New York Wedding Photographer – Ulysses Photography Blog » artistic. unobtrusive. fashionable. fun.

Sheila and Roy had planned their wedding as a Grand event (with a capital ‘G’). From beginning of the day to its end, it turned out exactly as planned.

When we arrived at her apartment, Sheila was excited to see us and introduced us to everyone there. Being the cool and collected person that she is, everything was well under control as she and her sisters got prepared. Her hair stylist (Christopher Morris 551.655.5285) and makeup artist (Natalie DiStefano 856.952.5726) did a beautiful job. Sheila’s wedding gown was hand-finished, and her mother and father helped her fasten the final row of buttons on the back of her dress.

We arrived at the church only a few blocks down the road, where Roy was already waiting with his groomsmen. There were nice touches during the ceremony that included several of their family members, which made everything that much more heartfelt.

The reception was held in the Great Hall at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, NY. What an incredible venue and space for a reception! The high vaulted ceilings curved overhead, and the floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows reminded us of what a great feast must have looked like here in the early 1920s. We couldn’t have been happier with the way the staff there worked with us, and we’d love to shoot there again in the future. (Thanks, Sheila and Roy, for the incredible meal!)

Sheila and Roy’s online gallery will be available soon. Keep checking the “Client Proofs” section of our main site over the next few days, and we’ll have lots more pictures for you to enjoy. In the meantime, there is another picture in the “Tell Others” section of our site, which you can attach to a message to your friends as you excitedly wait for the rest of their photos. As always, feel free to comment here on the blog with your thoughts about their wedding day.

Erica and Dom had exactly the kind of wedding day they were hoping for … happy and relaxed, and full of friends and family. They had beautiful clear skies and the remaining soft muted colors of autumn as a backdrop for their lovely wedding at the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg, NY. Erica and Dom like to be original, so we knew there would be a lot to enjoy. For starters, Erica wore a burgundy dress. They also had two sets of weddings rings … a traditional set, and a black titanium set that was really unique. Their beautiful cake was also chocolate – inside and out. The chocolate scent was incredible every time I walked past it.

Erica and Dom had their very nontraditional ceremony inside to keep warm, but the beautiful valley was visible through the large windows all around. There was tons of food, from lobster to vegetarian dishes, all wonderfully prepared by the staff at the Eagle’s Nest. We always enjoy working there. : )

Erica and Dom, we could see that you just adore each other, and we know you will be very happy together. We really appreciate the privilege of being part of your special day.

While the proofs are being processed, please enjoy this slideshow preview. The entire proof gallery will be available shortly in the Client Proofs section of our website. There is also a photo from the wedding now available in the Tell Others section, which can be e-mailed as a notecard to your friends. Enjoy!

Monica was such a happy bride despite a forecast of heavy rain and flooding – she said she was from Oregon, where they get even more rain, and it never dampened her spirits. We started the day at the Pineapple Day Spa, for some fun photos of Monica and all her girls as they prepared for the big day. After that, we headed to Monica’s father’s beautiful home, where she and her groom got to see one another for the first time after Monica slipped into her beautiful gown.

Both Monica and Peter’s families worked extremely hard to make this a perfect day for them. Monica’s father did all the cooking – including a prime rib dinner! The excitement of the entire family, and the obvious love and affection between Monica and Peter, made for a beautiful day and lots of wonderful photos. The entire wedding gallery should be available on Monday, 10/10/05.

Sarah and Jake came all the way out from Chicago to Saratoga Springs, NY, because of the beauty of the area and the memories they’d created there. We’re so glad they chose Ulysses Photography for their wedding!

Situated along the stately Avenue of Pines, the Hall of Springs banquet facility truly reminds one of a grand era of luxury and style. One of the most impressive features of this incredible hall is its 30-foot marble columns that stand around the perimeter of the dining area. The crystal chandeliers and crystal sconces lend a touch of elegance. Well-placed lighting added an almost surreal quality to the columns and mood of the evening. The result was simply stunning.

Another feature that caught everyone’s attention was a custom monogram that had been created specifically for this gala event. The monogram was projected from an elevated spotlight onto the center of the dance floor of the hall. When it was time to dance, the monogram in light was moved to another location where it could still be enjoyed.

