Tag: philadelphia engagement photography

Longwood Gardens Engagement Photography | Hunter and Alyssa | Pennsylvania Engagement Photography

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Give me all the sunrise sessions. Morning is my favorite time of the day, and when you throw in an engagement session at Longwood gardens with two wonderful people, I’m not sure it can get any better!

I was so excited to hear that Hunter and Alyssa would be in town for Alyssa’s cousin’s wedding (which I photographed!). We were able to arrange our schedules for a sunrise engagement session, and not only did it fit in perfectly before their flight, but it gave us a couple of uninterrupted hours at Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is vastly popular and it’s so hard to find a quiet nook before the holidays. Hunter, Alyssa and I practically had the place to ourselves on that Sunday morning. There was a slight chill in the air, but the sun was out and the autumn colors were hanging on.

Hunter and Alyssa were two of the easiest people to work with. They both share my passion for travel, and I was able to hear of their travels to some of the places on my bucket list. I’m sure they were imagining being someplace warm while we were outdoors, but trust me when I say that it was worth it!

I am so excited for their wedding, which will be here before we know it (and much warmer mid summer!!!).

engaged couple celebrate at longwood gardens during their engagement session
engaged couple celebrate at longwood gardens during their engagement session
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Longwood Gardens Winter Engagement Session | Erin and Jay

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bride and groom kiss in the hallway at Longwood Gardens Christmas Spectacular

Usually when it snows, I prefer to stay inside, heated blanket on full blast, hot cocoa in hand, and an endless stream of classic chick flicks on hand.  Say the words “snowy Longwood Gardens Engagement Session” and all those visions of toasty toes fly out the frosted windows.

When Erin and Jay picked an early December date, we never dreamed we would get a chance to capture the first snow of the season.  I am so glad we did and SO happy that Erin is a tough chick who wears her heals and dresses in freezing weather.

We explored the indoors at Longwood Gardens, which was decked to the 9’s for Christmas, yet the crowds could be a bit pushy….. to the point of bear hugging Erin and Jay with shrieks of congratulations 🙂  If you haven’t been to the gardens in a while, it’s worth a trip to check out their renovated fountains— rain, snow, shine, they are breathtaking.

I am just head over heels for these two— and to think, a few years ago Erin and I worked the closing shift at Anthropologie!  I am so glad those late nights folding clothes led to this moment 🙂

Here are some of my favorites!

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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!

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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