Karen + Mike | Wedding - Jellyfish Resturant, Northport

Their Love Story...
Karen and Mike's love story is unconventional yet amazing in it's own way.

They met in yoga class 6 years ago and spent plenty of time exploring and traveling together. They  decided that they didn't need the traditional wedding to take place for them to be committed to each other and exchanged their own idea of vows on a volcano mountain top in Hawaii and danced and ate banana bread, a now tradition for them.

Their Wedding...

They've repeated this act 4 times since then, each in the same manor but we, along with their family and friends were invited to witness their exchange at Jellyfish Restaurant, overlooking the Northport Harbor. And yes, they danced :) After the ceremony, everyone was invited to the "Speak Easy" for unique cocktails and tapas. Super fun and what a great place.


Karen + Mike's advice for the newly engaged...

"Don't get caught up in what you think you should do. Be true to yourselves and be grateful for your love and your partner everyday!"

Sarah + Josh's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/kuznetz/

Fall Esessions

Nicoline + Marc | Esession - Port Jefferson Harbor

 

 

Lacey + Rob | Esession - Malverne Movie Theater

 

Amanda + Dominick | Esession - Avalon Park

Jenn + Tyler feat Dizzy and Cara | Esession - Port Jefferson Harbor

Congratulations to all our new couples!

Can't wait to photograph your weddings!

Sarah + Josh | Wedding - Fox Hollow

Their Love Story...

"Never date a co-worker", famous last words. Sarah and Josh meet while working a summer program for college grads and even though they both decided it wouldn't be a good idea for them to start dating, they finally threw in the towel and went for it. Good thing they did because 3.5 years later Josh proposed to his future wife with a fine bottle of champagne and flowers, how could Sarah resist.

Their Wedding...

I feel like we are at Fox Hollow so frequently, but something about Sarah and Josh's wedding made it different. I absolutely fell in love with both her wedding dresses, yes, I said both. She had one for the reception that was equally as fantastic as the one for the ceremony. The fuchsia color that the girls wore was also everywhere in the room and it looked incredible.
Congrats Sarah and Josh!

Sarah + Josh's advice for the newly engaged...

"Elope and do everything your way! :)"


Sarah + Josh's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/slater/

Emily + Chris | Wedding - Oceanbleu/Westhampton Beach

Their Love Story...

Emily and Chris had grown up in the same town and had seen each other in their circles of friends for the past decade. It wasn't until friend and family decided to get them to know each other better. Their bond was immediate, they realized they had so much in common and couldn't stand to be apart from each other.

Chris proposed to Emily while on a vacation to Mexico at sunset on the beach. What more could a girl ask for.

Their Wedding...

Picture Perfect! Oceanbleu overlooking the beautiful beach is where their ceremony took place with light filled globes floating above them, bridesmaids were dressed in a pewter and none of them had any complaints when we decided to kick off our shoes to run and play on the beach. And we were able to catch some fantastic sunset pictures with Emily and Chris before heading inside for a rocking reception. Their band - Dane Wright was outstanding!

Emily + Chris' advice for the newly engaged...

"Have fun!!"


Emily + Chris Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/isselbacher/

Cassandra + James | Wedding - Allegria Hotel

Their Love Story...

Ahhh, the old Spring Break. Cassandra and Jimmy were in college together and repeatedly ran into each other never thinking anything of it until they were on Spring Break together with a group of friends. They feel like destiny just kept putting them together but they didn't take the hint. 5 years later James popped the question while they were having a beach picnic and Cassandra said "yes" of course.

The wedding...

Allegria is one of those places that make you say "OMG, this place is incredible" Cassandra and James chose the rooftop during sunset to say their vows in front of 200 guests. It was spectacular, but my favorite park was at the end of the ceremony, just as they kissed James threw his fist in the air, just like the final scene in The Breakfast Club.
Guy gets girl - end of story!


Advice for the newly engaged - "Don't stress! Never lose sight that it's really about the two of you."

 Cassandra + James' Gallery - http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/dove/c-DN89k673397

Lisa + Paul | Wedding - Timber Point Country Club

Their love story...Lisa and Paul were in 10th grade, same math class when they decided to start "going out" which meant having their parents drive them to the movies and Applebee's for dinner. They describe their love as something that has just always been there and that they couldn't imagine their lives without each other there everyday. 9 years after they met in math class, when Lisa was sick he brought her breakfast in bed singing "Grow old with you" and Lisa just knew it was the moment she'd been waiting for, despite her feeling crappy.

