melissa blemur photographer | weddings & portraits | New Jersey-based photographer

The Blog Has Moved!

2010-11-16T13:43:00.005-05:00

But first, please feed the fish before you leave by clicking the surface of the water. :)

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!

2010-07-06T08:34:00.018-04:00

Born on gorgeous, cool, clear blue day in NYC just shy of five pounds, this little guy is a pretty big deal: first born of the first born, first grandchild and first nephew.

First day.

First time he opened his eyes for me.

Wearing a baby lojack at the hospital.

Teeny, tiny toes.

I'm so proud of my sister for taking on the role of motherhood with so much patience and grace. I love seeing her interact with her son.

That's my dad trying to get a shot. He and I are competing for the most number of photos taken of the baby.

First car ride.

First moments in his new bed.

Very happy parents.

He sleeps in the same poses he was doing in the womb––sooo sweet.

First time I caught him smiling. Ah, life is but a dream.

I wish he could stay just this way but I'm also looking forward to sharing more firsts, more smiles and whatever God has planned for him.

Indian/American Wedding: Day Two

2010-06-04T11:49:00.013-04:00

The epic continues with Arjun and Holly's portrait session immediately followed by the reception.

The reception began with a very entertaining four-act Bollywood skit about the couple's love story.

Cute moment with Arjun dancing with his parents.

And they lived happily.

The End.

Indian/American Wedding: Day One

2010-06-03T13:26:00.020-04:00

At least 400 guests from all over the world came out to celebrate Holly and Arjun's two-day wedding. Day one was not the first Hindu ceremony I attended but my first time photographing one. Officially. I'm not counting when I was a guest with a camera. Luckily, I worked with a great photographer, Gary Flom, and videographer Adam Kopelman who were so professional, fantastic and helpful that I had to shout them out on my blog (hey, guys!).

Okay, I started the first day at Arjun's house.

Ceremony begins with the bride's feet being washed before entering the temple.

Holly is welcomed by Arjun's mother.

There is A LOT that happens after this so I'll just share some of my favorite takes.

To be continued...

Sharp Dressed Men

2010-05-06T10:49:00.026-04:00

Whenever I've been a second shooter at a wedding, I'm usually designated to hang out with the guys before the ceremony. Sure, I don't mind being surrounded by men looking fresh and pressed. AND they have to do pretty much whatever I ask? The power! ;-) Actually, I really appreciate it when the groomsmen are playful and up for just about anything.

Some of my favorites from this season so far:

Aaawwww, bless little guys with clip-on ties.

An NBA team needs to sign my man on the far right of this next shot; that's a lot of air!

Miller Time!

*See more "Second Shots" on my Facebook fanpage.

Spring Wedding: Delica = Darren

2010-04-14T18:41:00.021-04:00

This is a wedding I've been waiting to shoot. When I photographed Delica over two years ago we had just met but it was like we knew each other before, while Darren had a warmness and a friendliness that complimented Delica's. I was slightly teasing when I told them to give me a call whenever they decided to get married. It only took two years. Definitely worth the wait.

Great moment when Darren's mother sang in a beautiful soprano voice.

Congratulations to such an absolutely-meant-for-each-other couple!

*And special thanks to the talented Michelle Talan for assisting and overall support.

Spring Portrait Session: Marissa + Nate = Baby K

2010-03-22T12:28:00.019-04:00

Nate and I worked together as retouchers once upon a time, and he recently asked me to photograph him and his wife, who are expecting their first child. Nate set it up for Marissa as a Valentine's gift--sweet, huh? I remember a conversation we had years ago when he said he couldn't wait to have kids. Well, it could be ANY day now, Nathan, can you stand it?! :-D

It was an extra treat to shoot on a gorgeous evening perfect for a walk in the West Village.

Nate and Marissa decided not to find out the baby's gender before the birth. I have predicted a baby GIRL. I'll let y'all know if I was right. ;-)

Forever their first baby, Rider.

Many, many blessings to the beautiful, new family and, yes, let's do this again next Spring for the baby's first birthday! ♥

Fat Tuesday

2010-02-28T23:06:00.041-05:00

Being at Mardi Gras this year was a bit overwhelming with childhood memories flooding back and all the energy of the crowds, which were much bigger than I remember because of the Superbowl win (GEAUX SAINTS!). It was really fun, but I had forgotten how dangerous the whole bead-throwing can be especially since I was taking photos, catching/dodging throws and getting smacked in the face, once with a little teddy bear! Good times.

"WHO DAT? WE DAT!"

