Wakeen Photog Blog

Bridal Expo Fun

2012-01-16T19:04:00.000-05:00

Winter in New England tends to be "slow season" for wedding photography, so last Sunday we had the occasion to attend a bridal expo presented by Wedding Day Expositions at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Although Chris has exhibited at dozens of bridal shows over the last twenty years, I (Vic) had never attended. Go figure ...

I think at first, Chris was reluctant to pull out his camera -- after all, there were many wedding photographers exhibiting that day and we didn't want to risk stepping on anyone's toes. But what we found (after receiving permission from Andrea, the expo producer) was that the only folks taking photos were the brides-to-be themselves with their trusty iPhones, so we knew we'd be able to capture some amazing images that no snap-shot camera could achieve. See if you agree :-)

Nilsa models a bridesmaid dress from La Reine Bridal


Miss Massachusetts, Natalie Pietrzak

Nilsa

Mangit with flowers by Artistic Blossoms

There was no risk of going hungry while perusing the vendor booths. Most often you'll find excellent dining set-ups provided by experienced caterers. The adult beverage bar was a real plus, and naturally, champagne was the beverage du jour! BUT, the pièces de résistance were the wedding cake offerings from Konditor Meister. You cannot imagine the variety of cakes ready for sampling that were simply to die for -- I chose the Baileys Irish Creme cake. Y-U-M!

Music for the day for provided by Entertainment Specialists, and the live performance by the high-energy World Premier Band was extremely entertaining.

Among the many wedding photographers present, we struck up a conversation with a super nice gentleman, Jim Hoopes, principal photographer and owner of Beacon Hill Photography, who offered to take a photo for us too. Thanks Jim!

So in summary, I'd highly recommend attending a bridal expo before your big day! One thing we advise couples to keep in mind however, is to not feel pressured to make any buying decisions that day, but rather to scout around for ideas on color schemes, dress and tux styles, and types of photography that "speak" to you emotionally. You may be offered a reduction in cost, a special "this day only" price, if you commit to a particular vendor. We say, just make certain you've already done your research before you make a decision under that type of situation. In fact, that's a great idea for our next blog, "How To Choose Your Wedding Day Photographer".

Ta-ta for now!

New Year's Resolution ~ Reward Our Fans & Friends!

2012-01-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, have we been naughty in not posting a blog in so long. New Year's Resolution #1 -- blog more consistently!

The holidays came and went so very quickly, don't you think? Why is it with today's technology (which was supposed to save us time), we always feel as though we have less time this year, this month, this week, than we did last year, last month, last week? Regardless, all one can do is the best one can do, right?!

And so Chris and I sat down to discuss our photography goals and what we see as beneficial for 2012, and luckily for our clients, we've got a great way to attract engaged couples as well as thank those we've done business with before (our 'VIPs' - very important patrons!). Even fellow wedding vendors can benefit. So what have we got up our sleeves?

Announcing
Wakeen Photography's Referral Program for 2012 ~

Could you use an easy $100? (Who couldn't?!) If you know anyone who's engaged and who'll be looking to connect with a professional wedding photographer, your referral to us can earn you a referral bonus upon the couple contracting with us to photograph their wedding day. In fact, you might not even KNOW that you know someone who is engaged, so if you want to take advantage of an easy opportunity, we hope you'll share this post with all your friends ... they'll tell two friends, who'll then tell two friends, and so on...

During the initial consultation with a couple, we always ask how they heard about Wakeen Photography. If they mention that Y-O-U referred them, then guess what? Y-O-U are $100 richer! This applies in every case, whether you're a former client, a personal friend, a family member, a neighbor, or our mailman ... someone in your life is probably planning a wedding in 2012! What have you got to lose ~ SPREAD THE WORD !

AND AS IF that weren't enough ...

We've got another promotion up our sleeves to be announced in the very near future. Brides and grooms, you won't want to miss this!

Wishing everyone a terrific 2012 full of opportunities, cherished moments and golden smiles!

In Gratitude ~ Chris & Vickie

... Who's The Fairest of Them All?

2011-10-16T13:53:00.036-04:00

OK ladies, admit it. Once upon a time, you wanted to be a princess, right? The proof? What about those fairytale picture books you've saved to pass down to your own daughter someday. Or how about those videos and coloring books you spent hours dreaming with - remember Jasmine in Aladdin, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid? Not to mention those of you who loved to dress up Barbie.

I think that's why we women love weddings so much. We love putting together our personal vision of becoming 'princess for a day'. When will there ever be another time in our life when we can pull out all the glamor-stops with our gown, our shoes, our jewelry, our hairstyle and our make-up? We want our prince charming to be dazzled, don't we!

What I don't like about weddings is that once the day arrives, all too quickly our princess package is put away, never to be enjoyed again. So much planning, fussing and fretting (not to mention $$$) for nary 8 to 10 hours of looking our best ever. Then for perhaps weeks after you wait and hope that your photographer has captured you in the best light.

That's why we propose couples consider a "Rock the Dress" session (sometimes called a 'trash the dress' session, but we don't like that term for such a precious item). These sessions can occur one day after or even months after your wedding date. Wouldn't you love the chance to have your hair and nails done again so you can don that gorgeous dress for a more relaxed and fun glamor session with your new husband??? For this session men often wear a pair of white or black dress pants with a white dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves, so your guy doesn't have to frown over putting on a tux again!

Your bridal fashion session can take place at any multitude of locations -- a beach setting, a park, a cityscape, perhaps outside a bistro or a building with beautiful architecture. Even a railroad track can be a fun backdrop.

Wakeen Photography offers these sessions at your convenience. We're always available and eager to discuss ways to personalize your session. We offer your finished images (approximately 50) on CD, or if you prefer, we'll create gorgeous wall art of your favorite image (think above your bed, or a living room mantle) such as 20"x30" canvas gallery wraps.

So DON'T box up your dress just yet! Call to inquire on pricing -- it is so much more affordable than you may think!


Call Chris at 774-262-5332, or Vickie at
774-279-6782

Family Beach Sessions - One Day Only! Saturday, September 24th

2011-09-12T09:03:00.003-04:00

courtesy Emerald Coast Reflections

So, you ask yourself, "just what is this Family Beach Session and why would I want to do this?" Well, if you haven't had your whole family photographed in a while (come on now, fess up), or you've always envied your friends who've got great professional portraits on their walls with all the kids and the dog looking so 'together' and beautiful -- NOW is your chance!

For one day only, September 24, Wakeen Photography is offering discounted family sessions at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, Massachusetts, beginning at 4:30 p.m., the late afternoon 'Golden Hour' that us photographers know offers primo lighting. And sources tell us that Wollaston Beach is unmatched in this area for beautiful sunsets. Not to mention, after your easy and comfortable 'mini-session', you can walk across the street to a variety of fish/clam/ lobster shacks for a fresh seafood dinner (last of the season, perhaps)?

Each session will last approximately 20 minutes (be sure to arrive on time as a courtesy to the other groups booked), and will consist of a customized professional sitting for families of any size. We'll offer you suggestions beforehand for wardrobe color-coordination, if desired, and after we've created about a couple dozen images for you, your online previews (password protected) will be available for viewing within two weeks.

Session fees are only $95, no matter the size of your group. A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. You will receive a 8x10" print, enhanced and color-corrected for a look only the professionals can provide! Naturally, we offer many other reprint sizes, as well as some fabulous wall décor products that you'll want to have in your home, once you see how great you look!

If all that isn't enough, we're throwing in a 10% discount on holiday cards ordered through Wakeen Photography, if that's what you choose to do with your family image. [orders for holiday cards must be placed by November 30.] AND if you REFER A FRIEND you'll BOTH receive 10% off your entire session fee and any subsequent order.

Be sure to call A.S.A.P. as this offer lasts but a day, and the day is just around the corner! To speak with Chris in our studio, call 774-262-5332, or email Vickie to inquire: vickie@wakeenphotography.com.
See you at the beach!

Vanessa & Rich ~ August 20, 2011

2011-08-25T12:07:00.000-04:00

The day had finally arrived! We'd been looking forward to Vanessa and Rich's wedding for what seemed like soooo long. Having photographed their E-session back in April, we were quite excited to handle the photography for their special day - we knew the wedding would be a blast for us!

Keeping with Massachusetts' summers as we know them, the day was quite warm and humid, and even tho thunder storms were forecast, we all lucked out with sunshine and dry weather!

The couple exchanged vows at the N.E. Dream Center (a gorgeous, scaled-down replica of Paris' Notre Dame), and the ceremony was presided over by Reverend Will Bard. A reception following was held at Cyprian Keyes, on one of the most gorgeous golf courses in New England. In fact, as we photographed the wedding party and family groupings before dinner, the couple was nearly creamed by a renegade golf ball as someone shouted 'fore'!!! (a little something amusing to share with their grand kids one day, we hope!)

