Sarah and Andy had an amazing wedding at the Oheka Castle.  Oheka is one of my favorite venues on the planet, I could shoot there for days!

(to see more Oheka Castle photos, click here to see Crystal and Chang’s wedding.)

I just LOOOOOVE this photo…. my 45 tilt shift lens has a dreamy effect on this imageClassic, fun and beautiful, thess two are madly in love and it shows!!
(I also have to give huge props to Sarah for not blinking for a second when I asked her to sit in her dresss.  Sarah kicks A**!)Sarah and Andy held the dinner outside on the castle lawn (look carefully, you can see the tables).  I don’t think you can ask for more, an amazing couple, lively guests, the most gorgeous castle, and weather to make you feel like you are on vacation.

I’m looking forward to showing you more pictures soon!

Sincerely, Be Creative Photography

Putting together a blog post is a tremendous amount of creative energy and work.  Because of this, it often gets pushed off.

That said, everyday, we are working on photos and have to yell out to everyone in the office “this is a sweet photo, we need to blog this”… but usually never do

So from now on, we are going to post single photos whenever the heck we want!  So here we go

Photo from Clare and John’s backyard wedding in Princeton, NJ.  This was shot in their BACKYARD!!  Yummy!

Cindy and Jeff met before the ceremony for some portraits.  I think Jeff’s expression here is just classic!

Their ceremony was touching and full of smiles.

I’ve never seen such a thoughtful and sweet way to honor a loved one!  This is one of my favorite images of the day.

Check out Cindy’s awesome blue shoes.

Thank you for including us in your wedding day.  We had a wonderful time getting to know you and can’t wait for your album design!

Sincerely,
Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Ceremony:  Rye Presbyterian Church, Rye, NY
Reception:  Wainwright House, Rye, NY
Caterer/Cake:  Corner Stone Caterers, Rye, NY
Florist:  Blooming Buds, Harrison, NY
Music (DJ):  Hal Prince Music, Rye Brook, NY
Hair (bride and bridal party):  Salon 221, Cos Cob, CT
Bridal Gown:  Vows Bridal Outlet, Watertown, MA
Assistant Shooter:  Allan Zepeda

Dad getting a glimpse of the beautiful Michelle for the first time as a Bride!

I love this photo that Eric took.  He is so in touch with what’s important to the bride.

The beautiful ladies!

Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is a dream to photograph wedding ceremonies in.

The reception was at Bridgewater’s in New York City which is a wonderful location for a wedding.  And we love wedding photos at the South Street Seaport of course.

To Michelle and Trace – your album is just to die for.  I’ve had such a wonderful time creating it and can’t wait for you to see it in person.  Thank you for being so wonderful!

Sincerely, Brooke and Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Ceremony:  St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Reception:  Bridgewater’s
Event Design:  JoiUs Events
Floral Design:  Raquel Corvino (no website, 212-947-6365)
Hair:  Stacy Pitt
Makeup:  Sally Duvall
Dress:  Reem Acra
Assistant Photographer:  Joel Wiebner

We’ve photographed many a wedding at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City and every time we find a new walkway, staircase or backdrop to spice things up.  We love all the surprises of this location.  For their first meeting Ming and Marc were naturally completely relaxed and totally into each other.  I love this moment.  Side Note: while looking through this post you will notice an abundance of dimples – an unforgettable feature for these two.  I can only imagine the little dimples they will one day create!

Who needs the skyline if you can turn around and find a little color.  The good old tilt shift lens quiets the noise of downtown jersey city and helps us to focus on the moment.

This is one of my favorite shots.

We couldn’t have asked more of this bridal party on a cold, windy day.  I love the colors in this photo and the laughter of each and every person.  Eric + awesome bridal party + tilt shift lens = kick a** photo!

Believe it or not we actually had some extra time to take a few joy rides up and down the escalator.  So fun.

Their ceremony was very touching and personal!  Somehow a 250 + person wedding seemed very intimate.

This type of shot never gets old…. it just screams WE DID IT!!

Here is a moment during the traditional tea ceremony.

Now here is an image we can totally appreciate.  Fitting your newborn into your every day life is sometimes as easy as sticking your beer and fries in the stroller!  YESSSS!

And another YESSSSSS!

Ming and Marc’s first dance seemed like the culmination of a moment that was a long time coming.  Later, during the speeches I found out that this was the truth

OK, come on!  Can you even get enough of the happiness, the dimples, the overwhelming sense of being content?

The speeches at this wedding were really something else.  Here, Ming’s father is toasting the couple in “Singapore Style” which is a lot of fun and a first for us.

Congratulations Ming and Marc and thank you again for choosing Be Creative Photography!