The wedding...

Timber Point Country Club is the location that Lisa and Paul chose to have both their ceremony overlooking the beautiful golf course and their reception as well. Since they both love music and have shared an eclectic variety over the decade that they were together, they thought it fitting to have assorted record covers as the table numbers.

Wedding Song - "Better Together" by Jack Johnson

Advice for the newly engaged - "Enjoy every moment and strive to make your day unique. Don't just make it a "cookie cutter" wedding. It's about you and should reflect your relationship."

 Lisa + Paul's Gallery - http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/scrom/

Janine + James | Wedding - East Wind Estate

Their love story...
 Match.com! How awesome is that!
Dinner, drinks, music, firepit, more drinks = fun, cool, exciting and relaxed. 2 years later James proposed at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

The wedding...

Held at the beautiful East Wind Estate along with one of my fav videographers, Mike from Infinite Productions.
Family, lots of family and the most adorable kids in the bridal party.
It was hot, probably one of the hottest days of the summer, but we all kept our cool and Janine looked gorgeous. We had lots of fun and of course we did the t-rex photo, lol!


 Janine + James' Gallery - http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/mrose/

Nicole + Gary | Wedding - The View Resturant

Their love story...
 Nicole and Gary met at Lehigh University where they met several times in the same crowd of friends. The finally decided to go out to dinner to see where things went but they didn't start off very good. Gary had dental surgery earlier in the day and was running very late for dinner, he couldn't get a cab but ended up making it just in time for the comedy show. Thank goodness Nicole was patient.
One year later Gary presented Nicole with a nameplate for her new job as a teacher that said "Mrs.Costello", although it took Nicole awhile to figure out what it meant, lol.

The wedding...

What can I say, The View is one of my favorite restaurants and a wedding there is even better. The owner, Jimmy loves taking his bride and groom on a short boat ride to a deserted piece of beach for some great photos. Nicole had Gary bring a beach umbrella because she didn't want to get too much sun, best prop ever. Photos on the beach were fantastic. Then on our way back to the restaurant the release two rubber ducks with their names, wedding date and address on them to see if they got returned, before we arrived on the dock with cocktail hour already in full swing. And let me tell you, this was one of the most rocking day weddings I've ever had the pleasure of shooting!

Wedding Song - "You're the One" by Black Keys

Advice for the newly engaged - "Plan early, know you're going to fight so learn to say you're sorry, have fun and enjoy it!"

 Nicole + Gary's Gallery - http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/castaldo/

 

Let me not forget Gary's Sharknado photo!

Hilarious!

 

Marta + Chris | Wedding - Jericho Terrace

Their love story...

Marta and Chris met in college 6 years ago and although neither one of them believed in "love at first sight" it happened to them. As corny as it sounds, their eyes met for the first time and they both knew they were meant to be together.  4 years later Chris proposed the old fashioned way, down on one knee and here we are 2 years later at their spectacular wedding at Jericho Terrace.

The wedding...

Stunning! That's the word I'd use to describe the way Marta looked on her wedding day. Chris was a dapper looking gentleman and they made a beautiful couple. Jericho Terrace was a perfect backdrop to their sparkly sapphire setting. halfway through the party, Marta changed her dress to an adorable short version, which she spun the night away on the dance floor wowing everyone in her path.

Wedding Song - "Tonight and Forever" by Damnwells

Advice for the newly engaged - "Don't rush!"

Marta + Chris's Gallery - http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/berry/

Harbor Links with Theresa and Angel

Harbor Links Golf Course is a rare gem on Long Island, with hills overlooking the Roslyn Harbor you hardly know where you are.

Nothing like a misplaced pair of grooms shoes to cause a little last minute stress before the ceremony, but Theresa handled it well and moved on. Nothing was going to ruin her wedding day that her and Angel have been waiting for  7 1/2 years.

The lack of a/c in the Rolls Royce that took her and her father to the church was no match for her either, because she knew that Angel was at the other end of the isle and even if he didn't have his shoes on they were going to be married!

After the church ceremony we headed over to Harbor Links in Roslyn where we took some great photos at the 18th hole, what a view! Theresa and Angel partied with their family and friends all night and Angel did have his shoes!

Congrats Theresa and Angel!

