decent urban lifestyle

[ new site ]

2008-03-31T14:22:00.002-06:00

What are you doing here, everyone?
Unique ethnic and destination weddings.

new blog: mergeweddings.com

closing up shop

2008-03-14T06:01:00.007-06:00

I am back in the states after a fantastic wedding and honeymoon and rebranding for real... life has been leading to this fresh start for well over a year now but its commencement was delayed by logistical issues.I want to leave you with a great quote I just found from REALSIMPLE.

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
— Scott Adams

Dear hearts, you can reach me at rachel@mergeweddings.com. I'll be taking commissions and meetings again in April, and portrait work upon request but my marketing and branding will be focused on ethnic and destination weddings.

new blog: mergeweddings.com
archives of this blog: decenturbanlifestyle.org

give me a review!

2008-03-13T15:07:00.000-06:00

hey clients... if I photographed your wedding it would be cool to get a review on my profile over at weddingwire...

review Rachel's wedding photography at WeddingWire

while you're busy writing those glowing reviews... how about some lovin on other funky wedding boards or places like yelp, etc.? the best way for me to connect with other sassy funky couples is by word of mouth and for that I need your help!

yay!

2008-03-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to see that two of my couples for 2008 made it to the finalist round for Boston Magazine's special wedding edition. Check out the website and if you feel so compelled, vote for Robin & Erik or Christina & Phil because they're the best.

olive tree: athens

2008-03-11T02:12:00.002-06:00

honeymoon update
we've been in crete for the last four days. everything is closed due to some kind of religious-pagan carnival (think mardi gras but with religious restrictions on serving meat) so all the stores, many restaurants, and most tourist destinations are just plain closed. basically every day we walk around and have little adventures, which if you know ali and I is exactly what we do best.
I like being in a place where you can't understand what anyone is saying or what the signs say. it puts a sort of hyper focus on the sights and on one another without distractions. I can't even find an english magazine here!

tonight we take another overnight ferry back to athens for one more night... then back to Boston and real life. both of us are kind of ready to go back but not looking forward to the daily non-honeymoon that awaits.

the photo above is an olive branch outside the church of the holy apostles near the parthenon.

Greetings from the Parthenon!

2008-03-06T05:16:00.001-06:00

Ali and I spent our first day in Athens with a short list of things to accomplish. He didn't get to eat his gyro yet, but we did walk around incognito, successfully causing several people to talk Greek to us, and even someone to ask us directions. We saw some ancient stuff and walked around, shopped in the flea market, and ate some delicious "country fries" from McDonald's Athens.

Today we are headed out for a few hours after a lazy morning and determined to check out the styles and fashion of the Greeks. Let's just say so far Greek fashion seems to be a mixture of influences without being particularly stylish. I can see the impact of H&M on the younger women and a sort of international poverty on the men. The dudes look pretty cool on their motorcycles though. And the women love high heeled boots... even when hiking up the slippery rocks on the way to the Parthenon.

The streets we have seen are dirty and run down; graffiti of an unskilled type is prevalent. There's a lot of trash everywhere, even in more tourist-focused areas which are typically the most manicured in a city. Dogs are everywhere; we don't see people walking them on leashes but rather they run free in the city without being curbed. Public transportation seems quite good and the trains run on time. There was some sort of employee strike on the trains from 12-4 yesterday but it did not affect us because we were frolicking among the ruins.

The weather has been cool in the morning and dusk, but gets pretty hot in the sun during mid-day. We have not seen the rain that was predicted.

Tonight we're headed on an overnight ferry to spend the next 5 days in Crete. Looking forward to settling into a hotel for more than a couple of days.

ps: we have found some great chocolate but can not find any Dr. Pepper here.

First Class Shoe Shine

2008-03-03T17:08:00.002-06:00

One of the seven flower girls thought my shoes were ugly!
That made me laugh.

image © Marina Miller, redheartphoto.com

Now we're off to Greece. Maybe I'll get some sleep soon.

...

2008-03-02T18:48:00.003-06:00

image © Marina Miller, redheartphoto.com.

we are indebted to the many people who helped make our wedding a happy and beautiful celebration. thank you, friends.

143637

2008-02-29T03:29:00.003-06:00

Just after midnight I called over to where Ali is staying to find out the status of the facial hair and vows. He wrote them beautifully.

There's nothing more reassuring than knowing someone, that someone, has your back when you weren't sure if he did or not.

I am about to go get married in a somewhat chaotic fashion.

the final stretch

2008-02-28T04:43:00.002-06:00

Hi Rachel-

I just read your latest blog entry and it resonates with such familiarity.

The stress, the family, the shuffling of people, the multitude of events leading up to the big day....it is all soooooo much to take in. More so, it is soooooo much to actually deal with it without going temporarily crazy.

It is a rite of passage, though. We all had to experience it to some degree. Some folks seem to glide by without a care in the world, while others enter full-on bridezilla mode. How you deal with everything will become an ingrained part of your memories of the days leading up to and the actual day itself. Try to keep that in mind...

For me, it meant a five days of hand wringing, mild panic attacks, and an inability to actually eat a full meal. I was experiencing everything on the emotional spectrum....anxiety, excitement, fear, elation, sadness, love, hate....it all washed over me at one point or another.

But after all the craziness, all the preparation, the worry, the events....it comes down to that one moment. The moment you see the person you are committing yourself to for the rest of your life. That moment where you are lost looking at one another and nothing else matters. That moment where you shed the skin of your old life and step into the new.

I promise you....it is all worth it. :)

You exchange your vows, look out to the crowd, and realize that things are happening exactly as they should. All that worry is swept away with the waves of happiness and you think to yourself, "Life is good, let's eat cake." (Well, maybe not the cake part...)

The point is, you'll do just fine. And you'll love every moment of your big day. It is a guarantee.

The one piece of advice I can give is to be aware of the day. Things happen so quickly that people are gone before you can say one word to them. Chances for photos are missed and you are left wondering where that last hour went. If there are particular people you absolutely want to talk to or commiserate with, be sure to do it before the
dessert course, because someone is bound to leave after that.

