Cassie + Anthony |Wedding - Fox Hollow

Their Love Story...

Cassie and Anthony have the cutest love story. They met in 4th grade and Anthony asked Cassie out the next year but Cassie thought boys were icky so she said "no". Anthony tried again in 9th grade and Cassie finally said "yes". After a few years together they went their separate ways, Cassie to college and Anthony into the Army. They remained close through out the years. 5 months after Anthony was deployed to Iraq he came home to Texas on leave, walked in the door got down on his knee and asked Cassie to marry him. ( how many girls are crying right now?)

Their Wedding...

Cassie's sister made her vintage wedding dress and everything perfectly matched her style. Cassie and Anthony had their ceremony at Fox Hollow where all of their friends and family could attend. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, except for Cassie and Anthony who were ready to finish the ceremony so they could party, after all they felt like they had been together forever, lol!

Cassie and Anthony's advice for the newly engaged...

"Make each other's happiness your first priority and laugh as often as possible!"


Cassie and Anthony's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/zanfardino/

Nicoline + Marc | Wedding - Giorgios, Baiting Hollow

Their Love Story...

"All you need is love", Nicoline and Marc's favorite song that reminds them of the importance of love in their lives. Both Nicoline and Marc we busy with their careers and getting on in life before realizing that they were in their 30's and hadn't found "the one" yet. They thought they would try online dating with "Plenty of Fish". They knew immediately after their first date together that they had found what they were looking for.

Their Wedding...

Nicoline and Marc had a beautiful family affair at Giorgio's in Baiting Hollow complete with Santa hats for family photos! Plus whats better than working with my favorite videographer,
Justin Bellucci!  I can't wait to see what's next for them...


Nicoline and Marc's advice for the newly engaged...

"Keep it simple."


Nicoline + Marc's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/morrell/

 

Heather + Matt | Wedding - Crescent Beach Club, Bayville

Their Love Story...It all begins and ends with Starbucks. Heather and Matt met at Starbucks and on their two year dating anniversary Matt bought Heather a puppy which they appropriately named "Chai". Sometime after Chai entered their lives Matt decided to take Heather on a Kayak outing and stop at, where else...Starbucks before heading out. In the same Starbucks parking lot as their first date, Matt proposed to Heather. Wonder what their first child will be named, lol!

Their Wedding...

I have to say that this was honestly one of the most exciting weddings I've ever shot. Heather always dreamed of an outdoor ceremony and what better place than on the beach at Crescent Beach Club. It was a beautiful, mild day in November, with a slight chance of a passing shower.
Heather and Matt decided to go ahead with the ceremony as planned since it would be rather short and we'd be inside in no time. (I'm actually laughing as I'm writing this) The procession went on as planned and as the ceremony proceeded a giant black cloud moved in, it got very cold and extremely windy. At one point the wedding canopy began to blow over, held down by the best man, empty chairs flying around, guests covering their faces from blowing sand and everyone including Heather and Matt laughing. Immediately after their kiss everyone ran inside and had a great party, we still got amazing photos :)

Heather and Matt's advice for the newly engaged...

"Enjoy being engaged before the stress of wedding planning starts."


Heather + Matt's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/lorner

Sarah + Kenny | East Wind Caterers

Their Love Story... Best friends make great soul mates. Sarah and Kenny met while working together and just knew they were meant to be together. They found everything came so easily and that they were each others best friend. After tow years together, on their anniversary Kenny set the scene with a sunset dinner on a dock overlooking the bay and proposed to Sarah, who of course said "Yes".

Their Wedding...

The fall colors were amazing and their outdoor ceremony just before the sun set was pure eye candy. Sarah and Kenny had a pretty big BP with 18 ppl which could have been unruly but Cheeky Details was there to keep everything flowing smoothly. East Wind Caterers was beautiful as always, adorned with red roses everywhere. It was also great seeing one of my favorite couples from the past, Kristy and Evan and their families.

Sarah +Kenny's Gallery http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/weeks/

Melissa and Rob Get Hitched at Raphael Vineyard

One of my favorite, silly, goofy, fun couples; Melissa and Rob had a perfect wedding day at Raphael Vineyard - My favorite venue! What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing and if it did Melissa certainly wouldn't let it ruin her day. Melissa's beautiful vintage style combined with the rustic outdoor vibe of the vineyard plus the tractor we couldn't get enough of, was awesome. Raphael Vineyards puts on a show like no other venue, the incredible sunlight that shines through the Italian Villa windows onto the sparking glasses and centerpieces always seems to captivate me. This place had me at hello :)

One thing I especially like about this wedding is that Melissa was going to have a good time no matter what and it showed in her photos. We even had to make an "outtake" folder for all her silly faces, which honestly were some of my favorites!

Congrats Melissa and Rob!
XOXO

 

To see more from Melissa and Rob's Wedding:

http://sandirufophotography.pass.us/wagner/

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