 

See more photos of Theresa and Angel's Wedding:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/diaz/

Sandcastle Spectacular Reception - Sophia and Danny!

Danny and I hit it off right away when we discovered that we are both in love with Red Velvet cupcakes :)

Danny and Sofia's wedding was incredible. Sofia's very generous Greek family were so kind and willing to explain all of the cultural ceremonies and icons, it was great to learn so much about their country and their traditions. Even though Sofia's family kept the traditions alive Sofia was nothing short of a modern day Greek Bride. Her dress was probably the most beautiful I have ever seen as well as her smile.

After the traditional ceremony in St Paul's Greek Church, we headed over to The Sandcastle in Franklin Square. My first time at this venue and I was impressed by the grand ballroom. You truly have to see it with your own eyes. I loved the mixture of Greek dancing and top hits, plus I enjoyed working with my favorite videographer Mike @ Infinite Productions.

What a fabulous wedding! Congrats to Sofia and Danny!

Check out more photos of Sofia and Danny:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/vera/

Hoboken is so much FUN!

I never thought I would love Hoboken, but Jessica and Paul both told me I would and they were right. With so many different places to shoot we toured around just stopping with anything cool struck me, which was like every 5 seconds. City views, cobblestone streets, parks, college campus but my absolute fav was the Hoboken sign. And the Sangria at the Cuban Club was awesome!

Can't wait to see these two in June for their wedding!

Gantry Park with Karen and Mike

Great place for session photos! Karen and Mike picked Gantry Park because of it's variety and beautiful views of the city and bridges, plus I really love the red Pepsi sign, :)

Congrats, Karen and Mike...See you next April for the wedding!

Setauket Backyard Ceremony - Merissa and Chris

Merissa and Chris get hitched in their backyard ceremony, sounds quint doesn't it? There was nothing quint about this spectacular wedding that took place in the brides home overlooking the beautiful harbor in Setauket with 200 guests being transported in ribbon adorned golf carts to the ceremony site. With the stunning view, it was hard to keep our cameras focused on the ceremony, but our beautiful bride Merissa made it easier.

After the ceremony all guests gathered at Flowerfields for yet another incredible event. The room was filled with eye candy and we couldn't get enough. Merissa's uncle Peter was in charge of the beautiful room décor, which was filled with pink peonies and a touch of green.

A real high school romance! Merissa and Chris knew each other their whole lives and started dating in their freshman year of high school. After high school they went their separate ways off to college while maintaining their long distance relationship. After 10 long years they are finally married and ready to start a new life together.
Congrats, Merissa and Chris!

Check out all their photos at http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/stevens/

Merissa and Chris' advice for the newly engaged:
"It's all about compromise and putting the other person first no matter what! And ...pick Sandi Rufo Photography, she's great!"

I swear that's what they wrote, lol!

Jennifer and Josh Slideshow 5/10/13

Jennifer and Josh 5/10/13

Timber Point CC and Jamesons!

Angela and Matt...where do I begin? We meet over a year ago, when Matt brought me munchkins to make up for his late arrival. Me + Munchkins = Love
After a year of conversing about wedding plans, you can imagine how excited to see there wedding day arrive. As expected Angela was absolutely stunning and Matt, well, ok he's pretty cute too :)

Seeing Matt break down when Angela entered the church is enough to have any sap (including myself) love him. After the ceremony it was party time at Timber Point Country Club. The room looked fantastic with blue uplights matching the bridesmaids dress. Oh btw: Karen is the best MOH ever!

This Irish crowd knows how to party and even started off the night with Jameson shots rather than the traditional champagne toast.

Amazing wedding, amazing couple, such fun, I'd do it again. Congrats!

Check out more photos from Angela and Matt's Gallery:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/gallagher/

From Long Beach to Chelsea Piers

OMG! The smooching and snugging and giggling these two did all day was crazy, clearly they are ridiculously in love. Kerry full of exuberant energy decided to walk, yes, walk in her wedding dress and heels to the local bar where her and Chris met and continue to spend time at. The Long Beach favorite Buoy Bar was an awesome back drop to some fantastic photos on the water  with spectacular views and a bit of champagne.

A backyard ceremony with 80+ guests and there wasn't a dry eye there. Along with cases of wine and beer we boarded a party bus to Manhattan to meet our cruise around the harbor from Chelsea Piers. The views were incredible the music was rocking and the bride and groom had the time of their lives.
Congrats Kerry and Chris!

