Tag: bloomsburg engagement

Tana and Bart’s McCloone’s Pier House Wedding | Long Branch Wedding | Allie Skylar Photography

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light and airy NJ wedding photography at ocean place resort and spa

All in all, 2017 was amazing.  I had some of the best weddings, worked with the most amazing couples, and grew in a way I never thought possible.  The end of the wedding season was an all out sprint, with the addition of family sessions and trying to balance some sort of personal life (hahaha yeah right…).  I can’t imagine a better place to spend the last wedding of the year than the beach.  Sure, maybe not when it’s freezing, but as far as a state of mind, it was the ideal place to wind down.  So thank you Tana and Bart…. not only for being two of the kindest people, but for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the magic that only the ocean can give.

Due to the early cold that hit the shore in November, Tana and Bart opted (wisely) for an indoor wedding, portraits and all.  Their first look was in the Ocean Place Resort, on the Mezzanine high above onlookers.  We roamed the halls of the resort and found tucked away spots for portraits, never lacking any light on the gloriously bright day.  I’m not sure if I have ever seen two people so effortlessly happy!  Looking at their photos, I can almost hear Bart and Tana giggling.

After portraits, we hopped down the boardwalk (hopped…. haha….. battled the gale force winds!) to McCloone’s Pier House for the ceremony and reception.  McCloone’s Pier House in Long Branch is one of my favorite wedding venues!  It sits out over the sand, reaching towards the Atlantic, surrounded by some of the nicest strip of boardwalk New Jersey has to offer.  They have an effortless way of bringing the beach indoors, down to the littlest detail.

I’m pretty sure the glass windows were vibrating as Tana, Bart, and their loved ones danced and celebrated.  A nightcap with pizza and faces tired from smiling, and the last wedding of 2017 is going down as one of the best.

Here are some of my favorites!

Continue reading “Tana and Bart’s McCloone’s Pier House Wedding | Long Branch Wedding | Allie Skylar Photography” →

Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life

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‘Tis the season of giving!  It’s always nice to spread some holiday cheer to people who are especially dear to you, like your photographer!  While you might be tempted to send them a photo album of the photos they took for YOU, or reminders of due dates, here are a few better ideas.

 

non-photography relater gifts to get your wedding photographer

How to Create Ambient Lighting at Your Wedding Reception | Allie Skylar Photography

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bride and groom dance their first dance under twinkling lights at stroudsmoor country inn

Ah, the wedding reception.  The hard part is over and it’s time to relax!  It’s time to dance, catch up with family and friends, and eat.  But chances are, at this time of the night, there will still be important moments that you want your wedding photographer to capture.  First dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, cake cutting…. just to name a few.  The natural light is probably gone, and those iPhone photos just won’t cut it anymore.

So how exactly do photographers create those dreamy, natural looking reception photos?  And what can you do to help?

Ambient light, my friends, is all it is!  Photographers set their cameras to absorb (for want of better words) any natural light that is flooding the room.  The aide of one or more flash is most definite, but too much flash and too little ambient light can lend to a very 1980’s vibe.  Most venues have plenty of ambient light, yet some, usually those with outdoor dance floors, might be lacking.  So here are some tips to set the room and get the most dreamy reception photos possible!

tables decorated for a wedding at the ballroom at ellis preserve

  1. Sting lights-  It’s that easy!  And bonus- it’s Christmas time, so lights are everywhere!  Make sure and get white or warm- multi-colored lights will make your photographer cry.
  2. Candles- Not always possible, but candles add a warm glow around the tables and cut the shadows.
  3. DJ uplighting- Talk to your DJ/Band about the available uplighting they might have.  Be wary of those laser lights with multi-colored dots- they can be a nightmare!
  4. Chandeliers- It’s a give-in.  If your reception has them, keep them lit for the special dances!
  5. Lit walls- You know those blankets of twinkling lights?  So so dreamy!  If you are trying to dress up a more rustic space (think brick wall) and can’t install an chandelier, these lights could be the perfect backdrop to your dances!

couple dance in the Ballroom at Radnor Valley Country Club

For those outdoor receptions, I suggest stringing larger bulbed cafe lights across the dance floor and adding TONS of lighting around the dance floor in the form of candles, lanterns, lights, etc.

You can never have too much ambient light.  Keep it soft, keep it neutral, and keep it in line with your vision.  If your DJ and Venue plan to get the dancing going by turning off the lights, make sure and leave just a few twinkling.

bride and groom dance their first dance at Edel Haus Farms in NJ

 

The Farmhouse at Peoples Light Wedding | Jillian and Evan | Malvern Wedding Photography

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As the night came to an end and I drove away from the twinkling cafe lights at People’s Light and theater, I remember thinking to myself, “That was just lovely and perfect.”  Jillian and Evan and their team worked incredibly hard to craft the perfect day, and it went off without a hitch.  Even the weather!  I am so incredibly lucky to worm with couples who are kind and loving and joyful.  Jillian and Evan are what made their day so memorable, and there wasn’t a dry eye to argue.

Jillian, oh sweet Jillian.  When you meet her, you just instantly adore her.  She’s basically everything I am not; graceful, poised, and soft spoken.  I envy some of her many qualities.  And her DRESS.  Let’s add brave, confident, and drop dead gorgeous to the list.  And then there is Evan.  I can’t imagine a groom smiling more on his wedding day.  From start to finish, there was a grin pasted on his face.  You could see just how excited he was to marry his soul mate.

After vows and rings were exchanged, we headed to one of my favorite venues, the Farmhouse at Peoples Light and Theater.  The ivory hues were accented with garlands of eucalyptus and lush, bold flowers.  Moving toasts, wild first dances, and the most insanely amazing dance choreographed to Grease (as in Lightning), and the real celebration began.

I couldn’t be happier or more honored to have been a part of Jillian and Evan’s beautiful day.  It was in a word…. perfect. Continue reading “The Farmhouse at Peoples Light Wedding | Jillian and Evan | Malvern Wedding Photography” →

Bloomsburg’s Barn at Boone’s Dam Wedding | Celia and John | Pennsylvania Wedding Photography

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In the peak of Autumn, Celia and John stood in front of the Barn at Boones Dam along fishing creek, read each others vows, and passed their wedding rings to each guest.  With a romantic, sweeping kiss, they celebrated their love in front of their family, friends, and children.  And never have a seen a happier couple prance down the aisle, husband and wife.

Our morning started out with quiet cuddles, naps, and bottle feedings.  Celia and John’s day was about more than just the two of them- it was about their small family of 4.  Father/daughter and mother/son dances were shared through generations so that Cam and Marlowe could dance with their Mom and Dad, and mid ceremony, the cutest wedding crasher crawled into Celia’s arms, flashing his smile (and pull up) to the guests.  Bridesmaids held gorgeous hand crafted bouquets and the occasional toy car.  I’ve never seen a group of people love on two kids so much, and in turn, love on Celia and John.

The Barn at Boones Dam was cozy and inviting, decorated in lace and elegant warmth.  As guests danced the night away, there was no lack in community.  Celia and John have weaved their love through the town where their love began, and as John’s best man stated, it isn’t odd to be walking with John down Main Street and hear people yell from passing cars, “Hey!  John Gray!”  You get back what you put out, and John and Celia were surrounded by warmth and love.

I have loved watching this family grow over the past year.  I can’t wait to see where the future takes them! Continue reading “Bloomsburg’s Barn at Boone’s Dam Wedding | Celia and John | Pennsylvania Wedding Photography” →