Ceremony & Reception:  Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, NJ,
Floral Design: Flowers by Diane
Reception Music: John Sinclair/Aria Melody
Hair & Makeup: Kim Sun Young
Cake: Carlos Bakery from the TV show Cake Boss
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Dress: Bijou Bridal (brand of dress: Romona Keveza)

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Dear Brooke and Eric,

As a photographer myself and my wife being in the Art industry, we had a keen sense of what we were looking for in our wedding pictures. We wanted our pictures to reflect our love of art and fine photography and we can easily say that you delivered!

Your use of light, depth of field, and unique camera angles provided the artistic look we were looking for and your incredible feel for emotion and deep understanding of the way weddings flow provided the photojournalistic coverage we wanted. Your pictures accurately reflect every part of our day from the relaxed chill session I had with my guys before we got dressed, to the tense and harried emotions that permeated my wife’s home as the sky’s opened up and the rains began to fall, to the still and silent moments we were able to spend together in each other’s arms blocking out the world around us.

One of our favorite aspects of your business is the hands-on, personalized experience that each one of your customers gets from you. From day one, we knew you would be the perfect photographers for us. You spent your time explaining the whole process to us and made us feel completely comfortable with you. You answered all of our questions and helped us to plan out our day. You let us know when we were being unrealistic in our expectations and yet pushed us to think creatively. Your guidance and advice were most certainly a significant help in our planning and without you, we undoubtedly would not have been able to enjoy our day as much as we did. You calmed Ali when she began getting upset about the weather and laughed with us when our priest forgot how to conduct our personalized ring ceremony! Hiring you not only provided excellent pictures, but also the peace of mind to sit back, relax, and enjoy our day. We started our relationship as professionals, but I feel that we ended as friends.

We loved working with you on developing ideas for our pictures before the wedding, allowing you to guide us through the day itself, and working with you to develop an unbelievably beautiful album. We can not thank you enough! We look forward to recommending you to everyone we know and hiring you again to take pictures for us in the future. You’re the best!

All our love,
Eric & Alison Erler

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I love their smiles here.  And Michael’s expression is just too cute for words.

They had this old fashioned yellow cab that really spiced up the day.  This along with the cobblestone streets, the tin cans, and an amazing couple made for the greatest details and punch of color.

They are so cute together and madly in love!

I love this photo.  The composition, color blocks, veil, and beautiful couple make for a great artistic image.

A wedding at the Tribeca Rooftop would not be complete with some images taken at our favorite, green metal gate.

I was so happy when Micaela and Michael chose this image for their thank you card.

One of my favorite moments at every wedding is the father-daughter dance.  Micaela’s dad was so happy on her wedding day and so proud to dance with his daughter.  One lucky family!

The lighting they chose for the space was just beautiful.  The atmosphere had a warm, candlelit glow, perfect for a wedding in the lofty space of the Tribeca Rooftop.

I believe this shot was taken during Micaela’s father’s speech.  Moments like these are what make life worth living.

Congratulations to Micaela and Michael.  Wishing you all the joy life can bring.  Your album looks so beautiful, cannot wait to get it to you.

Sincerely, Brooke and Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Ceremony- St Stephens of Hungary NY, NY
Reception: Tribeca Rooftop NY NY
Floral Design- Opalia Flowers
Reception Music- Hank Lane & Kevin Osbourne
Hair- Oksana @ Michael Christopher: http://michaelchristopherhairstudio.com
Dress, Shoes and accessories- Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses- Kimera
Grooms Tux- Calvin Klein
Taxi Cab for Limo- Filmcars
Assistant Shooter- David Lau

Shari, along with her mom and sisters, got ready with all the excitement and anticipation that could only be found during pre-wedding celebrations.  I loved this moment when Shari peeked over her shoulder to admire her dress.

Shari and her mom busting with excitement.

We captured some lovely portraits of Shari taken before the ceremony.  I swear that at every wedding I say that this bride is the happiest bride I’ve ever photographed.  It’s very true – but Shari had a smile on her face and sparkle in her eye that would warm your heart.  We’re so happy for her!

Eric is loving our new tilt shift lens so much that I haven’t even had a chance to try it yet, geesh, what a hog!  Here is one image he captured before the festivities began.  The Rabbi and Shari’s Dad are looking over the Ketubah.  Great job Eric!

The Bedeken is one aspect of a Jewish ceremony that we only get to see a couple times a year.  I am the worst at translating these traditions so please excuse my description.  You can google Bedeken to learn more.  The festivities began with the bride and groom in separate rooms.  Shari was seated on a regal chair with her mother by her side and room full of joyful guests.  Craig was in another room celebrating with the men and signing the Ketubah.  After the Ketubah is signed musicians begin playing music and start the parade.  Everyone claps and sings together as Craig is joyfully paraded in to see his bride.  It is such a touching moment and always brings tears to my eyes.

Isn’t this moment just to die for? The ceremony room and Chuppah were absolutely beautiful.  They chose beautiful golden, copper tones.  If you have ever been to our house you would know that we love orange.

I love this photo of Shari’s 4 sisters, her niece, and Craig’s two daughters.  The entire family was so happy for them and the day was filled with laughter.

