High winds may have wanted to threaten John Colaneri and Jenn Walker’s engagement shoot, but the future Mr. and Mrs. looked absolutely gorgeous at some of my favorite spots in Newport, Rhode Island. Their chemistry was on full display, which makes my job seem effortless.

When I booked their weekend, I actually didn’t know whose wedding I would be shooting. I met the bride-to-be’s parents first, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, and they were so wonderful and thrilled about their daughter’s impending nuptials, I couldn’t wait to meet the bride and groom.  Later on I found out the groom was the co-host of a few of my favorite HGTV shows including Kitchen Cousins and Cousins On Call (too many shows to list them all). Now, I’m the first to admit I am a bit of an HGTV addict.  I have a penchant for home shows.  I fantasize about someone remodeling my basement, crashing my yard and color splashing my world.  But the reality for this girl is, it is never as sexy as the process depicted on TV.  I get the contractor with the bad plumber’s crack handing me a bill. LOL. But a girl can dream and watch her HGTV.  So needless to say, I was excited about booking this gig.

Meeting John and Jenn for the first time at our engagement shoot, I could instantly see their dynamic connection. They were so comfortable with one another and had such fantastic energy, I was able to photograph beautiful shot after beautiful shot with Newport’s picturesque scenery in the background. I absolutely love this shot of John and Jenn at Castle Hill Lighthouse. Jenn, holy stripes Batman! I never had a teacher who looked as stunning as you! You rocked that mini dress – not too many women dare to wear horizontal stripes. LOL.

Given John’s profession, I asked if he had a tool in is car that we could write their wedding date on. I strive to personalize each engagement session by utilizing some element that relates to the couple so I thought it would be fun to incorporate a tool of John’s trade. Thinking he’d pull out a hammer, I almost fell over laughing when I saw the “Enforcer,” a tool he uses for demolition. Perfect! It looked like a “weapon of mass destruction” to me.  We wrote down their wedding date and I snapped this shot of John and Jenn. Something tells me nothing is going to get in this couple’s way!

John and Jenn, thank you so much for taking time out between school, wedding planning and filming to join me in Newport for your engagement session. Not only did I have a blast, I was really impressed with how down-to-earth you both were as well as how you perfectly complimented each other. I’m looking forward to being a part of one of the most memorable days of your lives together – so let the countdown begin!

Getting to know your wedding photographer is one of the most important steps you’ll take to ensure you have gorgeous photos. It’s why I offer complimentary engagement sessions to every couple who book me as their wedding photographer. I find that this is crucial to our relationship. For me, I get to see your interaction with each other and your comfort level in front of a camera. As for you, this is the perfect opportunity for you to see how I work, how I direct you and most importantly, how we work as a team. Just as the bride and groom complement each other, it’s important that we complement each other as well, especially since I’ll  practically be “up your dress” for your entire wedding day.  LOL  We’ll be spending many hours if not a weekend together, so it’s crucial that we have a connection that allows for another level of  trust and intimacy going into your wedding day. When you think about it, I’m shooting the most important day of your life, and this trial run allows us to work out the kinks beforehand while giving  me an edge in capturing the very best images for your wedding

Are you comfortable in front of the camera? Do you know how to position your body? Or do you shy away once you’re in the spotlight? With my background in art direction and production, the engagement session is a great time for me to work with you on your best angles: how you should hold each other, how you should stand to give you a leaner line, how to relax your body, where to put your hands, as well as allowing me to correct any issues I might see (clenched hands, slumping shoulders). That way, when your wedding day has arrived, you’ve already learned the most flattering positions for your body which allows you to be more comfortable with the process. For many of my brides and grooms, when it comes to their wedding day, I can see them auto-correcting themselves as I shoot, and not only does the entire process go by faster, we get FANTASTIC images. I can’t tell you how many guys I’ve converted from self proclaimed “haters” of the camera and awkward in front of the lens when we first began, only to announce after our session that they had fun and enjoyed the experience!

