Ray Anthony Photography Blog

03.14.13 – Kathryn and Philip – Wynn Las Vegas

rayanthonyphoto — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 06:04:45 +0000

Kathryn and Philip’s wedding kicks off my 2013 wedding season, and what better location could that be than Las Vegas! I have enjoyed coming back to the “wedding capital of the world” every year now since 2007. In fact, it was because of a wedding I photographed in 2011 of Kat and Phil’s friends, here in Vegas, that lead to our introduction! So when I received the email last summer that another couple from Australia were flying half way around the world for their nuptials, I could not have been more excited!

Vegas weddings always give me an opportunity to try different things because they always require a shift in my documentary style. Yes, I do hold true to photographing the story of the day as it naturally unfolds as much as I can. But because it is a destination wedding for the couple and their family and friends that join them, taking a tour of the Vegas Strip is unavoidable. The excitement of the tourists on the Strip, the millions of colorful neon lights, digital signs, and the extravagant architecture of the hotels and casino, mandates the exciting challenge for me to find ways to photograph the wedding party in the midst of this fast-paced, electric city.

The day began with my photographing Phil getting ready in his room at the Venetian Hotel before heading up the Strip to find Kat at the Wynn Las Vegas. I met Kat (by the way, for the first time in person!) getting ready in the Chapel Salon. In her dress when I arrived, I was able to capture a few moments of her putting on her jewelry and her veil. Shortly after the ceremony began, and the couples’ family and close friends witnessed Kat and Phil’s wedding vows. Outside, the weather was perfect, actually a bit warmer than a typical mid-March day in Vegas. The skies were blue, the humidity low, so we headed outside to the adjoining patio where we did some group portraits. Kat looked stunning as you can see in the photos above and below; and Phil was a handsome, “Vegas-cool” groom, in his tieless, pink shirt, fancy cufflinks and sport coat.

After the patio portraits, we headed out to the Strip in a very pink party bus, for a couple of hours of having fun and hitting the famous landmarks. The end results? With the enthusiastic help of Kat, Phil, their family and friends, we were able to create some pretty awesome photos….Vegas style! Enjoy some of my favorites, above and below!

Not So Ordinary Wedding Photographs

rayanthonyphoto — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 21:54:37 +0000

A documentary wedding photographer from the U.K. that I admire, Kevin Mullins, just posted in his blog: “Why I love this picture – Real Life Weddings” (Click HERE to see his post). He posted a single image of an older man putting on his tie, with his wife nearby ready to help him. Here is the comment I made to this post: “What often happens with me is that these type of photos take on a new significance the longer time goes on. Not only do they teach us about the relationships of people, the personalities of people, but they take on a historical value that just isn’t felt the second the image is made. As time goes on, it becomes increasingly important to the people photographed, those who know and love them, and to the casual observer that this was a real moment in time. The clothes, what people are doing, the colors, the location, all of these remind us of how life was then. As the clock ticks, this moment in time becomes a permanent reminder of how life once was. That’s why you, me, and photographers like us, do what we do. Contriving, prompting and posing are about the photographer. Documentary imagery is about the subject in front of us. One takes, the other gives back IMHO.”

Inspired by Kevin’s post, I decided to go through some of my weddings over the past year, and post photos that fall into this category. Images captured that caught my attention mainly because they describe the connection between people, more than anything else. The simple essence of these images is they remind us that “we belong,” that “we are loved,” and that “we are not alone.” To me, there is nothing more tragic, more devastating to the human condition, than loneliness. Images that seem to win contests, or get published, will typically also include peak expression, emotion or action to give it an added element. They, too, may convey “connectedness,” but it is not the central theme of the image, or it gets lost because of the more obvious elements: the action, expression or emotion. You can see these types of photos in most of those selected in my “Best of 2012,” shown in my previous blog post. Don’t get me wrong, I love those images too! The images above and below lack these exciting additional elements. They are not typical contest winners. Regardless, they are among my favorites from this past year. They display a moment in history of the simple connection between people.

There are many kinds of wedding photographers out there to choose from, but only a very few will capture these kinds of images. Those like Kevin Mullins, myself and other documentary wedding photographers share a passion for capturing “real life” in the weddings we photograph.