Well, this is thoroughly too long and I should be working, so I'll stop now before it's too late. I wish the best to you and your husband-to-be. You guys are definitely in the thoughts of myself and Diana.

-Micah

wow guys. this is hard.

2008-02-27T00:41:00.003-06:00

So... yes, the wedding photographer gets married. I've seen it happen more than sixty five times. In fact, I have been intimately involved in the day and usually spend more time with the couple than anyone else on their wedding day. I love the joy and even the drama.

What I have not yet experienced is the buildup. The week before when all the relatives start to gather and coo.... a culmination of all of their hopes and dreams vigorously and vicariously thrust upon you and your wedding. The questions. The group salon visits.

Add to that that this is a 'destination' wedding of sorts - I and everyone dear to me is completely out of their element and their time zone and ethnic grouping and language. I've been sharing a bedroom in the in-laws' house with my mom for a week now and I've been hanging out with his family for three weeks.

And then finally, seemingly out of the blue came the breakdown. I found myself so upset and frustrated I made a small excuse to get out of the house and ended up taking 22 minutes to get out of their neighborhood because I kept going around the same block more than seven times.
I just had to cry to let out some of the emotion, and scream a little and say things out loud like "I am upset and frustrated right now and I don't want any of this to be happening the way it is."

When we made the decision to have the wedding in his territory and embrace Persian traditions, it didn't take me long to figure out that this is not our wedding. It is theirs. Firmly, historically, culturally, sociologically.... his family becomes the oligarchy by which every decision is made.

I love their family. I love their culture. I don't agree with everything, but I am trying to at least understand.

But... it is difficult to give up control.
And my emotions are DEFINITELY a roller coaster of craziness this week.

I can only imagine how my beautiful clients feel the week before the wedding. I think I am going to start taking them [you] out for drinks.

Also... I would not recommend that you offer to house and transport your friends. Make them find their own way. This is insane.

unforgettable (V)

2008-02-20T02:30:00.003-06:00

Jen and Joe - who are and will always be my favorite archaeologists - were married on June 16, 2007 in Boston's Public Gardens under a glorious huge tree. They're completely unpretentious and really really into one another. I can't wait to see where life takes them in these next few years.

Jen writes that the reason they have chosen these as their most unforgettable images is that they are "gorgeous artistic photos that happen to have us in them - they capture the day as beautifully as we saw it at the time. I can't believe that when we're 80 well be able to look back at these pictures and remember being as young and beautiful as these make us feel."

And yeah, their favorite moment working with me was when I got my car towed at the engagement session. Good times.

unforgettable (IV)

2008-02-19T17:42:00.004-06:00

Rima and Dave... they were married on October 27 in what they self-describe as a "secular-but-ecumenical... informal/not-stuffy... lack of family drama/over-involvement" wedding in Harvard Square. It rained on their wedding day, thus thwarting their plans for an outdoor courtyard ceremony, but nonetheless they still did photos with the Harvard Marching Band (Dave: "My favorite moment was Rachel avoiding a major bicycle spill whilst photographing us alongside the Harvard band.")

His favorite image:

"this is how I always see her."

Her favorite image:

"Dave has this magical power wherein he puts his hand on my back, says any number of sweet things in my ear, and BOOM! instant calm and instant perspective. This photo captures that moment."

I know an extreme amount of careful consideration went into their wedding plans, and it went off without a hitch. Beautiful people, beautiful day.

Runners-up for their favorite wedding images:

kayla II

2008-02-17T23:15:00.005-06:00

Here's a deep-calling image of sweet Kayla during our shoot this morning. The location was a vineyard full of yellow flowers behind an old abandoned train station near Napa.

[ more photos here ]

Napa = stunning

2008-02-17T15:13:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of photos from my fashion shoot at a vineyard yesterday.

Napa is probably the most overall stunningly beautiful place I have been for a long time. I love it all here. Not only the many many vineyards but today I spent the morning shooting fashion shots at an abandoned train station with a bunch of photographers.

So. Now I really really really want to shoot a Napa wedding. Anyone?

I know, I know.

2008-02-15T19:35:00.000-06:00

I know, I know. I need to get the new website up and at 'em, because I have been all talk for like six months now.

handsome Persian man

2008-02-14T23:58:00.004-06:00

I don't know how many single ladies read this blog, but as a final Valentine's Day treat I will show some photos of a very handsome man named Mahyar. He's smart, nice, and very eligible in the Northern California area... so unattached ladies eat your heart out! And seriously... Persian eyes are the dreamiest thing I have ever seen.

[ more photos here ]

fearless bridals

2008-02-14T18:07:00.000-06:00

unforgettable (III)

2008-02-14T15:11:00.002-06:00

Marilee and Nathaniel were also among my first clients. They hired me to photograph their Episcopal ceremony that was officiated by Nate's mother, who is an Episcopal priest.

Their favorite images come from the quick little walk on the sunset beach when I grabbed them for a couple of minutes before leaving the wedding for the day. The light was magical, and they are so beautiful together!

playtime, interrupted.

2008-02-14T15:08:00.001-06:00

I'm enjoying spending some time this week with Ali's cousins. The little girls are BEAUTIFUL.

unforgettable (II)

2008-02-14T12:37:00.004-06:00

Here's the image Leigh and Rob loved the most from their wedding back on September 23, 2006. One of my first weddings!

I still vividly remember meeting up with L & R at a Starbucks in downtown Boston that I had come to know as 'my' starbucks. I was rushing to our meeting after my daytime job at MIT, and I was wearing work clothes... a skirt and nice top... with my black Chaco sandals. I remember Rob both knew that I was coming from my job (I was not volunteering that info at the time because some people think it's bad if you don't do photography full-time) and he knew about Chacos, and loved me for both reasons.

I also vividly remember their wedding. Leigh and Rob are people who are just so filled with love for one another and their friends and family... the day was filled with the kind of emotional energy of a magnitude I have only experienced a few times in my career as a photographer.

Gwyn and I had so much fun with Leigh and Rob and their entire bridal party! They wanted to go out to the beach for photos and they stood on the rocks for us and one of the bridesmaids even fell in the water. Leigh was so cool; we were hiking her really beautiful beaded dress up with Gwyn's hair scrunchie in a way only DIY-happy people could appreciate. The wind was fierce and their feet got dirty but they were so happy and in love and cool and up for anything... let's just say G and I have a very special place in our hearts and our beginning wedding photography careers for these two.

