Bryan Avigne Photography Blog

Alison and Derek - Studio 450, New York City

2010-08-23T11:41:00.001-07:00

If I had to think of a wedding that had the most "ongoings", it would have to be Alison and Derek's. This is a tale of two photographers, a couple in love and one hell of a rain storm.

We started the day by checking into the 25th floor of the Flatotel in Manhattan and continued with the prep shots as normal. The usual day except one of the bridesmaids had broken her leg a few days prior. She was a champ. No pain meds and a smile all night - even during the walk down the aisle and the introduction of the wedding party.

The ceremony and reception took place at Studio 450 in the city. As Alison was finishing last minute touches prior to meeting Derek at the end of the aisle, she realized she had lost an earring and asked that I go back into my photos to see if I could find when she last had it. What a digital revolution - not only did we see where she lost it (cross walk in Times Square), we grabbed a shot of it as it fell off of her ear - midway between earlobe and shoulder. A lost cause at this point, a couple crafty bridesmaids somehow managed to turn one earring into two. It was simply genius.

OK, fast forward through the ceremony, which had the photographers in tears, and end at the formal shots out on the rooftop of the building. We could see a storm rolling in. And when I say "see", there was a definitive black line separating blue sky and torrential downpour (see below). We hurriedly grabbed wedding party shots with wind blowing like crazy. Innocent bystanders holding my lights so they wouldn't fly away. And yes, lighting. Troopers to hold metal stands as we were surrounded by streaks. We finished just as the first drop fell.

The reception was filled with great music, great dancing and great people. This was the first time we were ever asked to sit at a guests table to eat our dinner. It was really sweet. And aside from a pair of split pants as one of the guests busted his moves, the reception ended flawlessly.

Now, these posts really never have anything to do with me, BUT, when we got back to the hotel around 12:30am, the elevators were out. Remember that 25th floor? Well, we climbed it - camera bags, lightstands and all. After flight 8, we were severely regretting our decision but kept on truckin', breaking every 3 flights. Oh, and did I mention it was about 90 degrees in that stairwell?

It was a night to remember so please enjoy these photos as we enjoyed taking them.

Allison and Mike - Tappan Hill Mansion, Tarrytown, NY

2010-08-17T07:16:00.001-07:00

It was one of those days when the temperatures exceeded 90 degrees with high humidity and the mission was to get some shots of the groom and his wedding party on the bocce court. Even though we felt like we were melting into the stone surface, it was totally worth it with the shots we got. However, it was the pool that really drew our attention. The first photo is what we WISHED we could do. Admittedly, it is Photoshop's, but hey - the idea was there! And besides, there was no time to dry off before heading to the Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, New York for the reception.

Sharon and Jay - Candlewood Inn, Brookfield, CT

2010-07-22T11:04:00.001-07:00

MJ's Thriller. Custom-dyed Chuck Taylors. Blueberries. Air flute? The details of this wedding were awesome and it certainly had no lack of dance moves. I have to say, Sharon rocked that dance floor. And while Jay did a pretty good job keeping up, his new bride was bustin' moves the entire night. Had to be the shoes…..

We started the day at Adam Broderick Salon in Southbury, Connecticut where Sharon was getting her hair and makeup done. Along the way we met some new friends as the staff there was remarkable. I suggest asking for Blu if you need a makeup artist who knows her stuff and is charming along the way. As you can see below, Sharon's makeup was very natural but popped in the camera.

We then headed over to The Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, Connecticut for the ceremony and reception. Shooting the Chuck's and the heals were a must and Sharon rocked that as well. A natural on the dance floor, and in front of the camera, she proved worthy of the cover of her bridal magazine (look closely at the first shot. Yes that's her on the cover!).

As I was shooting the girls in the bridal suite, Neil Landino (my 2nd photog for the day) was hard at work shooting the guys by the docks. The coolest part of this group was the 2 groomsgirls (sorry guys). A first in my book, they showed the guys how it was done and looked great standing by Jay's side.

So, thank you guys for a really great time. Looking forward to spending some time together off the clock!

Erin and Nicole - Harkness State Park, Waterford, CT

2010-07-20T04:56:00.001-07:00

The fog was like something out of a John Carpenter movie. It came in, went out and repeated. But it was the best backdrop we could have asked for and we used it to our advantage.

I first met Erin and Nicole at Harkness State Park in Waterford, Connecticut for their engagement shoot and we hit it off immediately. We hit the ground running trying to beat the weather. Not only did we battle the fog, but rain drops scattered the area as well. It proved to be perfect as the sun would break through every so often, but there was just enough rain to keep the crowds to a minimum. It was as if we had the place to ourselves.

