Category Archives: Destinations

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Sarah & Scott’s Engagement Session in NYC

October 28, 2008 – 4:17 pm

When Sarah entered the bar that night she had no idea her life was about to change. Her friend recognized someone across the room – a high school classmate. It was Scott. Sarah’s friend went over to Scott to catch up, casually introducing the two. As the night went on, Sarah and Scott really hit it off. He made her laugh; she brought a smile to his face. They started dating right away and have been together ever since.

A year ago, Sarah and Scott moved from Colorado to Stamford for Scott’s job. Sarah quickly found a job in NYC and they have loved exploring their new surroundings. Since, their wedding will be in Colorado (the reception will be in the hotel that was used in the movie the Shining), Sarah and Scott decided to do their engagement pictures in NYC. What better way to represent their new home on the east coast?

When Sarah contacted us about doing engagement pictures in NYC, Rob and I were very excited. The city is really special to us – it’s where Rob proposed and it’s where we did our own engagement session. So it was very cool for us to go to some of those same locations with Sarah and Scott and retrace our steps, this time on the other side of the camera.

We started the day in Central Park, by the mall and the boat house. What we love most about Central Park is that even though it’s a very large park, it still feels like NYC. You’re away from the noise, the traffic and the skyscrapers, but it still has a definitive city feel. And it has so much to offer – the 40-foot wide Mall Promenade with it’s beautiful American Elm trees (where they filmed part of the movie Enchanted), the row boat area (where Carrie fell into the water on Sex and the City, and where my brother proposed to his wife), not to mention the tons of other buildings with incredible architecture and the street musicians that bring the park to life.

Afterward we headed over to the Brooklyn Bridge for a different feel. The bridge itself with it’s cables and archways makes for an awesome backdrop – the view of the city skyline makes it even better. We walked down into Brooklyn just in time for sunset. We finished the day at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where there is an breathtaking view of the city and the bridge, which is even cooler when all the lights come on. It was the perfect ending to a classic NYC session.

So please enjoy some photos from Sarah & Scott’s NYC Engagement Session, narrated of course by Rob :)

We started Sarah & Scott’s Engagement at the Mall in Central Park. This part of the park is one of our favorites parts, the American elm trees and benches lining the central promenade are simply beautiful.

Such a sweet moment.

When Kathleen and I had our engagement session we actually went to the park and I remember how much I liked these benches, this area is so peaceful, you almost forget you are in the middle of NYC.

I like to watch how couples look at each other, the way Sarah looked at Scott was so sweet.

We stopped for a quick portrait, these two were simply great!

I really love the stairs at the end of the central promenade especially from above.

Sarah & Scott started dancing while we were shooting from on top of the bridge, so awesome!!

They way Scott looks at Sarah is really sweet too!

Kathleen and I really loved this texture, it made for the perfect background.

After coming down the stairs there are beautiful archways, I really love New York!!

:)

We stopped by the fountain and Sarah & Scott stole a quick kiss.

This was too great!! This street performer (who by the way was awesome) looked over and started playing as Sarah and Scott sat there.

It was such a sweet moment, one that could have only happened in New York City.

The weeping trees in the park are beautiful.

Love this moment, it is so sweet with the row boats in the background.

One of my favorite silhouettes ever!!

After we finished in the park we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Before we got in the taxi Kathleen captured Sarah and Scott kissing as a bus went by, I really like the ad on the bus, I thought it added to the emotion.

It took a while but we finally made it to the Brooklyn Bridge, the lighting was so beautiful up there.

The architecture of the bridge is so great, I wanted to make sure we got that into some of their photos.

So sweet!!

I love how Sarah and Scott are looking at each other here.

As we were walking down to the park by the water where you can see the Brooklyn Bridge, Kathleen spotted this awesome building with crazy textures, colors and one solitary lightbulb, we simply had to get a quick shot there.

We got to the park and this to me is one of the places in the city with the coolest views. We thought it would be the perfect place to finish up Sarah & Scott’s Session. I really love it!!

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Engagement Sessions | Comments (9)

Elizabeth & Nelson’s Engagement Session in Washington DC

October 16, 2008 – 10:36 pm

They say that college is the time when you really discover who you are. Sometimes (if you’re really lucky) along that journey of self-discovery, you cross paths with your soul mate.

- Liz & Nelson -

They met in while in college at La Salle University in Philadelphia and have been together through law school, bar exams, long-distance and basic training. Here they are over 6 years later still making each other smile – they seem like they can’t get enough of each other. You could feel the energy between them. In fact, at the very beginning of the day, Rob told them how great their smiles are (check it out below!), and Liz said it’s very easy to smile, “especially when I’m looking at him.” How cute is that!?

