5 steps to create your dream engagement session

You’re engaged! Congratulations! I can’t think of a better way for this celebratory moment in your lives then a perfectly planed photoshoot, don’t you agree? But where do you start? there’s so much to do…from what to wear to where you should go…this is why we came up with a quick guide to the most perfectly planed engagement photoshoot. Let’s start shall we?

1. Pick a place that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re an adventure-loving pair who likes to spend free time hiking uncharted trails or you’d rather be snuggled up with a movie at home… make sure your engagement photos reflect what you love to do as a couple! Don’t ever feel like your photos need to look a certain way – if you want to set up a fort in your living room, get tangled up in twinkle lights and snack on junk food during your shoot – then by all means… GO FOR IT!

2. Wear something you’re comfortable in. This means if you feel your best in stilettos and a knock-out gown, then wear stilettos and a knock-out gown. If your vibe is more jeans and a t-shirt, then yup… you guessed it, rock those jeans and t-shirt! One of the most important things to remember when styling your engagement photos is making sure that when you look back on them in however many years – you still see you.

3. Choose a photographer whose photography style will best capture your love. When you start your search for your dream engagement photographer, take a good look at their style of photos. Are they bright and airy? Moody and romantic? No matter what they may be, keep this in mind when deciding which style will be the best fit for capturing your unique love.

4. Incorporate furry friends. (Our personal favorite) If you can’t imagine not including your furry friends when celebrating this exciting time – then totally bring them along to your session! Trust us, they will love every minute of it and the pictures will turn out to be too cute for words.

5. Lastly, relax and have fun with it! If we could only give one piece of advice to our readers on the topic of engagement photos, it would be to relax and just enjoy it! Don’t worry about learning poses you’ve seen on Instagram or looking perfect, just be yourselves and get comfortable! We guarantee any photographer would agree. And the more playful, the better… that’s how you’ll get those priceless shots!

We hope you enjoyed our happy couples during their happiest moments shared with our lens

Xo, Ina

6 TOP WEDDING TRENDS 2020

Hi there! My name’s Ina, i am a Long Island wedding photographer. I absolutely love what i do and the people i meet in my line of work have kept me excited and so interested in photography for the past 8 years. With the new decade in full swing and a crazy busy wedding season my mind has been so much on color palettes, styles, looks and those delicious details i love so much…i wanted to share a few wedding trends we’ve come across this year. Keep in mind to always stay true to yourself and your own personal style, unless you feel that you might want to embrace 1 or 2 of these super awesome ideas for your own wedding

1- Sustainable weddings

Although keeping the environment in mind shouldn’t be just a trend, more and more couples are opting for green weddings to lessen the impact on the planet. Some event productions can take days sometimes weeks to set up from design and fabrication of the tents to seeting up kitchens where they never existed before… and even drinking water from plastic bottles. Floral designers are taking some of the biggest strides by cutting down the use of foam in flower arraignments and also recycling flowers wherever possible. My photography studio is now also offering eco friendly wedding albums for the eco friendly couples.

2- Feel good energy

2020 seems like a time for all things spiritual. From wellness focused showers to bachelorette events to after parties where guests can have their fortune told by a tarot reader. Think wedding ceremonies with a spiritual infusion and interactive gestures with blessings that bring the guests into the vow exchange.

3- Luxury engagement session

Having a stylish engagement session has always been a tradition and it can serve us wedding photographers as a warm up with our clients, help us build a raport if you will. But this year we will be elevating things a bit. Think of this time as a time for fun and play. Take a risk on a style that doesn’t suit your wedding day but one who matches your personality and easily allows you to move freely..or whatever it may be, whatever you do let your hair down, get dressed up and be ready to explore the many facets of your personality through the lens. wether we stay local or pack up for a little getaway to an exotic spot the possibilities are endless.

4- Liquer bar

Think of a specialty liquor bar. Or perhaps you’re a champagne connoisseur. Treat your guests to your favorite spirits either at the reception or as an add at the after- party. The possibilities are endless

5- Wedding videography

It’s no longer a question of “should we have a videographer” but rather who’s the talented videographer we will be working with. And as of today i am happy to say that we offer videography services which will be carefully edited to match the style of the photos as well so we can ensure cohesive and breathtaking footage.

6-Bold uses of color

Gone are the days of the neutrals and i am so excited for that. Get in touch with your personal style and set the design accordingly.

A classic white and gold Long Island wedding

Long Island Wedding Photographer – A wedding in the Hamptons

Looking for a classic style for your big day? We partnered up with some of Long Island’s best wedding vendors to give you these amazing chic ideas that are spot on trend without being a trend you will look back on and cringe. Chic white and gold decor a classic groom in his black and white tuxedo and a glamorous bride who makes an appearance in a number of enviable gowns! Chic & Classic
We wanted to inspire Long Island brides with a classic, soft palette…Lots of whites and a dash of pastels. We wanted to focus on the simple things such as romance, lots of flowers and a very chic ambiance in the heart of the Hamptons NY. We were inspired by local creatives to create the perfect looks for each of our displayed items and we are so excited to share and inspire local couples from Long Island NY. Keep scrolling to find your favorite and please let us know what it is that strikes your fancy in the comments below. You can see every last detail through this gorgeous gallery. Xoxo…