Vanessa had long prepared for what would make her wedding day a perfect reflection of her style. The sequined bodess of her wedding gown (provided by Loren's Bridal of Sturbridge, MA) was absolutely stunning as you can see (click on image to enlarge).

Vanessa's matron of honor and bridesmaids were so beautiful in lilac-colored dresses by designer Justin Alexander, and the coordinating bouquets by Perro's Flowers were a perfect match of calla lilies, roses and hydrangea. The groom and groomsmen wore very distinguished looking tuxedos from Men's Warehouse in black with pale blue vests and white boutonnieres. The groom's niece served as flower girl, and there were two handsome young ring bearers as well.

The three-tiered wedding cake was beautifully adorned with coordinating white frosting with decorative swirls, lavender ribbon and roses of pale blue, provided by Gerardo's Bakery.

I (Vickie) personally fell in LOVE with the glass charger plates of Cyprian Keyes' table settings ... just love the beaded glass around the edges ~ very classy! Everything looked just beautiful.

Special touches included having the guests sign-in on a drum head (cool!) rather than the typical guest book. So appropriate since Rich is drum virtuoso for the band Shiver (formerly Ever Fading). The lively dance music was provided by DJ icon Kevin Whitney, and videographer Tim Ethier was on board to document the festivities, "moving-picture style." Super fun for us as Chris has worked with both Kevin and Tim at many weddings over the years!

So, Vanessa and Rich (and your wonderful families), we're Ever Grateful to you for a day we won't soon forget and we can't wait to show you the remainder of your images in the weeks to come!

All the best for many years of happiness, and best of wishes in your new condominium!

~ Vickie and Chris

Sneak Peek ~ Vanessa & Rich

2011-08-23T08:54:00.013-04:00

What a fantastic wedding day it was for "Nessa and Richie" on Saturday ... and we're so pleased and honored to have been their photographers. Here is a little 'sneak peek' to just whet the appetite for more beautiful images of their day.

Remember to click on the image itself for a larger view.

Stay tuned ~ there's more to come!

Before and After

2011-08-11T17:41:00.002-04:00

On our very first date Chris said to me, “I’ll probably die with a camera in my hand.” And I thought, “hmm, that’s an interesting thing to say to a woman you’ve just met!” Our first meet was over coffee at my place, at the suggestion of my friend and neighbor, Sharon. Chris’ mom. (If you must know!)

Looking back I see that was truly a revelation making it clear from the start that photography wasn’t just what Chris does, it’s who he is. When he isn’t shooting a wedding/event, or a portrait session, he can be found working for another organization doing action sports photography and portraiture. Either way, he’s got to be “quick on the fly” since the action of weddings and sports stops for no one!

Unfortunately we aren’t always able to display Chris’ work when he’s contracted out to another outfit, due to copyright protection laws. But suffice it to say, he’s continually honing his craft which can only benefit our wedding and portrait clients in the long run. In his free-time he likes to photograph top-fuel and ‘funny car’ race cars and their drivers, as well as local musicians' bands.

Not only do professional photogs have to know their equipment, the theory and practice of what makes an interesting image, and possess great people skills, they also need to keep up with industry developments and techniques of photo enhancement and touch-up. All this takes time (and money!) and Chris has been at this since long before he launched his own business in 1993. Yeah, I deal with loads of miscellaneous camera equipment around the house. And photo books. And photo paper, matte boards, camera cases, lighting kits hidden under the bed that I stub my foot on, and tripods galore … but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

We thought you might enjoy some examples of photos fresh out of the camera versus how they look once we’ve cropped, or adjusted highlights and shadows, or changed the saturation, or a myriad of other ‘tweaks’ to create results that are as optimized as possible. Enjoy! And stay tuned for our next wedding coming up on August 20^th – we can’t wait!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE


BEFORE


AFTER

Wakeen's Wedding Anniversary Wine Give-away!

2011-07-14T21:58:00.008-04:00

Call us wacky but we are wild about wine and want to share the passion with our customers! We're celebrating the 1st anniversary of our Napa Valley (CA) wedding, so we're offering a FREE bottle of Napa's 'nectar of the gods' from our favorite wine & spirits retailer, Julios Liquors of Westboro, MA. (Readers Choice 2011 award winner). I know, sounds crazy, doesn't it?!

All you have to do is book your portrait session or wedding day coverage by August 31st. Our on-location portrait shoots are loads of fun -- 90 minutes in length, you'll have plenty of time for an outfit change and can even include the family pet! A great opportunity for teens heading into their senior year of high school or those wishing to build a modeling portfolio. Family sessions are a great idea before the holiday season approaches - your holiday photo cards will rock! And did you know we also specialize in maternity and newborn portraiture too?

Recently engaged?! We offer a no-obligation consultation at your convenience where you'll review real albums of real weddings we've covered, start-to-finish. And we think you'll find our package pricing to be an extremely good value. Now booking into 2012.

So, what'll it be - red or white?

Call Chris today @ 774-262-5332 or email vickie@wakeenphotography.com. We travel throughout all of central and eastern Massachusetts.

"Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine so that I may whet my mind and say something clever." - Aristophanes

[Portrait session must occur before December 31, 2011. Weddings anytime before 12/31/12. Free wine retail value not to exceed $29]

Ceres Bistro - Une Expérience Gastronomique!

2011-06-15T17:32:00.002-04:00

We had the pleasure of dining at Ceres Bistro in the Beechwood Hotel (Worcester) last night for Vic's birthday (we won't say just 'which' birthday that is). We already knew we liked the Beechwood since we've photographed many weddings there and find it to be a terrific place for beautiful wedding shots. What we didn't know is how delicious and appetizing the bistro's edible creations really are!

Vic ordered the Salmon Oscar, topped with bits of fresh crab meat and a delectable Béarnaise sauce. The crisp yet tender julienned vegetables finished off the meal's presentation and every bite was savored and appreciated to its fullest! Here is a photo of the 'before' and 'after' ... need I say more?!

Chris ordered the Marinated Filet of Lamb, medium rare, which was accompanied by a sweet potato purée, and a roasted grape tomato and spinach salad. Mmmmmm.

So folks, all we can tell you is if you eat at Ceres, it's not just fine food, it's more of a food 'experience'! Our kudos to the chef!

Melissa & James -- June 4, 2011

2011-06-07T18:51:00.000-04:00

The story behind Saturday's wedding assignment for us is that Melissa is Chris' favorite banker! He's been a customer of hers for years and when Melissa began her search for a wedding photographer she remembered Chris and sought us out.

Melissa and Jim were junior-high school sweethearts and boy, does their love shine! Melissa and Jim "took the plunge" with a perfectly planned affair at the Spencer Country Inn, and wow, did they look amazing. The outdoor ceremony took place in front of the gazebo, with a brisk wind blowing, but hey, it's a lot better than rain!

The bridesmaids were dressed in a deep burgundy, and the groomsmen looked really sharp in solid black tuxedos with red rose boutonnieres. The gorgeous coordinating bouquets were provided by Holmes-Shusas Florists. There are so many photos to go through and prepare for print, but here are just a few that we think demonstrate the joy of the day!

Thanks Mel and Jim for the privilege of photographing this most important day in your lives!

Prom Season is Here!

2011-05-26T20:56:00.002-04:00

We had the good fortune to grab some shots of Chris' daughter's prom on Wednesday night at the Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston, MA. Naturally we were there to photograph her but as we were waiting over an hour for her group's limousine to arrive, we figured, 'why not put the time to good use?' It was a beautiful balmy evening with gorgeous subjects and gorgeous surroundings.

We'd overheard one girl saying her camera's batteries had died (oh no!) and voilà, instant opportunity. We had the gear, so we offered to photograph that couple, and as one steps out onto the manicured golf course, the rest do follow! Lucky for us - they were looking so awesome.

Here are the results of this impromptu "mini-session" ... we hope these young men and women enjoy seeing themselves so decked out!

If you were there and would like to purchase a unit (one 8x10", or two 5x7s, or one sheet of 8 wallets) ... use the "Contact Us" link to send us your Name, Address and Email ... and it's as simple as that! Each unit, as listed above, is only $15.00. Purchase more than one unit, and receive the others for half price.

Oh, and did we mention if you visit our Facebook page and "Like" us, you'll receive a free electronic file of Your Photo without the watermark as shown, for your Facebook profile ... how 'mad' is THAT?! (no purchase necessary).

Rehanna and Felix ~ May 22, 2011

2011-05-25T12:17:00.000-04:00

It's All in the Details

The folks at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lancaster, Massachusetts have been very good to Chris over the years. We were pleased to be back there on Sunday for the marriage celebration of Rehanna and Felix. Chris introduced me to at least five individuals who were thrilled to see him again since he'd photographed their wedding, or their children's weddings, years before. I overheard one woman comment how much she appreciated us noticing all the small but important details of the day. And it's true - it really is the details that make the day so memorable not only for the wedding couple, but also for the guests.