12.28.12 – Ann and Darius – Colony Club (Detroit, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 02:03:07 +0000

Ann and Darius’ wedding was one of those weddings that surprised me. It’s not that I wasn’t suspecting great things, but let’s be honest: a downtown Detroit wedding at the end of December? Well, let me tell you, it was a fantastic wedding! Overcast skies, cold weather, and all, it was a beautiful day! Even though I haven’t lived in Michigan for a few years now, I should know better. Michigan in the winter is a special place. You just have to live there, or at least have spent your formative years there, to know what I mean. To those who call Michigan home, it’s never been about the weather or the gray skies, it’s about family and friends. Ann and Darius’ wedding reminded me of that. That’s what made their wedding so special. Ann and Darius’ smiles lit up the room, like the sun does to the beaches in California! And the love they have in their hearts for each other, and shared among their close-nit families, warmed the church and ballroom as if it were a wedding on a summer day! Finding the kind of moments I gravitate toward as a documentary photographer was as easy as any of my weddings this year. I thoroughly enjoyed this couple, their families, and this day. Thank you Ann and Darius for allowing me to be a part of your wedding!

You can see these great moments above and below. The day began with the couple and wedding party getting ready at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit. I captured a great skyline photo of Detroit from Ann’s hotel room and you can see it, as well as all the highlights, click HERE. The ceremony took place a few blocks away at the historic Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church. Following the ceremony, the reception followed at another iconic location, the Colony Club. If you have never seen either of these buildings, scroll down below to get a glimpse at their incredible and ornate architecture. Ann and Darius’ wedding party got the evening rolling with a lively, high-energy grand entrance. After dinner, the couple displayed their exceptional dance skills during their formal first dance. Ann and Darius obviously motivated their guests, because the dance floor stayed hot the entire night! There was even a tarantella dance for Ann later in the evening, celebrating the Italian heritage of this beautiful bride.

Like I said, I should have known better: it didn’t matter what the weather was like outside…

12.08.12 – Jessica and Jacob – Four Seasons Hotel (Las Vegas, NV)

rayanthonyphoto — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:50:33 +0000

Jessica and Jacob’s wedding had all the elements that made their Vegas wedding spectacular: a great venue, great decor, a great group of guests, great entertainment, and Elvis! It doesn’t get better than that and it was one I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of!

I first met this Chicago-based couple last Spring to photograph their engagement session on the Vegas strip. After a successful shoot and getting to know them, hearing a little about their plans, I knew there was no question they were in store for a great wedding! Besides, they were in the professional hands of Dennis Silknitter, Assistant Catering Director of the Four Seasons Hotel to help plan their day! And if the Four Seasons Hotel wasn’t enough to “wow” their guests, Jessica and Jacob selected Vegas’ most talented decor and floral designer, Randi Garrett of Naakiti Floral to turn the ballroom into a “Hawaiian” paradise, which was the theme of their wedding!

To augment the Hawaiian theme, the couple were married by an Elvis impersonator, from Viva Las Vegas Weddings. He serenaded the wedding party processional and during the ceremony on the hotel’s beautiful Fountain Terrace, singing the classics: “Let It Be Me,” “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” and “Viva Las Vegas.” A poolside cocktail hour followed the ceremony, and then the guests were treated to fantastic entertainment by Las Vegas Hula in the ballroom while being served dinner. The troop provided Hawaiian music, hula dancing, live drumming and managed to get the wedding party and guests to participate with them on the dance floor! Check out some of the crazy antics below! Taking over for the Hula dancers was the Music Solution‘s DJ, Pattrick Labbate, who kept the guests dancing at full energy throughout the remainder of the evening.

11.17.12 – E.B. and A.A. – The Henry Hotel/Lovett Hall (Dearborn, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:00:17 +0000

We are very fortunate to be commissioned for extraordinary weddings. This wedding certainly was of that caliber! E.B. and A.A.’s wedding day was as festive, celebratory, religious, joyful, and full of love and emotion that you will see! This is the second wedding this year that I have photographed members of this wonderful family, and I am elated to have been granted the privilege to be their photographer!

This was a fusion wedding of two cultures and religions: Indian (Hindu) and Jewish. Two ceremonies took place for both religions. The Hindu ceremony took place in the morning at The Henry Hotel and the Jewish ceremony later in the evening at Lovett Hall. It was an incredibly long day of festivities and celebrations, but a day that was a photographer’s paradise! It was near impossible to NOT be surrounded with opportunities for capturing great moments and great imagery! Take a look for yourself at the wonderful photos above and below!

The day began with getting ready photos of the bride and groom at the Henry Hotel. Shortly after getting into their traditional Indian attire, the first of many ceremonies began. After a “first look” for the couple to see each other, the Baraat ceremony took place with the groom arriving on a beautiful white horse. After receiving gifts and greeting exchanges between families, the wedding ceremony commenced in a ballroom within the Henry Hotel. The room of the ceremony was beautifully lit, with gorgeous flowers throughout. The bride was escorted by her father and mother to join her groom and families on the incredible Mandap.

