Marisa & Corey

On July 25, 2009 Marisa and Corey said their "I dos" at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, New Jersey. Marisa looked beautiful in her amazing dress while Corey stood out among his men.

The ceremony was like out of a movie, with an amazing view from a balcony for one shot, while I got the close ups below. We captured all the excitement, including Marisa's nervous energy as she waited for "Here Comes the Bride" to start playing to mark her entrance. She took one deep breath and then the doors opened, not only to the church, but to her future.

The best moment of the reception was without a doubt the amazing dance Marisa and Corey performed. Their first dance started to an unassuming song, "Feels Like Home", by Chantal Kreviazuk but then they surprised all their guests by busting out in a well choreographed number to a medley of songs to include, "You Can't Touch This, "Axel F", and "Beat It". Hopefully there were a decent number of doctors in the house because sides were splitting.

Overall it was an amazing night. Highlights are posted below.

Serena & Rahul

Serena & Rahul were married on July 20, 2009 at the Sheraton in Parsippany, NJ.

Being a combination Christian - Indian event, it was an all day affair with lots of video to be shot! If you've ever been to an Indian wedding, you know they are very festive, energetic events and this one was no different.

Rahul rode in on a horse for the baraat. Friends and family celebrated as they dance their way to where the bride's mother and sister were waiting to receive him. Fortunately the day's rain held out long enough for the procession. It didn't matter what the weather was like, nothing was going to ruin this beautiful union.

When inside, the traditional Indian wedding commenced. The guests, Indian and non-Indian alike, sat and watched as the traditional Indian rituals unfolded.

If you're not familiar with a Hindu wedding, here are some of the highlights...

The priest or Brahmin officiates the ceremony that begins when a curtain is removed and garlands of sandalwood chips are placed around the necks of the bride and groom.

Then there is the bridal upliftment of Dharma where the bride's father gives his daughter to the groom for the upliftment of Dharma. However, Serena's mother did this as her father has passed away.

After the bride applies sandalwood paste to the groom's forehead, he makes a round red mark on her forehead for her to display as long as they are married. The offerings of puffed rice and purified butter from the hands of the bride and groom are thrown into the fire, representing the Radiant One, while the priest removes the darkness by chanting more mantras, which are blessings.

Vows in a Hindu marriage are made before a fire that represents the deity. The husband accepts his wife as a token of good fortune so they can assume their Hindu life together. The groom vows to always include his bride and to consult her.

While the groom takes the bride's hand and leads her around the fire, mantras are said. These mantras include accepting the responsibilities of fidelity, love, mutual respect, and procreation for as long as they live. As the priest chants the seven steps, the bride and groom step closer to each other. The couples start walking where the rice is heaped on one side. Holding hands, they take the sapta-padi, seven steps symbolic of their common journey through life. As they circle around the sacred fire pot, they agree to...
* Earn a living for their family and respect their abundance.
* Live a healthy lifestyle for each other.
* Be concerned for the partner's welfare, happiness and friendship throughout their religious-centered lives.
* Eat and drink together and be with each other on special occasions.
* Desire children for whom they will be responsible and love.
* Adapt to the other person at any given time and place.

Then, the bridegroom recites the traditional mantras to the bride, including... "I am the words and you are the melody, I am the melody and you are the words."

Then the bride's parents present gifts to the groom. Cotton is tied around the bride and groom while blessings for a long and happy life are given. The bride washes her hands, then bride and groom pray that their prosperity, success, and Dharma will be fulfilled.

Placing of the floral love necklace: The bridegroom places a floral love necklace around his bride's neck while he asks her to accompany him in his Hindu activities.

Another wedding necklace, a gold or silver chain with gold semicircles and black beads from both families, symbolic of the union of the two families, is also worn.

You can see much of this in the video posted below. You can also see the amazing reception they had. At least 250 friends and family gathered for an amazing celebration. It was hard not to get caught up in the excitement and get out and dance myself! (but of course I didn't because I'm a professional!)

Serena and Rahul hired Jeffery Vock as their photographer. Based out of Jersey City, Jeffery is a very pleasant person but more importantly, he is a fantastic photographer. I enjoy working with him very much and his clients love him.

Pam & Fred

Pam and Fred were married on July 11, 2009. I actually wasn't able to shoot this wedding myself as I was working another wedding in Geneva, NY but I was able to edit the material.

I met Pam in Hoboken and there's no doubt, Fred is a lucky fella. Pam was sweet and as nice as could be. And as you will see by the video, the two make for a gorgeous couple.

Their ceremony and reception were at The Boat House in Hoboken, New Jersey. They held an elegant, classic wedding complete with a live band.

The day was very windy, and was a bit cloudy, but the rains stayed away so Pam and Fred could be united!

Pam's sister gave one of the better toasts I have heard. She lamented how, as the older sister, Pam always copied her. First it was toys, then clothes. Then she goes onto say, "I move to Manhattan, Pam moves to Manhattan, I become a pharmaceutical rep, Pam becomes a pharmaceutical rep, I have a blond Jewish husband - PAM has a blond Jewish husband!" The crowd erupted in laughter, I did too.

A touching part of the day was Pam's father who, despite being weak and in a wheel chair, was able to see his daughter married.

Katie & Richard

Katie and Richard were married on July 4th, 2009! No, they didn't have fireworks at the ceremony or reception, the fire marshall wouldn't allow it. =) But their wedding was a blast.

Their ceremony at Christ the Savior Roman Catholic church was festive and beautiful. The traditional Roman Catholic service kept me on my toes as there was a lot of movement by the couple. The ceremony contained a lot of rituals to include the crowning of the couple.

The couple's families are very close knit, traditional people and so it was perfect that they had the reception in the church. They all gathered for food and cake down stairs - the cake was actually a suprise for the couple because they had decided not to have one but the parents didn't honor their wish!

After the reception, the photographers Ken and Fay (of Ken & Fay Photography) and I went to a beautiful park nearby for photos. The scenery really enhanced their final video.

If I had to work on the 4th of July, this was the perfect job.