Here's why they love the image above: "Because it was taken on the rocks at the beach, with our wedding party right behind us (literally and metaphorically :). It was taken after the stress of the ceremony, before the celebration of the reception. Because it's a little windy, very natural, very real. It's just wonderful, and the most meaningful. We love it."

well that was interesting.

2008-02-14T00:57:00.004-06:00

I think today was the first time I have actually had a camera break as badly as it did, while shooting something as important as an engagement session. One of the internal mirrors actually fell off my shutter today after only hanging out with Niloufar and Amir for about five minutes! Talk about a bummer.

To be continued at a later date, obviously.

And a side note is that this is why everyone should have a wedding photographer who has adequate equipment... which means bringing two camera bodies to every wedding. Not that I wouldn't have had backup on me, but if this had happened in an actual wedding situation, the photographer would have had to to mug the nearest uncle with the expensive camera (you know the one I'm talking about - there's at least one at every wedding!).

Not bad for five minutes, eh? These two are so beautiful together.

scientist valentines

2008-02-13T01:45:00.001-06:00

[ click here ]

I love the way he smiles at her.

2008-02-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

It was fun and cold to hang out with Jaimie and Jeff before leaving Boston. We took a walk around one of my favorite streets in Boston and also went to the "most photographed" street in Boston. They're quirky and hilarious and in love times one million, and we ended up taking photos in a hardware store. I love watching people come alive together.

[ more photos here ]

hello.

2008-02-11T20:43:00.001-06:00

shake it like a....?

2008-02-10T11:03:00.000-06:00

Polaroid is going to discontinue making film.
The NYT comments are even more interesting than the article.

what a photographer, what a day!

2008-02-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I got to hang out all day with Sarah Maren and her wünderhusband Dustin. We shot a Friday wedding in Sacramento for a beautiful and centered couple called Felicia and Peter. Felicia's from Australia and was warmly welcomed into Peter's hometown and community. Coincidentally, they both currently live in the Boston area and we shared a dinner with a couple of Peter's MIT friends.

I don't usually get a chance to shoot the guys since most of the main photographer's attention is usually focused on the bride getting ready. But as a second I got to spend a few minutes with Peter, Patrick, and Daniel before they headed over to the ceremony.

As usual, I really loved second shooting with Sarah. She's super energetic and has a really innovative and creative way of approaching a situation.

Here's my lomo-ish photo of Sarah outside the California state house. Aren't I emo? We actually walked right past Swartzenegger's office!

I love this.

2008-02-09T11:01:00.001-06:00

Wow. I really want to do an image like this. Anyone have a major shaving planned for the near future?

[ photo © Fernando Schlaepfer ]

pleased to introduce...

2008-02-07T00:31:00.000-06:00

I am very pleased to mention a new member to my team of photographers. Many of you know that I have several associate photographers who basically rock my world -- they support me at a wedding, inspire me with their own interpretation of an event, and fill in for me in the case of an emergency.

Meg Belanger is another east coast freelancer who does a lot of work with children and families as well as weddings and events. It was a joy to meet with her and talk about life at my new favorite happy place (=Panera) this past year, and it is with great relish I share with you her first assignment.

Meg met Camille and Matt in their home diggs - Jamaica Plain. Known on the hip indie art scene of Boston, this place is colorful and flavorful with diverse, artistic, socially active inhabitants. They started at the Hi-Lo grocery store on Centre Street and walked around and had a ton of fun.

Here are a couple of my favorites from their session.

And here's a funny/cute one...

Camille and Matt, I think we found you a rockin' wedding photographer!!!

[ more photos here ]

[ trying to change this, one woman at a time. ]

2008-02-07T00:28:00.000-06:00

"The rarest thing in the world is a woman who is pleased with photographs of herself."

- Elizabeth Metcalf

someone else's image.

2008-02-05T12:06:00.000-06:00

Sacramento's Sarah Maren just inspired me like crazy. Check out this image from one of her recent engagement sessions:

Anyone ready to recreate a masterpiece?

destination: San Francisco!

2008-02-04T17:56:00.000-06:00

I have to say that it is with mixed feelings that I head back over to the left coast. I am so excited to marry him, to have so many friends around for this huge, culturally explosive party we're planning.... and yet part of me still wants to elope and have a very small quiet wedding somewhere remote where people will not be trying to give us crystal candlesticks all over the place.

One of the things that is sweetening the trip for me is a chance to see so many talented new friends. Photographer Kali Kraum did some engagement photos for us back in October and I'll be hanging out with her, I am lunching with Junshien Lau, a talented San Jose photographer I met at a workshop in NYC, I will get to photograph a Friday wedding with delightful Sarah Maren, and I'll be so honored and a little bit intimidated to meet up with Brook and/or Alisha.

favorite image of the day

2008-02-03T22:28:00.001-06:00

Here is Elizabeth's father, Buddy, just before the wedding was to begin.

house party

2008-02-03T21:49:00.000-06:00

This weekend I was actually part of a wedding in Dallas. My friend and former flatmate Elizabeth was married... she's such an intentional person and has made friends from around the world that her wedding was one for which people traveled. She had a huge european and british contingent! I love that.

For the wedding I was part of the house party, a tradition I have gathered is a mostly southern and texan thing, where a girl has a million friends and wants many of them to be a part of the service without having too many bridesmaids running around. we all wore whatever dress we wanted and had our own little procession up the aisle.

I have to admit, it was difficult to "turn it off" for the wedding. I couldn't not bring it. I tried to be respectful of the photographer and not be the annoying guest with a camera (and believe me - every single wedding has one) and for the most part I succeeded. I was proud of myself.

The image above is hilarious to me. It was at the reception, after the receiving line before the desserts, and I had waited a long time to get a chance to say hello and get a photo with her. And just as I got to her this random man swooped in and grabbed her for a hug! So she's smiling for my camera and hugging him at the same time. So funny.