Brecknock Hall Wedding Photos-Kristina & Joe

Kristina & Joe absolutely stole our hearts. They are such a gorgeous couple and so much fun to be around. Made our day being there with them and spending the day at this gorgeous venue. Having your wedding photos captured at the Brecknock Hall will be nothing short of stunning. As you will see through out this Brecknock hall wedding photos you will see exactly what i mean. From the beautiful scenery of lush greens to Kristina’s Pronovia’s number to the golden tone bridesmaids dresses and every detailed and thoughtful accessory on this wedding day. ahh, a chalk full of pretty. Enjoy and thank you for stopping by XO…Ina

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Christina & Erik

Garden city hotel – The carltun wedding photos captured by Ina McConnell…I am in love with this beautiful couple Christina & Erik, the are just a joy to work with. These classic wedding photos are what i most look forward to when i photograph a wedding. Her stunning classic wedding dress by pronovias is so romantic and delicate. Every little detail from this wedding is a must see. Scroll through and become inspired with this drop dead gorgeous gallery. Xo, Ina

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Engagement session Long Island NY

Planning your engagement shoot can be a lot of fun and something really exciting that my couples very much look forward to. I’m gonna drop in a little secret here, i get equally excited thinking up all the different scenarios we could play up so we end up with gorgeous, timeless and authentic photos. Also dreaming up different outfits so the  fabric perfectly flows in a breezy afternoon right before sunset catching that perfect light with the perfect movements of the wind. The way i should pose you accordingly based on the wind direction and sun setting. This is just a small part of what goes on inside of a photographer’s mind prior to and during an engagement session..My main focus is to make you look  like you stepped out of a magazine… For Paige and Jake, our incredibly stunning couple we were inspire  by the two of them being so in love as you can see.  We kept the wardrobe simple and monochrome (so gorgeous). Scroll down the gallery and swoon

 

Bridesmaid’s gift idea

Hey guys, i wanted to share this elegant glass shadow box with you. It would be so pretty on a dressing table, nightstand or shelf to hold keepsakes or jewelry. I think it’s a great idea if you’re looking to thank your special ladies, aka your BM’s. Gift them something to remember the day by personalizing it with their initials from Bridebop

Or grab one for yourself.

Check out more inspiration from their Pinterest account by clicking here https://www.pinterest.com/bridebopgifts/

Wolffer Estate Wedding Photos – Chelsea & Joseph

These wolffer vineyard wedding photos will take your breath away, i mean…just how gorgeous is Chelsea wearing Vera Wang. Joe, the groom is looking dapper wearing his black tux. What is more beautiful then a romantic affair with a backdrop setting of a European inspired scenery right in our very small island in the Hampton’s area NY. Scroll through and enjoy the beauty

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Top 5 Photos With Your Bridesmaids That You Absolutely Need

There are plenty of photos you have probably imagined being photographed on your wedding day. From getting ready, the ceremony to pictures with your family and of course with the groom but what about the ladies that are helping you and have helped throughout the entire wedding planning process? While you know you’ll have some time to take group shots of the entire bridal party you’ll want to make sure you have these photos with your bridesmaids as you get ready on your big day.

1. Showcase The Back of the Dress

The back of a wedding dress is hidden with beautiful details we’ll want to capture. We’ll “non pose” pose you  with all of the bridesmaids to show off their dresses as well or have some great close ups of the bridesmaids dresses, especially when they’re as stunning as you’re about to see

 

2. First Look With The Bridesmaids

You have heard about the first look for the bride and groom but what about when the bridal party sees the bride for the first time? The bride’s first reveal to her bridal party can result in some emotional and memorable photo opportunities.

3. Having Fun

As you are getting ready everyone’s nerves are a little on edge because everyone wants to look their best. There will be moments when you just need to let loose to relax a little and having a little dance party, jumping on the bed or just being silly are moments that can make for great photo opportunities.

4. Matching Robes or Shirts

Most brides will have getting ready attire for their bridesmaids and we”ll want to capture everyone in their cute and thoughtful pre-wedding wear.

 

5. Bouquets and Bridesmaids Dresses

Bouquets won’t last a lifetime but the pictures you have of them will. The bridesmaids and bride bouquet photograph is one that you will want to have. There are many ways you can showcase the bouquets as well as the bridesmaid’s dresses. From lining everyone up and holding their bouquets out to the camera or hiding their faces to forming a circle around the bride; this is another one of those things that we can get creative with.

 

Long Island Wedding Photography

Pssst.

i have a confession to make. you know when i’ve arrived at your wedding location and we’ve started the day? The forecast isn’t showing much favorable weather being on our side ? Yes, when you approach your photographer and say, hey what’s your plan? where are we shooting? In this case, Me…i smile, i am filled with empathy and compassion, I have a plan in my mind, you see on the way to you my brain was figuring out all the favorable light with the nearest windows, balconies, tented porches, assistant holding umbrellas, play God for a second, you name it…there you have it we have a plan. All will work out, all is well…But deep down i am just as scared of not finding the perfect light to pour into our photographs, or perhaps our subjects won’t want to risk getting wet or dirty shoes and all the wrongs that can happen…then i take a step back…I smile, i am filled with the desire to give the experience of once in a lifetime. Seeing all of these past photographs during the worst of weather has given me a new found appreciation for my craft. As much as the rain used to scare me during a wedding shoot, it has given me a new perspective and a renewed confidence that no matter what we may perceive as negative factors are much like what magic is made of. You see, during this time we loose the sense of being self conscious in front of the camera we cave into our primal instinct of self protection and preservation…a raw emotion…and that is exactly what i look for in the most perfect image tailored just for you. 

With that said, i hope you will enjoy these few favorite images from our instagram weekly posts, dedicated to #rainyweddingdayweek Much Love, Xoxo Ina 

 

 

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