Michelle and Ryan Happiest Couple Ever at Timber Point Counrty Club!

It's true! Michelle and Ryan didn't stop smiling from ear to ear all day long. Michelle floated down Timber Point steps right into Ryan's arms when they had their early morning reveal and it was smiles non stop after that. We took a stroll through the Bayard Arboretum for portraits which was perfect eye candy for their fall theme celebration. Their ceremony was an extra special treat as Michelle's sister and partner performed the ceremony outside on the patio, followed by an intense version of the traditional Jewish dances. We got the greatest photos of the proud parents being lifted above the crowd. What a great time this party was!

Michelle and Ryan met at Drexel University freshman year for both of them. A few long boarding, Chemistry study dates and a "mix CD" later and they knew they were meant to be together. These two thrill seekers continued for 7 years, when on a trip to Arcadia National Park Ryan got down on his knee for a traditional proposal. Way to go Ryan! And despite Michelle's shock she managed to say "of course"!

Congrats Mr and Mrs. Cooper!

Marching Band Rebels Get Hitched at The View

Yup! You read that right. Lauren and Brendan meet 9 years ago while playing for their high school marching band. Sounds like a cute sweet couple right? Wrong after stealing all the bands uniforms and stuffing them in a bunch of lockers, Brendan took the heat and landed in detention, never letting the cat out the bag that Lauren was his accomplice. While graduating high school took them on two separate paths, Brendan to the Coast Guard and Lauren to college they always knew they'd be together when the time was right.

What an awesome wedding day they had at The View in Oakdale (one of my favorite restaurants, try the General Tso's Calamari)! After their ceremony on the picture perfect dock, Jimmy took us on a boat across the way to a little piece of deserted beach for some fantastic photos! Amazing!

Congrats to Lauren and Brendan!

Lauren and Brendan's Advice for the newly engaged:
" Never go to bed angry"
"Happy wife means a happy life :)"

Dona and Jamie return to Danfords 9 years later!

9 years ago Dona and Jamie went down to the Port Jefferson area and Danford's Hotel and Marina on their first date. Since then they've both been busy getting law degrees, masters and soaking up the fun and sun in Florida. When Jamie proposed during Christmas 2011 it was an easy decision for them to choose Danford's as the location they would celebrate their wedding day.

Their wedding day was picture perfect, even a little rain couldn't stop Dona and Jamie from enjoying all their efforts in putting together a spectacular wedding day! Loved that Dona had so many "goodies" for me to photograph:)

Congrats Dona and Jamie, we hope to see you back in Port Jefferson soon.

Dona and Jamie's avice for the newly engaged:
"Don't stress the samll stuff, and let your family do the same."

Miller Beach Surf Club! One of my Favs!

Miller Beach Surf Club is like a little paradise in a hidden location that if you don't know about it you'll never find. Amazing views with beach access, and this is the location that Tracy and Michael chose to take their wedding vows and celebrate with their family and friends.
What an amazing couple these two are.  Not only are they ridiculously in a state of bliss that they share with Tracy's very cool daughter, Kiersten but they are thrill seekers as well. After meeting on eharmony.com they decided to go skydiving on their second date, yes, skydiving!

Okay, so I cried like a baby at Tracy and Michael's ceremony and then again when Michael sang a song for his beautiful wife as their first dance. It wasn't all tears though because these two really know how to get down! Tracy kicked off her high heels, tore off the bottom of her dress and danced the night away in her "shit kicking cowboy boots"! Kiersten was never far away also in her boots!
Love these two, congrats to a wonderful couple that have everything they deserve in life!

Tracy and Michaels' Advice for the newly engaged:
"Don't get caught up in the planning! Enjoy each other, it's about the two of you and celebrating your love for each other, not worrying about who can't sit next to who and do the flowers match the color of the dress. Make your day about you! Be unique, add touches from your relationship that mean something special to you as a couple."