[ view all photos here ]

for diana & micah

2008-02-03T21:18:00.000-06:00

the answer is... yes!

favorite hawaii moment.

2008-01-31T20:58:00.000-06:00

I know exactly which moment of the three weeks in hawaii was my favorite memory. it was in a farmers' market in hilo, big island. I was excited about this market especially because it was the first of the many I visited that seemed priced for locals -- not as much of the "tourist pricing" and more of everyone doing their weekly shopping and shooting the breeze. there was a guy at the end of the covered area who had a huge clump of coconuts -- I was surprised they were green and fleshy since all I knew was brown, hard, and hairy.... and he had this old-school machete and big muscles and was working his ass off just to make a dollar for shaping a coconut into a drinkable vessel.

I loved that. I remember sipping on that coconut all day, trying to get the soft flesh out with the flimsy straw, just happy that a relaxing morning had been topped off with a sweet moment.

I also love this because the photo is exactly how it was. the sun was coming in on one side, creating shadows. it was kind of dark, but pleasantly so. this image transports me back to that delicious moment.

I hope that's what your wedding photos do, too.

in the wind.

2008-01-31T20:17:00.001-06:00

this was an amazing moment. the sun was shining hard, but the wind was super strong. so it wasn't cold, but kind of chilly in a messy hair kind of way. my friends and I drove by the field of tall grass that was blowing like crazy... with all these random cacti... and we knew we had to stop our pt cruiser convertible to shoot and play in the wind.

big island, hawaii. 12/14/07

lucky catch.

2008-01-31T20:09:00.001-06:00

Today I had an opportunity to process through some images I had almost forgotten; personal work from the past several months from my travels and adventures.

The image above was from my visit to Big Island, Hawaii. I was trying to get the perfect shot balancing the flower with the sea and sky with a macro lens and this little bee bumbled right into the frame. I could barely believe my eyes when I saw it on the screen today - I didn't know from the camera's LCD screen that I had actually gotten the right thing in focus. This is one of those incredible catches.

The State of Gambo: Art of the English Viol

2008-01-31T10:27:00.000-06:00

I am a big fan of Karen and her friends, who perform English Consort music. If you're in Boston and looking for a niche music experience, you might consider attending one of these upcoming chamber music concerts.

Long & Away, a consort of viols, explores the wealth of English music
for viol consort. Works include Tye's "Crye," Hume's lyra viol duos, Gibbons'
fantasias, virtuosic divisions by Jenkins, and Byrd's masterful setting of
"Browning."

Karen Burciaga, treble viol
Rachel Cama-Lekx, treble and bass viols
Tobi Szuts, tenor and bass viols
Josh Schreiber Shalem, bass viol
Zoe Weiss, bass viol

There are two performances of this concert:

Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 8:00pm
Beacon
Hill Friends House
6 Chestnut Street:
Boston, MA

Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 4:00pm
Taylor House
B&B
50 Burroughs Street
Jamaica Plain, MA

Suggested donation for either concert: $10

Questions? Need more information? E-mail me or call 617-803-8463. Also,
check out our website at http://www.longandaway.com/

unforgettable (I)

2008-01-28T17:36:00.000-06:00

Awhile ago I asked my clients about their most unforgettable wedding image. I love hearing the responses because it gives me loads of insight as to what connects with someone's heart. I already have a pretty good idea, but it's really interesting to confirm or contradict your own assumptions about a person.

Our first unforgettable feature is Suzanna and Eric, who were married on a Thursday, in a playhouse in Cleveland. She is an orchestra director and he's an architect. The image they love was NOT set up by me -- their wedding party was having a great time and believe it or not, did that by themselves. I love it when goofy crowds make goofy photos. It works when the photos reflect who you really are, which is pretty much my goal for every single photo I take.

Suzanna writes: "I think the reason why this image is the best is because it really captures us as a couple and it has everyone in it, and it is really unique. Everyone did what felt natural, and you captured this very organic situation. The other reason I like it so much is because I have always wanted a picture of me in my wedding dress - being 'dipped' (and the kiss was a bonus). It would have been worth it to get all dressed up again, and pose for hours, just to get that one shot. It was priceless."

Thanks for sharing, Suzanna and Eric! And I look forward to sharing more unforgettables as the month goes by.

in the hayloft.

2008-01-27T10:11:00.001-06:00

this session got way too little airtime... I did some bridals with Diana and Micah before leaving for Thanksgiving and subsequently the holidays.

girly wedding blog posts

2008-01-26T12:04:00.001-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I love the magazine REALSIMPLE? It's one of my favorite Saturday morning guilty pleasures, sleeping in and reading the latest issue (since I only get to sleep in about once a month, it works out well!).

They have a wedding site.
And one of the editors in NYC keeps a "nearlywed" blog.

Through them I found a couple of other blogs I now love, too:
a $10,000 wedding
polka dot bride

Oh no.... a thought just occurred to me... am I going to be a bride for life by virtue of my vocation as a wedding photographer?

boudoir information... finally!

2008-01-24T18:40:00.000-06:00

Just finished putting the final touches on the many women we photographed a couple of weeks ago during our Valentine's Day boudoir promotion. The sessions worked out so well Tricia and I have decided to offer boudoir/pinup sessions on a regular basis. Due to the private nature of the sessions, you won't get to see many examples but let's just say holy hottness! Women are so, so beautiful and we don't ever think we are.

I have been getting a lot of interest in the sessions, so let me give you a bit of information about how it goes. Basically you bring several outfits and get an hour timeslot (a bit longer if it's an individual session) for the photos. If we've added on a stylist then we do a bit of that before the session. We have private studio locations available, but if you have decent natural light in your own place, that might be a very comfortable place to do the session.

Your gallery will contain about 50 images.... sometimes more like 100. We got so many great images at these sessions (I was astounded!!!) that the women had a tough time choosing what to put in their included mini-album.

High-class album upgrades are also included. Leave plenty of time for building your album into the equation though :)

KISS books.

2008-01-24T18:26:00.001-06:00

One of my goals for 2008 is to offer the hottest little albums you have ever seen. I finally connected with the right vendor. KISS books are totally beautiful and sexy all at the same time -- the same way I want my photos to be! Here are some photos taken by my OC based associate Sarah Chen.