Emmy & Pablo - The Meadowlands, Darien, CT

2010-07-13T04:58:00.001-07:00

I first met Emmy and Pablo on the day of their engagement shoot. The chemistry was awesome and we had a really good time walking around the Williamsburg, NY waterfront.

3 weeks later, the wedding day proved to be more of the same. They exchanged vows at the Meadowlands in Darien, CT. The scene felt like a quaint backyard wedding with families from two different countries coming together as one.

Ally & Dave - Black Rock Yacht Club - Bridgeport, CT

2010-07-07T07:48:00.001-07:00

I have to admit that my favorite part about Ally and Dave's wedding had to be the British accents. I'm a sucker for them. And there were certainly plenty to go around as Dave's family came from across the pond to attend his marriage to Ally.

The ceremony and reception took place at the Black Rock Yacht Club in Bridgeport Connecticut. The sun was shining (brightly) and the sea gulls were singing "here comes the bride." OK, exaggeration, but you can picture it right? The docks made for a great place for formals and shots of the bride and groom. So as the sun started to sink, we headed out for a few quick pics to capture the perfect light.

Cheers mates!!!

Jamie and Matt - Saybrook Point Inn, Old Saybrook, CT

2010-06-25T01:41:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of second shooting Jamie and Matt's wedding for Neil Landino at the Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, CT. The wedding day was the first time I met the couple, but it was as if we knew each other for years. Ready and willing to get their photos taken at any point, they made our jobs easy.

Emmy and Pablo - East River State Park

2010-06-24T11:36:00.001-07:00

9:00am in Brooklyn. Well, Williamsburg to be precise. The destination was East River State Park. I met Emmy and Pablo there just as the gates to the park opened. The day was filled with everything from toy trains to concrete jungles to a run in with the law. Talked our way out of that one!

Glad I was able to post these a mere 2 days before the wedding!

Rachael and Pete Engagement - Gouveia Vineyards,Wallingford, Connecticut

2010-06-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

From red wine to white wine to spiderman boxers to a fear of ticks to Paris, this engagement shoot had it all. We started the night at Rachael and Pete's house. The goal? To capture a family shot with their new puppy, Paris. Unbelievable to all of us she cooperated. Great start.

From there, Rachael, Pete and I hit Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, Connecticut just before sundown. After a bottle of white, we ventured into the fields. A spectacular sky and a spectacular couple make for a perfect combination for pics. (Being a bit tipsy doesn't hurt either). Check out some of the results below. Thanks guys for a wonderful night.

Kate and Mark - White Sands Beach, Old Lyme, CT

2010-05-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

May 16, 2010 proved to be a great day to ride around with the tops down, stop for a hot dog with the works and take some photos at White Sand Beach in Old Lyme. There was a little bit of a chilly wind and the sun was strong at times, but Kate and Mark persevered. It proved to be a really good and I think we're all looking forward to the wedding.

Dannielle and Al - Hammonasset Beach

2010-05-04T06:27:00.001-07:00

A Sunday night that couldn't have granted more luck. We had scheduled this engagement shoot for weeks and we had to do it this particular Sunday night in order to meet the deadline for Dannielle and Al's Save The Dates. Well, it poured all day and we were nervous about how we were possibly going to fit in the shoot. At 5pm (our scheduled start time) the skies cleared and the sun broke through. We managed to shoot for a couple hours under beautiful light. 10 minutes after we wrapped it up ….. it started raining again. Lady luck was on our side.

Alison and Derek Engagement Shoot - NYC

2010-04-23T08:37:00.001-07:00

Sunday April 18, 2010 was the perfect day to be in the city. Spring had sprung and the weather prooved it. I met Alison and Derek at Rockefeller Center where they were engaged. We then decided to "wing it" and just walk the city to find some cool spots to shoot. We did have one destination though - Midtown Comics. Derek is a big comic lover (as seen in the Green Lantern t-shirt) so we wanted to make sure we had some photos there. Turns out, Derek is Alison's hero.

Post Production Rocks!

2010-04-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

What do you do when you're shooting the formals of the groom and his groomsmen and the bride's brother is missing? Answer: shoot the brother separately then strip him in later. As you can see from the photos below, Photoshop is a great tool when it comes to post-production issues. I was able to merge the two shots into one and save the day!

FINISHED PRODUCT.....