And details there were! So much meticulous thought and planning went into this day. Rehanna's champagne-colored, sequined dress was absolutely stunning, the bridesmaids were dressed in gorgeous flowing peach gowns, the maid of honor in a refreshing 'garden' green and the flower girls looked like little angels in white! The groomsmen (talk about débonnaire!) - all in black with pale peach shirts and boutonnieres.

Rehanna's mom did the flowers herself. I have never known any one person so talented in this area. There were so many flower arrangements in the church and on every table of this large affair, I can only imagine how long it took her. What a loving gesture for her only daughter. White peacock feathers aligned the arrangements next to the pews, and white Corinthian columns supported the heady, exotic displays. This was a wedding fit for a princess!

All the work that went into this wedding was a true labor of love. The multi-tiered wedding cake was created by Henry Livergood, close friend of the family and Food Service Director Emeritus of Atlantic Union College. Truly a masterpiece.

The lavish reception for over 230 guests was held at The Chocksett Inn (Sterling). Doesn't this picture really just say it all?

Tickled Pink over Weddings

2011-05-18T20:23:00.008-04:00

The longer I'm involved in the wedding photography business with my husband, the more I realize just how many really wonderful families there are out there. It's so great being able to experience them all - witnessing how they interact with each other, seeing family resemblances among its members, getting to know their tastes and their interests (if only for a few hours), and truly feeling at the end of the reception like you're sad to leave because you would have liked to get to know these people better!

Such was the case last weekend at the Publick House in Sturbridge. We knew we liked the bride when she came to our home for that first consultation, but her personality became much more apparent to us during the course of the wedding day, and we so enjoyed her! [Generally we spend more time with the bride since we meet up with her where she's preparing, about an hour and a half before the ceremony.] Thus far, I've yet to see a bride who wasn't feeling (and looking) absolutely terrific! And so naturally it's a joy to be around someone like that.

If by some stoke of fate, my husband and I were to win some huge lottery windfall, the fact is I would still be doing this work with him because it's thoroughly enjoyable. Getting to witness the unfolding of the most special day in any one person's life is such an honor. And because I love art, design and color, I look forward to every reception with such anticipation ~ oh, the color combinations, the flower arrangements, the table settings, the wedding cake, etc. etc.! There's no limit to the amount of creativity we get to document through our cameras.

Our couple this past weekend is from outside of New England. Because their intended guests are scattered all about the eastern U.S. they chose Sturbridge as their wedding locale, a central meeting spot most convenient to everyone. Lucky us! And now they're off on their honeymoon in Germany and we have the pleasure of experiencing their wedding day all over again as we cull and edit their photographs. When we contracted with them we'd agreed not to post their photos in any public forum, and naturally we will honor their request. I only wish they knew right now how excited we are at what we captured for them.

Melanie and Joseph ~ May 7, 2011

2011-05-10T18:01:00.001-04:00

Words cannot express just how thrilled we are that Melanie and Joe chose us to be their wedding photographers. Maybe it seems odd that we, the photographers, get excited over the couple's shots, but we really do! Melanie and Joe have been together for a while, but you wouldn't know it ... this beautiful couple was just beaming on their wedding day. And every time they looked at their adorable little boy, their eyes lit up even more so. It must be that love among the three of them that's inspired us. We're so pleased to have been part of their memories and can only hope we've done justice to their beauty in our photography.

We absolutely love Melanie's choice of gown (from Pronuptia Bridals). And we think the designer, Maggie Sottero, should have paid Melanie for wearing it -- she wore it so well!

Melanie's hair, as well as her bridesmaids', was styled by a past bride of ours, Melissa Angers of Divine Day Spa ... so you see, a happy client brings many rewards even years later. Word of mouth and referrals are the backbone of our business. The bouquets and flower arrangements were created by friend of the family Becky Arbella, who also officiated at the ceremony as Justice of the Peace.

So let's review the day ...

We just love this shot of Melanie assisting her mother Pamela with her pearl necklace. They are both so pretty!

Pre-ceremony portraits were taken in the bride's parents' yard ... in between the little mist that threatened ... but the results were worth it! Melanie's dress was so gorgeous we just had to shoot front and back, and even play with the results post-production for a different effect.

Joseph's mother made the wedding cake herself, (what an awesome gift!) creating and placing dozens of cascading roses down the cake's side in varying shades of turquoise to match the theme! The adorable cake topper "Promise" is by Willow Tree. She did a fantastic job!

We just loved the derby/bowler hats worn by the groomsmen. Totally classy! This 'junior' groomsman seemed to really enjoy his role!

And the father of the bride transported her in his classic white '64 Chevy Impala. Even the car's interior was a beautiful soft turquoise -- how cool is that?!

The short-lived rain showers couldn't put a damper on this afternoon; the rain drops actually added an interesting effect to this shot of our bride arriving to the ceremony.

The flower girl, Melanie's niece, was a bit shy at first but soon began to enjoy feeling like a princess!

Here's a shot of the gals taking one last breather before the bridal procession.

Post-ceremony we were able to take the bridal
party and families outside for formal portraits ... timing was right on target! Here's a touching moment between Joseph and his son looking oh so handsome (both of them!)

Notice how our little ring bearer has his trusty roll of sweet tarts ready in case he should need them?

And we had to include this shot here for you of the traditional father-daughter dance -- our flower girl has now really gotten into the swing of the reception and is helping to document the event with her camera.

Our couple enjoys a good laugh during the garter removal and toss ... it's so fine watching two people in love!

Thank you Melanie and Joe for this fabulous opportunity to share in your joy!

Vanessa & Rich's Engagement Session ~ April 30, 2011

2011-05-02T18:19:00.000-04:00

Well it didn't rain on Saturday afternoon, thank you very much Mother Nature, and we were able to meet Vanessa and Rich for an enjoyable 'get to know you' E-shoot in Millbury. The old train station, now the Millbury Senior Center, is a wonderful spot on weekends with virtually no foot traffic, and the old train, the tracks, the revamped "station" and surrounding garden make for an attractive backdrop. This couple looks so great together - we're looking forward to August!

Judith and David ~ April 23, 2011

2011-04-26T18:05:00.000-04:00

It may have been a drizzly, misty day outside at the Spencer Country Inn on Saturday, but it was summer and sun-shiny in the hearts of Judith and David! We are thrilled to have been chosen as their photographers as we have a real soft spot for this couple, being somewhat more mature and life-experienced when getting married. (we don't say 'older', we say 'experienced'!) Having things in common with the couple we're shooting makes the whole process even more intuitive and natural.

These two are obviously so in love and contented in where they're at. Judith's sister was matron of honor, excuse me, "caddy of honor" and her two daughters served as caddies-in-training (flower girls). David's daughter was a junior caddy (bridesmaid) and his son was best caddy (best man). Both he and his sister presented a well-spoken and humorous tribute to the newly married couple. Humor abounded all day as the wedding guests were greeted with a life-sized cardboard stand-up of the Three Stooges in golf attire, and even the Justice of Peace (Arthur Tatro), wedding attendants and the couple themselves donned golf caps after a cleverly crafted exchange of vows incorporating a life imbued with golfing.

DJ Dave Wiley did a great job spinning the tunes. The Spencer Country Inn has refinished the large dance floor in front of the romantic fireplace, and you can literally see yourself in it! From time to time we were able to scoot outside between drizzle episodes to get some great shots of Judith and David.

The cake by Carri Allen at Bugaboo Confections was absolutely amazing and tasted even better than amazing! Judith had arranged for beautiful table centerpieces (golf ball incorporated into the arrangement, of course!) as well as all hers and all the girls' bouquets created by Cohasse Florist. Even her earrings were golf related!

Wishing you many, many years of happiness guys, and in the words of the famous Arnold Palmer, "Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect... "

Kinda like marriage at times???

Not Using Professional Photography?

2011-04-03T19:42:00.000-04:00

Asking someone who is not a professional wedding photographer to shoot your wedding is like asking a fellow who likes to play in the water to fix your plumbing! You never know what the results will be and you're taking a real gamble.

Here's an article we found online (apologies to the source - we don't recall where we've seen this)... take a moment to read through and pass along to that friend/cousin/acquaintance you know who says they'd be happy to shoot your wedding since they have a great camera.

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So you are an amateur photographer who has been shooting for a while, and everyone in the family has seen you running around with your digital SLR for some time now, and they’ve generally acknowledged that you are the family photographer. You took the pictures of Uncle Charlie’s 50th birthday, and he was pleased with the results, and your sister has asked you to take photos of her kids which turned out good.

Word gets around and your cousin decides that it would save her a lot of money if you would take the photos of her wedding. She says that she has seen your shots and thinks that you would be a great photographer for her big day. You would like to do it, because after all, you just love taking photos, and you feel that while you haven’t shot a wedding before, it can’t be that different or hard. You are very tempted to take her up on her offer and shoot the wedding.