After law school, Nelson didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk – so he joined the Marines, where he could practice law with more of a sense of adventure. Liz is also a lawyer and actually enjoys sitting behind a desk, pouring over books, problem solving and doing research. In fact, her current job gave her an opportunity to do some research at the Library of Congress. Even just walking around the city, you could see how well they work together. Nelson knew his way around because he used to jog around the landmarks although did not pay close attention to them. Liz had actually gone on several tours of the landmarks and knew all about them. In fact, Nelson was even surprised with how many little facts Liz knew about D.C. It became the joke of the day that Liz should be a tour guide for the city.

Monday was actually our first time meeting with Liz & Nelson, up until then we had only communicated through phone calls and e-mail. The four of us hit it off right away. It ends up we have quite a bit in common. Liz is from Connecticut (like Rob) and Nelson is from New Jersey (like me.) He was raised Catholic (like me) and she was raised Congregational (like Rob). They met in college – just like we did. And they’re planning a wedding from states away – exactly what we did. Plus, we even share the same political views, a discussion you’re bound to have while walking around D.C. a month before a presidential election.

Here are some of our favorites from Liz & Nelson’s session. Rob will narrate the photos below. Enjoy!! :)

The sky (and weather for that matter) was INCREDIBLE for Liz & Nelson’s engagement session in DC. We went to many places in the city but spent some time around the Washington Monument.

We actually started the day in the neighborhood around our hotel. There were some really cool urban textures that we thought it would be cool to shoot against. This one is Kathleen’s view…

…and this one is mine.

Liz has such a great smile, especially when she looks at Nelson.

We took the Metro over to the monuments. On our way into the station we couldn’t help but to take a few photos on the escalators…

…and by the trains as well. I think it really adds to the whole city feel.

Aren’t these two so sweet?! This was right by the Washington Monument, I have never been so this was cool for me to experience.

I love hands, they are so emotional.

We spent some time in the many parks surrounding the monuments.


This reflecting pool with the Lincoln Monument in the background was such a cool place to shoot.

:)

I made it a point to tell both Liz & Nelson that they had great eyes, they are such a beautiful and photogenic couple.

This one makes me laugh. Just as I started to take the shot, this runner came into the frame, I actually think it made the photo more interesting.

We headed over to the Lincoln monument for a some fun with the stairs, columns, textures and everything good!!

Here is Kathleen’s shot of them on the stairs…

…and here is mine.

Up on top of the stairs overlooking the reflecting pool.

This is one of my favorite black and whites, I love the clouds contrasting with the water from the pool.

I love when people think I am crazy when getting in interesting positions to get a shot. I actually had to lay on my back for this shot (in the middle of like a million tourists) take the photo upside down and then rotate it in post. I think it was totally worth it, I LOVE IT!!

This is a fun one.

On our way over to this really great restaurant for lunch (where we had mini-burgers and pizza - thank you to Liz & Nelson for taking us there!!) we stopped at another park because we thought the light was really nice.

It gave us a chance to relax for a couple of minutes…

…and have a little fun.

Again we really love hands, this one is a great shot that Kathleen got…

…while I got to have some tilt-shift fun.

How random is that door up there?!

Tilt-shift = :)

I spotted some grass surrounding some trees right in front of the White House, Nelson & Liz were up for anything so they laid right down in the grass. So awesome!

Some shadow love.

We really loved how happy a couple they are.

This was the last shot of the day and seemed to be the perfect way to finish this post. So sweet!!

Liz & Nelson – we had such a great time with you both. Thanks for our mini-tour, mini-burgers, and big laughs. We can’t wait for your wedding!!
Rob & Kathleen

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Engagement Sessions | Comments (44)

Michelle & David’s Wedding in Newport, RI

September 23, 2008 – 1:32 pm

On Friday, Kathleen & I along with Vicki made the trip over from Warwick to Newport for the wedding of Michelle and David. We had been looking forward to this wedding for a while for two reasons. One, we had never been to Newport before and couldn’t wait to see it. And second, we just couldn’t wait to photograph this couple again. We had a blast at their engagement session – they were so easy to talk to and fun to be around.

Michelle almost always has a smile on her face. She has such a positive energy. Spending time with her on the morning of the wedding, you couldn’t help but be excited along with her. She was just so happy. When you first meet David, you could be intimidated. He’s a police officer and is just plain built. But he is the perfect gentleman. Anyone who says chivalry is dead hasn’t met David – he was constantly helping Michelle with her dress, taking her hand, and just really caring for her.