Winfred Rembert Gallery Opening

2010-04-09T05:53:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, April 6 was a great night for a celebration of life, of freedom and of becoming someone. I had the pleasure of shooting the gallery opening for Winfred Rembert. Growing up in Georgia, Winfred withstood the hardships of growing up on the cotton fields and working on a chain gang. He recounted his story for us and in his words stated, "Tonight I am someone". His demeanor and instant charm won the hearts of the crowd. He showcased his voice with a version of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come'. The rendition brought tears to the eyes of those who listened and allowed us a peak into a world most don't understand. Even "Mr. Moon River", Andy Williams, was moved from the raspy, tear-filled words Winfred sang. This was one of my most moving moments on a shoot and I thank Adelson Galleries for their generosity in allowing me to take part.

Please take a moment to check out Winfred's artwork. It is a unique treatment of dye on tooled leather. His work is inspired from his childhood memories of the deep south and depict the true lives of African Americans during the 1950's.

To view pieces from Winfred's collection, please stop by:
Adelson Galleries
19 East 82nd Street
New York, NY 10028-0302
(212) 439-6800

Allyson and Dave - Central Park, New York, NY

2010-02-26T07:04:00.001-08:00

Just a walk in the park. It's a totally different view of the park when there's snow on the ground. Despite the wind and the 30 degree temps, we had a great day for the shoot.

Now Accepting Credit Cards

2010-02-26T05:00:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that Bryan Avigne Photography now accepts credit cards for all transactions from wedding packages to albums to single prints.

Launch of New Website

2010-01-13T06:10:00.001-08:00

I've totally redesign my website. I feel it shows the images in a more elegant manner. I thank all of my couples for being so wonderful.

http://www.bryanavigne.com

Some of the new features include:

A "featured" link showing the most recent shoots
Categorized wedding galleries
Client access for proofing with shopping cart
Scalable images with browser window
Facebook link
Music

Please check it out. Comments are always welcome.

Laura and Rocco - Elizabeth Park, Hartford, CT

2010-01-04T01:26:00.000-08:00

An engagement shoot in the snow. A bit cold, but it was totally worth it. The forecast called for snow, but not until later in the day. So, what is one to do? Make it. Between throwing fistfuls of snow in the air, and the wonders of Photoshop, we created a winter wonderland.

The excitement took place at Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT - the same spot where Rocco proposed to Laura. The park is usually known for its abundant rose gardens, but with the winter frost, the scene was more like a Harry Potter sequel.

With the thrill of the engagement photos, I am looking forward to the wedding. Stay tuned ……

Lindsay & Ryan - Society Room, Hartford, CT

2009-12-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

The last wedding of the season - and boy was it one to remember. Lindsay and Ryan were married at the First Congregational Church in Granby, CT. We then headed to Bushnell Park and the capitol building to shoot some "formals". Little did I know that everyone had their jumping shoes on … and the guys had on their argyles!

The reception was at the Society Room in Hartford. This was my first time shooting there, but I'd love to go back. The coolest part, I thought, was the fact that Lindsay and Ryan had a table with a cigar roller from Connecticut Cigar Company rolling hand-made cigars for all the guests. Nice touch.

I want to give a special thanks to my good friend Kristin from Picture Everything for shooting with me. She is a remarkable talent. She's responsible for the barber shop photos and the idea for the rings on the Twizzlers. Thank you - thank you!

Congratulations guys. And thank you for a really good time.

Claire & Peter - Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn, New York

2009-11-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

A Halloween wedding that was anything but scary. In fact, the fall foliage created such a peaceful backdrop for outdoor photos it was hard to believe there might be ghouls and goblins running amuck. Claire and Peter were so much fun to work with and had permanent smiles the entire evening. And kudos to Claire - the first bride I've ever met who made her own dress!

The ceremony and reception took place at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens - Brooklyn, New York and was officiated by Carissa Templeton of Two-In-Love Ceremonies. It was great to work with such a group of professionals to help the night run so smoothly.

Courtney and Dan - Jones Farm, Shelton, CT

2009-11-03T06:12:00.001-08:00

Pumpkins, Christmas trees and hay rides. Makes for a festive engagement shoot and set the mood for the upcoming holidays. At Jones Farm in Shelton, CT, you can do all of the above. Thank you Courtney for introducing me to white pumpkins. They are now my new favorite.

Jackie & Frank - Greenwich, CT

2009-10-30T05:38:00.001-07:00

This was my first time meeting Jackie and Frank, but it was as if I've known them for years. Thank you to Neil Landino for letting me second shoot this wedding with him. And congratulations to the newleyweds.

