Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Nicole & Adam *Wedding at Sanctuary*
Posted in wedding
When I arrived Saturday morning to photograph Nicole and Adam’s wedding, I was greeted by a cheerful Nicole who informed me Adam was so sick the day before he wasn’t even able to make it to the rehearsal dinner. But fear not, Nicole was all smiles all day, full of positive energy, laughter and giggles. Someone asked if she was nervous Adam might still be too sick. Her response? Absolutely not! Today I marry Adam no matter what and I’m so happy to be marrying him. She truly had the best attitude a bride could possible have on her wedding day. I felt so lucky to be spending the day with her and Adam. I met up with Nicole at Sanctuary at Casa 10 where she was getting ready with all her girls and the light there was just perfect for photos. Julie Koeth, once again, did a wonderful job with the make-up and Mandy Samford from Taglio’s Salon did an outstanding job with Nicole’s hair.
If I had to get married tomorrow in Nicole’s wedding gown and shoes I’d be more than happy to. Her wedding gown from Mariee by Junko Yoshioka was so simple with subtle details in all the right places. And can I say that I’m in love with the bolero that goes with it? Wow! So gorgeous! (scroll down for photos of the bolero). And you can probably see it, but just in case, the stunning strappy sandals are Badgley Mischka.
I have a soft spot for sister relationships as I absolute adore my own sister and can’t imagine my life without her in it. Mandy was getting ready to help Nicole put her shoes on but they just had to stop and share a hug first, because that’s what sisters do.
Nicole all ready to go and looking stunning! And here’s that bolero I mentioned earlier. Wow, right?!
Nicole’s bridesmaids were so much fun! If you feel like you recognize lower half number one on the left, that’s my bride Kristina and lower half number three is Gina, who was also Kristina’s bridesmaid! It was so much fun to see them again. Their adorable dresses are from Twirl by Jenny Yoo and the shoes are from Nine West.
Adam and Nicole had a first look which allowed us to get some portraits of them before the ceremony at Sanctuary:

We then left for the Brophy Chapel for their ceremony. I don’t think they could have possibly been any happier

And I’d love to say a big thank you to Ann Marie at Brophy Chapel. She was just so helpful and sweet to me. I’m truly thankful.
A few more photos at Brophy Chapel and Sanctuary:


Nicole’s jewelry complemented everything so perfectly. Her bracelet was custom made by Lani.
The flowers and centerpieces were done by Table Tops Etc and I’m sure it goes without saying it but aren’t these gorgeous?! The pale pink and blush colors really softened the black and white color scheme. The cake was by Julia Baker Confections and sadly I never got to have a piece, but it looked stunning and I’m sure it was delicious.
The first dance always says it all and these two are in for a really fun life together!
Isn’t it sweet how these two were holding hands while watching the dances and toasts?
Nicole’s dad’s speech spoke so strongly of their father-daughter relationship which made watching their dance even more special:
Rocklobster is the best 80′s band in Arizona. They are awesome and really know how to get a party going. Jeff Bills with Serendipity was their videographer and said he caught me dancing on film. Ooops! But when the party is this much fun I can’t help but join in. But don’t worry I’ve mastered the whole shooting while dancing thing
.
Dear Nicole and Adam, your wedding was so full of love and joy! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I am sure you are having a blast on your honeymoon and I hope you enjoy your images.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Leslie and Danny – Wedding at The Fairmont Scottsdale
Posted in wedding
Leslie and Danny’s wedding was my very first Jewish Orthodox Wedding and I feel so honored to have been a part of it! I learned so much! I love it how they held true to the traditions and there were so many wonderful and touching moments. I’ve spent pretty much all week going back and forth deleting photos from the blog post and sometimes adding them back in as I just couldn’t pick which moments to share. I know this is still a pretty long blog post but I felt I just couldn’t do his day justice if I had part with these
. I hope you enjoy!
The whole day took place at The Fairmont Princess Scottsdale and I learned that they are one of the few venues in Arizona that provide kosher meals.
Danny’s wedding day gift to Leslie. I especially loved his note to Leslie:
Leslie reminds me of Jennifer Connelly. Isn’t she gorgeous?!

Here’s proof that you can get exactly what you want with a little determination. Leslie found the perfect dress but it was sleeveless and with an open back. She bought is anyways and had it altered to make sure it was appropriate for her ceremony but still fit her taste. I couldn’t believe how perfect it looked! I must remember to get her seamstress’ number!

