Luisa was cool, calm and smiling from the inside out from the minute I showed up (and I'm sure beforehand, too).
I had to keep myself from doing the happy dance with the amazing light that was spilling into Luisa's bedroom as she was getting her final touches of makeup. Her eyes were literally sparkling.
LOVED this simple bouquet of flowers with a bold color statement.
Luisa's mom, sister and aunt all thoroughly enjoyed getting her ready. Her family is clearly one of very close women. This moment between Luisa's mom and aunt is a favorite of mine, a reminder that Luisa and Sean's day is special for everyone.
Shooting in the mirror was an easy way for me to snap this shot without Luisa realizing it and also makes for a somewhat unique composition.
Luisa was about to leave for the church when I quickly squeezed in this shot by her french doors. My name is Ro Rappa and I'm addicted to natural light.
Walking up the stairs with dad just moments before the ceremony. (And what a day - thank you Mother Nature for being so kind in February.)
Sean taking in his bride. Ladies, this is how every husband should look at his wife. Am I wrong?
Great architecture in the church. I think it's important to capture wide church shots as it portrays the ceremony as a truly grand part of the day.
Married!
A special moment with dad. Hugging with your eyes closed is more than just a hug.
I find myself often shooting a silhouette shot like this after a church ceremony. It's actually very easy and always comes out as a favorite.
Onto the formal photos at the beautiful CV Rich Mansion in White Plains. This shot was actually Sean's idea. I originally set it up with just the guys and after I shot that, Sean asked to include Luisa. I like it...thanks, Sean! (More on Sean's camera interests below....)
This shot was taken amidst a series of formal family photos. Luisa and Sean were always "in the moment."
I think Sean was trying to do a cheesy pose with Luisa here but they just couldn't keep a straight face. I love the lighthearted and carefree nature of this documentary shot.
Taken a millisecond later....love when a bride cracks up like this.
One of my many favorite rooms to shoot at CV Rich Mansion is the library. A nice setting for a formal photo. Also, staggering heights of the group with the sofa adds visual interest.
Luisa, I just want to pinch you!
Sean is one of four brothers so we took some fun shots of boys just being boys.
I like taking bouquet shots that are more than just bouquet shots.
CV Rich Mansion really provides a warm "house" atmosphere. The possibilities are endless for me with so many great doorways and details.
Most people don't take their own wedding pictures....except Sean! As I found out later during the maid of honor's speach, this is classic Sean behavior. And I got the shot to prove it. ;-)
Grooms deserve a nice formal portrait, too.
An intimate moment.....not posed by me. Luisa and Sean being Luisa and Sean.
We were blessed to be able to shoot some photos outside.
I ran inside quickly to change my lens and these two were at it again. Click!
Luisa's "something old" was her grandmother's pin. What a nice touch to her bouquet.
Back inside taking advantage of the last moments of natural light for the day.
Perfect wedding ambiance.
Party time!
In this shot I think it's cool how your eye naturally goes to Luisa and Sean because everybody else's back to the camera frames the couple.
The best man's toast was hilarious - I was laughing pretty hard myself. Luisa and Sean were married 18 years after they met in college and the best man (Sean's brother) was clearly looking forward to harping on this. He noted that the continental shelf has moved three feet since then! Made for a great reaction shot for me.
What do you get when a dad has all boys? Lots of great daughter-in-laws.
Family having fun.
Sean, put down the damn camera! ;-)
Just a few friends from Boston College.
Lots of happy faces at the reception.
Tons of dancing.....
....and some rather creative moves.
Well,I guess I didn't do such a great job at keeping this blog to a few shots, but sometimes too much of something is a good thing. ;-) Congratulations Luisa and Sean on the beginning of the rest of your life together!