There were so many beautiful portraits of the bride and groom after the ceremony.  It was so hard to choose which ones to give you a sneak peek of.  I basically had to just close my eyes and pick out two.  Both lovely moments that capture the old world feel of the streets in this neighborhood.

The last wedding I photographed I was pregnant.  It was quite freeing to not have to feel so protective of my body.  I thought to myself, OK, this is just me now, I can take some risks and not be such a wuss. That being said, the Horrah was wild!  This ladies Horrah was one of the craziest I have ever seen.  At one point I stood on a chair in the distance because I was afraid for my life in that circle.  I also didn’t want to knock any one out with my big old camera and elbows.  These women were so pumped up with adrenaline and joy that they were fearless!

Eric never has an issue fending for himself during the Horrah so I can’t speak for him but I know he was very excited about what he captured.  I chose to show this image of Craig and his dad because I remember the Horrah at my own wedding, a moment when it was just my mom and I in the middle of this circle of craziness.  It felt like we were together standing still, enjoying the moment, as the world spun crazy around us. 

I love this photo, Shari is holding on for dear life as Craig is casually enjoying the ride with a glass of water.

So once again, congratulations to Shari and Craig.  May your lives together be filled with two fold the love and happiness that I experienced on your wedding day.

Thank you for choosing Be Creative Photography!

Ceremony & Reception:  Bayards
Florist:  Flower Pot Florist
Stationary Designer:  Ann Fisher
Hair:  Shuki at Warren Tricomi Salon

I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!

Aren’t these two so cute together.  Great style, beautiful smiles and they go so well together!

Bryant park is such a great place for pictures!  When we set up the timeline together, we left plenty of time to walk around and explore.

What a great alternative to the traditional wedding band.  If you are a fan of tatoos check out Jess and Ralphs wedding from years ago.

Iris’ dress had such beautiful movement.  I shock myself noticing “movement” in dress, haha.  This is Brooke’s influence on me.  Must be all that Project Runway we’ve been watching.

The family started to gather at the front of the Bryant Park Restaurant, when we skooted by them everyone cheered with glee.

Her dress was so flowy, I had to get a great walking shot. Iris and Kevins beloved children had their little shout out at the wedding too.  If we had Maggie at our wedding you better believe she would have plastered all over.  Heck, she probably would have been there with us.

This little boy deserves his own shoot.

I’m going to be posting more pictures like this on the blog.  It’s a very simple picture of Kevin’s mom.  But this is the kind of picture, after it’s all said and done, that has the greatest value.  How many people have a great picture of their mom laughing hysterically?  I wish I had one from my wedding.

They prepared a terrific sideshow, it was emotional and funny.  Loved it!What characters!  Andrew Andrew were great!

I couldn’t help posting this, too funny!

Their friend put on an amazing performance.  At one point he was playing multiple instruments at once, very entertaining and it sounded great. Below is the email we received from Iris and Kevin a few days after I delivered their pictures.  Iris Kevin, thank you for choosing Be Creative Photography, and thank you for taking the time to send the email below, it means way more then you can imagine!

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Hi Eric

WOW!!!  Kevin and I LOVE all the pictures and especially the slideshow!  We literally stayed up until 3 in the morning on Friday night looking through all of the pictures.  And fortuitously, my mom came into the city this weekend, and we showed her and my brother and sister in law all of the pictures last night as well, which of course, they all loved.  Everyone has been highly impressed with the artistry and as well as the quality of the pictures and the speed with which you managed to turn them around.  I loved the beautiful pictures that you got as well, of our beloved cat and dog, even the one of them in the same shot! (the cat really seems to hate the dog as the new interloper).  I also LOVED that you got pictures of all of the amazing food and dessert!  I didn’t get to eat hardly anything during the entire festivities, but heard rave reviews from all of our guests – it’s nice to have beautiful pictures of the food and the space as well, I might add, as part of the lasting images of the day.  We also love the pictures that you got of our awesome DJ duo – aren’t they such characters?  We are going to send them some of the pictures you took of them – I bet they would love to see them.

We have been so very happy that we found you for our special day – you approached our day with cheerful enthusiasm (despite the threatening rain, which fortunately held off!) and fresh creativity.  I was also impressed with how well you had scoped out the scenery and surroundings in advance, which added, I’m sure, to what was already a very long day.  Allen, your second shooter, was a pleasure to work with as well, so please extend to him our gratitude and thanks as well.  We are going to recom
mend you to all of our friends, and hope to be lucky enough to have future occasions for you to come do additional sessions for us.

Sincerely

Iris & Kevin

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Reception Venue:  Bryant Park Grill Restaurant in New York City
DJ:  Andrew Andrew
Lighting and Decor:  Eclipse Entertainment
Hair & Makeup:  Butterfly Studio Stacey- Hair, Francesca-Makeup
Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman
Dress:  Oscar de la Renta
Assistant Shooter:  Allan Zepeda