Thanks for letting me use your images, Sarah, til I have my own!

Here's another image of a more daring color, supplied by photographer Kelly Lee.

plucked.

2008-01-24T13:47:00.000-06:00

Ok, so many of you guys know I am preparing for my own wedding out in SF at the end of February. What you probably don't realize is that I am the highest maintenance "low maintenance" person you have ever met. I don't bother with makeup or hairstyling... I just shower and put on something relatively matching and walk out the door.

So today was definitely a first. I went to the highest rated salon I could find to have my brows shaped and trimmed.... I figure, if you do it for the first time it might as well be high quality. So I ended up at Michaud Cosmetix (69 Newbury St.) and worked with Sarah. Even though they pluck and it hurt a lot I think the end result was worth it. Sarah was great - a true professional who has been at Michaud for nine years - and I could tell she knew exactly what she was doing.

please note that it is really difficult to take a self-portrait at arms length when you have a huge lens.

If only I had taken that first-time-high-quality route when I randomly decided it was time to dye my hair this Monday for the first time. I thought I'd start with some highlights, nice and subtle.... and the herbal essence home highlights kit seemed like a good idea at the time. I asked my friend and fellow photographer Gwyneth to give it a go... and, well.... I ended up with spots on the top of my head. Going to Salon Cu tomorrow to see what they can do for me.

Ah, the joys of being a woman in our image-focused culture. Why do we do this to ourselves?

please watch this video.

2008-01-24T11:53:00.001-06:00

Abby + Craig

2008-01-21T17:17:00.000-06:00

[ abby + craig together ]

[ brrrr!!! freezing cold outside family shots ]

[ details of the day ]

[ ceremony + reception ]

NYC

2008-01-21T14:14:00.000-06:00

I spent Saturday in NYC photographing for Abby & Craig's wedding.
Today I am processing through the photos... and thinking MLK Jr. thoughts.

big giant bridal session

2008-01-20T21:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I am getting pretty excited about an idea inspired by a movie. A friend and I are watching the movie "the Bachelor" and I love the scene at the end where they have taken out a front page ad in the paper to get a woman to marry Jimmie for a million dollars and hundreds of women show up in their wedding dresses and then end up chasing him down.

Sooo..... some colleagues and I are putting together a GIANT fearless bridal session where we get as many women as we can find to come out for a cool photographic event. We're currently talking about mid-April in Boston.

So mark your calendars, dear ones, and start convincing your friends, relatives, and every single woman you know of why she needs to be a part of this amazing event.

xo
Rachel

fearless bridal session writeup

2008-01-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

My friend and colleague Amy, a wedding photographer based out of Wisconsin (ardentphoto.com), just wrote a nice little article about day after / trash the dress/ fearless bridal sessions.

here it is.

from Boston Magazine

2008-01-18T12:33:00.000-06:00

Do you know someone whose wedding story is magazine material?

Are you newly engaged and planning the wedding of a lifetime?

You or someone you know could have their special day featured in the pages of Boston Weddings!

Nominate yourself, a friend, or a family member online, and tell us why that wedding story is so special. Then, encourage your entourage to vote for your nominee.

Entrants will be narrowed down to 5 finalists to be announced in April.

plus, you'll be entered to win a night on the town, courtesy of Boston Weddings!

Go to myownbostonwedding.com to enter today!

Sure... that's a lot of exclamation points. And somewhat questionable ad copy. But I want to get some images published this year so I think all of you should enter yourselves into the contest. And despite myself, I kind of love Boston Magazine even though it's usually filled with so much adspace.

violist

2008-01-17T10:56:00.000-06:00

Lauren is a very talented friend of mine who kicks lots of ass on viola.

[ more photos from our art-noir studio session here. ]

Most of you don't know that I was a flute performance major for my undergraduate degree, do you? I photograph artists of all kinds with distinct pleasure and an interest in going beyond the obvious.

blessings

2008-01-16T16:57:00.000-06:00

In preparation for my own wedding I am reading through some wedding blessings and verses... here are a couple of verses I like:

Sensual pleasure passes and vanishes in the twinkling of an eye, but the friendship between us, the mutual confidence, the delights of the heart, the enchantment of the soul, these things do not perish and can never be destroyed. I shall love you until I die.

(Voltaire, 1694-1778)

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.

(Dinah Maria Mulock Craik, 1826-1887)

what's new in 2008?

2008-01-15T16:27:00.000-06:00

I am really excited to have an opportunity to try out some new techniques this year. My current packages feature a second photographer add-on, which will allow for some time to play with a holga and get some crazy funky photos - and also to do a photobooth type corner at the reception where you send all of your friends and family over for any photos they want to take together. A different add-on is a second photographer who will take basic videography and put together a funky fresh best-of selection DVD to share with your family.

I can't wait!

two more because they're beautiful.

2008-01-15T13:39:00.001-06:00

Styling: Honolulu's own fantastic Elizabeth Uehara

Stephany + Bryan

2008-01-15T13:20:00.000-06:00

I had a great time in Honolulu with Stephany and Bryan. They have such a playful relationship... totally fun to photograph.

[ more photos here ]

badasses in love.

2008-01-14T17:10:00.000-06:00

There is something so wonderful and tender about badasses in love.
I joined Honolulu's punk rock destination wedding photographer Marina Miller
in a day after session for her clients Sarah and Fernando. After experiencing Honolulu's 5:00 rush hour traffic, we all met up downtown and eventually ended in my very favorite chinatown. These two were so casual and cool - it was raining on and off and we all got soaked, they had just worked a full day's work... and they were still up for the session without complaint.

I have to tell you something I do NOT like about Hawaii. They have these weird laws about pedestrians in the street. You can only walk in the crosswalks, when the walk signal is on. You can seriously get ticketed if you jaywalk or do not wait for the signal. They enforce this so much everyone who lives out there is really nervous to stand in the street, even if there are no cars around. I did hear that pedestrian deaths are tragically common there so at least there's a reason, but.... weird. I have never been someplace where badasses were nervous about stepping into the street. But I digress.