Sarah is an event planner, and did an amazing job planning every detail of her own wedding to perfection. Her friend Jill Moran, a Certified Special Events Professional with offices in New York and Boston, worked tirelessly and did a meticulous job in overseeing the weekend so Sarah could just enjoy being a bride.

The excellent meal was provided by Glen Sanders Catering. With choices ranging from lobster to veal, there were almost too many selections to choose. Our most sincere thanks go out to Sarah and Jake, as well as the incredible staff of Glen Sanders Catering for making sure we partook.

The ceremony took place after sunset on the lawn between the reflection pool and the Hall of Springs. As the shadows of the hall got longer and the blue sky grew darker, a spotlight was turned on to give focus to the loving couple as they stood underneath the chuppah. With incredible flower arrangements provided by Susan Adam, owner of Adam’s Garden of Eden, Sarah and Jake could not have had a better florist. Her work speaks for itself.

We’ve arranged this early preview slideshow (PC only), a look at a private interlude where Jake got to see his bride for the first time before their ceremony. This provided some intimate moments that we could not have captured any other way. The deep love and passion of their relationship was obvious. The complete gallery of photographs will soon be available in the “Client Proofs” area of our site.

What can we say about Amy and Doug’s wedding? From the time we first met them, it was obvious that Amy and Doug were the best of friends. Their wedding was an extension of their feelings for one another. From start to finish, it was an absolute privilege to be there with them and their families. Amy spent the better part of her morning preparing with her seven bridesmaids, while Doug lounged by the pool with his 13 groomsmen (that’s right — 13 of them!!). The forecast was for rain, but to everyone’s surprise, the cloudy day opened up for a lovely outdoor ceremony. They were probably each surprised at the outpouring of emotion they both experienced during their beautiful ceremony.

Their wedding and reception were held at the elaborate but very tasteful Belvedere Mansion. This 18th century venue perfectly suited their warm, friendly, fun and dignified personalities. Our high compliments must also go out to the Belvedere staff. They were very helpful in making the day successful for photography. When we explained Amy and Doug’s desire for us to take our meals a little earlier than they were accustomed to serving for vendors (so that we wouldn’t miss a beat in photographing important events), they immediately accommodated us. A very sincere thanks to Amy and Doug, as well as to the staff there at the Belvedere. It was a real joy to work there, to walk their fields near the pond, and to take in both the indoor and outdoor beauty of this gorgeous estate.

As is our custom, we have some early preview images for you in the form of a slideshow (PC only). Amy and Doug’s complete gallery should be available on 9/25/05.

We got to know Andrea and Mark not only through our phone conversations and engagement session with them, but also through her excellent wedding website (you’re amazing, Andrea!) They had a relaxed week leading up to their wedding. Even though they’d traveled up to New York from North Carolina, it seemed that everything flowed incredibly smoothly for them. The minor problem of Andrea’s needing to get a replacement veil on the morning of the wedding didn’t seem to phase her in the least. After spending the afternoon taking some pictures — including some soft infrared photos — with just the two of them at her father’s home in the quiet town of Tuxedo, NY, the rest of the party and family joined us on the deck in the back of the house, which Andrea’s father had worked to decorate and get in order just for this special day. The girls in the party “vogued” for us (you did a fantastic job, ladies!); and the guys put on their coolest presentation for everyone’s enjoyment.

Jenni and I could tell, as we drove from Tuxedo to the scenic location of the Chalet on the Hudson, that the light of the setting sun coming over the Hudson River into the suite for their wedding was going to be a warm and romantic sight for the eyes. We weren’t disappointed. What a gorgeous spot at this time of year! The entire staff of the Chalet was also very accommodating (thanks so much for the fantastic meal, Andrea and Mark!).

The wedding party was a complete blast, too! I have to say, I have NEVER heard my name shouted so often and with such glee (that’s right, I said “glee”) at a wedding reception. Thanks for making us feel like a real part of the group, guys. 🙂

Their online gallery will be available shortly. While we work hard to get those pictures ready, have an early look at their day via this slideshow preview of Andrea and Mark’s wedding.

UPDATE 9-12-05: Andrea and Mark’s gallery is available EARLY! Go to our main website, and then the “Client Proofing” area to see their gallery in the lineup. Enjoy!