I feel so fortunate to be a part of Group of 10 for many reasons, one of them being that I feel I am amongst some of the most talented, skilled and experienced professional wedding photographers in New Jersey and New York. When possible, we work with eachother and provide our brides and grooms with unparalled coverage and creativity! I was fortunate to have the talented photographer David Mialcarek at one of my recent weddings at the beautiful Pleasantdale Chateau. At different times we captured the feel of the preparations in progress, and then in tandem were instinctively capturing reactions and reactions.

While I was spending time with Suzi and capturing a few details in the morning:

early morning at the Pleasantdale Chateau
 

… David was capturing other preparations and spending time with Kevin:

There are also the times when two different views are equally as beautiful, as are the reactions to the main subject:

Kevin was watching Suzi as I photographed her.

Where have the days gone where it was a real struggle to get a low light shot ? In film days photographers who used ISO3200 film would be called crazy by some… because the final prints would be so grainy. You either loved that grain or you didn’t. Even in “early” digital years (2001/2002 when every major wedding photographer was either switching to digital or was about to switch) using the equivalent of ISO3200 was only for the really brave ones. “Safe” sensitivity cut-off was around ISO800. So whenever you did get a really low light shot and you nailed the exposure and the sharpness was perfect… there was something sexy about that grainy look…

Nowadays the latest digital cameras became so darn good that you can comfortably work with the levels of light your eyes can barely see anymore. Yes, of course that is a good thing. It expands possibilities and gives us wonderful tools that can be used in ways never dreamt of before. On the other hand though… something is lost in those incredibly clean looking images shot in alomst complete darkness.

As much as I love technology… I think you get my point. The below images were shot on Kodak T-Max ISO3200 film during the wedding season of 2008. Just for fun, for myself and… for the clients of course:

Film… there’s something magical about that very word.

By Steve Burns

Perona Farms in Andover, NJ during the 1930′s was known as the place to go were one could get away from the bustle of the city.  Quite a few well known personalities were known to have enjoyed the peace of the country air there through the years.

Years later it became know as a place to go not only to enjoy the country air, but also sample world renowned smoked salmon.  Perona Farms, still known for its salmon and good fresh country air, is also currently known for its friendly and very attentive staff as a really wonderful place to have one’s wedding.

Kristin and Doug’s wedding, which I photographed there recently was all about children, beauty, love and romance; not to mention the great food, and the relaxing atmosphere that the venue is known for.

These images have been toned to a desaturated color pallet with some grain added to evoke some of the nostalgic feelings I experienced that day. I felt as if I were seeing images that could have been made with no longer available films from 30 years ago. -Steve Burns-

Young brides maids.

A child’s wonderment.

Brides maid’s dress detail.

Kristin dancing with her dad.

Kristin and Doug.

By Steve Burns

We put a lot into our days, both wedding photographers, as well as the families of the bride and groom.  When it is all said and done, we all look forward to unwinding for a few moments.

I recently  had the pleasure to photograph the wedding of Eileen and Jason at New York City’s wonderful and historic Roosevelt Hotel which is just across from Grand Central Station.  After the wedding was over I most certainly was looking forward to going up stairs where earlier we had done some “quite photography”, to enjoy a “Mad Mojito” at the hotel’s roof top lounge Mad46, before heading out of the city.

Eileen, a most elegant bride; helping her loving father Raymond with his boutonnière.

Eileen and Jason exchanging wedding vows by candle light.

Eileen and Jason, quite moments together.

After it was all said and done, a well deserved chance to unwind with some close friends towards the end of the wedding reception.  - Steve Burns-

“I was watching you work during the ceremony…” started the conversation one of the guests during a cocktail hour of a recent wedding “…you looked cool in all your poses and when you were sneaking behind them, like a ninja or something !”. I started laughing. “I wonder how the photos will turn out !” they continued. “Oh, they will be cool, too – I assure you” I replied and went on to photograph people having drinks and hanging out while hunting for hors d’ orderves. So how do we look to wedding guests and couples on their most important day when we are at work ? We of course dress for the occassion while trying to feel comfortable and ‘lightweight’. With all the equipment on us it is extremely important to stay as flexible as you can. So let’s start with taking a look at our own Zlatko Batistich, enjoying a family formals shoot outdoors, surrounded by relatives, all having good time:

Here’s George Weir, working hard during a reception:

Josh Lynn trying to find enough space inside a limousine to get a shot of this pretty couple:

Some of us like taking more aggresive looking poses, Monika Broz ‘tackling the dress’ in 100F Virginia heat:

…and one of the resulting images:

Because we very often work as a team I think I sometimes try to be like her:

…but the results are worth fighting for:

Getting a good image sometimes really gives us wings !

Some of us prefer to just levitate slightly above ground when shooting:

…but again, the results speak for themselves:

Every now and then we find a photo or two shot by a wedding guest in our e-mail inbox… and sometimes they catch us… aaaam, yes working !

Questions about the last photo will not be answered. Hope you enjoyed reading this !

Each day, and at every wedding I am inspired by the capacity of love. What amazes me is how different wedding day celebrations can be, yet the commonality is always the strength of love, honor and family.

A part of what I understand is this:

The heartfelt pride and mixed emotion of a daughter getting married, and gaining a son.

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Our pets are part of the family – always.

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Running after geese in a field is not a crazy idea on your wedding day!

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I totally get it little guy, tuxedo-thing, not getting dirty, waiting around.

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Complete and total devotion and friendship come together during your wedding ceremony.

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Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most beautiful.

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It may have been a rainy day but the night sky was magic.

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Love is uplifting and energetic

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Happiness and devotion happen in a way you can never imagine until you become one (a parent).

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The Harvest Moon Outside was breath-taking …

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… as was the warmth and joy inside.

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The anticipation …

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… and the joy of getting there will always be remembered

By Steve Burns

There have been times when on the bottom of the Groom’s shoes the words “Help Me!” have been written by one of his groom’s men.   Instead on the bottom of Erica’s shoes were the words “Together, Kisses, You & Me, Passion, Love, Inspire, Fun, Us, Blessed, Happy.”  These words described exactly the personality of the couple and the character of their wedding day.

Erica and Aaron were married at the wonderfully intimate Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, NJ this past Sunday.  It was a small intimate gathering of friends and family.  Many thanks go out to John Leitz there for providing us with a wonderful evening.

Small weddings, I find can be special.  They can be understated, elegant, intimate and sublime.  Their wedding was exactly that.   -Steve Burns-

Erica’s shoes, and her getting ready for their wedding ceremony.

Their wedding ceremony was made up solely of their desires and design.

Erica and Aaron enjoying an intimate dance.

Aaron’s father watching his son and new wife dance on into their night.