So why should you do an Engagement Session?  Not only is it a good way to get to know your photographer but you will both “love it”, and remember it forever and Ever.  This is the one opportunity for you to have a professional portrait made other than the day you are in your formal weddingware. I have often been told that “It was one of the best dates we ever have”. Both grooms and brides often tell me how much they loved it, what a great memory it is now, how they never realized how much they could enjoy their time at a “photo shoot.” Even if you hate having your picture taken….  This is going to be a fun day!  Truthfully You will get better wedding photos if you have an e-session with your wedding photographer, 100% of the time even if you don’t choose me and here is why.  The e-session gets you comfortable with both your photographer and with the camera before the wedding. It also helps your photographer to see what angles flatter you the most, to see how you interact together as a couple, to see which of you squints when you smile to the point of your eyes vanishing, etc. All of this information helps us immeasurably on the wedding day.  The e-session is also very helpful for Family and friends.  They will have more confidence in your decisions on spending thousands of dollars on a photographer,  I can’t tell you how many times I have been introduced as “the photographer that did those amazing engagement photos”.  When your family and friends see your engagement photos and how gorgeous they are, they support your photography choices and relax around your photographer more quickly. That allows your photographer to capture the real emotions of guests as they let their guards down.

With the e-session photos, you or your photographer can make guest signing books or matted signing boards, reception cards, and other uniquely “you” decor for the reception. You will also have photos that you can used for save the date magnets, invitations, favors, programs, on line profiles, your wedding web site, a reception slideshow set to music, etc.  Please contact me and we will  be happy to share our samples with you.  Thanks…. Linda and Michael Paul.

Check out these great blogs listed above that posted our Irish Inspired Styled Wedding shoot:

Poptastic Bride | Studio DIY | With This Kiss | The Party Press Blog | Bridal Guide

The theme for this wedding seemed to come so naturally once we found that Sean & Amanda both have a passion for Irish Culture. It was easy to decide on a green and white luck theme for this married couple. With the couples’ excitement came a chance to be creative and realize that this couple is not only lucky to have each other but lucky to be in love, and we, as a team of wedding professionals also felt very lucky to be a part of this truly magical and blessed day. We filled the day with shamrocks everywhere, from the bouquets in shades of green and white, to the personalized green and white M&M’s, the cake surrounded by green Trix, the chairs dressed with white feathers, fur and sheer green ribbon, and of course who can forget the shamrock tattoo on the bride! This was truly a Massachusetts winter wedding that was filled with the luck of the Irish. We chose to incorporate many details that would ensure that luck would surely follow them throughout their lives and love. Placing a sixpence coin in one of the bride’s shoes will bring the couple luck in securing wealth and good fortune throughout their marriage. To see the bride put on her shoe with the sixpence coin was just another reminder of how traditions can make all the difference in your special day. The horseshoe is another symbol of good luck and an excellent wedding gift for their guests. The horseshoe must be hung in the home with the ends facing up so the luck doesn’t run out, and the couple chose to use horseshoes for their place cards. Not only did Sean and Amanda strive to have good luck but they also wanted every guest to also leave with the some luck of their own. To add to the horseshoes, on each menu card was placed a “Kiss Me Frog” charm for each guest to have. “The Kiss Me Frog has a heart that’s true, he will bring you love the whole year through. Kiss him each and every day and soon true love will come your way.” Sean and Amanda’s love for one another was so inspiring to see. “Lucky is the bride upon which the sun shines”. And what a beautiful day we had! The sun was shining and warm and when the flurries came and surrounded them it was as if they were being looked down upon from the heavens with the snowflakes intending to give the newlyweds good luck as well.

The Awesome Vendors:  Thank you for all of your help!!!!

Michael Paul Photo http://www.michaelpaulphoto.com

Hair and Makeup – Salon Tres Chic, www.salontreschicanddayspa.com
Menu, Place Cards, Invitations – Camilla Cartwright, Fairy deLight (no website)
Cupcakes and Cake – Hager Bros. Farm Market,

http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=1781

Jewelry – Imagine Jewelers, www.aksjewelry.com
Sixpence, Garter Charms, Flowerpots, Flowergirl basket, Ring Bearer
pillow, Garters, Pen Holder, Guest Book – Ivy Lane Design,
www.ivylanedesign.com
Personalized M&M’s – www.mymms.com
Shoes – Aliber’s Bridal; Designer, Coloriffics
Wedding gown – Aliber’s Bridal; Designer, Casablanca Bridals,
www.alibersbridal.com
Bolero Jacket, Sash – Aliber’s Bridal; Designer, Aliber’s Bridal,
www.alibersbridal.com
Floral Design, Table Settings – Floral Affairs of Greenfield,
www.floralaffairsofgreenfield.com
Ironwork – Morrell Metalsmiths, www.morrellmetalsmiths.com

Photographer:  Michael Paul Photo

Ceremony:  Johnson Chapel

Rings:  Blue Nile

Reception Venue:  The Blue Heron

Floral Design: Fairview Gardens

Cake: Henion Bakery

Conta-dance Band: Swallowtail

The official notice came in today.  In 2011 we photographed 21 weddings and I want to thank all of my brides for helping make the past year a great year.  Thank you all for choosing Michael Paul Photo to document your wedding day.

The Meadowlands is one of the most beautiful wedding venues just outside of New York City in Darien Connecticut.   It is a Georgian Colonial Revival house built in 1929 and know owned by the Darien Community Association.  It is available for weddings and an amazing spot for pictures.