Sound familiar? If it doesn’t yet it probably will one day. Most keen amateur photographers come across this circumstance at some stage in their lives, and many will choose to shoot the wedding. A lot of the time, this turns out OK and the bride and groom are happy with the results. Sometimes, however, the day doesn’t go so well, and the photographer is left with the knowledge that they have messed up one of the most important days of a couple’s life.

I am not saying that all amateur photographers shouldn’t accept the opportunity to photograph a wedding for friends. In fact, many amateurs are truly inspired and competent event photographers and will do an excellent job. What I am saying is that you, as the photographer, need to understand the implications of accepting the job, the skills required to do it competently and successfully, the equipment you will need, and the planning needed to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

This article is designed to assist amateur photographers successfully photograph their first wedding. I hope that you find it useful.

BEFORE YOU ACCEPT - CONSIDER THIS:

So as detailed above you have been asked to photograph your first wedding. Before you accept there are a few things you should consider.

Consider if you are competent enough to confidently photograph the wedding

Lesson 2 will specifically talk about the techniques and basic photographic knowledge required to successfully shoot a wedding, but you also need to consider your experience in wedding photography, as well as general photography. For example you may be an excellent photographer in general, but with no wedding experience. If this is the case you are not likely to do a good job.

There are several ways to improve your skills in this respect. The best way, and the only real way to fully prepare yourself, is to assist a professional wedding photographer to shoot several weddings. Some professional photographers will be happy to accept the assistance of a keen amateur with an interest in wedding photography, and allow you to be an unpaid assistant. You may not even take a photo for your first several weddings, but you will undoubtedly learn a great deal. This is how I started my photographic career. I learned how to manage the day, what photos to take, what techniques are required, how to deal with brides and guests and many other skills all by assisting a seasoned wedding pro.

If this is impossible the second way to improve your skill is to read text books on wedding photography. Amazon has dozens of different titles that all provide great advice. I purchased a couple and read them cover to cover before I ever picked up a camera at a wedding. I still regularly purchase books where I see new techniques that interest me, or new poses and styles that I want to experiment with. Simply do a search on Amazon under "wedding photography" to find dozens of titles, all of which are likely to help you in some way. Scour these books not just for hints, but for suitable poses, etc. You want to have practiced these poses well before the wedding to make sure you have them down pat.

Suggest that the couple still select a professional photographer

You should explain to the couple that while you are a good photographer, wedding photography is a very specialized skill and that they would be well-served to seriously consider hiring a professional before appointing you. Non-photographers often do not understand the difficulties involved, and they may simply think that by hiring you they get the same results but for no cost. You need to disabuse them of this notion. If they want you to have an involvement for a reason, suggest using a professional who will let you assist him. This will enable you to be involved, but the photographer still has the responsibility of delivering the end result.

Another consideration is that by asking you to photograph the wedding they are effectively asking you to work all day for them - this is not like asking someone to make a reading at the wedding or to play the guitar as the bride enters the church. You will be working hard for 6 - 8 hours, and you will not be able to just relax and enjoy the day as other guests will. While this may be fine if it is a cousin or acquaintance getting married, the closer your relationship to the couple, the more important that you are free to interact with family and friends during the events. Remember that if you are photographing the wedding you can't afford to get too involved with the day as a spectator - you need to be looking every moment for that next photograph. In these circumstances the couple will likely get the best photos by you being free to enjoy the event, while another person does the photography. After all, you can always give your best photos to the couple later - without the pressure of being the sole recorder of their day.

While you may be able to do a great job, if you do not the consequences could be dire, and at best they would have the potential to damage your relationship with the couple and spoil their record of their big day. If the couple is not severely financially constrained, or alternatively just doesn't care about the photography you should press strongly for them to involve a professional.

Engagement Session Inspiration -- So Many Reasons Why

2011-03-27T19:28:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and anyone who was engaged over the loooong winter months must be chomping at the bit for those budding trees and sprouting flowers to make their appearance -- we're ready and anxious too to make those great engagement shots happen.

Loving the feel of cool, green grass!

If you're not really certain of where or what you'd like to do, here are some great ideas, and some pointers on what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect. First off, please note that just about ANYWHERE you go there are always great free backdrops available thanks to good ol' 'Mother Nature.' The focus of these shots is YOU anyway - the key is to decide on a setting where you're comfortable and which reflects your unique personalities and interests.

At the Old Stone Church, W. Boylston, MA

You may wish to consider a location where you're shared happy moments together. An outdoor café works well. A park where you've enjoyed nature walks together. Or perhaps you like a more urban look -- brick buildings make for beautiful backdrops, and those can be found nearly everywhere here in New England. If it's a 'less-than-perfect' weather day, no problem! Using an umbrella as a prop makes for interesting photography, reminiscent of Hollywood's greatest musical, "Singing in the Rain."

Speaking of Hollywood, perhaps you'd like to dress up in glamor clothing and create a black-and-white Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers look? Recently we posted a link on our Facebook page about an engagement shoot inside an antique shop since that was an interest the couple shared.

Love your pooch? How about including him/her in your session? It could be at a beach, or the park, or a walk through downtown. How about creating a picnic session with a cozy blanket, your favorite foods, some books ... and don't forget the champagne! If you're the creative type, you may opt to bring some hand-crafted items speaking of love.

Another very popular idea is a hang-out at a seldom-used railroad track. The angle of the track receding into the background provides great visual interest.

OK, so we leave the rest of the ideas to you ... but do give it some thought.

WHAT TO WEAR???

Now we want to emphasize what to wear and/or bring to this (typically) 2-hour session. Most couples (especially the bride) opt to bring an outfit change in addition to the one they are wearing. Be aware that complimentary colors on the bride and groom work best -- not the same colors, but complimenting colors. Avoid too many patterns, or one person wearing stripes, the other wearing polka dots, etc. Wear a color that you've often been told you look great in. For the men, you may wish to bring a sport jacket and/or an extra shirt, one casual, one more dressy. Be yourself tho -- if you're strictly a jeans and sweatshirt person, changing your look entirely will not produce results that you'll ultimately be happy with.

That's it for today. If you're looking for more pointers, do give us a call, shoot us an email, or post a comment here. We'd love to help and to know your thoughts!

Central MA Wedding Locales-- Part II

2011-03-13T17:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Daylight Savings Time! This means that wedding season here in New England cannot be far behind! For those of you who haven't been immersed in the wedding industry the way Wakeen Photography is, we thought we'd continue with Part 2 of our pictoral review of much-loved reception sites in our area.

There are way too many to mention (it would have been interesting if Chris had kept a count all these years of how many places he's shot weddings), but here are a few that we frequent most often ... it's going to be great getting back to these places after a cold, snowy winter!

Pictured above is a beautiful table setting at White Cliffs in Northborough; the "sweetheart" table is seen in the background. They do a wonderful, high-class presentation. Ann Marie, you're the best!

In the bridal suite at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, Chris grabs an impromptu shot of this beautiful bride primping before meeting her groom. The Beechwood recently received a Four-Diamond rating in the hotel industry. Congratulations!

This mirrored shot is actually the headboard behind the bed. Mirrors make great photographic props. This shot (below) is one of Chris' favorites.

When searching for a unique venue for your wedding reception, don't overlook places you may not have initially considered. The Worcester Art Museum offers truly exquisite surroundings with an artistic flair ... your guests may appreciate the opportunity to do something in addition to the expected dining and dancing -- a docent-led tour of selected galleries. We just love this photo (below) of the Renaissance Court with its incredible mosaic flooring, its impressive columns and its golden light.

For all you Red Sox fans out there, why not consider having your wedding photos taken at Fenway Park! If your ceremony is in Boston, there's no reason not to look into this option if the bride and groom share a passion for our Sox!

And if you're really not into the urban setting, why not consider a country or pastoral atmosphere? Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer, MA (below) offers a gorgeous setting for outdoor tent weddings (offered May thru October) and is a personal favorite of Vic's (considering Spencer her ol' hometown where her daughter was born). They also offer a beautiful indoor reception November thru April, accommodating up to 150 people.

For 2011 you'll find us in Sterling at the Chocksett Inn, in Boylston at Cyprian Keyes, in Spencer at the Spencer Country Inn, and in Sturbridge at the Publick House, among other places.

Well, this concludes our review of some of the gorgeous venues we are blessed to frequent as wedding photographers!

Central MA Wedding Locales-- Part I

2011-03-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

There are so many wonderful locales in the central Massachusetts region for a wedding ceremony and/or reception. Chris has creatively recorded all of it in photo form as a full-time professional wedding shooter, long before I (Vic) came along ... and a few since I joined him as partner.

Spring is in the air - can you feel it?! We're so excited for the 2011 wedding season to ramp up! Here are some examples of the great places where wonderful photography happens. It's a joy to work with the management of these venues, and we look forward to many more years to come!

