Courtney + Andrew + Logan found the very best day of the week to venture out to a favorite location of Logan’s for exploring, playing, walking, and enjoying the peacefulness of nature. Needless to say, following a three-year-old through the woods and around streams is definitely a workout, but it was incredibly fun and so worth it. It was an incredible privilege to capture meaningful photos for this happy family.

The beautiful and historic ArtsWestchester Arts Exchange served as the perfect space for hosting Westchester Home Magazine’s first-ever Home Design Awards and cocktail party. Thirteen of Westchester’s finest and most creative interior designers and architects were featured for their creativity, emphasis on comfort, and  amazing home designs. Congratulations to each of the award winners!

• Linda Blair, The Blair Interiors Group
• Niall Cain, Architect
• Sabrina Foulke, Karp Associates Inc.
• Danielle Galland, Danielle Galland Interior Design, Inc.
• Elissa Grayer, Interior Design
• Christina Griffin, Architect
• Phyllis Harbinger, Design Concepts Interiors, LLC
• Alice Hayes, Deane Inc.
• Lara Michelle, Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors
• Rene Robert Muller, Architect / Planner
• Mara Solow, Mara Solow Interiors
• Robert Welsch, Westover Landscape Design
• Liam Winters, Architect

When Nicole + Matt asked us to come out and photograph their family along with their beautiful baby girl, we couldn’t wait to meet her! It was also a great opportunity to see Nicole’s parents again and get photographs of some of their favorite things — their beautiful children, Jaye’s amazing home decor skills, Mike’s classic cars, and of course their gorgeous granddaughter, Ella. In her own words, Nicole penned the warmest note describing her thoughts about our history with this amazing family and what these photos have meant for the entire family:

At every family function, my mother’s homemade photo albums always end up being taken out at the end of the night. My two sisters, mom and I are usually cuddled up on the couch laughing and talking about something funny from a family holiday or reminiscing about our beloved dog Bernie Burns. Our family pictures are such a huge part of what makes us, us. My mother has instilled in each of us the love of our family albums and the time we spend together sharing our memories while looking through them.

That being said, meeting Jenni and Ulysses has been magical for us.  They photographed my wedding to my husband Matt in 2008 at Perona Farms, and when we met in person for the first time for our engagement shoot they greeted us with big hugs and made us feel so comfortable that they quickly became part of the family. At the end of our wedding, I remember actually feeling sad when they left, like saying goodbye to old friends.

Jenni and Ulysses take amazing photos without intruding on your special event.  Every year on our anniversary and even throughout the year, we receive friendly e-mails checking in to see how we are doing. They are very wonderful people that are not only amazing at their job but at making you feel special, as well. It was so much fun getting to do a family shoot with them and having my daughter Ella get to meet them.

More with Nicole + Matt.

Nicole + Mike have always been two of our biggest fans. And now we’re two of the biggest fans of their trio of gorgeous children! When you have a set of two-year-old twins along with an infant for an autumn beach outing, you know you’re in for a real treat! These photos have great importance to Nicole + Mike, and in their own words, here’s why:

Once our third child was born, Mike and I knew that we wanted to capture this very special time in our lives when all three of our children were still babies. We wanted to be sure that the portraits would capture the true feeling of our family and each of individual children’s little personalities. We knew from our wedding photos that Ulysses and Jenni would be a perfect match! We needed a studio that would be as concerned about the comfort of our children and the success of the session as we were. We also knew that we wanted art, not cute photos. We wanted this time in our family to be a permanent memory on our walls so that as our children grow we can always remember where we began. When we received the photos we were thrilled! They went directly from the box to the walls, where they will stay for years to come, just as planned!

We loved seeing this amazing twosome (now a fivesome… or a cinquesome?) again.

More with Nicole + Mike.

We’re so excited that Andrea asked us about taking portraits of their baby girl, Josie. We couldn’t wait to meet her! She was every bit as smiley and playful as we expected her to be. We love that Andrea shared with us her thoughts about what these photos mean to the family:

It was our first time taking pictures as a family, since I’m usually the one behind the camera! We really just wanted to remember this time with Josie since she’s been so cute and happy. Of course, it’s her first Christmas, too! We put her in a special winter outfit – her red Ralph Lauren coat and Ugg boots that were a gift from my mom. I especially love the photos of us on the front steps and at the park because Josie and I have spent a lot of time hanging out in both places! When the weather was warmer we would sit on the steps and watch for Joe to come home from work and, of course, we’ve taken many walks in the park. The canvas we ordered for our dining room is great – Josie noticed it right way and even pointed to it! She was smiling as I showed her all three of us: mamma, dadda and baby Josie.

More with Andrea + Joe.

