Connecticut Wedding Photojournalist Mike Ross

Blog Has a New Home!

2010-11-22T00:56:00.006-05:00

The blog has grown over the years and have started a better designed blog. Please check out the new fancy Rivernet ProPhoto3 Blog @ www.mikerossweddings.net

A Long Time Coming!

2008-10-14T11:30:00.009-04:00

An emotional James shows his love to his bride Michelle during their beautiful Sunday afternoon ceremony at Monroe's CT beautiful Waterview

36th weekly wedding tip

2008-10-14T01:02:00.000-04:00

Here is your 36th weekly wedding tip:

On the morning of your wedding day, remember to

eat breakfast! You may not feel like it because

you'll feel so keyed up with excitement, but

you'll need reserves of strength and energy to get

through the day. If traditional breakfast food

doesn't appeal to you, try a fruit smoothie.

Next week we tell you the top tip to avoid having

all or some of your wedding gifts stolen!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

35 Weekly Wedding Tip!

2008-10-06T01:41:00.002-04:00

Here is your 35th weekly wedding tip:

When choosing bridesmaid's gowns, keep your

friend's varying sizes in mind. If it looks good

on a size 14, it will look fabulous in a size 6,

but the reverse isn't always true.

Next week we remind you why breakfast may be the

most important meal you have on your wedding day

The 11 Golden Reasons All Couples Should Have Wedding Insurance!

http://www.wedaholic.com/archives/the_11_golden_reasons_all_couples_should_have_wedding_insurance.php

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

New York Times Wedding Section; If Things Fall Apart, Who Gets the Ring?

2008-10-06T01:39:00.001-04:00

Chivalry is one possible guide, but some unhappy ex-couples go to court.

Here is your 33rd weekly wedding tip:

2008-09-26T00:42:00.000-04:00

Here is your 33rd weekly wedding tip:

At the reception hall, fill baskets in the

bathroom with miniature hand lotions, breath

mints, hair sprays, and hair gels for emergency

touch-ups. You may also want to put out a basket

with a few inexpensive pairs of pantyhose and

some clear nail polish.

Next week we give the best advice we can on

shopping for your wedding gown!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Here is your 32nd weekly wedding tip!

2008-09-15T15:27:00.000-04:00

Here is your 32nd weekly wedding tip:

During the prelude music at the church, consider

projecting photos of the bride and groom on a

blank wall or screen. Pictures of them as they

were growing up and then of them as a couple are

lovely.

Next week we advise on the best way to help

everyone at the wedding for emergency touch-ups!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Here is your 31st weekly wedding tip:

2008-09-07T21:02:00.000-04:00

Here is your 31st weekly wedding tip:

An unusual wedding favor that guests will cherish

is a CD of the bride and groom's favorite music.

Put together a collection of your favorite songs

and burn CD's for all your guests, and design a

cover and liner that thanks your guests for

sharing your special day.

Next week we give you a great tip on ehancing

the prelude music at your church!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

30th weekly wedding tip:

2008-09-05T00:45:00.000-04:00

Here is your 30th weekly wedding tip:

Designate a close friend to put together

"goody sacks" for out of town guests and ask the

hotel staff to put these in your guests' rooms.

Include a local road map, directions to the

church and reception in case they forgot theirs,

snack food for late night arrivals [cookies, a

small bag of chips, pop or juice], coupons for

the nearest pizza delivery shop, and a list of

phone numbers they might need.

Next week we give you great tips on creating an

unusual wedding favor that guests will cherish!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Here is your 29th weekly wedding tip

2008-08-24T23:05:00.001-04:00

Here is your 29th weekly wedding tip:

For a charming tribute to the enduring quality

of marriage, choose a few older slow songs for

your reception and invite all of the married

couples to join the bride and groom on the dance

floor. After a few moments, have the DJ announce

that only couples married ten years or longer

should remain, then fifteen, then twenty...until

you have only one couple and the bride and groom

on the dance floor. If you like, give a small

gift to the couple remaining.