Flambeaux, who traditionally light the night parades carrying torches, take a short break.

North Side Skull and Bones men were up before sunrise to kick-off Mardi Gras day.

"Death is inevitable so live right today."

A skull and bones girl.

Zulu parade!

Mardi Gras Indians arrive at Treme neighborhood where tribes usually come together and battle over the best hand-made costumes and songs, but I'm told this hasn't occurred in recent years.

French Quarter.

Next year I'm taking video...and a long lens.

NYC Photog Shootout 1/23/2010

2010-01-25T19:04:00.013-05:00

Three hours in the freezing cold is pretty brutal, but it was worth it to gather and connect with about sixty photographers in NYC while learning great lighting techniques from some real masters in the industry right now. If I was so miserably cold, I can NOT imagine what the models were going through. They remained professional and patient with all of us so much respect to the models and make up artists who participated.

Special thanks to: Rob Nicholson (creator of The Photog Shootout) and William Chang (leader of the NYC group); Neil van Niekerk, Josh Lynn and Peter Quinn for the fantastic lighting lessons; the makeup artists/stylists, The Glam Fairy; and of course the models featured above, respectively, Kendra Andrews, Danielle Little, Deana Tart-Spiotti and Haley Eve Kasenetz.

At Last. Kelly = Mike

2010-01-05T15:53:00.017-05:00

Some of you may remember Kelly and Mike from the engagement session I did with them last summer at the Jersey Shore. You may also recall that I was hoping for no snow on their wedding day, New Year's Eve. Yeah well, it did and it actually turned out to be quite nice, I must say.

This last event of the season for me was the first time I've ever been asked by a couple to shoot the engagement, the rehearsal and the wedding. Each time I'd go down there I'd be greeted with so much warmth and gratitude. Each time as I'm packing my gear to leave they'd ask me to stay longer and hang out. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" was what Kelly's mom asked the first time we met. I couldn't help but feel connected to these people, even though I was there to do my job.

When I found out that Mike's father had passed away a month ago, I had never met him, but I was sad for Mike and his family who were missing him every day. I was preparing for a very emotional wedding day, but instead there was a lot of laughs, high-fives and an excitement about the coming new year.

What? Is there something on my face?

The bride and groom's first meeting before the ceremony--cute!

Did I mention it was FREEZING? The water was icy slush behind them.

Dances with the moms...

Tears all around during the blessing as Mike and Kelly's fathers were remembered. God, rest them both.

Thank goodness the best man's toast brought back the laughs. :-)

No, thank you, Kelly and Mike, for letting me be a part of this wonderful time in your new life together. I look forward to photographing your little ones. But no pressure. ;-)

And special thanks to all the brides, grooms, families, kids, pets, young people and the not-as-young who made 2009 an AMAZING year for melissa blemur photographer. It was an honor and pleasure to serve you all. May God bless you this new year with health, prosperity and great people with which to share life's experiences.

I said, bring it, 2010!

Thank you, Chicago!

2009-12-17T17:28:00.010-05:00

And a big thanks to all the BEAUTIFUL people who had their portraits done by yours truly and helped make my trip an overall success. I had so much fun in Chicago that I'm thinking of taking this show on the road so look out, Miami, New Orleans and DC. You might see me (and my camera) very, very soon. In the meantime, you all keep warm and safe in the Windy City!

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BE FULL OF BLESSINGS***

Family Portrait: The Forbes

2009-11-30T11:44:00.007-05:00

I met Sherene at a local restaurant where she was selling scented candle products, of which I had to try a couple of free samples. The two of us struck up a conversation that led to her telling me she didn't have a single family portrait with her husband Dean and two little girls. So we arranged for me to come to their daughters' joint birthday party (they have birthdays just ten days apart) and photograph before the festivities began.

When I arrived the littlest one was still asleep, but her big sister, wide awake, greeted me with the sweetest hug and was ready for her close-up. Literally.

Cute pigtails.

Daddy with his little girl.

Finally the princess makes her appearance.

My first attempt at getting a shot of Sherene and Dean by themselves.

Take two.

All together now.

Thanks, you guys, for allowing me to photograph your gorgeous family. Happy holidays!

A Sweet November Wedding

2009-11-18T14:13:00.013-05:00

Paul and Amy were married on a sunny (but cold!) afternoon at the beautiful Bonnet Island Estate.

Saxophone detail.

October Portraits

2009-11-03T18:40:00.006-05:00

Designer and TV show host, Taniya Nayak.

Budding actor, Estéban.