Martha Clara Vineyards with Natalie and Nick

Don't you just feel like saying Nat and Nic for short? I bet these two hear that all the time!
What great fun we had at their esesh at Martha Clara Vineyard. It was a perfect autumn day for a little wine tasting and smooching in the vineyards. Of course me and my camera followed them around but they didn't seem to mind much :)
Both Nat and Nic have amazing smiles that just lit up my camera. Awesome shoot! Check out their pics:

Larkfield Manor presents Nikki and Jay Daum!

Clearly Nikki is a Pinterest junkie! She had every imaginable wedding goodie to match her fall theme and even had the girls dresses lined up on custom hangers when I arrived. Nikki and Jay are the coolest couple ever! They even let their Bridal Party wear sneakers! Nike sneakers with an orange swish and matching socks, sneakers + crazy bridal party = all night dancing. I love this couple and had such a great time with them. Congrats Nikki and Jay!

Long Distance makes the heart grow fonder in Nikki and Jay's love story. Starting out as just friends when Jay moved away for 4 years only to realize they had something special between them. Jay, as adorable as he is, totally chickened out on the planned proposal during a family dinner while his friend Frank video taped the entire night waiting for the big moment that didn't arrive until Jay got Nikki alone later that evening. Way to go Jay!

See more awesome photos from Nikki and Jay's wedding at:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Nicoletta-Jason/22122771_5nSS37

Nikki and Jay's Advice for the newly engaged:
"Do not let timelines rule planning your big day! Do it YOUR way and enjoy every minute of it! Organization is key! And having Sandi as your photographer makes everything better!"
(I'm not kidding, they really said that! Of course I love them :) )

Monica and Jay at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville

After a rainy morning, with few hopes for better weather the sun came out just in time for Monica and Jay to head back down the isle after saying "I Do" in front of their 120 guests.It turned out to be a picture perfect day for a wedding reception at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville NY.

After they went through the trouble of finding umbrellas to match the beautiful periwinkle dresses and hydrangeas we decided to make use of them in our photos anyway :)

Besides the gorgeous photo ops at Rock Hill Country Club, Dr Beat Productions had the party rocking all day into the night. The very shy pilot and school teacher who met on Match.com came out of their shells and danced to their own tune. My favorite part was when Jay replicated the entire Footloose number while guests cheered him on. Go Jay!
Congrats to a great couple!
Here's their Sneak Peek, see more at their gallery:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Monica-and-Jay/23332162_JGwR2N

Tiffany and Tom at Crest Hollow Country Club

Love Tiffany's style! The vibrant colors of purples and fuchsia were everywhere, including the couples amazing tattoo art. Not to mention how absolutely gorgeous Tiffany is.

Tiffany and Tom met back when "My Space" was the social networking site. Tom saw Tiffany's photo and commented "I love your ink" (pretty good pick up line, Tom) and the rest is history. Love at first site and they are just so happy to share their wedding day with all their family and friends.
Congrats to the "inked" couple!

See more of their beautiful photos at:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Tiffany-Tom/22122736_9LVRrS

Tiffany and Tom's advice for the newly engaged :
"Enjoy every moment planning your wedding because it goes by very fast"

Allison and Michael's Altantis Marine World Wedding gets Published!

http://thenyweddingblog.com/

Leigh and John Tie the Knot at Bayard Arboretum

Talk about shy! These two could have gone on forever just going to $4 Tuesday at the local movie theater as friends and never get together. It took 6 years and a friend that finally decided to play matchmaker for them to realize their relationship was something else. 2 years later on New Years Eve, John proposed and Leigh said "yes"!

Since both Leigh and John have a love for nature and the outdoors "tree huggers", lol they chose the Bayard Arboretum for both their ceremony and the reception that followed. The location was perfect, John waited by the lake while Leigh snuck up behind him to surprise him in her beautiful dress. When he saw her he cried, she cried, we all cried!
After a beautiful ceremony overlooking the green hills and lake at sunset they enjoyed an intimate party at the Hidden Oak Cafe that included centerpieces that appear to be fireflies in mason jars. 