Jillian & Craig - Fox Hill Inn, Brookfield, CT

2009-10-26T07:26:00.001-07:00

It poured! It rained cats and dogs! Animals lined up in pairs in front of the church! But how cool was it? Jill and Craig - you guys were the best sports to go out and stop traffic so we could shoot in the deluge. Best of luck to you both.

Thanks to Dave Field for this image and for second shooting with me that day. Check out more of his work at www.strawberryrd.com.

Laurie & Ryan - St. Clements Castle, Portland, CT

2009-10-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

It was the perfect day to be wed by the Connecticut River. St. Clements Castle provided the perfect venue for Laurie and Ryan who looked like they were the king and queen of the place. Congratulations guys.

Keri and Casey - Loundsbury House, Ridgefield, CT

2009-10-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

The Loundsbury House created a perfect setting for Keri and Casey to trade vows. The wedding was one continuous party - from the outdoor bar on the patio to the photo booth to the rehearsed bridesmaid's dance. Thanks for a wonderful time guys and congratulations once again.

Lindsay and Ryan - New York City

2009-10-09T06:05:00.001-07:00

We walked, and walked and then walked some more. From Battery Park to the Seaport, to Wallstreet and back. Our dogs were hurting, but we had an awesome time.

Claire & Peter - New York City

2009-10-09T05:55:00.001-07:00

A stroll through Carl Shurz Park proved to be a great place to get some great shots. After dodging all the leashed dogs, we finally found some seclusion.

Erin & Nathan - Private Residence

2009-10-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

There is quite the intimacy created in a backyard ceremony. Erin and Nathan had perfect weather and a perfect ceremony. The reception followed at the Lily Lake Inn in Wolcott, CT. Congratulations guys!

A Promised Shout Out

2009-10-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

This one is going out to Melissa as promised. Gotta give her some props!

Gina & Travis - Owenego Inn, Branford, CT

2009-09-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

We were wondering if hurricane Bill was going to put a damper on the outdoor shots, but we lucked out. Instead of high winds and downpours, we had the most unbelievable sky.

Engagment Shoot Teasers

2009-09-23T07:50:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple shots from this past Sunday's double-header engagement shoot in NYC. Stay tuned ....

Alex & Andrea - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

2009-09-17T06:38:00.001-07:00

From Manhattan to Brooklyn and a bridge in between, Alex and Andrea had a wonderful day for their wedding. We really enjoyed spending the day in New York and having the opportunity to photograph all of the day's events. Congratulations!

Mason Gianni Under The Lights

2009-09-04T04:30:00.001-07:00

Mason is ready for the world , the major leagues and, of course, his close-up. How many babies have pinstriped pull-up?

Keri & Casey - Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens, Hartford, CT

2009-08-07T05:12:00.001-07:00

Taking time to smell the roses. Well there are certainly enough roses to smell in Elizabeth Park. Thanks to Keri and Casey for some wonderful shots in the Rose Gardens and the trees! I love when couples are up for anything.....

Andy & Dana - Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, CT

2009-07-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

Fireworks in the sky and between the couple. It was a perfect night for an outdoor reception and a meeting of countries. From just over the pond, Andy, an English gent, wed Dana. It was a great time - and who doesn't love an accent!? Congratulations!

For those who are interested - this was shot at ISO 25600! Love my Nikon D3.

3.5 second exposure with one strobe through a diffuser.�

A little someone ...

2009-07-08T11:53:00.001-07:00

Cooperative. Uncooperative. Cooperative. Uncooperative. Such is the case when photographing a baby. A little milk, a little binky and a little patience go a long way. And Trent followed the rules like a pro. He's a little angel and warmed up quite nicely for the camera.

Laurie & Ryan - New York City, NY

2009-06-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

If you get caught between the "rain?" and New York City. In a New York Minute. There are a million quotes about the Big Apple and an equal amount of photo opps. But I've never heard anything romantic ever said about the Subway. Well I think Laurie and Ryan might just inspire some to write about the love two can feel while riding the A line. Despite the weather, we were able to pull off some great shots. Thanks guys for the opportunity to explore the city. And inevitably, I "heart" NY!

Lauren & Eric - Jonathan Edwards Winery

2009-06-18T05:18:00.001-07:00

Wine, vino, vin, - no matter how you pronounce it, you can't deny the taste, aroma, or backdrop the grapes provide. And Jonathan Edwards Winery was no exception. Thank you to the staff who gave us the run of the place. A special place it is too - Eric proposed to Lauren on the premises a year ago to the day of the shoot. Cheers to the happy couple! And might I suggest a bottle of the 2007 Estate Connecticut Chardonnay.