Next week we highlight a way to ensure your

guests get discounted hotel room rates!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Here is your 28th weekly wedding tip

2008-08-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

For a charming tribute to the enduring quality

of marriage, choose a few older slow songs for

your reception and invite all of the married

couples to join the bride and groom on the dance

floor. After a few moments, have the DJ announce

that only couples married ten years or longer

should remain, then fifteen, then twenty...until

you have only one couple and the bride and groom

on the dance floor. If you like, give a small

gift to the couple remaining.

Next week we highlight a way to ensure your

guests get discounted hotel room rates!

A Mischievous Tip For Entertaining Wedding Guests!

http://www.wedaholic.com/archives/a_mischievous_tip_for_entertaining_wedding_guests.php

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Elissa & Rob Engagement!

2008-08-11T21:25:00.006-04:00

Sunday's beautiful sunset at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut made a picture perfect session for Elissa & Rob. Less than three weeks before their 9.1.08 wedding date which will be held at St. Clements Castle in Portland, CT. I really look forward working with them on the big day.

Here is your 27th weekly wedding tip!

2008-08-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

Here is your 27th weekly wedding tip:

Be sure to have an emergency bag on hand the

morning of the wedding that has anything you

might need for any unexpected dress repairs

needed: needle, thread, safety pins, chalk (for

quickly covering smudges), scissors and tape.

Next week we show you a way create a charming

tribute to the enduring quality of marriage!

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Marry Me at 8 on the 8th, O.K.?

2008-08-03T15:50:00.004-04:00

NY Time's: It's Botox for You, Dear Bridemaids?

2008-07-28T22:13:00.001-04:00

Johnnine & Mike Engagement Photos

2008-07-28T22:01:00.004-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of shooting Johnnine & Mike in the studio for their engagment photos. Their beautiful two year daughter join the session which I also captured some great images of all of the family. I look forward to their beautiful Fall 2008 wedding.

Here is your 25th weekly wedding tip:

2008-07-28T21:57:00.000-04:00

Here is your 25th weekly wedding tip:

When sending invitations to two individuals who

live together at the same address but who have

different last names, their names should be

listed alphabetically, not with the man's name

first automatically.

Ms. Linda Adams

Mr. Charles Wexford

For More Advice Visit:

http://www.Wedaholic.com

Katie & Erik Brooklyn, NYC E-Session

2008-07-21T14:19:00.003-04:00

Sunday late evening photo session in Brooklyn, NYC with Katie & Erik at Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Bridge was fantastic! We travel around the city and capture amazing images from the session. Katie and Erik recently purchased their first home in Brooklyn and wanted the engagement portraiture session at the lovely New York City parks. Katie and Erik look great together and I know it will be a breeze capturing great images on their 9.27.08 wedding day.

Here is your 24th weekly wedding tip:

2008-07-19T20:18:00.002-04:00

If either of you have children who will be a part

of the marriage ceremony, consider purchasing

special pieces of jewelry for them as well.

Simple silver rings or pendants (a circle or

interlocking rings for unity, for example, or a

disk engraved with some special message) would be

appropriate choices that could be given to the

children as part of a "family joining ceremony"

right after the wedding vows.

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

6.14.08 Wedding Photography

2008-07-13T13:09:00.004-04:00

6.14.08 Wedding Bride & Groom Jeannine & Ryan steal a kiss at their sweat heart table during their reception at the Country House in East Haven, CT. I had the pleasure working with them and their families on the beautiful Saturday wedding day.

Here is your 23rd weekly wedding tip

2008-07-13T13:08:00.001-04:00

Here is your 23rd weekly wedding tip:

If your bridesmaids' gowns are in a neutral color
or will coordinate with neutral shoes, consider
letting your bridesmaids wear their own shoes
instead of paying extra for dyed-to-match they'll
never wear again.

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

Your 22th weekly wedding tip

2008-07-08T12:03:00.001-04:00

Want a designer wedding gown without the designer
label? There are many shops today that sell
wedding gowns that have only been worn once at a
fraction of their original cost. Check out
online auctions, too.

Next week we offer a tip on how bridesmaids can
save money on their shoes!

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

7 Rules of Choosing the Ring!

2008-06-30T18:02:00.005-04:00

Here is your 21th weekly wedding tip

2008-06-29T20:47:00.001-04:00

Don't order a bunch of floral arrangements for
decorating the church or reception hall if you
have family and friends with green thumbs. Either
ask to borrow potted plants to decorate tables or
see who can provide fresh flowers from their
gardens to make impromptu bouquets.