Check out their Sneak Peek, more photos can be found at their gallery:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Leigh-John/22122705_qm752q

 Leigh and John's advice for the newly engaged:
"Have fun planning. Don't get wrapped up in the details. Try to keep it simple. Spend your money on the downpayment for a house and not all on the wedding."

Courtney and John's Elegant Beach Wedding at Westhampton Bath and Tennis

Perfect day for a beach wedding in July for Courtney and John at Westhampton Bath and Tennis. Nothing says beachy wedding theme than Courtney's beautiful waterfront home in Center Moriches to the elegant wide open ocean view at the venue. And if the wedding nuptials at the waters edge wasn't enough, then they had a beach bonfire at sunset. Seashells adorned all the tables and even confections on their cake. Best part is the massive crystal chandelier that hung above this casual atmosphere, really a beautiful touch. I couldn't stop photographing them under it!

Courtney and John share a love of furry friends, especially their two dogs Riley and Frank who were unfortunately unable to attend the wedding, but were there in more ways than one. Each table had a photo of the dogs and they were even on the cake! Bet Riley and Frank are missing them while they are away on their two week honeymoon! Congrats!

Check out there Sneak Peek, see more at their gallery:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Courtney-John/22122696_dhzpH8

Kristy and Evan at Long Island Museum in Stony Brook Village

Kristy and Evan had a perfect wedding plan to get ready at the cottages at Three Village Inn, take a trolley over to The Long Island Museum for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and then back to Three Village Inn to celebrate. Well, torrential rains didn't stop these two! Evan huddled under an umbrella waiting to see his beautiful Bride while the entire bridal party and family watched out the windows of the trolley, so adorable! After an exciting first look at each other we all shuffled off for the ceremony. After that Kristy could care less if she got wet and ran across the street in the rain, needless to say all traffic stopped to see the bride :)

None other than a self defense class taught by Evan is where the two met 6 years ago, and the rest is history!

Kristy and Evan are just one of those couples that you can't help adore! They are both so beautiful and such caring people, they are going to make some gorgeous babies! Congrats! <3 you guys!

Take a look at their Wedding and Engagement Sneak Peek and see their gallery at:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Kristy-Evan/22122678_SjcZ56

Kristy and Evan's advice for the newly engaged:
"Be happy and never stay mad at each other!"

Ashley and Greg Tie the Knot at Woodbury Country Club

Ashley and Greg chose the Woodbury Country Club as the beautiful and chic location to begin their life together! The room was spectacular and had Ashley's style all over it. All white with touches of magenta everywhere you looked.The colors were sensational and almost had a chance of out doing Ashley's amazing smile :)

Ashley and Greg met in August of 2008 and have been inseparable ever since. Greg proposed to Ashley in the most Fairy Tale location, Disney at the "Sweetheart Dinner" with fireworks in the background and champagne waiting for her to say "Yes".

Ashley describes their love story as easy and simple. It just felt right and they knew they could never be without one another. They both feel so lucky to have found each other and chose "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds Five as their wedding song.

Here's a Sneak Peek at Ashley and Greg's wedding day.

See more at their gallery:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2012/Ashley-and-Greg/15949605_NckTNh

Ashley and Geg's Advice to the newly engaged:

"Always support your partner and love every piece of them. Love them for who they are and never try to change them!"

Suzanne and Bobby's Wedding at Danford's Hotel and Marina

Suzanne and Bobby are some of the craziest people I've had the pleasure of photographing! It was 95 degrees on their wedding day and they were still game for any crazy ideas that I had, plus a few crazy ideas of their own (see below/ jumping on the bed). Danford's Hotel and Marina hosted a beautiful affair for them, the room was stunning, flowers were exotic and there were peacock feathers everywhere. An eclectic taste in music kept the crowd going, from 80's hits to heavy metal headbanging. The Bride and Groom even danced to Apache and Time Warp. I danced a few songs myself that night :)

After meeting on Match.com they had their first date at "Smokin' Al's BBQ House" After a messy meal of many napkins and no utensils, they realized that they had a lot in common. 2 years later they got engaged :)

Suzanne and Bobby's crazy idea!