What you wear matters, so dress in something that allows you to feel absolutely amazing. Confidence is key when taking photos; you want to make sure you have something on that you feel great wearing and that doesn’t make you feel insecure. If you’re not comfortable about a certain aspect of your body (aren’t we all!), keep that in mind. Don’t force yourself into an outfit that you’ll be second guessing, it’ll show in the photos. When you feel positive about how you look, your photos will radiate that energy and we’ll have a successful shoot. When you feel negative about how you look, I’ll see it behind my lens. Comfort is key to looking and feeling your best!

Be season appropriate (a sundress when there’s snow on the ground just won’t work for a photo) and bring along items like hats, sunglasses, props, quick changes of clothes and your favorite pet to get the most out of your engagement session. We can be as conceptual and creative as you want, and while I’m familiar with the most beautiful places to shoot your session, I’m always up for a challenge. If there’s something more conceptual you want to try, run it by me. For example, my brother is Director of Pro Personnel for the NY Jets.  We shot his engagement session at the Jets’ training facility and “spoofed” football team scenarios.  Pat and Lex, another one of my couples, love to golf together, so we shot their engagement session on a golf course.  So think of your engagement session as another opportunity to add your personal touch to the images.

When we’re finished, you’ll not only have gorgeous photos that your friends will envy, you’ll be able to  use them for your wedding website,  sign-in book, thank yous and framed around your affair, to name just a few ideas. And we’ll have completed the trial run so that when it comes to your big day, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Your friend as your photographer? You better think twice! While I know it’s a budget-friendly option, it may not be the best option for your wedding and most importantly, your relationship. If you’re going to have a friend or relative as your wedding photographer, keep these points in mind:

• Wedding photographer OR guest, they can’t be both. If you both understand this concept, you might determine up front that you rather them enjoy him/herself at your wedding instead of working at it. If you do hire your friend as your photographer, make sure they understand their role in your wedding. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a bride complain that their photographer spent more time at the bar or on the dance floor mingling with guests than capturing their special moments. They were hired to do a job, so make sure they understand that they are welcome to join the party after the job is complete.

• Make sure you have a signed contract. Just like you would have a signed and binding contract with any professional photographer, you need to do the same with a friend or relative. There’s a clear understanding of what’s expected from each party, payment, times and when the finished product should be completed once the wedding is over. Managing everyone’s expectations beforehand is HUGE in preventing a possible disaster.

• When hiring a friend who is a photographer, realize not every photographer is a wedding photographer. I know this because I am a rare breed and am both a commercial and wedding photographer. Honestly, it took me some time to know all the intricacies of covering a wedding, figuring out timing, getting all the details… The sheer volume of shots I take at a wedding far surpasses any commercial or editorial job I have ever done. It is a different kind of pressure that you have to be prepared to handle as well. Most wedding photogs have to be great at taking beauty, candid, detail, landscape, portrait and lifestyle shots. Most professional photographers specialize in a certain genre. So just because they are a great fashion photog doesn’t mean they will be able to capture all of the other elements of your day that are just as important.

• If you do choose a friend or relative, have them take photos of you before your big day to make sure that you are both on the same page. Consider this a trial run for both of you. You get to see how they direct you, comfort level, and if you like the images. That is why I include complimentary engagement sessions in all of my packages. Looking at those photos will help you see if their style matches your style.

• Remember, there is no do-over. So really think long and hard before entrusting one of the most important days in your life to someone other then a professional wedding photographer. Poor planning in this area could cost you more than your wedding photos. It could cost you a friend or a relationship with a loved one if they don’t perform up to your expectations.

There’s a reason why there are photographers and wedding photographers. My production, art direction, contemporary fashion background helps me direct you so that your finished photos tell your romantic story in the best way possible, capturing the love and happiness of that day while incorporating it into the location of your event – whether it be Newport, RI, Palm Beach, FL, New York, or any other wedding destination location.

I’m thrilled to announce that Carrie Rodman Wedding Photography is featured in the latest issue of Inside Weddings – my 6-page spread is on newsstands now!