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

20th weekly wedding tip

2008-06-23T14:24:00.003-04:00

For a smaller wedding, consider foregoing formal
bridesmaids bouquets. Instead, visit a wholesale
florist the night before the wedding and tie
together clusters of fresh-cut flowers into
nosegays.

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

Your 19th weekly wedding tip

2008-06-15T17:26:00.002-04:00

Register for gifts at one store that appeals
specifically to your husband - surprise, the
wedding isn't all about the bride! You can now
register at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot.
A groom whose eyes are glazing over as you open
up another blender will perk right up when he
unwraps that power drill or Wide Screen Television!

6.7.08 Wedding Photography

2008-06-09T22:19:00.004-04:00

Bride Meghan, right and her sister Katie share a laugh as they drink a beer to cool down from Saturday heat wave while preparing for the big day. I had the pleasure working with Meghan on Saturday at St. Clements Castle in Portland, CT. I have been commissioned to shoot her sister Katie wedding in the fall on 9.27.08.

Your 18th weekly wedding tip:

2008-06-09T14:03:00.001-04:00

Seating for your guests is one of the toughest
jobs there is. Ask both mothers to provide you
early on with a list of "do's and "don'ts." For
instance, "Uncle John and Aunt Nancy would enjoy
catching up with the Thompsons, but don't put the
Eriksons and the Linarellis together if possible."
It saves last minute re-arranging.

Here is your 17th weekly wedding tip!

2008-05-31T13:44:00.000-04:00

When you plan the menu for your reception, keep
dieters and those who may be on a restricted diet
in mind. You can't please everyone, but if you
over a salad, a meat, a vegetarian dish and a
carbohydrate such as a pasta dish you should be
well covered.

Next week we advise on how to avoid seating
plans nightmare!

Carolyn & Rajeev Memorial Day Weekend Wedding

2008-05-31T12:06:00.004-04:00

I captured this image from last Sunday Memorial Day weekend wedding. Carolyn and Rajeev kissing as a bicycle road race takes place at Bushnell Park in Hartford. The couple embraced many religions under one roof. The wedding ceremonies were in Hindu and Jewish. Their wedding day was truly beautiful!

Kelly & Nick 5.23.08 Wedding

2008-05-24T18:38:00.003-04:00

I captured this beautiful image of two flower girls looking out a stain glass window at St. Clements Castle in Portland, CT from Kelly & Nick's Friday wedding. I really captured some amazing images from their day.

Here is your 16th weekly wedding tip:

2008-05-24T15:11:00.001-04:00

If guests are coming in from out of town, be sure
to check to see what other events are going on in
your area that weekend. If there's going to be
an important sporting event or a major convention,
for instance, you'll need to plan early for hotel
rooms (or you may want to reconsider your date!)

Jeannine & Ryan Engagement Session

2008-05-11T20:13:00.003-04:00

Jeannine & Ryan E-Session on Sunday 5.11.08.

Meghan & Jason Engagement Session

2008-04-29T23:06:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure working with Meghan and Jason for their engagement session at Milford Silver Sands State Park. I look forward working with them in June.

The Season Starts!

2008-04-20T19:19:00.014-04:00

Saturday's beautiful weather made a picture perfect day for Karen & Sean! I look forward capturing beautiful images for this years season.

Disposable Cameras on Guest's Tables

2008-04-05T13:05:00.007-04:00

Many couples put disposable cameras on the guests'
tables so that they can capture candid shots. It's best to use a high quality disposable camera such as Fuji or Kodak's cameras that have faster speed film try to stay away from the overseas cheap brand cameras that often have expired film and faulty internal camera parts. Make sure to bring the film to Independent lab such as
Ross Imaging Center or Milford Photo. These photo labs will enhance your precious moments from your wedding.

Go the extra mile and show your appreciation - get double prints of all of them,
and pop a candid of your guests into the thank you notes you send
them to remind them of a great day.

Next week we help you if you have always dreamed
of being married in your mother's wedding gown!

Use A Professional Photographer

2008-03-22T11:29:00.003-04:00

The Top 5 Reasons To Use A Professional Photographer

March 22, 2008

With the wealth of photography knowledge waiting for you to soak up online, your first thought might be to avoid using a professional for your wedding images. After all, wedding photography tips are everywhere, cameras are cheap and you can keep checking your display until you get it looking good, right? Have you just thought you would have your uncle or friend to shoot your wedding. Here are 5 reasons that may be a bad idea.

The Gear!

Let’s start with the gear! Photographers invest thousands of dollars in their equipment. This is not to say that you can’t get great results with a point and shoot, but they simply won’t compare with the quality that a pro offers. Besides camera features like sensor size and low-light sensitivity, the actual physics of light and lenses allow depth of field and wide angle framing of images that you simply can’t get on today’s pocket cameras. Many photographers with studios invest in additional gear, including multiple strobe lighting, wireless systems to trigger them, backgrounds and more. A true professional invests in their business, and their images will reflect the quality of that investment.

Training

Professional photographers continually invest in training. This might come in the form of professional affiliations (like ASMP, NPPA, PPA or WPPI), nationwide seminars, conferences, or full-blown college degree programs. This training not only covers the fundamentals of photography, but encompasses a wide range of subjects including business, marketing, and technology. These educational resources keep professionals current with what today’s clients need, and the latest technologies that help them meet those needs. Many of these programs are only available to professionals.

Unique Products

Taking the picture is usually only the beginning; you need a way to display it. The ‘print only’ days are long gone. Today, professional photographers have access to the most unique and personalized products available. Albums, framing, canvas printing, cards, high-end paper products, jewelry and more are available to the professional. Pros handle all aspects of the product ordering process for you. Images are retouched and cropped to fit the products as necessary. If a pro has a relationship with a vendor, they would know for example that a certain product prints a little dark or light. This experience on their part saves you time in money in the end.

Quality Control

If a professional photographer shoots your session and orders prints or albums for you, you can bet that the quality will be high. This is because the final product is an expression of their business. Professionals don’t skimp on labs and vendors - they go with the best they can find because their work becomes something that you will treasure forever. They will present the work to you in a way that reflects their pride in the work. This is a completely different mentality from your local drugstore which happens to have a photo lab. Over there, it’s about mass-sales and ‘consistently average’ quality.

Experience

This is the biggest reason to go with a professional. Whether you are looking for a wedding photographer, family/child photographer, or an event photographer, there simply is no match for the experience of a professional. They will be able to see what you envision for the shoot, or suggest ideas in case you don’t know where to start. The good professionals have seen everything in their particular field, so they will be well-accustomed to your situation (whether it’s a stressed out bride or crying child). When you work with a pro, the shoot can be incredibly fun, creative, and productive. You feed off of each other, and this further enhances the trust you have in their ability to get the shot.

I hope this post has been helpful. You could really dig down into each of these areas and find even more reasons to go with a pro.

A Bouquet and a Space Heater

2008-03-14T17:13:00.005-04:00

TRYING to analyze the seasonal trends in weddings is a little like trying to gauge how rapidly the polar ice caps are melting. But as temperatures rise, wedding vendors and couples are beginning to look toward that once-frosty patch between November and March with all the optimism once saved for spring.

Invite Children?

2008-03-12T10:28:00.004-04:00

Do we invite children to our weddings? Read NY Times take on the age old question ... read more

Tips And Advice On How To Get Guests Mingling At Your Wedding!

2008-03-03T15:10:00.003-05:00

Whether you choose a buffet or a five course dinner for the catering or a live band or a DJ for the entertainment, one thing you will be sure of from the outset of your wedding planning is that you want a wedding reception which will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Read More....

Keeping in Touch with bridesmaids

2008-02-16T16:31:00.001-05:00

As the wedding countdown begins, be sure to keep
in touch with your bridesmaids who are out of
town. It's easy for them to feel left out, so
consider setting up a wedding website or blog,
or at the very least send out periodic email
updates to everyone. Keep them short and fun
but informative, with dates and times for any
upcoming events or appointments.