Following the ceremony, family portraits, and lunch, we took a break before rejoining the couple getting ready for the Jewish ceremony later that day. Again, photos were captured at the Henry Hotel. The ceremony took place at nearby Greenfield Village within the historic Lovett Hall, which was also the site for the Ketubah marriage contract signing. Not to be outmatched by the beautifully decorated Indian ceremony, the Jewish ceremony was an incredible visual site as well, decorated in roses with a beautiful huppah! The ceremony came to a close with the groom breaking the glass!

Following more family portraits, the wedding celebration began! The dining room on the second floor of Lovett Hall, was decorated in full splendor. It was a feast of colors and floral arrangements, with special lighting and a magnificent ambiance! A number of heart-felt toasts were made to the bride and groom, as well as to each of their families. After dinner, traditional dances followed, ending with a traditional horah dance for the happy couple! You can get a feel for the story of the day by clicking on the photos above to see some of my favorite highlights!

I would be remiss to not mention the spectacular vendors who helped make this an incredible event:

Wedding Planning and Coordination: Blissful Weddings and Events
Mehindi by Henna Craze
Sangeet decor and Mandap: Colonial Event
Linens: Modern Art
Floral: Bellisario Florist
Catering: Shalimar and Henry Ford Museum
Cake and Dessert: Sweet Dreams Bakery
Dj & Lighting: Xtreme Productions
Video: 3rd Street Films

11.10.12 – Ashley and Scott – St. Hugo’s Chapel/Oakland Hills Country Club (Bloomfield Hills, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:02:34 +0000

Ashley and Scott’s wedding day was a memorable one for several reasons. First, because two weeks prior, Ashley and Scott who live in New York City, were among the millions caught in the middle of Hurricane Sandy. Second, I had known Ashley’s family for a few years having photographed her older sister’s wedding. Third, it was to be a November wedding in Michigan, and you never know what kind of weather to expect at this time of year. And lastly, because the venue for the reception was to be at the prestigious Oakland Hills Country Club, one of the more elegant venues to photograph a wedding in all of southeastern Michigan. The end result: Ashley and Scott, their east coast family and friends, were able to successfully make the journey to Detroit for the wedding day; and, the weather in Michigan was perfect!

The wedding day photography began with my second photographer, David Yarnall, photographing Scott, the groomsmen, and his family getting ready at the Townsend Hotel. I met Ashley and her bridesmaids getting ready at OHCC. When Ashley was ready, we arranged a “first look” to photograph the couple seeing each other for the first time along side the historic club house looking over the 18th green. After completing the family portraits, the wedding party was transported by trolley car to and from the wedding ceremony at nearby St. Hugo’s Chapel.

Following the ceremony, the guests returned to OHCC for cocktails, dinner and dancing, greeted by two Bagpipers. The evening festivities were emceed by the super-talented Simone Vitale Band, who also kept the guests on the dance floor throughout the night.

Ashely and Scott selected some of Detroit’s finest vendors to make their day the success it became:

Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet for planning services.
Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florist for floral and decor.
Alex Bitoff for Fifth and Main Productions for video services.
Sweet and Savory Bake Shop for the cake.
Randy, the Ice Guru, for the awesome Statue of Liberty and Ice sculpture bar.
Trolley car transportation provided by Tecumseh Trolley and Limousine Service.

10.20.12 – Kristen and Paul – Royal Park Hotel (Rochester, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:18:50 +0000

Kristen and Paul, like me, live in Los Angeles, but were having their wedding back in Michigan. For me, traveling between California and Michigan several times a year has become a part of my routine during wedding season. I find it ironic that I was able to actually meet up with them for an engagement session in Southern California, and a month later, photograph their wedding in Michigan! It didn’t happen, but it would have been even more ironic had we flown together from LAX to Detroit Metro for the wedding itself! Together, they make a terrific couple and I found this out first hand when we met for the engagement shoot. Before we even began the shoot, Kristen had located a pub for us to sit down and enjoy a few beers! I will definitely try this approach again with another couple! It helped break the ice and it set the tone for one of the more memorable engagement sessions I’ve photographed! When their wedding day came around, it was like meeting up with a couple of old friends!

