http://www.izaca.com/albums/Justin-Yvonne/

I flew in Thursday, started “working” Friday as Justin and Yvonne were still getting a few details wrapped up (along with some pampering including Justin’s luxurious 2 hour shave!) and I thought it would be good to start shooting the day before.

Saturday was a whirlwind…Justin and Yvonne had a fantastic ceremony that was absolutely beautiful at St. Columba’s Church in Derry. The reception took place in Castle Grove Country House - a remote manor perfect for an intimate wedding. Among others, Justin delivered a legendary “groom’s toast” as is the tradition in Ireland for the groom to prepare a toast. After a live performance delivered by singer songwriter Drew De Four, a couple of hours of Irish tunes began. I definitely don’t think I’ve ever been offered so many drinks; and since I was staying the night, I eventually put down my camera and joined the good times… it was irresistible. The dance party went late into the night… very late into the night…

The next day, because I was staying with Justin and Yvonne, I persuaded them to get back into their wedding attire and to go out and do some more relaxed shooting in Justin’s backyard, which allowed me more time to be creative. Justin’s “backyard” is really a barley field that stretches into an inland bay. Not a minute after we get ourselves situated, it begins to rain - maybe I’m sadistic but Justin’s father runs over and pops an umbrella over me while I shoot like a mad woman a newlywed couple getting drenched. The result? Most definitely some of the best wedding photography I’ve ever produced; and in the end they loved it. Right? I hope. No I’m just joking, the pictures speak for themselves! Have a look!

In any case, here’s all my love to Justin and Yvonne for indulging in some of my whims and for being amazing friends. Oh, and a big shout out to Hugh, Justin’s father, who was remarkably kind to drive me to the airport the next day at 3am. Irish hospitality… amazing.

Love
Isabelle

Since Scott and Ella are practically family, I didn’t do my usual routine of Collage - Slideshow - Album, and instead just did a simplified Story Slideshow highlighting the moments of their day. Here  it is:

http://www.izaca.com/albums/Scott-Ella/

ENJOY!

Love

Isabelle

Ben and Linda had the fair luck of a wedding date on the same weekend as the Washington D.C. Cherry Blosson Festival, so the crowds were thick, all pouring into downtown. I took mental note to tell them our beloved metro wedding pictures weren’t going to pan out, and that we would probably stay above ground.

Arriving at the O Mansion I got down to work right away with Ben and Linda’s prep pictures. I still got lost several times going back and forth between their rooms as the Mansion is full of hidden doorways, dis-jointed hallways, stairs that only go to one floor, etc. Once I memorized the specific path between the two I was all right I really loved finding a mirror or bookcase that opened onto another room!

Once prepped, we jetted in DC cab style to the National Building Museum, a gorgeous hall full of thick marble columns and archways galore. Apparently out of at least 300 some days of the year it is empty without a soul, but today was not one of those days. Remember the Cherry Blossom Festival part? But on the third floor we found some peace and I got THE most gorgeous pictures of the two, bathed in this deep sunlight with glowing marble all around them. Yowzer -

Back to the O Mansion, the ceremony was one of the most moving and original I’ve ever seen, written entirely by the bride and groom with help from some friends. To say it was completely genuine would be understating it. My favorite line from their vows was “I, Ben/Linda, promise to nurture your dreams…”

The rest of the night I spent eating delicious desserts, photographing the quirky antiques of the mansion of which there are an infinite amount, and taking pictures of guests. The antiques include: a signed guitar from Bob Dylan; fat ladies in tiger costumes; a human-sized rabbit dressed as a fool with a hat and cane sitting in a chair; a wall-sized frosted-angel mirror in the elevator; a viking chair with tusks as arm rests, etc, etc.

The theme of things being hidden and secret crept into my photography. So once you see the album design, I challenge you all to find at least three pictures where there is actually more than one thing being shown…

Overall, I can safely say Ben and Linda’s pretty alternative wedding absolutely rocked, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself morning to night, and it was totally awesome getting to know such an amazing couple. Hey Ben and Linda… can you help me plan my wedding?

Enjoy the collage!

Isabelle

***Update*** Here is the album!

http://www.izaca.com/albums/Ben-Linda/

Page 2…

***Update*** Here is the album!

http://www.izaca.com/albums/Proctor-Mauslof/

Here is a collage from the day:

Here are few pictures from the day!!!

Just got this blog up on my wedding page, so this is my first post about my wedding photography as opposed to my photojournalism/travel blog on my other site (www.izaca.com) which has a completely different focus.

I did an amazing wedding two weeks ago: Leah and Carrie - I was really blown away by the thoughtfulness, detail, and spontaneity of the wedding, not to mention how unusual and special it was. The two brides (that’s right, two!) performed a “commitment ceremony” because California is the only state to allow legal marriage between gay couples (and only very recently so, I think the decision came a month ago). Held in downtown Washington D.C. the preparation, ceremony, and reception were all held in one lovely place and really blended the event together well.

It started by me walking back and forth between their rooms as they were getting ready and into their gowns - both of them wore beautiful wedding gowns which they picked without seeing the other’s! - and I just couldn’t wait until the ceremony. Preparation and ceremonies tend to be my favorite part of the day because I get the best facial expressions, best photos opportunities, most intimate setting, and really the most unique aspects of the event. When I attend weddings as a guest, of course, my favorite part is the late-night dance party…

Back to the wedding: two brides, two gowns, one ceremony. One of the most meaningful ceremonies I’ve ever been to, starting with the signing of the Ketubah, and ending with the crash of glass between two lovely slippered feet.

The rabbi said something which I think surmised the day well: they may not be married before a state, but they are married under the eyes of God.

Here are some of my favorite moments of the day

What a great wedding! Please leave any comments or feedback you have, I’ll be more than happy to answer questions etc.

-Isabelle

Some of my favorite moments: