Monthly Archives: September 2008

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Stacey & Kevin’s Wedding @ The Guilford Yacht Club

September 28, 2008 – 6:44 pm

Yesterday, Kathleen, Vicki and I photographed the wedding of Stacey & Kevin. When Kathleen and I did their engagement session just about a month ago, we were so excited about this wedding. Stacey and Kevin were probably the most relaxed couple behind the camera. They would try anything we suggested. Plus they’re just really cute together.

Earlier in the week, when we talked to Stacey about the final details of the wedding, she had mentioned that she was nervous about the weather. I told her not to worry, that the weather reports are wrong more often than they were right. When we arrived at the Saybrook Point Inn, the sky was cloudy and the rain was falling – but Stacey was still smiling. She was sitting right by a large window having her hair and makeup done – the rain falling right on the other side of the glass – and she didn’t let her get her down.

When we came out of the church after the ceremony, the sky was streaked with beautiful rain clouds – but no drops were falling. Stacey and Kevin decided to seize the opportunity and we headed over to Hammonasset State Park for some beach shots. It’s not often you get a bride that’s willing to walk around on a slightly-wet beach for pictures, so we were obviously psyched! What made it even better was that Stacey and Kevin were all about getting great pictures. They scheduled over an hour for pictures to ensure they would have enough time. One of their friends even brought some plastic sheeting so they could sit on the beach. “Anything for the picture,” Kevin kept saying. They even asked if we could get a shot of their rings on the this great beach log. It just doesn’t get better than that.

The reception was at the Guilford Yacht Club. We have been to many wonderful reception facilities, but I have to say, this place it top notch. The food was amazing, the ground gorgeous, and their staff is so attentive. It was the perfect place for Stacey & Kevin’s Wedding Reception.

The day started out a little wet and cloudy but that did not stop me from capturing this amazing view from Stacey’s hotel room at the Saybrook Point Inn.

Stacey’s dress hanging on the door waiting for Stacey to put it on.

Shoes!

We wanted to try something a little different with Stacey’s veil, I thought this was fun.

Stacey’s flowers were beautiful and simple, she had a picture of her Dad on them as a reminder that he was still with her on her wedding day.

Stacey and her Mom getting their hair done before getting dressed.

Some last minute eye makeup touches before putting on her dress.

Stacey’s Mom and Maid of Honor helping with the dress before heading off to the ceremony.

Usually during the procession I am in the front of the church, but I decided to have Kathleen and Vicki upfront as a change of pace. I was able to capture some really great shots, like the flower girl being walked down the aisle by the two ring bearers…

…and this shot of Stacey’s younger brother waiting to walk her down the aisle, while Stacey herself waits in the background.

Isn’t this church great?!

During the ceremony, Kevin reached out and grabbed Stacey’s hand, it was very sweet.

Stacey listening to Kevin recite his vows to her.

Exchanging their rings.

Stacey & Kevin’s mothers, lighting their candles from a remembrance candle of Stacey’s dad.

After their ceremony, the rain stopped and there was some breaks in the clouds, so we headed over to Hammonasset State Park to take some relaxed portraits.

Stacey and Kevin LOVE tall grass (and so to we) so this seemed to be the perfect place to start taking pictures of the two of them. This one is my view…

…and this one is Kathleen’s view.

Isn’t tilt-shift amazing!! This is one of my favorites from their day.

Stacey and Kevin were SO excited that they were taking photos outside on their wedding day that they couldn’t wait to get onto the beach.

How about this incredible log?! This is my view…

…And this is Kathleen’s view.

:)

Kathleen grabbed this shot of them running on the beach.

I LOVE this one.

The rings… Kevin actually suggested we take a ring shot at the beach because he was that excited for to have it, we decided to take one on the big log before heading over to the Guilford Yacht Club.

We still had some great light when we arrived at the GYC. Kevin told us that Stacey really LOVES the adirondack chairs on the property, this another one of my favorites shots from the day. Isn’t the view incredible?

Stacey also mentioned how much she loves boats.

My view of their first dance from above…

…And this one is Kathleen’s.

Kevin dancing with his Mom as Stacey watches.

The dancing went right untill the end of the evening, this was during “Sweet Caroline”. They were having so much fun!

Thanks Stacey and Kevin – we really enjoyed spending the day with you and your families. Have a GREAT time in the Cape!!
Rob & Kathleen

By Robert J. Trenske | Posted in Weddings | Comments (21)

Today is Stacey & Kevin’s Wedding Day!!

September 27, 2008 – 8:00 am

Today we are off to photograph Stacy & Kevin’s wedding which will all be taking place in the Guilford area of the state. Let’s hope for dry weather!! Check back in a day or so for some photos from their day. Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend.

By Robert J. Trenske | Posted in Weddings | Comments (7)

Lisa & Dan’s Wedding @ Wickham Park

September 25, 2008 – 5:03 pm

On Saturday Kathleen, Vicki and I spent yet another day together – this time photographing the wedding of Lisa and Dan. I think that Kristy, Lisa’s maid of honor put it best during her speech. She said that there are just things that naturally go together – peanut butter and jelly, wings and beer, and Lisa and Dan. They were meant to find each other.

When we arrived at Lisa’s house, she was getting her hair and makeup done with her own mother and Dan’s mother – who were both nearly as excited as the Lisa herself. Lisa told us that with our arrival her wedding day started to feel real. Just a few minutes later, one of the bridesmaids handed Lisa a gift from Dan. It was a bracelet – the very same one that had been the first gift of jewelry Dan had ever given her. (She had accidentally lost the original years before.) Lisa promptly put the bracelet on and showed it off to all her bridesmaids. “I raised my son right,” Dan’s mother said with pride.

The ceremony, held at St. Vincet Ferrer Church in Naugatuck, was filled with laughter and tears. It’s always one of our favorite things (avid blog readers probably know this already), to catch the glances brides and grooms give each other during the ceremony. It was great during this ceremony because Lisa and Dan have such expressive faces – and almost every look resulted in one or the other breaking into a smile.

The reception was at Wickham Park in Manchester. If you haven’t been there – get in your car and go there now. It is so beautiful - little garden areas, tons of walking trails, so much to do. The view of Hartford from the top of the hill, steps away from the reception location, is breathtaking.

Once the sun went down and dinner was over, the dance floor was packed. I think I can honestly say that I have never been to a wedding where so many people were dancing – straight through to the end of the night. This group definitely knows how to have a good time.

Lisa opening her gift from her soon-to-be husband Dan.

Photography is an amazing thing, I really love this shot but have to admit, I didn’t mean for it to come out this way. I love the painting feel of it.

Lisa helping her Dad with his boutonniere.

I really like the feel of this photo, Lisa was simply… happy.

We took a couple fun shots of the girls before heading to the church. Lisa had made a comment to us that she wanted the sky to be really blue on their wedding day because Dan has blue eyes. I think this may have been one of the clearest and blue-est skies we have ever seen.

I got a quick detail shot of the guys (which I rarely get to do) before we headed over to the church.

Finally… GETTING MARRIED!! :)


Nothing but smiles during their ceremony.


The vows…

…and the rings.

I really like this shot, this was during the Prayer of the Faithful.

The light coming through the stained glass windows was really nice.

Fun!! Can we get a copy?!? :)

After the ceremony, we headed up to Wickham Park in Manchester for some relaxed portraits before the reception.

We love reflections and this is one of our favorites.

This one feels very classic to me.

I loved the lighting during this shot…

…and this is Kathleen’s shot, only seconds later.

Along with reflections, (as most of you know) we really like shadows. We also really love how Dan is helping Lisa with her dress as they walk up towards the reception.

Kathleen captured this photo… how about that view of Hartford in the distance. Wickham Park is really beautiful!

This is my view.

Kathleen rocked the sun flare in this photo after dinner.

And this one is my shot as the sun started going down.

Lisa & Dan’s first dance!

We love the way the people look at each other when they are in love.

Mother / Son Dance. :)

This shot really made me laugh so I had to include it!!

Lisa singing her lungs of to “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”.

The dance floor was PACKED!!

The last dance of the evening.

Thank you for letting us share in the fun, Lisa and Dan. We know you’re gonna have a blast in Hawaii, don’t forget about Shipwreck Beach, it is INCREDIBLE!!.

By Robert J. Trenske | Posted in Weddings | Comments (29)

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 | Posted in Destinations, 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 | Posted in Destinations, 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 | Posted in Destinations, 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 | Posted in Destinations, Engagement Sessions, Travel, Weddings | Comments (2)