The Old Stone Church in West Boylston, MA (and the adjacent reservoir) is a favorite locale, particularly in the fall ... it's definitely worth a stop after the ceremony for those traditional poses that are part of most wedding albums.

To the right is the outdoor ceremony site at the Harding Allen Estate in Barre, MA ... whether spring, summer or fall, this locale has SUCH beautiful gardens and architectural elements, not to mention the gorgeous interior of the mansion itself ... it's pure joy to shoot a wedding here!

Here in the bridal room at the Harding-Allen, Sarah prepares to meet her groom downstairs ... it's a great spot for the bride and her bridesmaids to change into their dresses, gather up their bouquets, sip some champagne ... and for us to fire off a few shots!

NOT to be overlooked is the beautiful site of Harrington Farm in Princeton, MA, renowned for its unforgettable elegance and country charm. Amid the warm, golden post-and-beam construction is plenty of room for dining and dancing, as this fun wedding party can attest to.

The Manor in West Boylston is also a great venue for outdoor photography, with its new gazebo and manicured grounds.

Of course this is just a very small sampling of what's available in central Massachusetts for wedding and reception venues. Stay tuned for next week's blog for more.

Anyone for Cake?

2011-02-21T18:39:00.000-05:00

Lately we've been thinking about cake -- the wonders of wedding cakes, to be specific, and how they can be beautiful works of art in themselves. And so we started going through the archives and realized just how MANY Chris has photographed. You figure for every wedding there is surely some sort of dessert at the reception and Chris makes certain all aspects of the day are documented for the bride and groom. So much attention goes into the details of the wedding day, and so we try to capture every bit of it. Here are some real beauties ... after reviewing these, I think it's time to go see what we've got for sweets in the cupboard .... yum!

Celebrating the Art of YOU !

2011-01-28T16:58:00.000-05:00

Christopher Wakeen, well-known in the central Massachusetts region as a boutique wedding photographer, has an offer you won't want to pass up. And you don't have to be a bride -- it's not just brides that are beautiful!

At Wakeen Photography we believe that Fine Art imagery should be available to everyone. Our packages are appropriate for every budget so that you can take advantage of a fun portrait session where YOU are the star.

Why would you be interested? Well ...

Perhaps you've just finished a degree program, or attained a promotion of some kind. Maybe someone special in your life would like a remembrance of you for Valentine's Day. Or, perhaps you've ended a relationship and would like to mark the beginning of your 'new you' phase. Or, maybe you are widowed or have reached a 'milestone' birthday that you'd like to commemorate. Are you a senior citizen? When was the last time you considered photography? Has it been years since you and your partner have been photographed together? Or maybe you've found 'the one' love of your life, and would like to document your togetherness. How about something as simple as you've changed your hair color, or just got your first tattoo! Need an updated photograph for your Facebook profile or for an online dating service? This is the perfect way to accomplish just that.

Our desire is to help you put your best 'foot' forward, and to join you in celebration of where you're at. Right now. Because as they say, "Life is Good!"

Limited appointments are available, so do inquire a.s.a.p. Our evening appointments are for those who prefer an indoor shoot in a studio-like setting (backdrop, studio lighting, etc.). Select week-end days are available for those preferring an outdoor shoot in natural lighting. And DON'T be put off by snow! We just photographed Sarah, a beautiful woman who's moving to Florida -- she wanted to document her last "crisp" days here in New England!

At only $99, our basic package includes the previews of your session via email (perfect for your Facebook profile!) AND a mounted 11"x14", color or black-and-white print. Additional packages are available. Your results will be much more flattering than anything that you can get from those "quicky" photo retail outfits (and we think you know who we mean)!

Call Vickie @ Wakeen Photography for an appointment (774-262-5332) or email Chris (chris@wakeenphotography.com).

Love Grows -- Nikki & Rich's Maternity Shoot

2011-01-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

After twenty plus years of shooting weddings exclusively, Chris decided (and I encouraged him) to shake things up a bit and branch out into other areas. So, when we were approached to do a shoot for a first pregnancy, we jumped at the chance! Thanks to Nikki's mom Lisa for doing just that! What a loving gesture, purchasing a maternity shoot for her beautiful daughter. [Hint, hint -- photography sessions with Wakeen Photography make great gifts!]

(And boy do I wish I had treated myself to this type of photography when I was pregnant. All I own is an unremarkable Polaroid of me lifting my shirt to document that time of my life.)

The excited daddy-to-be, Rich, has completed the baby nursery with new paint and some beautiful built-in shelving. I think this shot (below) shows he's just as in love with his soon-to-be baby boy as he is with baby's mama, Nikki :-)

And what a natural model Nikki is ... hopefully she felt as relaxed as she appears to be since we really want our clients to enjoy the whole experience. She made our job so much easier as she already knew of several poses she wanted to try and was also agreeable to trying some of our suggestions.

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time in a woman's life. A time, we think, when she should celebrate the miraculous beauty of her changing body, and relish the attention she receives from admiring eyes!

We love the fabric Nikki picked out to accentuate her expanding middle. Her feminine curves make for a really beautiful shot.

Best wishes to you both, Nikki and Rich, and DO let us know when baby Rhegan arrives.

The best time to photograph a precious newborn is within two to three weeks of birth, when they fall asleep so easily after a feeding, in a nice warm room with soft music playing. We're ready, willing and able to make that happen!

Honing One's Craft

2011-01-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Last night was a lot of fun seeing The Issues play at the Olde Post Office Pub here in Grafton. As we'd blogged about before, we really believe that the way to hone one's craft (don't you just love that expression?) is to employ it in various enjoyable scenarios when you're not really working, but playing! So we trucked our big rolling camera bag, a light pole and second lighting to the pub just before our pals took the stage.

The cool thing about this band is that they're all successful professionals by day, and music performers by night! As they say on their website, "... our extensive variety of music, upbeat stage presence, and killer light show....we KNOW you'll have a great time!" And we did.

From my perspective, shooting live performances has much in common with shooting weddings - the action stops for no one and you need to be ready on your mark with each turn. Sounds much easier than it is. I guess you could compare our evening band hopping to a form of exercise to keep us in shape for the real deal -- weddings!

So as craftsman Chris had some fun "honing", I (Vic) assisted with lens changes, took a few shots of my own, had a few beers with my friend Julie and even got to dance a bit -- I could get used to this kind of 'work'! Now if I could only get my husband to pay me!

Family Bonds

2010-12-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas time is a great time to appreciate family bonds, both new and old. Yesterday we found our three kids (pictured l. to r. - Michaela, Chris, Vickie, Jessie, Sean) were all available and willing to don some red, so we shot the must-have Xmas Family Photo 2010. We hope all 'our' couples, those married and those soon-to-be married, are enjoying the comfort and excitement of forging family bonds this holiday season.

The little black 'blob' on Vic's lap is Toto ... shucks, we should have used some low-lighting. Oh well, next time ...

Week-End Fun

2010-12-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

When Chris and I get some free time, one of the ways we relax is to go see and hear local bands, where we can fire off some fun and colorful shots. Last night we went to Dantés at Firefly's in Marlboro to see Worcester favorite "Flock of A....." (I leave the rest of the word for you to figure out!) This band is all about showcasing a retro 80's tribute, and they sure can get the crowd out on the dance floor!

Here's just a few un-retouched pix of the band. You can catch them more often at The Lucky Dog in Worcester.

Just for Fun -- Hamming It Up

2010-12-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here we are last night at the annual CMPPG holiday party, hosted by Bill and Ceil Doros of Shrewsbury. Yes, we're hamming it up with our colleagues, but did you know that most photographers just hate being on the other side of the lens??? Some said they consider it torture. Nah - they all look like they're having fun to us!

Wedding Photography -- Straight from the 'Shooter'

2010-12-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

Happy December everyone! Wow, how time flies! Now that wedding season is really slowing down we thought it might be a good idea to share some pointers with potential clients needing to make an educated decision on wedding or event photography. Naturally we're hoping we'll become your photographer of choice, but regardless of whom you hire, we're pleased to share what we've learned in this business.

Today's topic is one that I think many folks ask themselves ... "WHY ARE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS SO EXPENSIVE? "

After reading this, should you have any questions that we haven't answered, please feel free to comment here and we'll gladly offer our input. I (Chris) am a full-time photographer specializing in wedding photography for the last twenty years.
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It stands to reason that most people don’t have a clear understanding as to why a professional wedding photographer charges so much. What could be so costly when all he/she has to do is show up and shoot a few hundred images, and then download them to a CD/DVD and/or send them off to a lab to be made into previews? And the finished album surely couldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars … so what other expenses does the photographer pass on to the client??? Are they just charging loads of money because they only do a few weddings a year?

Well, the first misconception most people have is regarding a photographer’s time. Both before and during your wedding day, we will spend approximately 8 to 10 hours with you. But then after your event there are many more hours and many more expenses incurred.