Check out more photos of Kerry and Chris:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/wesser/

Over the barrell at Raphael Vineyards

Of course dating the boss has it's perks, but marrying him 4 years later at Raphael Vineyard is even better! Kristen meet Rich while working under him in a restaurant. It wasn't long before they were inseparable and moved in together. Rich a wine expert at his current job decided that a Long Island vineyard would be the perfect place to celebrate their wedding, however, I didn't see much wine drinkers there. But I definitely think Raphael should have stocked up on Jameson, since this was the drink of choice for this crazy crowd.

Kristen and Rich along with their family and friends partied, and partied, and partied all night long. This was a wild one and I loved every minute. Don't think me or my camera missed any one of the half dozen guests that took a spill on the dance floor.
What a great party!  Congrats Kristen and Rich!

Check out more from Kristen and Rich's gallery:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/kristenrich51713/

Great Gatsby Part II at Oheka Castle

The evening resembled the Great Gatsby at Oheka Castle on May 10th for Jennifer and Josh's wedding celebration. It was nothing short of spectacular, classic style and grace with a splash of serious Irish culture, full on with a 10 piece bagpipe team for the main entrance. The all black dresses the bridesmaids wore were the perfect canvas for the pop of fuchsia bouquets and Josh's awesome hot pink socks! So dashing with his tux!
What a night to remember!
Congrats Jennifer and Josh!

Check out more photos in Jennifer and Josh's gallery:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/jenniferjosh5-10-13/

Jennifer and Josh's advice for the newly engaged:
"Tell each other every day 'I love you'"

Jen and Victor take Massapequa!

Who knew that night at Miller's Ale House would lead to a marriage proposal on Christmas Eve two years later.  Well it did for Jen and Victor! And here we are at the lovely Riviera in Massapequa celebrating their wedding with family and friends, but not before we stopped off at the local train station for some fun photos of the two of them.

It was love at first sight, not for them but for Victor to fall in love with my pug Lola. Jen and Victor have their own furry friends and totally get how crazy I am about my own. We will be friends forever! LOL!
Congrats Jen and Victor!

Check out their gallery

http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2013/Jennifer-Victor/28338448_JCzgFJ

 

Jen and Victor's advice to the newly engaged:
"Enjoy every minute of your engagement and don't get too stressed about the little things"

The Fountainhead in New Rochelle hosts Liz and Anthony's Wedding

What a theme! Black dresses with pops of red shoes and flowers. Loved, loved, loved the colors, so elegant. Liz and Anthony just knew after only being together for a few months that they were soul mates and it just made sense to make it official. They make a great team and laugh at themselves a lot!
Check out their Sneak Peek:

And their really, fun, crazy and willing to do anything Bridesmaids:

Liza nd Anthony's advice for the newly engaged:
"Enjoy it and don't stress! It'll all work itself out in the end."

Colleen and Kevin have a Super Fun Wedding at Chateau Briand

Colleen and Kevin are downright hilarious and so much fun to be around! It was hard to get a serious photo with them so I just went along and we had a great time! Check out their Sneak Peek for their wedding at Chateau Briand:

And here's their crazy Bridal Party:

See more of Colleen and Kevin's wedding at:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2013/Colleen-Kevin/28336156_8MnLkn

Hollywood Bride and Groom get married at Port Jefferson Counrty Club

That's right folks! Christine a film company production manager and Guinn an actor got married right here in our close to home Port Jefferson Country Club. Besides the fact that Christine out planned my shoot plan with an 8 page schedule of the days events, lol. The wedding went off perfectly. Check out their Sneak Peek and don't forget to read Christine amazing story below:

 Gallery Link:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2013/Christine-Guinn/28338431_GMXddJ

Christine a two time cancer survivor and advocate for bone marrow transplant. You may have seen her on several TV interviews and shows. Here's her story in her own words:

I just wanted to share that this is more than a wedding. It is a miracle... a moment of gratitude and victory... a moment that no one could have foreseen just five years ago. My story has been shared on TV and radio interviews, including ABC Nightline, in newspapers, magazines and web blogs, including Newsday and Golf Digest. I was just on the radio last month speaking about marrow drives, next month my story will be the highlight of an article in "Law of Attraction" magazine, and last November, my fiance and I were selected to be on a very special "extreme make-over" type reality show. (Link to the video is below) All my speaking engagements and appearances are purely on a volunteer basis. It is my way of "giving back."