Sharon & Jay - Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT

2009-06-09T06:12:00.001-07:00

May 31, 2009 - the weather was perfect for a stroll (or a photoshoot) in the park. Bushnell Park lent itself perfectly to photograph Sharon and Jay. Thank you both for a great day of fun. There was walking, a playscape, a carousel ride and the urban feel of a local alley. Perfect dichotomy. Congratulations!

Puppy Dog Eyes

2009-06-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

A new genre perhaps? After taking a couple grab shots of Maddie - this beautiful brown labrador, we may have to start photographing animals. Not only is she beautiful, but she has the personality to match. The eyes have it ......

We're a link on Martha Stewart Weddings

2009-05-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Now you can find us on Martha Stewart Weddings.com. As a member of Wedding Wire.com, we are also listed with the popular TV host's website.

Our link can be found by clicking here.

25% off Albums and Books - Promo ends June 8th

2009-05-19T05:15:00.001-07:00

As a jump start in this tough economy, we are promoting 25% off all our books and albums to our couples. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, shoot us an email or give us a call at 203-314-2065.

This offer is good for any leather-bound or modern album, proof books and coffee table books.

Oh Baby!!!

2009-04-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to this blog - the soon-to-be newest edition to a family. We await the arrival of Baby Mason. Stay tuned for the 3-day-old photos.

Kristin & Ali - Waterview, Monroe, CT

2009-04-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

The epitome of a good time - Kristin and Ali were ready to wed, to party and to pose. We had a really good time shooting this wedding. Congratulations to you guys and here's to a wonderful life!

Photo courtesy of Neil Landino Jr. (www.landinophoto.com)

Alex & Andrea - Baker Beach, San Francisco, California

2009-03-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Alex & Andrea for a wonderful engagment session. This was my first time in San Francisco and it certainly won't be the last. We lucked out with the weather as the forcast called for rain and I think we beat it by about an hour. We shot at Baker Beach with a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Enjoy!

San Francisco

2009-02-24T03:19:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be able to see San Fran for the first time this past week. Here are a couple images taken of the Golden Gate Bridge. But check back in about a week because I have some engagement pictures from Baker's Beach I'd like to share. For now, check these out.

See - anyone can take a beautiful picture. Even when you hand your camera to a complete stranger for vanity's sake.

New Branding

2009-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

We have updated our company image! The reasons are countless, but it's probably because I'm such a perfectionist. I always want the latest and greatest. But more so than that, the new logo doesn't imply the restricions of only wedding photography. We realize that we grow with our couples - engagement, wedding, pregnancy and family. We want to capture all of those memories with you. Hope you like it!

Pictage® Partnership

2009-02-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

We have partnered up with Pictage - the leading source for photographic needs. So what does this mean to you?

Online proofing
Pre-Registration for your wedding day and discounts for you and all of your guests
Special print pricing such as 2-for-1 prints
Beautiful Willowbrook and Custom digital albums
Canvas prints
... and much, much more.

Christmas Holiday

2008-12-24T00:41:00.000-08:00

Bryan Avigne Photography wishes everyone a safe holiday season and a joyous new year. Check back in 09 as we have some great new ideas in the works!

Jillian and Craig - McLaughlin Vineyards, Sandy Hook, CT

2008-11-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Wedding,Engagement,Connecticut Photography

Ahh, nothing like a great glass of vino and great people to share it with. This shoot was good time for all. Hey - there's something to be said about drinking before noon right? Thanks to McLaughlin Vineyards for letting us have full realm of the place and allowing us to set up in the tasting room.

And thanks to Jill and Craig for a wonderful moring (and the glass of wine)!

Brittany and Matt - Crystal Peak, Winchester, CT

2008-11-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

It's been said that rain on your wedding day is good luck. Well it's time to play the lottery. Even though the rain pushed the ceremony inside, everything went smoothly and was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to the lucky couple.

Gina & Travis

2008-10-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

What fabulous weather for a fabulous couple. New England in October - 70 degrees. Must be a sign that this couple's marriage is meant to be. I want to thank Gina & Travis for being the opening act of this blog site. Can't wait for the wedding!

Gift Certificates Now Available

2008-06-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

New to the site - gift certificates. Now you can purchase a $50, $100 or $200 certificate to be applied to any of our services including, wedding packages, family portraits, senior photos, reprints or enlargements.

A perfect gift for that special someone in you life.

Introductory Blog

2008-06-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

So this is the first of what I hope will be many blogs on this page. Please feel free to leave any questions, comments or opinions here. I'll try my best to keep this updated as "news" happens.

In the meantime, please check out our website at bryanavigne.com.

Thanks,
Bryan