I have to admit it.... I love tattoos in a way that belies my somewhat prudish Sunday School childhood. I don't have any interest in getting my own, but I really like them. Sarah's Sanrio-inspired ink is a peek into her Japanese cultural ties.

And of course you guys know I had to throw in a passerby photo. There are truly all kinds of people in Honolulu!

[ more photos here ]

Boston Alternative Health

2008-01-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

This doesn't have to do with photography, but it has to do with my clients. :)

I got this message awhile back and have been meaning to publish it. Becky is a lovely person - I photographed the amazingly personal Philipino-flavored celebration this year when she and Josh were married along the water in Newport. She is also a go-getter and has recently opened up her own alternative health practice in Boston. (This means Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.) I know from my interactions with her that Rebecca is passionate about her work and has an eagerness to help people become well. So if you or someone you know is dealing with a problem area and you'd like to work with an alternative solution, consider trying out alternative health!

Hello Friends and Family,

I am pleased to announce the opening of Boston Alternative Health!!
Offices are located in Coolidge Corner (Brookline) and Lexington Center.

As an introductory Friends and Family offer, you will receive 15% off of your first visit with this email. For every person you refer to Boston Alternative Health, you will receive 15% off of your next visit. As an extra thanks for your referral, the person you referred will also receive 15% off of their first visit! This offer is only valid until March 1, 2008 so book your appointments today!

We're coming on to cold/flu and holiday stress season so there is no better time to take advantage of this offer!!

Feel free to pass this along to anyone you know. Thank you!

- Rebecca

--
Rebecca Ong-Sutherland Lic.Ac., MAOM
Boston Alternative Health
Brookline: 617-306-7159
Lexington: 781-372-1000
www.BostonAlternativeHealth.com

snowed under

2008-01-14T10:02:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy weekend! I photographed some totally sassy and sexy women this weekend got some amazing photos.... but let's just say a marathon photo shoot is completely exhausting. I feel like I need a couple of days off.

I was delighted to wake up to the huge soft snowflakes this morning! This is the first real Boston snow I have seen since last winter.... yay! Although, we'll see how happy it makes me when I'm trying to drive my little VW down the potholey streets of boston.

And... since I'll be holed up for the next couple of days processing photos and taking care of business stuff, it reminds me that I am SNOWED UNDER when it comes to email. I need a good system of answering and filing the emails (especially when I am traveling), because I have unanswered messages still from October. That is ridiculous! I love reading mail and obviously take care of the pressing stuff but when someone asks a question sometimes I get distracted from answering it. Anyone have any effective email advice?

Final question... Anyone want to do snow bridals this week? I am leaving for my NYC wedding and will be gone all weekend but I can do any day this week. Let's get 'em while the snow is fresh!!!

omg they come with a carrying case.

2008-01-12T00:51:00.000-06:00

Two things I am currently digging.

One, that photo of Margaret and Adam from my Honolulu sessions. It's processed using Hawaii-based photographer Marina Miller's Adobe Camera Raw preset from her "underground" pack.

Two, kittywigs.com. You just have to go there and check out the photos. In honor of the ludicrous nature of this product, I am offering a fabulous free cat photo session to anyone who gets one. And I don't even like cats.

honeymoon destination :: Domenica!

2008-01-11T11:26:00.000-06:00

I just got the best message from Josh & Ben's mother Karen. She mentions a place that may be worth considering for your honeymoon destination....

Rachel, Hi--

I am the mother of Josh & Ben, now blessed with Becky as daughter-in-law. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the wonderful loving images first at the wedding and then in Hawaii. I can't begin to tell you the joy I feel from your pictures which so beautifully catch their love and happiness.

I would like to draw your attention too to the island of Dominica (not Dominican Republic) which has mountain to mountain, coast to coast, drop-dead gorgeous natural scenery and a just beginning wedding-tourism "industry." There may be good opportunity here for further development of your art. You could ask Becky & Josh what they think as I am known to be biased.

Anyway, I mostly wanted to thank you and pass on to you the happiness that your work is bringing and wish you the very best of success in your career and joy in your life.

All best wishes,
Karen

link 1
link 2
link 3
link 4

Stacy & Gabe

2008-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

All of the sessions I did in Hawaii are special in their own way, but there was something quietly beautiful about Stacy and Gabe. I can tell they are both people of deep personal character, and together they are really ready to take on the world!

Check out the session for so many lovely moments and so many photogenic laughs.

Rebecca & Josh :: day after

2008-01-10T09:06:00.000-06:00

I love it when the relationship with my clients gets to go beyond the confines of the wedding day (the most ~~beautiful~~ stressful day in your life). Rebecca and Josh are special to me because it's the first opportunity I have had to crash the honeymoon!

I'd invite you to check out the photos so you know what I'm talking about when I say this shooting experience was incredible! Rebecca had contacted me about doing a fearless bridal session and I told her it would be kind of difficult to schedule right then since I was about to leave for Hawaii. It turns out that they were planning a delayed honeymoon at the same time I would be there so I planned my itinerary around a trip to Big Island.

When I met up with them, it was the second week of their honeymoon and they had a huge vacation rental called the dolphin house in Big Island Hawaii. They had their own private area of waterfront where we did the immersion photos at the end with all the lava rocks around them. The flowers you will see in Rebecca's hair came from the plants in the yard! That's one thing about Hawaii - they're so casual about the colorful fruit and flower trees -- you can pick a bouquet from the side of the road that would cost $30 at Trader Joe's here. And the plumerias!!! The blooms fall to the ground and they're so beautiful they almost look fake. And they smell like a million bucks.

On a personal note, it thrills me to see Josh and Becky interact. He toughens her up, and she softens him up. They are so very tender and lovey together, but not at all in a cheesy way. They don't always believe me, but I think they are totally photogenic all the time.

I loved the experience - it was as close to doing a "day after" session as I have been able to get. I am hoping my 2008 clients will be up for an after the wedding session as well - there's something magical when you're not worried about getting the clothes messed up and you get to travel to a crazy location. I'll go back to hawaii any day! :)

[ images here ]

Tracy & Ben

2008-01-10T08:52:00.000-06:00

I did a session with Tracy and Ben the same day I photographed Rebecca and Josh. Tracy has a really interesting, cute classic look that works for anything from pinup girl to funky mod rockstar. She's a 'retired' contortionist who ran away with the circus, and more recently has been featured in two different music videos!