Beyond the wedding day itself, here's a conservative estimate of where we spend our time for each and every wedding assignment:

· We get acquainted with the client (initial calls and emails, first meeting, writing up a contract, etc.) This is about 4 hours of time.

· If requested, we attend the rehearsal (including travel time) which could be another 4 hours.

· The day before the wedding, we recheck the equipment, charge batteries, format memory cards, ensure that we have all the right gear and that it's all in working order, etc. This adds about another 2 hours.

· After the wedding (which lasts typically 8 hours) we download and cull the images, perform initial editing in Photoshop, and send the previews to the lab for printing, all of which could total another 6 to 8 hours.

· We then handle post-production of client selections, design the album, meet with the client to go over any changes they want, and make the requested changes. All this could be another 16 hours.

· Finally we order the album, check the quality and deliver the final product to the client, another 2 hours.

So as you can see, that’s on average 38 to 40 hours of the photographer’s time spent on one wedding. In addition, a photographer has business-related expenses to cover, such as liability insurance, equipment expenses and association dues. If a couple requests a photographer for “only a few hours”, it’s typically because they need to economize. In today’s economic environment, this is totally understandable. However, the actual amount of time the photographer spends at the wedding is fairly small relative to the entire amount of time spent on the job. Therefore, a reduced time frame isn’t going to cut much from the cost of hiring a professional photographer.

A better way to look at wedding photography is to consider the value per cost basis – how much does photography matter in the grand scheme of your wedding day? For most people, it is one of the most, if not THE most important part of the wedding since it’s the one thing that you have to show for that special occasion once the guests have gone home and your short-term memories turn into longer-term ones. The food and drink will be consumed, your dress may no longer appeal to you years later, and the flowers will have long since withered and died. But today’s photography will last for decades to come, and with the many new options for displaying your personal memories, the value of whatever you spend goes a long way in providing happiness as well as home décor. The coffee table album was once the only memento couples could purchase after the event, but now-a-days many couples are opting for alternatives such as wall displays using gallery wraps, metallic prints, collages and collections of shots. There are all sizes of albums available as well as accordion-style ‘brag’ books, CDs, and the options continue to widen. Your professional photographer can help you assess how you would most enjoy your photographs and then direct you in the ordering process. Now that’s money well spent!

Engagement Shoot -- Judith & David

2010-11-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

What a fun couple, Judith and David. They're getting married next April at the Spencer Country Inn, a really great venue with some beautiful photographic locations; Chris has shot there often. We were finally able to coordinate schedules to get together and do an autumn engagement shoot before the snow starts to fly! David is a character (my kinda guy!), loves to crack us up as well as his bride-to-be. A lovely little park in Sturbridge (MA) was the setting. We're really looking forward to their event as the theme will revolve around one of their passions - the game of golf!

More Sneak Peeks

2010-11-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

After Chris and I shoot a wedding, we are so anxious to upload the photos and go through them, which we usually do the next morning. It's kind of like Christmas morning to us, opening our 'gifts'! And it's fun to come up with album layout ideas and/or how we may potentially 'tweek' some shots in Photoshop. Of course, that isn't always necessary, many shots look best left alone, au naturel, but sometimes you get a shot that you just KNOW you can have some fun with.

Here's a few more from April and Joe's wedding day.

Sometimes we alter the photo to give the couple a choice between color and black-and-white. You just never know which the couple will prefer, and oftentimes, they choose to have both in their album! Here's one such example --

Which do YOU prefer? I think I still like the shoe shot in color ... but in the following example, I prefer the black-and-white.

I know April and Joe will be pleased with their proof album! Let's finish off with just one more 'awwwww' photo of the two of them, so obviously happy and in love :-)

Ta-Ta For Now!
Chris & Vickie

April and Joe ~ October 23, 2010

2010-10-26T15:45:00.000-04:00

It doesn't get much better than this; shooting beautiful brides is so gratifying! ~ April looks so amazing with her hair up, the wind softly blowing her veil, and the autumn colors muted in the background!

Saturday's wedding was a special pleasure for Chris. April is the niece of Chris' long-time friend Wayne, and it was so great to reconnect again! More on Joe and April's special day to come ...

We've Been "Captured" By David Ziser!

2010-10-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Last night's five-hour session with internationally-recognized photog David Ziser was the bomb! The ballroom at the Woburn Hilton was jam packed with professional colleagues seeking to catch a bit of David's "magic" when it comes to mastering the art of flash photography. Actually, now that we think about it, a better title for the program might have been "Mastering the Light", rather than Captured By ... just our personal "two cents," David!

Not only did David and his wife LaDawn give away over $6,000 in door prizes, (woohoo - free is good!) but they opened us up to their incredible wealth of photographic knowledge -- from the intricacies of perspective, lens selection, and on and off-camera flash, to recognizing and capturing classic lighting patterns, establishing proper exposures and using backlighting for dramatic effect.

We definitely plan on utilizing some of the pointers we learned and that can only benefit our clients. This course was totally about making our images more exciting than ever! Differentiating ourselves from the competition is a GOOD thing ...

WE LOVE AUTUMN Promotion!

2010-10-02T20:00:00.000-04:00

We LOVE the Fall -- the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and we want to celebrate by passing along savings to YOU. Have your family professionally photographed for nearly a 'steal'!

Wakeen Photography is now offering a one-hour outdoor session for you and your family (pets welcomed!) for only $75. You'll receive two beautiful proof pages (4 photos per page), color-corrected and professionally printed, from which you choose your favorite images. Call or email for discounted image pricing, including but not limited to, wallets, holiday cards, and anything else you can think of!

Our beautiful venue options include-- the Old Stone Church in Boylston, MA, Elm Park in Worcester (MA), or the quintessential New England gazebo scene at the Grafton Common (MA). Hurry before our best appointments sell out.

Refer a friend and receive a free 11"x14" print, professionally mounted and ready for your matte and frame! Email Chris to inquire (chris@wakeenphotography.com).

Deanna and Alan -- September 25, 2010

2010-09-27T20:45:00.000-04:00

Saturday evening's wedding with Deanna and Alan was a blast! What a gorgeous wedding party and a fun crowd. This adorable couple exchanged vows at St. Johns Church in Worcester. The late afternoon sun was at a perfect angle, allowing for some great shots of the couple outside the church. Just look at Alan looking calm, cool and collected! And this was before the vows! Deanna looked absolutely stunning as you can see here. We kept remarking what great taste they have, and how everyone in the wedding party was "candy to the eye."

A handsome SUV limo whisked them away to their reception at the Beechwood Hotel - and a grand reception it was! Everything was top notch: from the pre-dinner cocktail hour at the outdoor patio, the wedding cake, and the table décor to the fun-loving, dance-promoting DJ, Tommy's Tunes. Here's hoping the happy couple is looking forward to the proofing album soon to come!

More with Karen & David

2010-08-30T19:18:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been way too long since we last mentioned we'd post more wedding shots of Karen and David, so here goes! We trust they had a wonderful honeymoon and are getting settled into married life (as we are too!)

We loved Karen's choice of colors and her flowers were simply beautiful. Take a look at how calm, cool and collected Karen was --

Even before the wedding began, Karen was looking so "together" as we met them on the beautiful grounds of David's employer in Worcester. Nothing could spoil their day, certainly not the lawn which was, shall we say, littered with little "gifts" from a multitude of Canadian geese that hang out there!

Before the ceremony we had some time in the vestibule of the church, and we spotted a fantastic Victorian settee that would be the perfect prop for a portrait of the bride. We loved the photo we were blessed with by our own photographer in Napa, California, and so when we saw this we just knew we had to create the same for Karen and David. What do you think?

It would be extremely difficult to get a photo that was NOT attractive of this couple! Here's a photo of Karen and David after being pronounced husband and wife ... there's something so romantic and timeless about a black and white shot where the subjects don't even know they're being photographed.

A heartfelt thanks to you both, Karen and David -- you were such a pleasure to work with and it was an honor to share in your most special day!!!

~ Christopher and Victoria

Karen and David -- August 14, 2010

2010-08-20T21:13:00.001-04:00

Saturday the 14th was a gorgeous day for weather, but not as gorgeous as Karen ... here is the happy couple arriving at Worcester's First Unitarian Church just before the ceremony. David's smile all day couldn't have been any more beaming ! It was definitely a joy just being around them, and I think their family and friends would agree!

This is just a teaser for now ... we'll be posting more within the next couple of days.

Our Napa Experience

2010-08-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

The weekend in Sonoma was great. We had dinner in downtown Sonoma that Sunday evening, at a divine Portugese restaurant called La Salette, al fresco. However, the pinnacle of this whole trip for me was Napa Valley! I was SO excited as we made our way Monday morning through the Carneros region, passing acre upon acre of grapevines. We ate a country-style breakfast, grits and all, at the cutest little place called the Fremont Diner.

