Maya + Tarkan 07.12.09

Maya was a bridesmaid in the very first wedding I ever photographed.

It was the marriage of Abigail & Doug Woodward on September 25, 2004 and Maya, to say the least, made an impression on me.

Nothing could please me more than to photograph Maya’s own marriage to her amazing groom Tarkan beneath the Brooklyn Bridge a few weeks ago.

Tarkan is awesome. I dare anyone to spend five minutes with the man and not like him. Tarkan is as fun and spontaneous as his bride.

All this to say I felt very close to this couple. I was moved – tears literally coming to my eyes – while photographing Maya in her veil and dress just before she walked down the aisle. She was beautiful – absolutely gorgeous – but it had more to do with how strongly I felt about Maya and Tarkan and the bond they share and the commitment they were about to make.

I was thrilled for them.

And there’s more: This wedding for me was so much about life coming full circle. Doug and Abigail were there, of course, and they brought with them their beautiful young son Leo. Five years seemed like a blink of an eye since this couple was on the alter and then suddenly, here in front of me, was Leo. And I took a family photo of the three of them the day of Maya’s wedding.

I love it when it all goes ‘round.

Best,
Douglas

p.s. I was very happy to have my friend Joe Craig shooting with me on this one. He has been so busy with his own wedding work that it doesn't happen as often as I would like. Thanks, Joe.

06.27.09 Ed + Hannah

On her wedding day, Hannah was the embodiment of happiness.

She was bliss.

I have never seen a happier bride. The girl just smiled and laughed and giggled all day.

And for good reason: She was marrying Ed and beginning a new wonderful life with him and his two darling kids, Justine & Eddy.

Hannah and Ed were married at Muhlenberg Chapel in Allentown with a tented reception in the backyard of their home. There were kids everywhere. All the neighbors came. Ed & Hannah & Justine & Eddy were one big happy family.

It was all great fun. See for yourself.

Douglas

06.21.09 Clayton + John

This was a first for me.

And, it turns out, that was okay: It was a first for them, too.

I was thrilled Clayton and John chose me to photograph their wedding. I walked into that meeting without a single picture of a same-sex wedding. But they picked me anyway and I appreciate that.

I have never been to - or photographed - a more moving, beautiful or loving wedding than theirs. Their supportive families and tight-knit friends made for the perfect wedding.

Thanks, Clayton and John. It was an absolute joy.

Best,
Douglas

p.s. Oops! Forgot to thank Cesar Laure who second shot for me. Cesar, as usual, really came through for me.

06.06.09 Sarah + Dennis

I have written before about how I love tented summer wedding receptions.

If you walk away, after dark, and turn around to look they glow in the night sky.

It’s warm and intimate and beautiful, just as a wedding should be.

Sarah & Dennis were married during an outdoor ceremony with a tented reception at the Weyhill Guest House in Saucon Valley, one of the most beautiful places in the Lehigh Valley.

It’s really wonderful when clients create these unbelievably beautiful weddings for me to photograph. Thanks, Sarah & Dennis.

Best,
Douglas

05.30.09 Erika + Matthew

Erika & Matthew were married last month at Packer Chapel on the campus of Lehigh University where they met as students. Packer is old & beautiful and one of my favorite churches in Bethlehem.

Their reception was at Saucon Valley Country Club which was beyond gorgeous thanks to the effort and planning by Erika and her wedding planner Meredith Tomasulo of Elegant Engagements.

I have been working a lot this summer with Mustafah Abdulaziz as my second and his work has been outstanding. Some of the images here are his and I greatly appreciate his efforts.

I'm sure Erika and Matthew do as well.

Best,
Douglas

05.24.09 Nina + Ken

You get to know people pretty quickly as a wedding photographer.

You begin the day and barely know your couple. Up until then you’ve had a couple of phone calls and maybe a meeting or two. It’s all very cordial & professional.

But the emotion of a wedding day changes all that. You get a peek into someone’s life and you feel close to them.

That's how I felt about Ken and Nina. They were wonderful.

Ken was truly moved. His emotion reminded me of me at my own wedding. Nina is warm and beautiful. She was the picture of grace all day long.

And she has great taste in shoes. Love those shoes.

Best,
Douglas

05.23.09 Erica + Bob

Bob and Erica married two weeks ago at Newberry Estates, a beautiful little country spot near Dallas, Pennsylvania.

They have a great story: Bob & Erica have been together since high school but spent the last five years apart. Bob works as a television producer on the West Coast. Erica was going to med school in Hershey.

On their wedding day it was like they had never been apart.

Thanks to my friend Amber Breiner who really rocked the house as my second shooter. She helped me pull together a batch of images I love.

Keep in touch, you two. I am very, very happy you can be together now.

Best,
Douglas