Can you tell Ben and Josh are brothers?

[ more images ]

They also introduced me to the Brazilian martial art that's more of an acrobatic dance, Capoeira. Some photos are included in the set.

Gosh, they're just so pretty!

2008-01-09T22:11:00.001-06:00

A couple of images from my session with Elise and Eric in Honolulu.

[ more images here ]

Styling done by Elizabeth Uehara, Honolulu's own beauty goddess.

moody hawaii

2008-01-09T15:41:00.001-06:00

I love this image of Rebecca from my double session day in Big Island Hawaii.

More to come soon!

CT b&b

2008-01-09T12:15:00.001-06:00

Do you guys know about Travelzoo's weekly emails? They send the best travel deals. Usually email lists like that are basically commercials, but they seriously find some good bargains!

Anyway, they're talking about a B&B in CT that has a $139 rate for any day of the week through the end of April if you book by jan 16. How about that for a nice valentine's day treat? [Feb 14 & 16 are blacked out, of course!]

faraway into the future

2008-01-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

I didn't take or process any photos today but took care of some business! I have extended the hotel time through all day on Sunday so if you're looking for some sassy pinup photos, please be in contact! *mwah*

another one

2008-01-06T21:19:00.000-06:00

another test shoot today.

test shots

2008-01-06T01:12:00.000-06:00

I had a test shot session with aspiring model Mikayla today.

Sometimes it's kinda hard to work with someone who is age 6.75. But we still had fun!

one image many ways

2008-01-04T18:45:00.000-06:00

I still hear about people who decide that rather than investing in the services of a professional wedding photographer, they'll save money by going with a family member who offers to take some photographs for free or a friend of a friend who will cut them a deal. There are many reasons I would caution against asking someone who is not accustomed to photographing a wedding - even if they have what seems like all the gear - but the most compelling reason has to do with what happens to the images after the wedding. This image from a destination engagement session in Honolulu is a perfect example. All of these images were taken split seconds apart, and processed in different ways. I now have many choices as to which image is the most compelling. And together... wow. How stunning.

Obviously I am biased, but I am also a bride myself. I know that the investment will be worth it when my grandchildren are looking at my wedding photos.

my snow brides.... where are you?

2008-01-04T10:17:00.000-06:00

I really want to do some bridals involving a woman in her dress in an ice rink.
Also, I want to do a wooded scene with a dramatically colored cape over the dress.

Anyone?

Also -- I have the zero issue of BOND alternative wedding magazine that I picked up from a newsstand in San Francisco. It's a pretty nice publication that focuses on fashion and alternative trends... which is unique! After my entire day of canceled flights and re-routing through west coast airports yesterday I've read it cover-to-cover. First to email me with their mailing address gets it!! rachel@mergeweddings.com

Finally, JCrew is having their mega sale.... cute dresses are cheap! Nordstrom has some really nice stuff on sale too.
[ link ] [ link ]

new resource: flower girl dress rentals

2008-01-03T19:19:00.000-06:00

I just discovered the most clever and wonderful service that rents flower girl dresses for $20 for three weeks. I am adding gagas.com to my list of resources to the right... >>>

Melissa and Jordan

2008-01-03T12:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had a chance to shoot a wedding with Sacramento's Sarah Maren. After the Mormon Temple wedding we took Melissa and Jordan off to an old gold miner town and did some bridals.

Mormon wedding dresses have to be modest and have sleeves... Melissa had to go to Utah to find one that she liked!

Old gold miner town.

It's really fun and inspiring to spend time working with other wedding photographers and compare notes. Sarah has a ton of energy and keeps everyone laughing and moving.

As a second shooter I have a lot more freedom to take random artsy shots... and also the challenge to always see something in the alternate angle from what the main photographer is doing.

[ my 19 favorite images here ]

01.01.2008

2008-01-01T20:51:00.000-06:00

happy new year.

outtake.

2007-12-30T21:03:00.000-06:00

I can't stop laughing about this outtake from our photo session.
We had such a fun time even though the wind was FIERCE!

Sarah & Green

2007-12-30T19:28:00.000-06:00

On my last day in Honolulu I had the opportunity to experience a bit of the love shared between beautiful Sarah and Green. They knew about the perfect beach and we enjoyed the golden time before sunset together.

Thanks for a great session you two! It was so much fun to play around at the beach with you!

[ more photos here ]

client talkback time!

2007-12-22T23:48:00.001-06:00

the end of the year, the beginning of a new one.
it's time for feedback and love.

clients... you'll be getting some feedback forms in the next couple of days to send back via post. first one postmarked gets an amazing thank you prize. please be thinking about your experience being photographed on your wedding and the image that means the most to you from that day.

xo
Rachel

honolulu bridals

2007-12-18T05:17:00.000-06:00

Big huge props to Elizabeth Uehara, who did the styling for both of these totally beautiful couples. She really knows how to work a look!

a preview.

2007-12-14T09:27:00.000-06:00

I had SUCH a fun time photographing beautiful surfer girl Jillie with local wedding photographer Marina Miller in a boatyard in Honolulu yesterday. We got a set of incredibly artful images and had lots of laughs... and those two crazy women luckily avoided stepping on a jellyfish on the way out to that little dinghy. Thanks Jilly for not being afraid to let it loose and let your bubbly personality come through for the photos. And a special thank you to Ryan at the Ala Moana MAC counter for helping us out with some great makeup.

[ more photos from our session here ]

sexy little bride.

2007-12-12T14:02:00.000-06:00

pre-valentine's day pinup sessions
january 12-13, 2008
mark your calendars...
limited spots available.

session fee $250
(includes stylist and accordion album gift)

share a spot with a friend at $150 each

(samples like the artier sexy images I want to do here)

final sessions booking now

2007-12-12T02:43:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for your interest in the beach sessions I've been offering.
I only have two slots open... and they're for this WEDNESDAY (tomorrow) and THURSDAY mornings. At this point, I am not available on the weekend or next week.

