no longer own a view camera enabling me to do serious architectural studies). Our home is located in Waterside Park, a private beach community located in the Crab Meadow section of Northport, NY.

Like many of the homes in this desirable neighborhood, our dwelling began life as a small summer cottage that has undergone extensive additions and renovations over the years. Some of you may have seen this picture on Facebook a few days ago. The front of our home, with it’s covered porch, is brightly decorated for the holidays. Parked in front is an early Christmas gift…our brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited.

Those of you that know us well know that we are avid motorcycle tourers. We try to get away as often as we can; and in 2011 we have blocked out four weeks in our busy calendar for two really special road trips. In early May we’ll be touring Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway in Virginia, The Great Smokey Mountains and Deal’s Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, Charlotte, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, The Outer Banks of North Carolina and the DelMarVa peninsula. That should break the bike in nicely for the real adventure in early August. We’ll be heading north to Canada and, after visiting Montreal and Quebec City, we’re going to ride the entire length of The St. Lawrence Seaway to Gaspé, QC. (At approx. 500 miles north of Halifax, Nova Scotia this will be the northernmost destination I’ve ever travelled to on two wheels)!

But back to the crib…

You enter the house into our living room which is eclectically furnished. (That is to say it’s a combination of Vivian’s furniture and mine). No real design motif here…just a wonderful, warm, cozy, inviting space with two skylights, a roaring fire in the fireplace, some comfy furniture and a 50″ plasma home entertainment setup. What more does one really need?

The country kitchen is the place where everyone congregates and ours features an island seating/dining section.

The formal dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and features a second fireplace, two more skylights and cathedral ceilings. Beyond the double doors to the left is a small covered deck with steps to the paver stone patio and outdoor fire pit. There is also a wonderful covered screened porch to the right…just outside the doors.

The master bedroom is painted in my “trademark” Rhubarb Red paint. (My studio reception area and the living room of my last home were also painted this color. My painter has nicknamed me “Ruby” after professionally applying this hue for me three times in as many years).

The master bath also features cathedral ceilings and a skylight and is located right next to a huge walk-in closet.

The two room guest suite is still a work in progress. It has just been painted and carpeted and we’re now waiting for the furniture to arrive.

The third bedroom is currently set up as “Jake’s Room”. Jake is Vivian’s wonderful grandson who we get to babysit for, enjoy and spoil every Tuesday.

A second full bath rounds out the top floor and features yet another skylight.

The house has a full basement and we are currently refinishing approx. 2/3 of that space as a home gym and recreation room.

I want to finish this post by paraphrasing a quote I recently saw on a sign outside a local house of worship:

“The true measure of our Thanksgiving is not what we say about our blessings, but rather what we do with them”.

We have been fantastically blessed in this past year, not only with the opportunity to make our new home, but also with the good fortune of being able to travel and experience fabulous destinations in this great land. Though my mother passed away this year we are still blessed with wonderful family and true friends. It is because of all of you, my cherished clients, that we have the capacity to live life to the fullest. I pledge to continue in 2011 to give each and every one of you the best of my knowledge, creativity and professionalism as a photographer and as an educator.

“It’s never too late to live happily ever after”.

Here’s wishing each and every one of you the happiest of holidays and all the best for a healthy, prosperous and loving new year.

Just a quick post to say “Hello”.  After shooting our last wedding assignments for 2010, and meeting all of our holiday production deadlines, we spent a week relaxing down in sunny Florida.  Vivian ‘surprised’ me for my birthday with a pair of tickets for the season-ending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  We flew into Tampa International where a brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic ElectraGlide was waiting for us.

We spent a few days with Viv’s family on Keystone Lake in Odessa, Florida and then rode a few hundred miles down the Sun Coast and across the Everglades for the race.  As usual the vacation time was a little too short, but we had great weather and good times…and I got to see my favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson, win his 5th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship.

We flew back to New York on Thanksgiving eve and celebrated our first Thanksgiving together in our new home with good friends and family.  We’re back in the studio now delivering tons of finished wedding albums and framed portraits to our wonderful clients.  We wish each and every one of you “All The Best” for a joyful holiday season.