Advice for the newly engaged:
"Elope :) Planning a wedding is stressful, so if you want one, make sure to breathe."

Joanna and Michael's Glamouous Wedding at East Wind Inn & Spa

The pale yellow girls dresses where stunning at Joanna and Michael's East Wind Inn & Spa Wedding celebration. Joanna, who was just the prettiest bride sent her groom  a special gift while they awaited their outdoor ceremony to begin. Lucky for me, I got it all on camera :) Not going to lie, it was hot but Joanna doesn't miss a thing and provided her guests with paper fans while they said their "I do's". The ballroom was gorgeous with yellow flowers and dripping crystals, the perfect backdrop for their upbeat crowd. The dance floor was packed til the last song played.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of photographing Joanna and Michael at the University of Delaware, where they met 6 years earlier in sophomore year and then returned after graduation where Michael proposed. After college the couple had maintained their romance from a distance, Joanna in Commack and Michael in NYC. Finally they can start their new life together! Congrats, hope you enjoy your honeymoon in Bali!

Joanna and Michael's advice for newly engaged couples:
"Don't stress! Even though it seems like a lot, try to enjoy all the planning! Remember that in the end it's all about the two of you!"

Merissa and Chris' Esesh Sneak Peek

Merissa and Chris are so gosh darn adorable, I could hardly take it! She just giggles so much it's infectious!Esesh took place at Merissa's home in Strongs Neck. The property is breathtaking on the waterfront, a perfect place for their June 1st, 2013 wedding ceremony. Love, love, love the John Deere tractor. Just hope I can get her to ride it in her wedding dress, lol!

My Favorite Venue Lands End, Sayville hosts Tara and Brett's Wedding

Lands End is one of my favorite venues that has everything Long Island Weddings are about, Beach access, outdoor ceremonies, great food and fits more than 300 guests with a quaint hotel right next door on the water. What more can you ask for!

Tara and Brett really had quite the family affair with her 9 siblings, that's right, I said 9. And all of Brett's collage friends really got crazy on the dance floor! This wedding rocked the South Shore that night into the next day!

Tara, a softball and snowboard enthusiast and Brett a baseball and skier were destined to be together and met in their freshman year in college. After 3 years of dating Brett staged the proposal on Mount Snow a favorite spot for the two. And Tara said yes, of course!

Allison and Mike Spectacular Wedding at Atlantis MArine World in Riverhead

Allison and Mike's spectacular wedding at Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead was nothing short of major eye candy! Everywhere you looked there was something new to discover. After torrential rains the sky cleared and gave us a few moments to steal them away and get some great outdoor shots. Mike made sure to tell me not to miss his favorite, the penguins :)

Seashells and sand adorned every table and the giant Shark above the dance floor was awesome. Beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple! Love, love, love you guys!

Miller Beach Surf Club Wedding Bliss for Janet and Scott

If you've never been to the Miller Beach Surf Club, you are really missing out! Janet and Scott chose this little hideaway over looking the beautiful north shore with it's own beach access to have their ceremony and reception. Perfect location to share an intimate wedding celebration and get some great photos. Despite the bug bites we all got, we were able to capture an awe inspiring sunset with Janet and Scott!

Janet and Scott are amoung the many couples I've meet this past few years that are a "Match.com, made in heaven". Their first date was at Starbucks and 3 years later they were engaged in Cayman Islands.
Congrats to Janet and Scott!

My Fav!

Janet and Scott's Advice for the newly engaged:
"No matter how busy your lives may be, always make time for each other - and that's a priority."