Maryann + Rene enjoy a beautiful home and a life together filled with over 16 years of love and devotion. They commissioned us for an extended photo shoot that would show how in love they are, and the things they most enjoy doing together. We’re overjoyed at their reactions to the photos! Maryann shares some of their thoughts below:

Since I was a child, I have always loved looking back at family photos. It truly brings the past to life! So when Rene & I decided to put our house up for sale, we knew we wanted to remember it in a special way. You see, I wanted it to show up in photos as if it had been in a magazine!  I love looking at magazine shoots of beautiful homes! And my idea was a total success! 

When I first saw our house, it was in dire need of repair! It is truly an “old” house! The date was 1711! 

But what I saw was this beautiful house that needed some TLC! And we were just the couple to give it what it needed! We had people pass by on the street, cheering us on as the new roof went up! Others came to our house for the first time and said “Do you realize what a beautiful home you have”! We had such wonderful encouragement!    

The three fireplaces and the architecture of the mantels & one in the kitchen, so cozy! A porch we could sit on & decorate with the seasons! An old pump on the front porch! I was in love! 

I saw rooms that could be formally decorated & rooms that could be decorated with a rustic flair! Being an event florist, I was in my glory! I had the best of both worlds, formal & rusticity! 

Our backyard needed a solid place to entertain on, like a tumbled brick patio! We made a botanical oasis for ourselves as the years passed! We put all of ourselves into our home & spent such great times with all of our family & friends.

I still remember the first time we had a holiday party & we fixed up the basement, so the kids could have freedom to be themselves! Rene had this look in his eye as his eyes met mine in passing & I could hear him say to me “we did it”, we actually did it!

Since I so adore fashion of any textile type, it only made sense that I would want to “dress up” for each room we were being photographed in! I chose something formal to wear for our formal dining room & something casual for those rooms that were more rustic & the outdoor environment! And something in between with feathers….love feathers for those rooms in between! We had to be part of the photos too! It was such a treat to get dressed up & still be home! 

We had a wonderful time being photographed by Ulysses Photography. It felt like a vacation in our own home & incredibly fun & like we were entertaining ourselves! Ulysses and Jenni were the perfect photographers for us, they helped us to feel comfortable in front of the camera & totally enjoy ourselves! We cannot thank them enough for the wonderful experience they helped us to achieve.      

When we received our Canvas Wall Art, it was a fantastic feeling to hang such gorgeous photos of ourselves that we loved on our walls! When I glance at them while walking by, it’s still exciting!    

When our Art Book arrived, it was the most spectacular book I have ever seen! The photos look like we are right there still! They are so sharp & crisp! Just amazing! Some of the shots we decided on that were staged bring a big smile to my face when I see them over & over!

We will treasure that day & have the memories to see forever!

It was an unforgettable day! Thank you Ulysses & Jenni!

We can’t say enough good things about this renaissance couple. Their home’s varied charm combined with Maryann + Rene’s flair for all things chic made their dream session one of our absolute greatest pleasures of the year.

Our excitement over Michele + Matt’s upcoming first baby was easily excelled when she asked us to take photos of Baby Matt for his very first professional photos. We were delighted to see one of our favorite couples again. Baby Matt loves cuddling more than anything else in the world, and his mom & dad have plenty of love to give him. It’s been an amazing year for Michele + Matt, and it was a joy spending time with them once more.

More with Michele + Matt.

We couldn’t wait to finally meet Gemma, having recently photographed her ecstatic parents for Diana’s gorgeous maternity photos. She was the perfect little model, hardly uttering a single peep during the entire photo shoot. Could she be more adorable? We’re so glad her parents have invited us to photograph her first year with them, and we’re thrilled to watch her grow.

More with Gemma.

The skies were clear, the red carpet was out, and Ulysses Photography was there as the official photographer for the festive occasion of Westchester Magazine’s annual Best of Westchester Party for 2011! This signature event is the one that’s waited for by residents and business owners alike. The beautiful Glen Island Harbour Club was packed with over 3,000 excited guests. Everyone was fashionably decked out for the ultimate party. If they weren’t sampling the food, drink, music & entertainment, hair & makeup demos, massages, or other area specialities, then they were lounging on the couches outdoors or otherwise enjoying the beautifully grand views of the harbor. With over 100 of the very best boutiques, shops, and services on offer (including Ulysses Photography as one of the select sponsors) this was a premium event not to be missed! If you didn’t get to make it this year, then start planning now to attend in 2012!

When Diana called to ask us about photographing her soon-to-be-born baby, we were thrilled enough (having known her after shooting her sister’s wedding). But when she asked us to photograph a maternity session for her, that gave us even more reason to jump up and down with excitement. She’s a beautiful person inside and out, and we were genuinely thrilled to show her off. Isn’t she the most gorgeous nine months you’ve ever seen? Baby Gemma is right around the corner!

More with Gemma.

