Hi everyone please click on the following link for some great press on Wedding Bee that one of our latest recaps is getting !!

http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/20/raise-your-glass-made-for-tv-movie/#comments

Tara and Stephen were married at the beautiful Oceancliff Hotel and Resort in Newport, RI. From the beginning when I first met this couple, I knew they were going to be great to work with so I felt excited when their wedding day arrived. Just as I expected, when I arrived at the Oceancliff to get pre-ceremony footage, everyone was super welcoming and having a good time! Tara and the girls were getting ready in one room, and Steven and his groomsmen were in another. It was pretty funny, as I was reviewing the footage after the wedding I was able to catch some funny moments that was on the assistant camera, and while the guys were getting ready, two of the groomsmen were pretending to be a ventriloquist doll, and the master. Honestly, their little skit looked so real, and it was hysterical! Up in the bridal suite, much of the same was going on, lots of laughter and excitement as hair and makeup was getting done. When Tara got into her gown, everything became a bit more real, she looked stunning, and her dress was a nice choice as it seemed to fit her personality.

Finally, the big moment arrived, and Tara was escorted down the aisle layered with flower petals, by her father and mother which is a Jewish tradition. Stephen at the other end awaiting, dressed handsomely in his Coast Guard dinner whites, was all smiles. The ceremony, led beautifully by officiate Frank Camara, was also decorated beautifully. Flowers in reds and pinks, hung from the trellis above from where Tara and Stephen stood and said their vows to one another. With a tender kiss, they sealed their union, and walked down the aisle as a married couple.

Photogs, Armor & Martel took some nice shots on the grounds of the Oceancliff which are always displayed beautifully, and guests enjoyed cocktail hour. The night kicked off with an entrance fit for an officer, as Tara and Stephen were introduced walking through the military arch of swords held by members of the Coast Guard. Of course, at the end of the arch, Tara was patted on the rear end by the last sword and kissed by her husband. It was nice to see these wonderful traditions played out, it had been a while since my last military wedding. Beautiful speeches rounded out the night, along with dancing and laughter. Of course, we cannot forget the cutting of the cake which was done also in military tradition with a sword! Overall, as I expected, the wedding was great, and it was a pleasure to have worked with a great couple and family.

Noelia and Andrew celebrated their very special wedding at the beautiful and historic Aldrich Mansion. I really love weddings here because there is a gorgeous chapel on the premises and also, the grounds provide a beautiful landscape for formal portraits. When I arrived at the hotel that the wedding party was getting ready at, Andrew and his groomsmen were in the restaurant getting a little relaxation before the walk down the aisle, and Noelia and her bridesmaids were getting hair and makeup done. Usually when I arrive in the bridal suite, I always like to get a nice shot of the brides dress hanging up, which I did, and I thought her dress was very classic and pure, as it had capped sleeves, and just the right amount of embellishment. Great choice! Soon after I arrived, Jay, from Golden Gate Florist, arrived to present the gorgeous bouquets to Noelia and her girls. The purple colors looked very rich, and was also a very popular color this wedding season. The bride was very pleased with her flowers, and everyone was in high spirits by this point, as they were about to get the show on the road!

After we left the hotel, my assistant and I headed over to Aldrich where we got some detail shots of the chapel and footage of guests arriving as well as Andrew arriving with his groomsmen. Finally, Noelia arrived, and I have to say, the level of emotion was so strong as she walked down the aisle with her dad, she actually broke down in tears as she approached her soon to be husband. Tears of joy and happiness quickly spread in this memorable moment. At last, they were married, and they even had a special dove ceremony outside which was beautiful. Photographer, and good friend, Sara Zarella took some great shots of the wedding party, and the happy couple. To top it off, it was a gorgeous day, so it really worked in everyone’s favor.

