Studio Vérité Photography

I knew when I committed to photographing Aleese and Brandon’s wedding I was undertaking a tremendous responsibility.  Aleese told me she was really looking forward to having great pictures of her family and friends getting together to celebrate a joyous occasion.  She explained that in the recent years her family had only been brought together in mourning.  In 2006 Aleese’s father, James, past away.  With the memory of her father’s passing in the not-so-distant past,  Aleese wanted to surround herself with family and loved ones in celebration of love and life.  And party they did.  Their wedding boasted one of the most rowdy and energetic dance floors I have photographed. But amidst the elation there was also a somber moment.  Aleese invited me to join the family as they paid tribute to James at his headstone just before the ceremony. It was there that I made a frame that I consider the most important wedding photograph I have yet to make.

Aleese and Brandon, it was a privilege documenting your wedding.   Thank you.

My best,

Justin

Aleese and Brandon make their entrance.  A great frame from my second shooter, freelance photojournalist and wedding photographer Ryan Rayburn.

“This weather is perfect. It’s exactly what I wanted,” explains Richard, as he looks at the dark rain clouds approaching.  This gives you an idea for the type of guy Rich is.  He’s comfortable with the dark side of things. Liz didn’t mind it either. Rich is a poet and Liz a fine art photographer.  Her master’s thesis was a photo essay of stainless steal medical equipment.  I knew when photographing this duo that they wanted something different, something moody, and avant-garde.  I wanted to start this blog posting with a few images that were made with that sentiment in mind, portraits that were unexpected, beautiful, and rich with character.  Enjoy.

Congratulations Rich and Liz!

‘

Justin and I strive to tell stories with our weddings. By mixing our photojournalism skills and capturing documentary moments, creating creative portraits, and focusing on important details, we feel we are able to deliver a wedding photo package that really captures each individual couples’ wedding day. We want them to be able to look back at the photos and have the images trigger emotions and memories. I shot Kristen and Drew’s wedding with the help of longtime friend and fellow wedding photographer and Brooks Institute of Photography alum, Katie O’Neill. Because  this was a destination wedding for Kristen and Drew and most of their friends and family, we wanted to make sure we captured the San Diego atmosphere with portraits at the La Jolla Cove and details such as the authentically San Diego fish tacos. I chose to display a lot of moments I found special, funny or just plain interesting with a few details and some more traditional portraits. This was a really fun wedding to shoot and offered us many opportunities to capture it all. Thanks Drew and Kristen for including us in your day!

-Kristy

A few weeks ago I shot the ultimate laid back San Diego wedding at Ponto beach in Carlsbad. Elena and Brian exchanged their vows on a bluff as the sun set, and had a bonfire reception on the beach below. Because of the lack of light, it was one of the most challenging weddings I have ever had to shoot but I think it forced me to be resourceful and try new things such as using the fire as my only light source. It was such a nice intimate affair, and I wish Brian and Elena a wonderful new life together!

-Kristy

I just wanted to post one image I particularly liked from Luke and Ora’s wedding in La Jolla, California, that I captured a few weeks ago. I have to credit Luke for the brilliant idea of bringing a top-hat for portraits!

-Kristy

A beach wedding in Chicago?  Yes!  Here are a few of my favs from Kirsten and Carlos’ wedding along the sands of Lake Michigan, followed by their reception at the Metropolitan Club.

Thanks for looking,

Justin

Kirsten and Carlos before the ceremony.

Beech wedding and shoes don’t always mix.

Out of champagne, pop open another.

Waiting for the green man.

Staying equalized as we rise to the top of the Sears….err, Willis Tower.

When editing Kelly and Brian’s images tonight these images just jumped out at me.  I knew as soon as I saw these pix I had to get them out there to share with you all.  Enjoy.  And special thanks to Kelly and Brian for putting up with my photo orders and lack of water and snacks in the car!

Regards,

Justin

Kate and Michael were a wonderfully chill and relaxed couple to work with.  I think I was more nervous for the weather than they were as we headed into what was supposed to be a drizzly day wedding.  But the weather Gods were smiling up on us.  We were able to have a fantastic shoot in Chicago’s Lurie Gardens in Millennium Park.  Then it was off to the Adobo Grill for some great fun with a twist of lime.

Cheers,

Justin

Thank you Kathryn and Chris for letting me spend the day with you!

Cheers,

Justin

A frame courtesy of my fantastic second shooter, Travis Haughton.  Kathryn and Chris practice their reception grooves.

One of many tender moments Kathryn had with her father.

I had the privilege to work with Stacie Barba of A Day of Elegance again a few weekends ago at Leow’s Coronado Bay Resort. It was an uncharacteristically hot day for San Diego, feeling more like the East Coast with the high temperatures and humidity. But as you can see by the happiness in the photos of the bride and groom that Stacie managed to keep the event cool and running smoothly. I wanted to highlight some of her work. Enjoy!

-Kristy

…I had some fun with the candy table.

…and yummy deserts!