Such a simple moment, yet so special. This is Leslie’s brother checking out her wedding ring:
And the veil goes on! Leslie truly had the “bridal glow”

During the first part of the ceremonies, men and women start the celebration in separate rooms. During the men’s celebration (the Tisch), among other things, the tana’im and ketubah are signed. There is also some drinking and singing. Both mothers are also allowed to crash the “boys only party” for a few minutes when they come in and brake a plate together to signify the binding nature of the conditions.
Here’s Danny at the Chatan’s Tisch:
And here’s Danny on his way to the Bedekin where he gets to see Leslie for the first time and place the veil over her face:
I love Leslie’s reaction (and everyone else’s!) as she gets to see Danny for the first time!
Danny with his parents right after seeing Leslie:
And off he goes to the ceremony escorted by his friends:
Leslie and her dad right before the ceremony:
The wedding ceremony:

Their chupah was absolutely beautiful. It had intertwined vines which I noticed was also represented on their ketubah:
I find the breaking of the plate so exciting!
Woo-hoo! They are married. I was expecting a kiss but there wasn’t one. However, the smiles on their faces here are just as special!
After the ceremony the bride and the groom get to have some private time called Yichud.
Once they come back, it’s time to celebrate! The dance floor was divided down the middle. The girls got to dance on one side and the guys on the other side. I have to say the boys’ side was a little crazier!




Danny and Leslie then got to sit down on their sides of the dance floor and watch their guests perform for them:
Danny’s mom and Leslie’s mom had a special little skit prepared:
After dinner Leslie and Danny did get to dance together
The celebration concluded with the same seven blessings (Sheva Brachot) that were recited during the ceremony:
Once the party was over we got to go back outside and take a little time for portraits of the bride and groom:
I really loved Danny’s rhinoceros cuff links! So cool! They are from Banana Republic.






Thank you two so much! I really loved being a part of your day. I hope you are having a great time in Maui! Mazel Tov!
Aww Cristi these are awesome!! So fun to learn new stuff and experience other traditions. My favorite is the 7th one up from the bottom. The b/w with the sign, SO.CUTE. Great job
Sunday, March 28, 2010 11:01 pm
These photos turned out AMAZING, Cristi! Beautiful job! Love the one with the blue gates!!!
I think you captured the day perfectly!
Monday, March 29, 2010 9:33 am
STUNNING!!!!! Cristi! Your work is just beautiful. I LOVE each picture. Wow, you are so talented!!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010 9:46 am
Thank you, Cristi and Jenny! These first photos are absolutely incredible… Thank you for being part of our special day. -Leslie and Danny
Monday, March 29, 2010 12:52 pm
Wunderbar to the elegant pics. Cristi & Jenny, you both did a marvelous job of capturing the essences of this marriage. The couple’s looks says it all. Baruch Hashem!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 5:38 am
Just beautiful!
Friday, April 2, 2010 3:52 pm
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Colleen & Brad – Married at Desert Botanical Gardens
Posted in wedding
It was such a joy to photograph Colleen and Brad! They were married this past Saturday at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The event was coordinated by Sandy from In Awe Weddings, and it was such a pleasure to work with her. She made sure everything ran so smoothly.
I started the day with Colleen and her girls at the Marriott in Old Town Scottsdale:
Allison Pynn was her make-up artist. She was great and so prepared! She even had a bag full of straws. I was impressed.
Her beautiful wedding gown was from Demetrios in Scottsdale:
Loved her Calvin Klein wedding sandals:
Oooooh it’s time for the dress:
Love this moment:
A keepsake from the girls:
Reading a card from Brad:
It’s okay to be a little jealous, Colleen looked stunning!
Their first look was so special. And even though Brad was initially against seeing each other before the ceremony and a little hesitant about the whole thing, his exact words were: “I’m so glad we did this!”. Yay




My favorite image of the day:


Loved all their bouquets by Flowers with Flair:
Such a sweet moment right before the ceremony:

Let the party begin!