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of luxury and style for your wedding or romantic getaway, you need look no further than the brand new B Ocean Fort Lauderdale. This remarkable hotel offers premium beachfront views of the Atlantic Ocean and sandy coastline from each of its rooms. The Penthouse floor is where you’ll find the Infinity Ballroom, a contemporary reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a spectacular panoramic look at Fort Lauderdale’s shore and waterfront properties. For those as infatuated with the Florida beaches and sunshine as we are, you’ll certainly love being pampered, wined & dined, and refreshed at the fabulous B Ocean. If your wedding is being hosted there, or if you’d like to experience one of our Lifestyle photo sessions on the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, be sure to contact us!

We first got to know Lauren & Jon through mutual friends, Lara & Tom, whose awesome wedding we photographed. We knew even then that we’d have a great time keeping in touch with this fun and engaging family afterwards. So joining them for a day in the park with their “little man”, Sam, was one of the most fun times we’ve had this year. Sam is an incredibly bright, remarkably inquisitive, and uniquely warm person. We couldn’t help but love him, and we were as endlessly entertained by our time with him as his parents must be every day! It was just as much fun getting a few photos of Lauren & Jon together, too. Just a wonderful family all-around, who simply let us do what we love.

Want to know when “Lifestyle Photography” turns the ordinary into the extraordinary for us? In a nutshell, it’s when ordinary, beautiful people like Jesyca & Bill invite us into their warm home to be a part of their own family. For years now they’ve allowed us to show off just how extraordinary a day with their family can be. Their complete devotion to their children is an inspiration to parents. The kids get excited to show us all their latest toys and musical instruments. And of course, we MUST see their favorite new clothes and pajama outfits! The day is always full of  surprises and fun. Photographing them is always a privilege, a celebration of the joy Jes & Bill experience with their family.

Lots more with Jesyca & Bill.

Kylie & Scott are a perfect example of the beautiful relationships we love to build with our clients over the years. They’re not only two of our biggest fans, but they’re also favorite people of ours. We’ve been with them for a lot of “biggies” including their engagement session, their wedding, and even Kylie’s dream of a honeymoon fashion shoot on Cape Cod! We were bowled over with excitement when Kylie asked us to photograph them again for their 3rd wedding anniversary. They traveled all the way up from Maryland to join us in beautifully scenic New Hope, PA, where we simply walked the town and talked and photographed. It felt just like old times. It was so great to see them again and help them celebrate this special occasion in such a meaningful and lasting way. A very Happy 3rd Anniversary, you two! Thanks so much for including us.

If you’re enjoying their photos, please feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends! Thanks.

See more with Kylie & Scott!

We were so happy to be Melissa & Mark’s wedding photographers for what seems like an event that took place only yesterday. But we’re equally as thrilled to be the photographers for Baby Mason. He hasn’t arrived just yet, but he was definitely active and making his presence felt during Melissa’s maternity photos session! She’s just as beautiful, wonderful, and exciting to shoot as she ever was. Melissa and Mark are patiently waiting for Mason to arrive, and so are we!

Enjoy more of our photos with Melissa & Mark.

Raquel & Greg  found us about a year after their own wedding. As part of their 1st year celebration, they chose to treat themselves to a dream portrait session with us that would show off Raquel’s warm vivaciousness and love of dancing, combined with Greg’s passion for his beautiful wife, as well as a way to show his pride for his work with New York’s men in blue, the NYPD. What an amazing and stylish pair! We could not have had a more enjoyable time. With perfect evening weather, a change of clothes, a fantastic venue to put them into a romantic mood, and an exciting couple to photograph, we kept going until sunset ended our session. Until the next one!

We first met Melissa & Michael at Joette & Patrick’s wedding, and we could tell even then just how much love  they have for one another, as well as for their two adorable little girls. When Melissa asked if we could take some relaxed lifestyle portraits of their beautiful family, we jumped at the opportunity to do so. In the gorgeous open setting of a wonderful horse farm, they and their girls were able to show us what a fun-loving, happy family they are. The girls looked forward even more to changing into their ballerina tutus. Too cute! We had a great time on this family outing.

We had the tiniest visitor this morning, who eagerly posed for her closeups. Her legs and antennae were so fine, I could barely even see them until I took out my camera to see her up close. Amazing little creature.

As important as florists are to every wedding, they very often stay behind the scenes, allowing the attention and focus to stay on the blooms the florist has carefully arranged for the special occasion.  So it’s not every day that we get to photograph the people who are responsible for such lovely creations! Ulysses and I had the opportunity to photograph Maryann Dawson, the owner and floral designer of Flowers on the Porch. We’ve had the privilege of working several times with Maryann, and we’re always immensely impressed with her gorgeous bouquets and floral designs, as well as her sunny disposition.

We’re available for child, family, high school senior, or couples portraits. Also, any married couples who would like to have a fun fashion session back in their wedding clothes, be sure to contact us – we have TONS of great ideas!

We’re taking a limited number of sessions, and they MUST be scheduled in advance, so call 845.956.1605 or email us now for more information and an appointment! We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. If you have any friends who may be interested, please pass on our information. Thanks!