The day started off at the Hyatt on Goat Island, where everyone was getting ready. We got there a little early so we could enjoy the drive into Newport and take in some of the beautiful surroundings. The view from the island is incredible – a great light house, tons of boats in the harbor, and the spectacular Newport Bridge. We met Michelle in the spa where she was getting ready, surrounded by family. They were all so comfortable with each other, it was hard to tell where one family ended and the other began. Guess it just goes to show that the families where meant to be joined.

The ceremony was at St. Anthony’s Church in Portsmouth. Michelle had told us we’re gonna love the church when we left to head over there – and she was right. It was a beautiful stone church with stained-glass windows lining each side. Michelle made her entrance with her brother on one side and her father on the other, her cathedral legnth train adding to the romantic setting. David teared up when he saw her walk down the aisle.

The reception was at Belle Mer, also located on Goat Island. The views from there was even more amazing – water right along one side and the Newport Bridge lit up in the night. Very romantic, and very Newport. We took advantage of the beautiful sunset on the harbor and then went across the street to get some shots on a dock surrounded by sailboats.

The party kicked off right away with the Heartbeat Dance Band getting the crowd going. The dance floor was packed most of the night, especially when David showed off his drum skills. Plus, these two can dance. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a couple that danced so well before.

Here are some photos telling the story of their day, we hope you enjoy as much as we enjoyed capturing them.

We started Michelle & David’s Wedding Day with a beautiful drive from Warwick (where we were with Liz & Geoff for their engagement session the day before) to Newport. Michelle and David both got ready at the Hyatt right on Goat’s Island. The weather was incredible, the perfect blue sky, the sun shining bright, and a nice crispness in the air. This lighthouse was right on the island beside the hotel.

I really loved all of the boats all around the island. I think that we need to live near water sometime in our lives, it is so relaxing and beautiful.

Michelle invited Kathleen and I to join her and the girls in the spa while they got ready. Michelle rarely stopped smiling or laughing throughout the entire day. She was just that happy.

Simply gorgeous!

I was a little nervous putting Michelle’s shoes on this balcony railing as we were about 5 stories up. I think it was worth it though, this may be one of our all time favorite shoe shots.

Michelle had a broach that her grandfather had made put on her flowers, it has been passed down to everyone in the family on their wedding day. Aren’t these flowers incredible!

Getting in the dress with a little help from the Maid of Honor…

…and from her Mom. Wait to you see the veil.

Nothing but smiles. :)

This was one of our favorite moments… David wiping away a tear as he catches a first glimpse of his soon-to-be wife.

How beautiful is that veil!

We LOVE when you can see how much a couple cares about each other just but looking, David’s face here is certainly worth a million words. :)



Kathleen’s shot of Michelle and David exchanging their vows..

…and their rings…

…and their first kiss!

I captured this shot of Michelle & David being congratulated by the priest. Pure Joy!! :)

As everyone walked out of the church they were greeted with incredible bagpipe music.

Michelle & David’s second kiss as husband and wife.

This kind of shot to me is a nice mix between a modern and classic bridal portrait. I love it!

Arriving at Bellle Mer back on Goat Island.

This may be one of my favorite sun shots. The lighting was really moody, the veil was of course incredible and Michelle and David couldn’t be happier.

Sun flare is fun. :)

I love classic and timeless photos!!

The grounds at Belle Mer were lined with sea shells.

Since we had plenty of time we walked across the street to the docks for a few shots right after sun set. I thought this was very Newport.

Kathleen’s incredible table shot.


The first dance.

A father / daughter dance :).

Cake cutting.

The band (Heartbeat Dance Band) kept everyone dancing all night long!

David even joined in for a song.

One more dance before the end of the evening.

Michelle & David, your wedding was wonderful and we feel so lucky to have spent it with you both. We hope you have an amazing time on your honeymoon and can’t wait to talk to you when you get back!
Rob & Kathleen

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Weddings | Comments (30)

Elizabeth & Geoff’s Engagement in Warwick, Rhode Island

September 21, 2008 – 3:35 pm

On Thursday, we drove up to Rhode Island to meet up with Liz and Geoff for their engagement session. They live in Atlanta and are getting married in Mystic next June. A couple of months ago, when we were selecting a time to do their engagement session, Liz mentioned that the hotel company she works for, NYLO, would be opening a new hotel in Warwick, RI in September. The opening night party was on Thursday, so Liz and Geoff would be flying up from Atlanta for the event. Since we had a wedding in Newport on Friday, it seemed like the perfect timing for their session.