Arriving at the Beazley Inn in Napa, we immediately knew this was going to be a special time. The gardens here are so beautiful, and the interior of this antique Victorian mansion is just as well-manicured and polished. Our innkeepers, Carol and Jim Beazley, made us feel right at home, upgrading our room to the Master and offering us discount passes to various wineries which we immediately put to use. We dropped our luggage and were off to Mumm Winery for a tour of their facilities and a taste of their famous sparkling wines. The grounds and the art museum inside were just as fascinating.

Tuesday morning we were up and out relatively early to meet the minister who would marry us, Reverend Blane Ellsworth. (www.enchantingelopements.com) We chatted for over an hour and he cleverly put together a service where he mentioned many of the topics we'd discussed that morning, including how we'd met through my friend, Chris' mother! We stopped into the Napa town clerk's office to get our marriage license ... here we are!

I then took off to treat myself to a manicure -- it was my wedding day after all! Back at the inn it was time to start preparing, for our photographer was due to arrive by 3:00 p.m. Here are some shots she took that Chris is so familiar with taking himself (yes, he found it rather strange being on the other side of the camera for a change). The photos to follow are naturally not "ours" but rather courtesy of Nadine Ohara.

The weather on this day, and every day for that matter, was absolutely perfect -- sunny, temperate, low humidity ... thank you God for a good hair day!

Reverend Blane performed a customized ceremony for us on the gorgeous grounds of a private home in Napa, complete with vineyards, flowering shrubs, water fountain and arbor. As our iPod played the nature music we'd chosen, we exchanged our vows and shared in the symbolic cup of blessings and cup of sorrows. Although our family and friends couldn't be with us as witnesses, it was so very nice to feel totally relaxed, unhurried and at peace during this whole experience! Here are a few more shots of our day, and what fun our photo shoot was! Nadine is a consummate professional in every way, and she accommodated our every photographic wish.

This gorgeous property offers a treasure trove of photo ops!

We finished up our evening with a wonderful dinner at Brix Restaurant in Yountville.

OK, well ENOUGH of us already! Our next blog entry will focus on someone else ~ we just shot a beautiful wedding for a fantastic couple, Karen and David, and we look forward to providing you some previews. Stay tuned ~ this couple is really photogenic! And please, let us know if you enjoy these 'peeks' by clicking on either Facebook or Twitter "follow"; better yet, leave us a comment!

Hot Rod Racers in Sonoma

2010-08-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

Backing up a bit to three days before our private wedding ceremony, we made our way from San Francisco to Sonoma's Infineon Raceway for the 15th leg (out of 24) of the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. It was Chris' first time at this racetrack (and it's not easy to find a racetrack he hasn't been to!) The minute I (Vic here) stepped out of the car that Friday evening, the first thing I thought was, "it's so loooouuuuud!" Kind of like being smacked upside the head, really. But one becomes acclimated to the noise after a while, and it's not so bad. We had the good fortune to bump into Del Worsham and his wife Connie, relaxing in their pit's dining/hospitality area. I asked Chris to approach Del so that I could get a quick shot of them together. Nightime drag racing is especially exciting -- as the sun sets you see dramatic flames from the headers (exhaust pipes) of the dragsters shooting 10 feet high as they speed down the track at over 300 mph.

We were back at the track about 11:00 the next morning to continue with qualifying sessions. The place is so huge that you have to park in a beautiful hay field about a mile away from the spectator area, and take a minibus over to the grandstands. There was a constant breeze but a steady beating sun, so by the end of the day we were quite "toasty" despite using a high SPF sunblock ... right down to burnt feet complete with blisters from so much walking. We were sitting directly downwind from the starting line where microscopic bits of rubber (contained within the massive burnout smoke) waft through the stands and deposit themselves on your skin and clothes. You'll see evidence of that on my neck in the next picture -- I was quite elated and didn't care what I looked like as I spotted my favorite funny car racer, Ron Capps ... who just so happened to win the title for the Wally award in the Funny Car category! (The word is, he was wearing his 'lucky' underwear.)

On Sunday we were back to the track for Finals. And our lucky stars were still shining as we visited every driver's pit, our camera in hand, and took many shots that I'd not imagined possible -- this is a sport where the fans really have access to the crew and drivers, can ask questions, gain autographs and pose for photos. It was a blast! Here is my favorite driver in the Top Fuel category, Cory McClenathan.

See what I mean by 'access'?!

MARRIED IN NAPA VALLEY

2010-08-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

WE'RE HITCHED ... WE TIED THE KNOT !!!

How can we begin to tell you how wonderful our elopement/honeymoon was in California?! Even photos won't do the nine days justice, but suffice it to say that during every aspect of our trip the angels seemed to be smiling upon us ... from seeing our favorite professional racers in person (and grabbing photos with them), to enjoying the most wonderful of ceremonies at a private vineyard in Napa. We couldn't BE any happier with the results of our planning!

Now we know exactly how our clients feel about their special day -- every one of them is a unique and precious experience! That's why we believe it's so important to make your wedding day a unique expression of who you are as a couple -- an entirely new entity.

We're still in the process of sorting through the photo files from our FABULOUS photographer, Nadine Ohara. Should you ever decide to get married out in the Bay area, please let us know and we'll gladly hook you up with her. She operated much like Chris does -- capturing the minute details that a couple might otherwise forget if they didn't have a photo of it -- both before, during and after meeting with us. There is so much to "take in" on your wedding day, and that's why it's so important to deal with a professional with wedding experience, and not leave the most lasting mementos to a member of the family or a friend who likes to get 'creative' with their camera. Regardless of cost, your wedding photography is THE one lasting item of your day that you don't want to take a chance with.

This shot by Nadine is one of our favorites. More to come later as we continue with our sorting and post-processing.

Much love ~

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Wakeen :-)

Our Elopement Countdown

2010-06-13T16:36:00.000-04:00

Hey friends! We can't believe in a month we'll be jetting away to sunny California to get married! We expect we'll have lots of great photos to share with you here, so stay tuned. I've never been to California but Chris has, due to his many years of N.H.R.A. spectating. After grabbing our car in San Francisco, we'll head to Sonoma's Infineon Raceway for three days to (hopefully) meet some of our favorite racers. WHY you ask, would a woman like me wanna watch souped-up cars go over 300 mph down a straight 1,000 ft. track and breathe in all those stinky nitro fuel fumes??? Because it's fun! With Chris, most things I never would have tried are, because he's a great teacher and never makes me feel like I'm asking a dumb question. Not to mention, those drivers aren't so hard on the eyes either, and the cars I consider to be like pieces of colorful art. If you don't think that's enticing enough, I could go just to watch the other spectators -- as my dad always said, "It takes all kinds!" Visit NHRA here. The downside of all that racing for me -- the noise. I've been to Epping, NH for one-day of nostalgia funny car racing, but this will be three days of "the big time"... so we'll see. Equipped with several sets of earplugs, I'm sure I'll be eager for the peaceful nature of Napa Valley wineries. We plan to end our Sonoma stay with a beautiful dinner at La Salette, a Portugese cuisine restaurant.

Then it’s on to Napa on Monday morning, to the famed Beazley House, a bed & breakfast inn. Recommended by my brother Arthur and his wife Julie, the Beazley House is owned by a congenial couple who were quick to call me at home right after I booked the stay to ask if we had any food allergies or special dietary requirements – impressive! They recently won the 18^th annual BEST OF NAPA AND SONOMA VALLEYS award! After settling in we’ll experience our first winery tours at Domaine Chandon in Yountville and/or Black Stallion winery in Napa. Dinner will be at another award winning restaurant – Cole’s Chop House, reported by Art & Julie to have THE BEST shrimp cocktail appetizer on the planet!

We’re getting married on Tuesday!!!! Yes, as second-time-around-ers, we like to do things a bit unconventionally. There’ll be much to do in the morning, meeting with Reverend Ellsworth at his home, arranging for our CA marriage license, picking up a bouquet for Vic and perhaps a manicure/hair appointment too. Our Bay-area photographer, Nadine O’Hara, will be joining up with us for a private photo shoot (sooooo excited!) As moderator of the http://www.photo.net/ wedding forum, we have no doubt she’ll come up with some creative and artistic shots, and it will be so fun for Chris to talk shop with another photog. Our exchange of vows will take place on a hill overlooking the Hans Fahden winery in Calistoga … just us, the minister, Nadine … and the Lord. [at this point, Vic will be wishing that time could stand still]. We pray for good weather, but regardless, it will be beautiful. We’ll celebrate with dinner at Brix Restaurant in Napa … another “Best Of” winner. The gardens here are apparently another great spot for photos.