I was truly honored when Erica and Jon asked me to photograph their Newport wedding last June. After I photographed their engagement session in rival football jerseys, I knew this was a fun couple. It was a pleasure getting to know them and I couldn’t wait for their weekend celebration to start – first stop, the International Tennis Hall of Fame for the rehearsal dinner. Laughter and love encompassed the entire evening, and as the sun rose the next morning, we were all ready for this elaborate affair to begin. Sophisticated details flowed through the décor and enhanced both the ceremony and reception, the latter held in Castle Hill’s new tent, which was exquisitely decorated in crème brûlée, blush, pastel pink and muted green hues.

It was also my first time shooting fireworks for a wedding, and I have to say I was a bit NERVOUS! Vanessa (Erica’s Mom) told me that she was gifting the couple a surprise fireworks display to be set off on a barge in front of Castle Hill. Determined to capture this amazing present from Vanessa, I enlisted two of my second shooters, Jaime and Sara, and we quietly set up (in absolute darkness I might add!!) and readied ourselves to shoot this moment from every angle. It was nerve-wracking since we didn’t know exactly where the fireworks would go off in the sky and were pretty much shooting blind. I actually had to quickly move once they started as I wasn’t at the right angle. But on my second attempt I found the perfect spot and the entire experience was AMAZING! I’m always up for conquering a challenge, and as I look back at the photos, I’m so thrilled we were able to beautifully capture Vanessa’s present for Erica and Jonathan. The picture below says it all!

I also want to thank the fabulous wedding professionals who made this wedding simply spectacular! You baked, beautified and decorated down to the very last detail – and I think we can all agree that the end result was breathtaking!

New Leaf Hair Studio – The bride and her bridesmaids looked like magazine cover girls. Mark Ingram Atelier – Erica’s Carolina Herrera’s wedding gown is so uniquely beautiful and absolutely glamorous, and what girl wouldn’t love the Jimmy Choo heels underneath. The Dressy Group – those pastel pink gowns were stunning, a perfect fit for each girl. And let’s talk about the sparkle from Michael Herman Fine Jewelry – I love your gorgeous jewels! Confectionery Designs – you had me fooled with those flowers that decorated the wedding cake. I thought they were real! I can’t believe they’re edible (and delicious). Castle Hill Inn – your menu received rave reviews the entire night! Such a scenic venue with amazing views and a beautiful tent to celebrate under after the “I dos.” Raina Dawn Events – all I can say is wow! The entire wedding was elegant, sophisticated and I could tell you truly put your heart into planning this day with Erica and her mom Vanessa. Speaking of elegant, Sayles Livingston Design – you turned the tent into a floral fantasyland. Those floral chandeliers were INCREDIBLE! I’m always impressed with the masterpieces you create. I don’t know anyone else that weaves blankets out of flowers. Occasional Brass & Strings and Beantown Band for Wilson Stevens – it was hard not to join everyone and dance the night away! Exquisite Events – you set the ambiance with romantic lighting each and every time. Rentals Unlimited – classic and beautiful, you never fail to impress me! Regas – the invitations you designed were the perfect way to announce this special affair. And I’m so glad that Mike from Buzz Media Company was there to capture this wonderful occasion on film – such a fun and lively wedding that was truly enjoyed by family and friends.

Congratulations Erica and Jonathan! Thank you for having complete trust in me as your wedding photographer! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness that’s as beautiful as the memories of your wedding day!

Sheer elegance was on display when Nicole and Steve were married at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.  And now I’m thrilled to announce that Bliss Celebrations Magazine featured Nicole and Steve’s special affair in their latest issue. Seeing these photos in print brings back memories of how fabulous this day was for all who witnessed the happy couple say “I do.” Bliss Celebrations Magazine is on newsstands now, so make sure you check it out!