In short, I have survived aggressive cancer twice, having to endure a bone marrow transplant, a relapse, and then a second marrow transplant. My boyfriend at the time dumped me when my cancer returned, when doctors only gave me a few months to live. His defense had to do with his career dreams of working in theater & film, "You used to be an asset, but now you're a liability," he exclaimed, before adding on, "I deserve a healthy girl." No one expected me to survive, but somehow God had other plans. It was I who thought that no one could ever love a "cancer girl," but two years ago I met Guinn, who became my friend, then boyfriend, then wonderful fiance.

I am writing this email because I wanted to share the significance of our wedding day. Six years ago, doctors gave me less than a 2% chance of being alive in five years. Good friends and I have joked about how my life is a Lifetime Movie. It certainly has had more downs than ups. Well, if it were a Lifetime movie, this wedding would be the Happy Ending, the climax at the end of a long epic journey. I hope you can share the joy and thankfulness, and quite frankly, the incredulity that my friends and family share in that I am still alive and in love with an amazing guy. I feel very lucky and blessed, and I am so excited that you will be a part of this life celebration.

Below are a few videos made during the journey. Feel free to enjoy if you're still snowed in. Hope your family is safe and warm. Guinn and I look forward to seeing you this week, and to celebrate with us on our wedding day!

A PSA created 2 years ago for marrow drives at colleges and universities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7LQ0qtLtXY

A more in depth PSA including clips from my interview with ABC Nightline and scenes inside the hospital. (Used at fundraisers)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JezCZSlsiI

A delightful reality show surprise that happened just this past November

http://screen.yahoo.com/proposal-episode-12-christines-life-021018517.html

Incredible story and their wedding was nothing short of incredible as well. I full on cried during their ceremony as did everyone except Christine who is the happiest person alive today. I can't even find the words for this couples amazing journey. Christine and Guinn - you deserve all the happiness in this world, enjoy each other and tell each other everyday how much you love one another.

-Sandi :)

Meredith and Brian at New Hyde Park Inn

What a lovely cliche... Meredith and Brian met at her sister, Sara, wedding when they both were in  the bridal party. I guess love was in the air because 2 1/2 years later Sara and her husband were in Meredith and Brian's bridal party!
Check out the elegant wedding photos here:
http://sandirufophotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/2013/Meredith-and-Brian/27706037_kSpBqv

Long Time

It's been a loooong time since I've been here updating you on all of our awesome couples and their beautiful weddings. I've got a lot of catching up to do. Keep a look out for some Sneak Peeks!
-Sandi :)

Yay for us!

Thank you to all our wonderful couples who have shared their experience with us on the WeddingWire network to help us achieve this prestigious award.

Port Jefferson, NY – January 14, 2013 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Sandi Rufo Photography has been selected as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® 2013 for Wedding Photography in New York!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Sandi Rufo Photography’s selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews. While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Sandi Rufo Photography.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients. As a Bride’s Choice Awards winner, Sandi Rufo Photography is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

“Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Now in its fifth year, the Bride’s Choice Awards® program continues to recognize the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Sandi Rufo Photography for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.”

Sandi Rufo Photography is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding Photography in New York in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® for 2013.


To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards®, please visit www.WeddingWire.com/brides-choice-awards.

Bride and Bride Fall Favorite at Three Village Inn

At first I was both excited and nervous that I wouldn't find creative ways of photographing 2 Brides, but Holly and Aimee were so much in love that it just came naturally. All I did was photograph them being themselves and the results were amazing!

If I could say one thing about Holly and Aimee is that they did it their way and didn't follow any rules. They both wore beautiful vintage dresses with the most adorable red and scarlett maryjane shoes. They had a candle light ceremony which was fantastic and then partied, and I mean partied straight through the night.

Holly and Aimee attended high school together but didn't really get to know each other until years later. They both had just gotten out of relationships and would talk to each other about the type of person they would really like to be with and realized that they were describing each other. Once they started dating, they just knew it was meant to be.

It was clear to me that they are truly soul mates and I am so happy to have been a part of their awesome wedding!
Congrats Holly and Aimee! <3

Holly and Aimee's advice to the newly engaged:
"Stop thinking about everyone else, what they think or what they would want. Your wedding day is about 2 people in love, dedicating themselves to each other, and that's all that matters at the end of the day. Enjoy the ride!"