Next week we give you tips on what to do if your
bridesmaids and groomsmen don't know each other
well!
By Author Elle

For More Advice Visit:
http://www.Wedaholic.com

Unique Ideas For Asking Friends To Be
A Bridesmaid Or Matron of Honor

She says Yes

2008-02-14T22:12:00.001-05:00

Gifts for Her for V Day

2008-02-13T21:20:00.003-05:00

It is not too late! Take a look at Tiffany's 2008 Valetine Gift Guide.
enter...

Funny Wedding Commercial

2008-02-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

Creative Ways To Name Your Tables

2008-02-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

Creative Ways To Name Your Tables

By Daria MacGregor • Circle of Love Weddings

This article is the third in a series of ideas about seating plans for your reception.

Once guests have found their table cards during the cocktail hour, how will they locate their tables in the ballroom? Once again, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity and event theme, both with the way you name or number the tables, and how the table identifiers are displayed on the tables.

Identifying The Tables
Everyone has seen the traditional table numbers. It is perfectly fine to use these, especially if your wedding is quite formal. There are lovely preprinted, numbered cards available for purchase at stationers’ shops or online, or you can make your own. However, why not incorporate a theme for your tables that reflects your interests and/or history as a couple? Here are a few ideas I have seen:

• Flower names that can also then be incorporated in the centerpieces

• Names of the streets in the neighborhoods in which you grew up

• Cartoon, Superheroes, Star Trek or other famous names

• Names of different places that both of you have traveled

• Names of players from your favorite sports teams

Discussing your theme can be a fun icebreaker for guests as they find their seats.

Displaying The Table Names
There are several options for displaying the table names. I like tall metal stands with a clip on the top, as they add height to the table and are simple enough that they will not detract from the centerpieces. Low stands or small frames also work well, and there is certainly an abundance of choices, in any style you can think of. You can even just fold table name cards into tent cards and place them directly on the tables, as long as there are not too many other things such as favors, cameras, place settings, large centerpieces, etc.

No matter which option you choose, it is crucial that guests be able to easily see the table names as they enter the ballroom, so make the name cards as large as possible. Be sure that the person who places them on the tables sets the cards facing the main entrance. It can also be a helpful touch to station a greeter or two near the doors, with a map of the room to assist guests in locating their tables.

November 2007 - Reception Seating Plans: A Do or a Don’t?
December 2007 - Creative Ideas for Table Cards

Carolyn & Rajeev Engagement

2008-02-10T22:39:00.000-05:00

Rajeev and Carolyn traveled from New York City to have their
session at the studio this Sunday. They were great in front of the camera and
I look forward working with them again on their 5.25.08 wedding date.

Secrets Controlling Pre Wedding Stress!

2008-02-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

By Author: Elle •
It is totally normal to feel anxious and nervous as your wedding day approaches. Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things in life that you will have to deal with but I assure you it will be well worth the effort. With all of the organizing which needs to be done in the run-up to your wedding including sticking to a budget, maintaining good relationships with family, friends and very importantly your fiancé and prospective in-laws, a never-ending wedding to-do list, dealing with uncooperative wedding suppliers and there not being enough hours in a day to deal with it all, it is no wonder you, like many other brides, are beginning to feel overwhelmed.

Whilst it is great that your pre-wedding stress will help you to stay motivated and keep you on top of finalizing all of those minute details of wedding planning it is also important to remember that this should be a special time for you – perhaps something that you have been dreaming about since you were a little girl!

I have set out below my top tips for reducing your wedding stress:
Read More.......

Wedding Etiquette on Get Married TV

2008-02-09T00:39:00.000-05:00

Just Married!

2007-10-14T02:47:00.000-04:00

Lauren and Scott 10.13.07

A beautiful Fall evening wedding at Waccabuc country club in Waccabuc, New York.

Film Drop-Off Sites Fade Against Digital Cameras

2007-10-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Couples looking to develop their guests table's single-use cameras cameras may be in the search for labs that still develop traditional FILM. INDEPENDENT PHOTO LABS
are the first place you should search. In Connecticut places like Ross Photo Labs and Milford Photo are professional labs that offer competitive pricing and will give you top quality color processing from FILM & DIGITAL. read more of story from NY TIMES......

The Blog is Finally Here!

2007-10-10T23:29:00.000-04:00