When Liz sent us the link to the hotel’s website we were very excited about shooting in the hotel itself. It has a very cool urban loft feel with an incredible bar area that has cool starfish chandeliers, funky lounge furniture and just an overall fun vibe. We thought that the hotel alone would make for a very a great session. Then we drove there and couldn’t believe our eyes. The hotel was just as cool as it seemed on the website – but perhaps even cooler was what was next door – the Historic Pontiac Mills. The mills are a series of old factory buildings built in 1863. They haven’t been used in many years and are considered a National Historic landmark. It was the original home of the “Fruit of the Loom” textiles and part of what made Warwick a large immigrant community over 100 years ago.

NYLO actually bought the land for their hotel from the man that owns the mills. When we mentioned how cool it would be to shoot within the grounds of the run-down old mills, Liz said she’d go talk to someone and made it happen. She was actually the first employee hired at NYLO, so she knows just about everyone and everyone knew her.

The mills themselves were like a photographer’s dream come true. And Liz and Geoff were almost as excited about it as we were, which made it even better. They didn’t hesitate to climb up onto platforms, sit in the grass, and just wander around the area with us marveling at all the great places to shoot – it was incredible. We started and ended the session within the hotel, taking advantage of all the fun artwork and décor. But what surpassed even the cool surroundings were how adorable Liz and Geoff were together. We loved capturing them, they constantly made each other laugh, joked around – and Geoff even sang to Liz . It’s clear they just love being together. What really stood out was how when they would hug, Geoff would close his eyes and have this look of complete peacefulness on his face – like as long as he was holding her nothing else mattered.

The opening night party was actually just a few hours after we completed the session. Liz and Geoff invited us to join them at the party, which we did, and it was awesome – live music, drag queens, tons of food, and a performance on the water right along the hotel. We had a great time and actually got to meet Liz’s parents, something we don’t usually get to do before the wedding day. So without further ado, here a few of our favorites from their session.

We started Liz & Geoff’s session inside the very hip and well designed NYLO Hotel. The hotel is very modern with a lot of exposed textures and raw materials. I personally really like this photo, something about the rough feel of the concrete combined with the soft feel of the photo on the wall made for a perfect back drop for Liz & Geoff.

One of the first photos at the Pontiac Mills that I took, It is also one of my favorites!

We really loved how Liz & Geoff were holding each other in this one. I also really like how the fire escape stairs almost seem to point right to them. As you can probably imagine, this place was like a dream to shoot at.

Could there be some RJT Textures coming your way soon?!?

There was not one moment that Liz stopped smiling, these two are simply made for each other. This one is my view…

…and this one is Kathleen’s view.

Have I mentioned anything about RJT Textures yet?

LOVE IT!! :)

Such a nice moment.

How cool is this alley way?!

The way that Geoff looks at Liz is wonderful.


The light during this whole session was simply amazing, I love how emotion can come out even in shadows.

A little sun flare action.

Amongst all of the run down buildings there was some nice green grass the provided a little pop of color.

Timeless.

So connected :)

After we spent some time at the factories we went back to the NYLO Hotel for some photos in and around.

Some more shadow emotion on the cobblestone road in front of the hotel.

Inside the NYLO’s bar.


This is one of Kathleen’s photos and one of my favorites from the day. I just love it!

Thank you Liz and Geoff for a great day – we really enjoyed getting to know you guys! We can’t wait for your wedding.

Rob & Kathleen

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Engagement Sessions | Comments (32)

Today is Michelle & David’s Wedding Day!!

September 19, 2008 – 7:00 am

Today we are in Newport to photograph Michelle & David’s Wedding Day. Happy Friday Everyone!!

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Weddings | Comments (1)

Rhode Island Here We Come!!

September 18, 2008 – 8:36 am

Today we are off to the beautiful state of Rhode Island to photograph Liz and Geoff’s engagement session in Warwick at this very cool new hotel opening. Tomorrow we are going to be spending the day with Michelle & David to photograph their wedding in the one and only Newport. So be sure to check back in a few days for photos from each of these wonderful events.

We will still have access to e-mail and phone today so we will continue business as usual. I hope everyone is having a great week!

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Engagement Sessions, Travel, Weddings | Comments (2)

Deja & Jeremy’s Slideshow

May 10, 2008 – 2:58 pm

I was going through some things and realized that I never made a slideshow for Deja & Jeremy in which we photographed out in Malibu in March. So although a little late, here is Deja & Jeremy’s slideshow. Enjoy!

By Robert J. Trenske | Also posted in Destination: Malibu, Slideshows, Weddings | Comments (3)