Anthony Crocenzi kicked the night off with great music and set the stage for fun dancing and entertainment, and the couples choreographed first dance blew everyone away! Noelias father welcomed everyone, and speeches from Noelias sister, and Andrews father and brother left everyone feeling very happy that this couple have the love and support of a wonderful family. To top off the night, Peruvian dancers performed for Noelia, Andrew, and their guests. All in all, it was an awesome day and night. Congrats!

Grisha and Rob were married in a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Patrick's Church in Cape Cod. I hadn’t done a wedding at the Cape in a while, so on the way up there, I stopped to get a nice show of the “Welcome to Cape Cod” sign. The bridal party were all getting ready at the Quality Inn, and it was pretty laid back as Rob was also in the room as Grisha was getting her hair and makeup done. Rob just so happened to get a little makeup as well, LOL…his sister was trying to cover up his tan lines on the side of his face from his sunglasses, but Rob, in a manly fashion was quick to say that covering the tan lines wasn’t important as you couldn’t really see them. Right off the bat though, I noticed how photogenic Grisha was, and how her face really captured nicely on camera…her blue eyes definitely stood out.

As everyone continued to get ready, I headed over to the church, and not long after, Rob and his groomsmen arrived. The church had a beautiful look on the inside with light blue walls and white woodworking. It took in the light from the stained glass nicely. Everyone was in position as Grisha and her bridesmaids arrived, and the one thing I did notice was what a big family Grisha had. I think she has 3 or 4 sisters and 2 brothers, and they are all really close, which was refreshing to see. The girls walked down the aisle one by one, and Grisha followed along side her dad. The ceremony was beautiful, as they always are, and the priest’s sermon focused on loving each other even when times are at their hardest. Even though I am not an avid church go’er, I feel like I get my weekly dose of life’s lessons while doing weddings - the messages really resonate with you, no matter what religion you are.

After the ceremony, the newly married couple greeted and thanked their guests for coming, and they also had their first toast outside of the church. Formal photos, which were led by photographers Person and Killian, were taken along the Cape Cod Canal. I was able to get some great shots of Grisha and Rob, my favorite part of the video was during this time when Rob picked up his bride and spun her around. I did some nice slow motion and old movie effects which came out awesome.

The rest of the night took place at the Brookside Club which provided a beautiful outdoor tent where the reception was held. Grisha and Rob even had a photo booth that Grisha and her nephew took some funny pictures in. New Image DJ had the party going from the beginning, and the couple danced their first dance to a country tune. Also, Grisha and Rob had us make a slideshow for them which was shown during dinner. After dinner, the couple cut their sparkly and scrumptious cake, and the rest of the night was filled with dancing and laughter amongst family and friends. All in all the day/night was great. Congrats!

Michelle and Rich were married at one of my favorite churches, St. Barnabus’, and their reception followed at the Hyatt Hotel in Newport, RI. The entire bridal party got ready at the Hyatt in the morning, so it was pretty convenient for equipment purposes because I was going to be there later for the reception. The girls were getting ready, hair and makeup, and munching on Panera Bread…yummy! The guys were downstairs in the hotel restaurant waiting for the trolley to arrive to head over to the church.

At the church, we all prepared for Michelle to arrive, and she looked beautiful walking into that church. The reason why I love St. Barnabus’ is because the priest there makes his sermon funny and meaningful. He asks the couple questions before they get married, and they are to write their answers without letting the other read. At the ceremony is where he will read their answers, and the different perspectives from the couple on questions like “How did you meet?” or “How did he pop the question?” are really funny. The ceremony for Michelle and Rich was full of laughter and tears as they pledged their vows to one another. It was a very special moment.

After the ceremony we headed to the beach where formals were taken by good friend and photographer, Jen Neves. I was able to catch some really great steady cam footage, it came out awesome. Then we all went back to the Hyatt for some more pictures, and the rest of the nights festivities. The centerpieces in the room looked great, and Jay from Golden Gate was responsible for this. Cover to Cover band took the night by storm, and the couple danced their first dance to Michael Buble’s, “My Everything.” Great food and speeches rounded out the night, and Michelle and Rich enjoyed their spectacular event! Congrats!

Denese and Clarence celebrated their beautiful wedding at the Blithwold Mansion in Bristol, RI.  Much like my other weddings, I arrived to where Denese and her bridesmaids were getting ready.  Everyone was already dressed when I arrived, and the bridesmaids were in very colorful dresses which went along with the tropical/island theme.  Some of the girls were in yellow, orange, coral pink, and light blue, and the colors really popped in the video.  Their bouquets, which were done by Golden Gate also continued with the tropical theme.

I headed over to the Blithwold Mansion where Clarence and his groomsmen arrived by limo, and everyone was setting up an outdoor ceremony, even though rain seemed to be in the forecast.  Just as Denese was about to walk down the aisle, the rain unfortunately did not hold out!  Denese was still in good spirits though, and walked down the aisle smiling and laughing as Clarence looked on, awaiting her arrival next to him.  The sermon was beautiful, and everyone kept dry with the umbrellas that were provided.  After they were married, Denese and Clarence released doves in a special ceremony. 

After Denese and Clarence became husband and wife, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, complete with watermelon carvings that welcomed everyone.  Photographer, Sabrina Scolari set up some great shots on the lawn, and I was able to do some great slow motion effects with some footage of the wedding party.

The night continued with a delicious dinner prepared by a personal caterer and family member of the couple.  Denese and Clarence cut their cake, and the groom even had a special cake in the shape of a State Trooper hat in honor of his job.  The couple danced the night away and truly enjoyed the love that surrounded them on their wedding day.  Congrats!  

Elizabeth and Michael were married at the beautiful Oceancliff Hotel and Resort in Newport, RI.  When I arrived the girls were getting ready with hair and makeup and admiring the beautiful floral bouquets created by Twigs florist.  The arrangements really matched perfectly with the bridesmaids' dresses.  As Elizabeth got into her gown, even her dad became emotional.  She looked gorgeous, and I even think she took her own breath away as she looked in the mirror.  As all of that was going on, Michael and his groomsmen were taking pictures outside and getting ready for the ceremony to begin.

As guests arrived, two of Michael's groomsmen handed out programs and everyone got into position as the trumpets cued for Elizabeth to walk down the aisle, escorted by her dad.  The ceremony was beautiful, and officiant Frank Camara had given a thoughtful sermon with lots of great advice for the newly married couple.  A family member even sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria!  It was just before sunset when Elizabeth and Michael sealed their union with their vows to one another, only to walk down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Michael Basile!

As guests enjoyed a cocktail hour full of shrimp, lobster, and scrumptious passed hours d'ourves, formal portraits were taken on the back lawn.  Good friend and photographer, Sara Zarella set up some great shots at sunset and even into the night.

Brass Attack kicked off the reception, getting everyone in the mood to dance!  Following a welcome from Elizabeth's dad, the festivities began with a funny speech from Michael's Best Man, who let the cat out of the bag, announcing Michael's love for hot dogs,  Also, a warm, heartfelt speech was given by Elizabeth's sister, and Maid of Honor, that had everyone choked up!  All in all, the day was fantastic, congrats to the newlyweds!

Sarah and Peter were a fun collegiate couple who were truly in love! I had the pleasure of capturing both their rehearsal dinner at the Sakonnet Golf Club and their wedding the day after which was held at a beautiful, quaint church in Little Compton with the reception to follow at Sarah’s parent’s house which had lots of open space outdoors for tents.

The rehearsal dinner was full of friends and family, all of which showed their love and support for this couple. Wonderful speeches filled the night by those who knew Sarah and Peter most, along with good laughs, food, and even a game that the couple played to see how well they knew each other.