I’m so impressed with Nicole and Steve’s wedding professionals. Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design – the entire wedding looked fabulous right down to every blush pink, ivory and gold detail. Blackstone Caterers – the guests were abuzz with how delicious everything tasted! Rentals Unlimited – always top notch, perfectly complementing the couple’s color scheme. Confectionery Designs – that cake was almost too perfect to eat, I loved the intricate design that reflected Nicole’s dress – WOW!  And let’s talk about Nicole’s dress from L’elite – stunning!! The bride took MY breath away when I first saw her, so I can only imagine how Steve felt when he saw her walking down the aisle.

Thanks again for letting me be a part of your day! Seeing their happiness again is why I love being a Newport and Palm Beach Wedding Photographer!

I am beyond thrilled to finally announce my latest venture – Carrie Rodman Wedding Photography is expanding to Palm Beach, Florida! Don’t worry Newport brides – I’ll still be available for all of your engagement and wedding photography needs, I’ll just be splitting up my time between these two locations. I’ve always wanted to be a snow bird, and now I’m finally doing it! Summers in Newport, winters in Florida – how lucky am I? And I’m certainly willing to go back and forth during the seasons to capture your special day wherever the location may be.

There are so many people who are responsible for making all of this possible. I truly appreciate you recognizing my potential and encouraging me to expand to Florida! Everyone’s positive feedback has reconfirmed my initial “recon” that Palm Beach and I will go perfectly together.

Emily Marrah from The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club – you truly opened your doors to me and went above and beyond anything I could have asked for. Thank you for embracing my contemporary artistic vision and for helping me get my foot in the door. I’m so glad I could return the favor in Newport, inviting you to check out the Newport Bridal Show with me and learn more about the wedding business here.

My new office will be located at Muses & Visionaries, a fabulously modern space that houses some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. Thank you to Lena Hyde (Co-Founder), Sasha Jozefczyk (Membership & Marketing Coordinator) and Erin Rossitto (Owner & Co-Founder) for allowing me to join your dynamic coworking environment. I instantly fell in love with your mission of collaboration, community-building and camaraderie and I’m looking forward to working together in this creative and inspiring environment! And thanks to M&V members Trina Chaney-Hoo from The Planning Company and Heather Lowenthal from Posh Parties for just being “wicked awesome,” as they say up her in New England! LOL :) I appreciate your time and encouragement.

As I toured the city and the beautiful surroundings, I also had the opportunity to meet with the talented Sara Lowell from Sara Renee Events, Crystal Prante from Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and Gabrielle Chavigny from The Omphoy Ocean Resort. It was wonderful to sit down with all of you. I truly appreciate your positive feedback.  Thank you for making the time to meet with me – I know how slammed everyone is in high season.

Last but not least, special thanks to Jenni at The Sugar Money for those sinfully delicious cupcakes Katie Gillespie, The Breakers catering team and I enjoyed immensely. Katie, thank you for welcoming me to your luxurious hotel. I look forward to working together.

So to all my future Florida brides – I would love to discuss your wedding photography needs. You’ll be able to meet me and view my gorgeous albums at Muses & Visionaries. The office address is 201 S Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach. My cell phone is always the best way to reach me to schedule an appointment at 917-449-7639.  After 17 years of shooting commercially in NYC, I will never give up my 917 exchange.  I earned that bad boy. LOL! I truly believe you can take the girl out of the city, but never the city out of the girl. However you can definitely relocate her in Palm Beach. LOL! So here we go…

It’s been a crazy few weeks to say the least, filled with exciting news I’ll announce soon, a blizzard causing havoc to the state of Rhode Island and canceling one of my weddings (why I always recommend wedding insurance!) and planning for this weekend’s bridal events! If you’re in the Newport area or feel like taking a trip over the bridges, come and say hi to my team and I!

This Saturday, I’ll be at Rosecliff from 10am to 4pm for the Newport Bridal Show. It’s a great opportunity for you to come and check out some of the fabulous weddings we’ve shot in the City by the Sea and ask any questions you might have about photography for your special day.