A month later, and back in Rochester, Michigan, the wedding day finally arrived. The day began for me meeting up with Kristen at the Marlouf Salon in downtown Birmingham to photograph her getting her hair and makeup done. After we were finished, the remainder of the wedding day took place at the beautiful Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. My second photographer, David Yarnall, photographed Paul getting ready, and I photographed Kristen. After they were dressed in their wedding attire, the couple met for a “first look” out on the bridge overlooking Paint Creek near the hotel. The ceremony followed shortly after in the popular Conservatory room in the hotel. Afterward, the reception conveniently took place on the opposite side of the hotel in the Royal Ballroom.

Despite, the long distance between their home in L.A. and their Michigan wedding, Kristen and Paul’s celebration was as good as they get! Of course, it would not have been the success it was without the expertise of their premier vendors:

Carolyn Hefner of the China Closet for planning the entire event
Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florist for decor and floral
Joy Ride Band for entertainment
Fifth and Main Productions for video
Le Petite Prince for the wedding cakes

10.06.12 – Rachel and Andrew – Pine Lake Country Club (West Bloomfield, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 03:03:20 +0000

Rachel and Andrew’s wedding fell on a beautiful, autumn-weather day in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Incredible fall colors adorned the trees, a blue sky with billowing clouds, and moderately cool, crisp temperatures made for a perfect wedding day! In Michigan, weddings that are planned for October, are decided for this very reason! The problem is that there is no way of predicting the outcome because it could just as likely end up being a cold and rainy day. For Rachel and Andrew, it could not have been more perfect!

I began photographing Rachel and her bridesmaids getting ready at Rachel’s parents home, which was only a couple of miles from the church where the ceremony would be held. Rachel had Todd Skog of the popular Todd’s Room of Birmingham on hand as her make-up artist. Rachel was surrounded by an excited and happy bridal party, which lent to a great atmosphere of candid moments! I love this time of the day because it sets the tone for great documentary photo opportunities!

After about ninety minutes or so, the girls were shuttled over to nearby Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church . To accentuate a majestic wedding, it helps to have a majestic ceremony location. There is none other in Michigan that quite matches the fairytale-like, majestic looking church than Kirk in the Hills. It has beautiful architecture with and incredible cathedral. Fortunately, the church lifted their tight restrictions that normally prohibit the wedding photographer from shooting inside the cathedral during the ceremony. We were allowed inside, but had to remain behind the last pew of guests.

After the ceremony, family and wedding party portraits were captured on the alter. Another wedding party portrait and a few of Rachel and Andrew were captured outside along the lake behind the church, and then we headed over to Pine Lake Country Club for the reception in an All Star VIP party bus. The band, Fifty Amp Fuse, emceed the grand entrance of the wedding party. Toasts, cake-cutting, dinner and formal dances followed. As the evening rolled on, guests filled the dance floor with the talented, high energy band singing their favorite songs.

Rachel and Andrew’s wedding was a terrific celebration! It could not have been the success it was without Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet and her expert planning! The floral and decorations were provided by the premier talents of Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florists. The wedding cake was made by Holiday Market in Royal Oak.

10.05.12 – Jenny and Matthew – Meadowbrook Hall (Rochester, MI)

rayanthonyphoto — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:41:23 +0000

Jenny and Matt’s wedding was one those events that proved “things can work for the good,” even if your original plans don’t quite work out the way you had hoped!

The day began with David Yarnall – my second photographer, and myself, meeting up with the couple for getting ready photos at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan. After Jenny and Matt changed into their wedding attire, they met outside the hotel on a bridge over a river that runs adjacent to the hotel. I love photographing these meetings, because they always produce beautiful and meaningful opportunities as the couple see each other for the first time. It also gives us the opportunity to have extra time to photograph the formal portraits of the families and wedding party before the wedding ceremony which frees everyone to join the cocktail hour immediately following ceremony.

The ceremony and reception was held at Meadowbrook Hall just a few miles down the street. Fortunately, because of the first look, we were able to photograph most of the formal portraits outside the mansion just before the rain began to fall. The rain, however, would not give up and forced the late afternoon ceremony inside. The old Dodge mansion is a Michigan treasure. The grounds and estate are absolutely exquisite. So, even though an outdoor ceremony was planned, changing the location inside is a really nice option. The home is like a museum with beautiful woodwork, marble floors and columns, and priceless artwork and artifacts. Not a bad setting for a memorable ceremony!

After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the celebration convened in a large tent off the back side of the estate. Decorated with beautiful floral arrangements, the guests were served dinner and entertained through the evening by the talented band, Nouveaute.

The day was filmed by one of Detroit’s most talent video teams, Fifth and Main Productions.