A last, the big day, and the excitement from the night before continued on as everyone arrived at the church. I really loved this church, it was very beautiful and wholesome. Not fancy, but well kept, and I appreciated that. It felt like a very close knit community within the church, something you would want to be a part of. I totally understood why Sarah and Peter would have chosen this church as the base for their marriage. Sarah and her dad walked down the aisle, and she looked very elegant in her sleek gown and classic antique style veil. The ceremony took shape as everyone sang together and witnessed this young couple pledge their vows to one another. As Sarah and Peter walked back down the aisle and out of the church as a married couple, the entire scene was very JFK”ish”. I felt as though I was watching the Kennedy’s come out of the church amongst throngs of people, and hop into an old convertible and drive away to their celebration. That is just was Sarah and Peter did, and it was very memorable.

The reception took place at Sarah’s parents house, which had a beautiful outdoor space that held 3 large tents, overlooking the water. The décor and flowers for the tables were stunning, and it was all done by who else…Sayles Livingston! The bride, groom, and their wedding party took pictures , which were led by photographer, Julie, from Bristol Workshops. The evening continued with blessings, speeches, and lively dancing. All in all, it was an awesome day! We even got to go up in a cherry picker to get some great aerial shots of the property! Congrats Sarah and Peter!

Laurie & Mike took their wedding to another level with stunning decor, two cakes, delicious food, and even a special message sent over for the couple in a fly over!

Laurie and her bridesmaids got ready at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, and when I arrived it was the usual girl talk, hair and makeup, and excitement for the day.  Laurie's dress was really pretty and her veil had beautiful detail on it, very classy!  As Laurie got into her dress, she and her mom got a bit teary eyed, a special moment all captured on video!  Once the girls were ready, we headed over to the beautiful Aldrich Mansion which would be our location for the rest of the day.

When I first went into the chapel at the mansion, I was really taken aback by the gorgeous tribute that was on display for Laurie's dad who is no longer with us.  His picture, amongst bouquets of flowers really made it feel like he was there sharing this special day and giving his blessing upon the marriage of Laurie and Mike.

The ceremony was beautiful as Laurie's mom walked her down the aisle, and Mike just had so much emotion filled in his eyes as his bride walked toward him...so sweet!  After the ceremony, Trish from SNAP Photography set up some great formal photos in the back of the mansion.  The weather was perfect that day and the water looked great in the background of the video.

The night continued with a great cocktail hour that even featured a flyover message that gave them a congratulations to the newly married couple.  Laurie & Mike were definately blown away!  Victor from Party Time DJ got the night going with fun music, and Laurie & Mike danced the night away!  All in all it was an awesome day...great couple, great wedding!  Congrats!

Felecia and Steven's wedding was a truly Italian event, where family, food, and celebrating were the core to this spectacular wedding.  Married in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy in East Greenwich, Felecia looked stunning walking down the aisle in a gown that was fit for a princess no less, and Steven glowed at the other end as he awaited her presence next to him.  With vows and a kiss to seal their union, Felecia & Steven walked out of the church  as a married couple, and outside of the church, they personally greeted and thanked each one of their guests for coming.

Everyone headed off to the renowned Rosecliff Mansion for the celebration, and Felecia and Steven took formal photos, led by Kristen Spencer, at the mansion.  Guests enjoyed cocktail hour - and who wouldn't have with the scrumptious food that made everyone's mouth water, and festive music by a man who played the accordian.  Also, I have to give a shout out to my good friend Jay Lane from Golden Gate Studios who was responsible for the amazing flower bouquets and centerpieces for the wedding, they looked awesome!

The night kicked off with the Steve Anthony Persuasion Band and probably the best first dance I have seen this year from Felecia and Steven.  They did a choreographed dance to Tony Bennet's, "Ain't That a Hole In the Boat."  They seemed so light on their feet, and it really got the excitement going for the night!  Heartfelt Speeches, family dances, and good ol' fashion fun rounded out the evening.  Felecia and Steven, as well as their guests definately enjoyed themselves!  Congrats to the couple!