Rare 650 Syosset hosts Jennifer and Anthony's Wedding

Wow! Talk about great food, if you haven't tried this restaurant, go there tonight! Jenn and Anthony picked this awesome location for it's great food, swanky atmosphere and intimate setting to have their wedding ceremony and celebrate. Jenn's MOH Melanie made sure that every detail was covered and all the fun goodies a bride could have were there. Jenn and Anthony met in 2006 and have been inseparable ever since! Cute couple, crazy friends! Loved you girls, so much fun! Much Congrats to Jenn and Anthony <3

Suzanne and Bobby's Engagement Photos at Avalon Park

Perfect day with a fun couple. Suzanne was game for anything and Bobby was so good going along for the ride. He never complained even when I made him sit in the middle of a weed and bug filled field. But seriously... it was so worth the ankle bug bites! The photos came out awesome!

Shannon and Jarrad at Bridgeview Yacht Club

Shannon and Jarrad met in high school, 12 years ago. They went to the movies one night "just as friends" and the rest is history in the making.

There wedding day started out pouring rain, but when Shannon was ready to walk down the isle (in her comfy flip flops :)), the sun was shining and it continued on for the rest of the day. I've photographed hundreds of weddings but this was the first time I've ever seen a bridal party's entrance on Razor Scooters! I couldn't stop photographing Shannon and Jared because the way they looked at each other was just amazing! I'm getting chills just writing about it. Here's a few photos from their wedding day at Bridgeview Yacht Club.

Shannon and Jarrad's advice for the newly engaged...
"Make sure you and your fiance plan a day that you both will enjoy. Don't get caught up in all the crazy planning drama - remember what the day is really about."

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs. Wilson!

Courtney and John's E-Session along with their furry friends!

 Picture Perfect was the location that Courtney and John selected for their Engagement Session. And to top it off their dogs, Frank and Riley were all to happy to come along for the boat ride over to an untouched oasis of pure beach right here on the east end of Long Island. Riley wildly dug holes in the sand while Frank curled up in them. John was a trooper even though I made him do some silly things (he really loved it) and Courtney was stunning. Great day, I even got a little tan while we were at it :)

Katie and Keith's E-Session at South Street Seaport

Coolest day ever! There was balloon, flowers, ice cream and fake mustaches. No this wasn't a preschool party, it was Katie and Keith's Engagement Session. They are two wacky, crazy and fun people who are perfect for each other. They really made me laugh all through the session! Thanks guys for a great day, can't wait to see what kind of crazy things you're going to do at the wedding!

Awesome E-sesh with Kristy and Evan

Had so much fun with Kristy and Evan as they showed  me around Avalon Park showing me all the sites where they like to go, the rock that Evan asked Kristy to marry him on and the tree that their dog, Lucky chased a squirrel into. LOL! Beautiful place with a beautiful couple. Here's just a taste of all the fantastic pics we got :)

Diana and Tim have a perfect Wedding Day at East Wind Inn and Spa!

So the weather forecast was wrong and not a single drop of rain fell on Diana and Tim's wedding day!
Diana was so worried about everything being perfect and I can tell you...everything was! The purple monochromatic colors were awesome and every detail imaginable was carried out just right.

Elizabeth + Joe Get Married at Fox Hollow!

First wedding of the season! Elizabeth and Joe have an amazingly beautiful spring day in early March! Nicole and I were so amped up to photograph the wedding after being on wedding hiatus since the end of December. The setting was perfect, exactly what Elizabeth and Joe had in mind when the pictured their wedding day ay the Fox Hollow Country Club. Check out the Sneak Peek and see for yourselves!

Ceremony of a Liftetime for Kimberely and Steve

Congratulations to Kimberly and Steve! All time most elaborate amazing ceremony I've ever seen. You guys really had the full court press with 5 priests, half a dozen alter assistants and a choir! Felt like royalty :) Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon! 

Joanna and Mike's E-session at Delaware University

When Joanna and Mike told me they got engaged on the steps of Delaware University, where they both went to college and graduated from, I just knew we had to make the road trip there for their E-session. It was during winter recess so we pretty much had the campus to ourselves and well... you know me, my imagination just went wild! Classrooms, Libraries, Lecture Halls, all the places you'd feel totally inappropriate kissing in but always wanted to, lol! We had so much fun and their photos show it! What a great day!