So many great moments! Colleen and Brad, thank you for trusting me so much and for making me a part of your day. I appreciate it more than I can put into words.
Love the bridesmaid series! Gorgeous colors!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 10:17 pm
Wonderful pictures and I must say these are some of the happiest people I have ever seen at a wedding. I really like what the Desert brings to the table. We obviously don’t have that here in B’ham. Enjoyed the pictures and take care.
Thursday, March 18, 2010 5:04 am
oh man! A dessert wedding is such a good idea! And her colors are so unique! Love the Bridesmaids walking. Their expressions are perfect. Well done, Chrisi!
Thursday, March 18, 2010 7:04 am
Absolutely Beautiful! From beginning to end it was the most amazing wedding. Congratulations!
Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:51 am
these are the most amazing pictures. they really capture the specialness of the day. my favorite is the moment they see each other and the groom and his mom. just magical
Thursday, March 18, 2010 4:38 pm
This pictures really are fantastic and bring out all of the love and joy that was felt the entire wedding weekend. Thank you Cristi for doing such a wonderful job taking these incredible photos.
Friday, March 19, 2010 4:51 am
awesome, of course! what a perfect day all around.
Sunday, March 21, 2010 11:00 am
Her dress is STUNNING. And I love the color of the bridesmaid dresses too – perfect for spring!
Friday, April 23, 2010 4:23 pm
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sheli & Joe
Posted in wedding
This past Saturday I had my first wedding of the year and was reminded of what I love so much about my job. Sheli & Joe had the most intimate wedding ceremony I’ve ever photographed (or attended). There were 4 guests total, including their officiant. There were no wedding programs, no seating charts or wedding favors, but there was a lot of love. And love is what made it so memorable and special. Love is what it’s all about. Love is what makes me want to do my job. It was such an honor to be a part of their day. I felt like a photographer/bridesmaid
Sheli started the day getting her hair ready at Taglio’s and I met up with her later on at her uncle’s house. The mood was very different than the usual hustle and bustle without all the girls running around, but still full of anticipation and excitement for the day.
Her Nicole Miller gown was to die for!
Sheli and Joe chose to see each other before their ceremony and here’s a favorite from their first look:
After their first look we took some time to walk around the property and make a few portraits of the happy couple:
Like I said, her dress was to die for and I equally loved her headpiece:
This one makes me feel like we could be somewhere on a Greek isle:
Sheli right before the ceremony. It was quite a task to try and get her not to smile
Love the look on her face as she walks up to Joe:
I thought it was a great moment during the ceremony when they both took a peek at their brand-new rings at the exact same time:
On the way to their reception dinner we stopped in Old Town Scottsdale for some quick portraits. This might be my favorite image of the day:
It’s always fun when strangers tell you congratulations. Specially when it’s the live band playing outdoors
A random shot on our way back to the car. Why not, right? 
When we arrived at the restaurant there were some flowers and a card waiting for Sheli and Joe as a surprise from a friend back in Minessota. As you can see Sheli was very pleasantly surprised:
It was such a beautiful night so we sneaked in one more photo before I left:
Thank you two so much! I hope you are having a great time in Sedona before you head back up to the snow. Much love to you two!
Thank you so much, they all look wonderful Cristi! I can’t wait for our family to see them all.
Monday, February 1, 2010 9:08 am
What a beautiful wedding. I can’t wait to see more too!
Monday, February 1, 2010 9:59 am
Awesome! I’d better get some of my own! Love you!
Niki
Monday, February 1, 2010 2:29 pm
Christi, These pictures of Sheli (my daughter)and Joe brought tears to my eyes they are fabulous!!!! You really caught the special moments for them to share with all of us at home! Thank You Karla
Monday, February 1, 2010 3:12 pm
BEST WISHES!
KISSES,
Monday, February 1, 2010 4:20 pm
great stuff… she really does look wonderful, and that bouquet – holy cow!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:09 am
Sheli you are so beautiful, Joe very sharp!! congrats and best wishes to both of you. The photos are excelent. love you both your fav. lil sis.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 8:24 am
pictures are wonderful. Lovely bride and such a handsome groom.
Hi to Ralphy and tell him I miss him and to take good care of Mom and Dad.
Your hair and flowers are outstanding.
Nice job of photos.
see you next week-end. Hugs ….
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 6:30 pm
You guys look so happy! I could not be happier for either of you. Joe you finally found the girl for you:) I love you both so much. Sheli welcome to the family! You both look stunning! Love you guys.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 7:19 am
Congratulations! Everything looks so beautiful, especially the bride, and the handsome groom, and perfect that niece Midge officiated.
Best wishes from the most northern branch of the family tree. Hugs, Pam
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 12:27 pm
Love that bouquet! I especially like the image of them sitting down on the blue and white chairs – just gorgeous. Raw emotion – love it.
Friday, February 5, 2010 11:01 pm
What a lovely gift to your families to share these beautiful photos of your special day. Sheli, you are so photogenic and Joe, so handsome. May you have many, many happy years together.
Saturday, February 6, 2010 6:31 pm
Lookin’ good!
Sunday, January 31, 2010 10:19 pm
Wonderful photography! These pictures make me smile
Monday, February 1, 2010 9:51 am
Gorgeous work, as always!
Monday, February 1, 2010 11:54 am
Joanna Garcia
You have the best looking couples…so jealous!! Great coverage of the wedding and all the details!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 11:21 am
Heather at Outstanding Occasions
Cristi,
Beautiful photos, Beautiful bride! Love everything! Great job!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 12:22 pm
Christa Scott
Beautiful photos! Amazing job…as always!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 10:47 pm
Ann Marie Ashton
Cristi,
OMGosh these pictures are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sending me the link! At the rehearsal, I felt so bad for Adam because he was so sick, but Nicole was so positive – love that in a bride! Of course, I love the chapel pics – might have to get one of those from you for my office. Thanks!
Thursday, April 1, 2010 10:20 am
Ami @ Elizabeth Anne Designs
oh she is just gorgeous!
Saturday, April 3, 2010 10:17 am