So, if we have been in contact about scheduling a session please contact me ASAP to get the details finalized. If we weren't able to agree on a time and date yet, if you're still free for tomorrow or Thursday email me (rachel@mergeweddings.com) soon.

Also, I need to put in a plug for badass hair and makeup stylist Elizabeth Uehara (elizabeth@beautigoddess.com). She's the first person I have ever let put makeup on my face. She's totally with it and doesn't just settle for the traditional island makeup just because that's how it's done. She's ambitious, intelligent, and totally skilled. A pleasure to know and work with. So if you're looking for someone to help you look your best for a special occasion around Hawaii or the west coast, you need to call her. She rocks.

quiet.

2007-12-11T03:25:00.000-06:00

[ more photos from Monica and Stephen here ]

Monica & Stephen

2007-12-10T23:31:00.000-06:00

I met up with Monica and Stephen today at Honolulu's Magic Island.

sunset surf, diamond head beach

2007-12-10T02:52:00.001-06:00

Hawaii Photographers

2007-12-09T16:34:00.000-06:00

I have been so lucky to get to meet some incredible individuals out here.

I got to shoot a "casino night" company party gig with Billy Lee of BeautyandStyle. I met Nimai Wong for coffee. He's a man who sees the world as a true artist - experimenting with techniques and equipment and unafraid to "make mistakes". Last night at a party I met art photographer Dana Forsberg, who just had her first gallery installation at a local museum. I got to briefly chat with Cory Lum, a veteran photojournalist-advertorial photographer with a great sense of humor (and he also does ceramics!), and I'll be spending more time with Marina Miller and her family in the upcoming week.

zen kid.

2007-12-09T05:44:00.000-06:00

Friday Sessions!

2007-12-08T14:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was totally lucky - I got to spend some time with both Ka'ili and Marzieh who are sooooo kind, and lovely. The kind of people you could spend all day with and not get bored! It was fun walking around Honolulu's Chinatown district and getting some images that were both grungy and interesting. It's kind of cool how you can go to the most dirty-looking street and still find some beautiful angles.

Marzieh

Ka'ili

I am still looking for two different couples for two different photo shoots. Please email rachel@mergeweddings.com if you or someone you know would like to be photographed this week :)

cute party dresses, cheap!

2007-12-07T15:59:00.000-06:00

I just randomly found a catalog for Newport News. I have never heard of them before, but they have some cute little trendy dresses for really inexpensive prices.

glam dresses
romantic dresses
holiday collection

Personally, from a visual perspective I like their coats.
equestrian coat
appliqué coat

I just placed an order for this double-breasted riding coat to wear for some winter bridals:

I can see some of their stuff being good items for a boudoir session... or a fearless dress session... or just a holiday party :)

hint... for the pinup/boudoir session, you're looking for textures... thick sweaters, floaty fabrics, kinky fishnets, etc. check out the current $15 sale - with free shipping.

ps: if you google for their shipping and promotion codes you can get free shipping and 25% off your order!

hello.

2007-12-07T02:41:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to say hello. Here's my new friend.

unforgettable.

2007-12-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

Hey Clients,

In the spirit of F8studio, I want to ask you about the most unforgettable photo from your wedding day - the one that means the most to you. I'm in the process of preparing a talkback questionnaire to send out by the end of the year and would LOVE it if you can think about this in the meantime :)

sweet and sexy

2007-12-04T04:04:00.001-06:00

I'll be taking commissions for boudoir-type pinup sessions for the second weekend in January [so that we can have gift items available before Feb 14]. I'd like to do portraits kinda like Angelica, who always seems to get it just right.

Brides, you just let me know if you're interested!

custom designed thank you cards.

2007-12-03T16:38:00.000-06:00

I've been working on a design for Lesley and Ken as they followup with friends and family after their wedding. One of the product lines I'm offering is a set of custom-designed thank you cards. Bought as a separate item they are significantly more expensive than a value pack you might find at Target, but... this is art! The print quality is astonishing and I work with you to make all four faces designed with your own style. You can even have a custom message designed on the inside and then leave room for your own handwritten personalized note to each individual.

Here's the front of a recent card.

Current and prospective future clients, if you'd like to get a real live sample of a card to see if you think it's worth pursuing, please send me your current mailing address via email to rachel@decenturbanweddings.org

ethnic music performances

2007-12-03T04:25:00.000-06:00

As a prior music performance major and someone who has a vivid interest in other cultures, I have been so blessed to see two different music and dance presentations... and I have only been here for four days! Hula seems to be a little bit controversial because it originated as a sacred dance (thus I've been told that you're not supposed to really photograph it) but now in some tourist-focused places has become sort of exploitative entertainment.

I got to see an excellently talented group called the Ilima Hula Studio perform at a company party on Friday night. I can't post photos here because it was a paid gig I shot for another photographer, but I am so glad that I got to see the dances performed so beautifully.

This afternoon I went to a UH-Manoa University presentation by the students in the ethnic music and dance classes. It was really interesting to hear music from around the world and see the hard work they put into learning the intense dances. Here are two of my favorite photos from the performance.

That last photo is from the Maori group. Their songs made my heart move!

hello honolulu!

2007-11-29T22:06:00.001-06:00

short and to the point.

2007-11-27T16:50:00.000-06:00

I just got the best email from Marc. He didn't sign it or put any subject line, which makes it doubly wonderful that he used four exclamation points. Those west coast film people sure are busy.

These photos are AMAZING!!!!

Kate & Job

2007-11-27T16:20:00.000-06:00

This is actually the first time a pet has been a major part of the wedding day for me. Eddie was present during the ceremony (in fact Kate actually walked back down the aisle during the ceremony to take him out but someone else interceded). I think the last photo of her taking him out, wearing fancy shoes and the white fur on her arm, is just really really humorous.

[ more photos here ]

hilarious!

2007-11-26T10:18:00.001-06:00

Click to view larger. So worth it!
I promise I am not trying to scandalize small children.

she twirls with vigor.

2007-11-24T12:59:00.000-06:00

happy thanksgiving, y'all.
I am currently getting enough sleep.

in the road.

2007-11-24T12:58:00.000-06:00