Plans for Wednesday include trips to more wineries … yes, in wine country it’s mandated that you imbibe the wine at nine! Hope you can keep up, Chris, I don’t think they serve beer at these venues! Interests today include either Sawyer Cellars or Peju Winery in Rutherford, Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena, and, la pièce de résistance, or rather, il pezzo di resistenza -- a Tuscan-style castle called Castello di Amorosa! Don’t plan on phoning us come Wednesday afternoon … we may not be too comprehensible! We’ll arrive late day in San Francisco (God-willing) and check in to the Best Western Tuscan Inn, within walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t think we’ll need to take advantage though of the free wine reception there at 4 p.m…

What to do in San Fran??? Put on our walking shoes for #1! It’s off to hop the cable cars, walk up (or down) Lombard Street, trek to Union Square, visit Ghirardelli’s for a chocolate pick-me-up! Oooh, a nice Starbucks café would hit the spot! We’d better save room for a late lunch, perhaps a lobster roll or fish ‘n chips. We’ve got a 3:55 reservation for the ferry to Alcatraz… it’s going to be a full day for certain. On our return to the mainland we’ll seek out the hot spots for some live music for tomorrow night.

For Friday, I imagine we’ll sleep in! [I said sleep.] We’ll have lunch at the Café Pescatore and this time we’ll be ready for that 4 p.m. free wine reception back at the hotel. Hopefully we’ll wine, dine and dance to some live music that evening … I wonder, is it wise to marry a guy before you’ve even seen him dance??? Eh, it is what it is … even if he dances like Elaine Benes on Seinfeld! As is promised, for better or for worse …

And Saturday, who knows, after the previous evening’s wining/dining/dancing(?) we may need to sleep in yet again. But we’ll reluctantly check out of our hotel to hang out in Chinatown. We’ll have lunch at the Hang Ah Tea Room. Cool name …I wonder what it means. Knowing Chris, we’ll be scouting out the local pawn shops, “to help pay for the trip”, is usually his justification. Personally, I’d rather peruse antique shops, but he has a real nose for previously-owned lenses he can buy and sell at a profit.

We’re taking the red-eye flight back to Boston so we’ll have a nice long evening and perhaps one more romantic dinner in San Francisco before returning to “reality”. I do have the feeling that this trip will be one we’ll want to replicate in years to come, a great place to come back for an anniversary or two. I won’t be leaving my heart there though … I’ll need it with me to share with my new hubby, wherever we may be! Hope you enjoyed this preview of our elopement experience!

With love ~ Vickie and Chris

She is CAPTIVATING

2010-06-08T19:59:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, Chris here. Up to this point I've been blessed to have Vic handling the blog. Tonight I thought I'd check in and tell you why I think photographing weddings is THE coolest, most exciting, dynamic and constantly evolving photographic subject there is! There is nothing more beautiful than a woman in love who wants to present her very best to the man she loves ... I know, I see it over and over again! And who can deny that the groom is just as smitten as any bride when you see his face as she walks down the aisle? At that moment, you know for him, all is right with the world. It doesn't seem to matter what their ages, what style dress, music or ceremony, every groom I've photographed is absolutely captivated with his bride. Being witness to that is what makes my job so enjoyable.

Face it guys, how often do we take the time to really enjoy the woman in our lives -- how often do we notice and compliment her hair, the way she dresses, her make-up, or the way she carries herself? Do we let her know what's in our thoughts and our heart? Do we tell her that we think she's amazing?!

So let me share with you some of the beautiful women I've photographed who are so obviously in love with their man! Rest assured, your bride, should you choose me to photograph your special day, will totally enjoy the personal attention she'll receive as the camera captures her essence, her own captivating style, that you'll both be able to look back on and treasure for years to come!

A Surprise Package

2010-06-01T19:52:00.000-04:00

We interrupt this blog with a special news update and the reason we haven't been prompt with the beautiful bride follow-up we promised ... you see, we recently became parents - again! Our little bundle of love dropped into our lives from seemingly nowhere (actually, it was Tennessee). His name was Teddy, now it's Toto, and he's black and furry and is a healthy eight-pounder :-)

Now who could say 'no' to a mug like that?! He's part chihuahua and part terrier, and he's a smart guy for sure. He's eager to please and loves to play fetch, even returning the ball to you to toss it back again! OK, so he hasn't quite got the hang of relieving himself ONLY outside, but we're working on that. Yesterday was his first family group experience, and he did great. Chris' son Sean and daughter Michaela were here, as well as his brother Alex from Florida. The best part of all this is that our next door neighbors have adopted Toto's sister! They've named her Charlie (go figure) and the two dogs can have a playdate whenever they want! We've got lots of little dogs in the neighborhood, so there's never a dull moment around here. I say Chris aught to make use of this good fortune and start doing doggie photo shoots and see where it takes us. It should be fun dressing up our little champ during the seasons and for holiday festivities, etc. Trust me, he'll love it.

Weddings are for Kids Too !

2010-05-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

Hi folks ~ Chris and I thought it would be nice to do a few "Year in Review" blogs before jumping into this year's events ... and what could be more pleasing than the smiling faces of children??? Chris seems to have a knack for capturing kids at weddings at just the right moment, and I've decided to post just a few for your enjoyment. I've heard the parents truly treasure these shots, and I don't blame them ... time flies by way too quickly and if I could, I'd wish on a genie bottle to go back for just one day with my Jessie to maybe age 4 or 5, - oh, what a joy it would be to relive those moments again!

Doesn't this cutie just warm your heart? She seems to have taken a liking to the guy behind the camera, hasn't she?! I know how she feels! This was taken sort of spur of the moment while Chris had the fisheye lens on the camera ... and a great result it was. I just love the fisheye, and wish more photographers were fond of it.

This next photo was a real winner, shot at the Congregational church in downtown Westborough, Massachusetts. No one could have coaxed a child to peek her head out like this just before the ceremony was to begin ... that's what so great about photographing children; they're so spontaneous! And Chris was right there, ready for the shot. This shot made it into a local bride & groom publication. Bet her parents were proud!

I absolutely LOVE the lighting on this one -- (and gosh, do kids have such gorgeous skin!) Chris used an off-camera side light here to avoid shadows on the left. And a slight tilt to add just enough interest to the shot. I'll bet this young beauty is wondering what other fabulous surprises are in store at this wedding reception.

This little boy is totally engrossed in the job at hand -- he's punching out little 'confettis' with a paper hole puncher before the bride makes her way down the aisle. He hasn't a clue that all eyes are upon him -- isn't that adorable???!

And now for the pièce de résistance ~ I'm calling this wonder "lil baby Rose." How precious. There's so much one can do with a shot like this too, with today's wonderful technology and tools such as Photoshop. But simple purity is often perfection at the start, I'd say!

Hope you enjoyed seeing just a few of the youngest participants in the world of a Wakeen-photographed wedding. Next week we'll profile some gorgeous brides as they prepare for the most anticipated day in their lives!

TTFN,
Ta-ta for now!
C & V

Ready To Kick Some A

2010-05-12T17:15:00.000-04:00

Wellll, perhaps it would be kinder to say we're ready to knock your socks off! ~ Chris and I LOVED the PPA Tour seminar last night at Boston's Logan Hilton Hotel. Talk about some fantastic, big-time presenters! Check out Allison & Jeff Rodgers, a husband/wife team whose business has grown by leaps & bounds in the last five years, despite this tough economy (www.allisonrodgers.com). Probably THE most important thing we learned from this dynamic couple is -- take charge of your calendar!

And we were super-charged by New York's celebrity photographer Anthony Vazquez (People magazine, Bravo, InStyle, Access Hollywood, etc.) who reiterated what we knew all along -- IF YOU'RE NOT PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO, FIND SOMETHING ELSE! Check out Anthony's amazing work at www.anthonyvazquez.com., and view his really kewwwl videos with a sneak peak into a celebrity photographer's world.

We're ready to roll with new ideas, new goals, and a new vision to provide brides and grooms the sexy, edgy and fun photography that will make them feel like a million bucks! We love what we do; Chris considers his camera his best friend, and you'll see that come through when you get before his lens and you're immediately put at ease. We've got a whole new product line in store and in the near future, we'll be putting up a new, refreshing, and exciting web page. With all these new things on the horizon -- including our personal wedding to boot -- it seems fitting to blog a bit over the next couple weeks on our Year in Review - 2009. Stay tuned! Keep the passion! Over and out...

Has Your Heart Been Captured?

2010-04-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

If you are a parent, you'd know the answer already - Yes! And you'd be asking yourself this question more than you care to: "how did the time go by so quickly?" It seems only a few short months ago that my Jessie needed me to put on her band-aids or wanted a story read to her at bedtime. Now she's aching to spend as much time with her friends (and away from me) as possible! I know, I'm supposed to be happy about that - and I am, really. But mother-bird feels a bit nostalgic as baby-bird learns to fly -- and fly well she does!

So yesterday Chris took Jessie on her first real photo shoot -- almost two hours of 'let's make YOU the center of our attention,' and secretly, I think she liked it! It was a beautiful day at Worcester's Elm Park, perhaps a bit windy, but all in all we got a few nice shots that she's already posted to Facebook. We'll be sharpening them up in Photoshop later, but here are a couple of prelims. Great job Jessie - you go girl!