Then on Sunday, Newport’s premier event specialists – including myself – will gather at OceanCliff for a special tasting for couples who have booked or are considering booking this gorgeous mansion for their wedding. It’s a great way to meet some of the professionals that will make your wedding day fantasies a reality, so we hope to see you there!

Hope to see you this weekend!

xoxo

Carrie

You’ve saved for months and planned your elaborate wedding to the very last detail. You’ve booked all of your wedding professionals, had the last fitting of your dress and now the only thing left to do is count down the days until you become Mr. and Mrs.

And then it happens. A hurricane. An ice storm. An injury of an immediate family member. A destructive fire that sweeps through your venue. Perhaps you’ve paid for a service only to find out the company has either gone bankrupt or fails to show up on the day of your wedding. All devastating events and certainly ones you wouldn’t think would ever happen during your wedding weekend. But take it from me, they do. As a professional wedding photographer in Newport, I’ve witnessed some of these unfortunate events, and it hurts me to see a bride and groom lose thousands of dollars because they didn’t think to protect their financial investment. Canceling your wedding is already emotionally devastating, so by planning ahead you can prevent it from becoming a financial disaster.

And while you think it might be your wedding professional’s responsibility to cover your costs if your wedding is postponed, it’s not.  They’ve booked out their time, and have used their own money and resources getting ready for your special day. While the situation is not fair to you, it’s also not fair for them to incur expenses for circumstances beyond their control.

Immediately after you book your services, begin researching insurance plans from companies like Newport Insurance – you need to be thorough and make sure the policy covers all of your non-refundable deposits. The majority of your wedding vendors, including myself, do state in their contracts that retainers are non-refundable. And when you think about how much you’re spending on the day itself, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ll get all of your money back. You need to consider wedding insurance like any other insurance you would purchase to protect you from worst case scenarios (just think of your home, auto, life and health insurance policies). In fact, the cost of insurance is most likely less than what you’d pay for a pair of heels you’d wear down the aisle.

And since I’m on the subject of feet, just one final note… While wedding insurance covers problems with sites, weather, vendors, family and even last-minute military leave, the only thing it doesn’t cover are cold feet!

My daughter Ava and I

Happy 2013! Another year has passed us by, and after shooting so many inspiring weddings in 2012, this year is gearing up to be a very busy season. I’ve been scouting new locations to shoot bridal parties in the always-picturesque City-by-the-Sea, while also meeting with brides and grooms to help them set the style for their affair. I can’t tell you how excited I am for wedding season to really begin!

If you’re heading to the Newport Bridal Show on Saturday, February 16^th, come and say “hi” to my team and I at Rosecliff. We’ll be displaying some of the gorgeous weddings we’ve had the opportunity to be a part of and are really looking forward to hearing all about your upcoming plans. And on Sunday, February 17^th, OceanCliff will be hosting a tasting for couples who have booked, or are considering booking, this stunning mansion for their affair. We’ll be there along with Newport’s premier vendors – a fantastic opportunity to book the teams that will make your wedding day fantasy come true.

Searching for a little bridal inspiration? Look for our Castle Hill wedding in the upcoming March issue of Inside Weddings. We’re so honored to have captured Erica and Jon’s special day and are thrilled to have it featured in this national publication. From the bride’s stunning dress to the ornate centerpieces that decorated the tables, you’ll get an intimate look at their enchanting celebration. More details to come…

While it was a great holiday season with my beautiful daughter (She’s already started dreaming of her own “Prince Charming,” and currently pretends the broom is her Prince while she twirls around the kitchen floor, kissing the handle. Can’t wait to bust that video out at her wedding someday! LOL!), it’s great to be back planning for 2013. We hope to see you in the next few weeks!

Carrie Rodman Photography is thrilled to be voted  ” 2012 Best Photographer”  by Newport Life Magazine Readers!!  It means a lot to me to be acknowledged by the readers and my peers. I greatly appreciate this honor.  I am looking forward to having an incredible 2012 wedding season.  This is a great way to kick it off, by adding another Newport Life Star to my collection!

xo,

Carrie