Wedding, Theresa = Nick

2009-10-23T09:40:00.014-04:00

If a man and a woman on different sides of the armed forces--Navy and Air Force, respectively--can fall in love and get married at West Point, an Army academy, then surely there's a chance for world peace, right? ;-) Seriously, it's no wonder this couple got together because they're both individually very distinguished and accomplished. I feel honored to have been with them on their wedding day and very much appreciate their service to this country.

Sabers. I wanted to grab one and pretend I was She-Ra.

Cutting the cake with swords! Is that fresh or what?

This wedding cake right here? Chocolate cake AND chocolate mousse AND angel food cake AND strawberries?!?! Best I've ever had, hands down.

A lovely moment.

My favorite.

Keep safe, you two, and thanks again for keeping us safe!

Wedding, Nichole = Mike

2009-10-14T16:32:00.015-04:00

I admit, I'm way more nervous about delivering a good job to people I know than I am for clients I don't know previously. Being asked to photograph Mike and Nichole's wedding in Cape Cod was extra nerve-racking; not only are they also wedding and portrait photographers, but the three of us received the same training at the Hallmark Institute of Photography five years ago. Plus, Mike and Nichole assisted me on my very first wedding gig so, needless to say, there was plenty of self-inflicted pressure to get some great images for their special day.

Luckily, it didn't take long for the nerves to take a back seat and for me to get down to business.

Flower girl and Mike and Nichole's too cute daughter:

Congratulating Mom and Dad.

I love this family portrait.

NF, the bride's new initials in rhinestones.

Special thanks to fellow Hallmark '05 alum, Nicole (without an 'h'), for her invaluable assistance and support throughout the day.

Congratulations again, my friends, and all the best to you!

Engagements, Kelly = Mike

2009-10-05T19:55:00.009-04:00

It ended up being a BEAUTIFUL beach day on the Jersey Shore after it had rained all day, we had so much fun. Mike and Kelly's wedding is set New Year's Eve. I'm just hoping for no snow.

9/26/2009 Commitment Ceremony, Stacey = Marjorie

2009-09-30T12:13:00.013-04:00

This couple decided they didn't want to wait until same-sex unions finally became legal in New York. Marjorie and Stacey have been together for ten years and wanted to have a big celebration to honor their commitment to each other.

Love. True.

"I promise to always cherish, honor and when you are right – obey."

Bishop Yvette Flunder lead one of the nicest ceremonies I've ever witnessed. She even sang for the couple. Very moving.

Marjorie's reaction when Stacey began her vows with "I've kissed a lot of frogs!":

The Bishop read from the Book of Ruth (1:16-17): "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following you; For wherever you go, I will go."

Traditional African-American wedding jumping broom.

This band was so good it felt like we were being treated to a concert.

On the good foot! On the good foot!

Have fun in Tahiti, ladies!

'Baptism' or 'Christening'?

2009-09-23T12:05:00.022-04:00

I think they're sort of synonyms, but either way I was so pleased to witness this important event. My friends Lisa and Michael were blessed three times over when their triplets were born six months ago. Sofia, Claire and Max came into the world at only about two pounds each so when Lisa recently asked me to take photos at their baptism/christening, I was more than happy to oblige.

Sofia, pretty with a bow...

Claire in the arms of her godmother Mia...

and Max pictured here attempting to stuff his entire fist in his mouth. "And for my next trick..."

The proud parents.

Sofia, clearly annoyed...

Claire, blissfully unaware...

and Max, curious as usual.

When you realize these little ones are now part of a tradition and history that is thousands of years old it's pretty profound. Yeah, I had a tough time photographing while not getting too emotional. :_)

Congratulations, Colletti family, and thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

9/12/2009 Wedding, Christina = Bill

2009-09-15T10:30:00.011-04:00

It rained the WHOLE time (ugh!), but there were still plenty of cute/funny/sweet/lovely moments.

9/6/2009 Wedding, Margaret = Dave

2009-09-08T19:59:00.010-04:00

A really nice day started with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

The family members meet, some for the first time, and the elders each take turns to give the couple gifts and blessings.

They're given the gift of gold for good luck and prosperity. Thanks for the info, Wikipedia!

One last adjustment before heading down the aisle.

Okay, the flower girl waving to the crowd was the cutest thing I've seen all year.

She took her job very seriously, dropping one petal at a time. Needless to say, the "Bridal March" had to be looped three times.

So when the officiant asked everyone to pray for the couple, Margaret's little niece turned to her cousins to demonstrate.

He did NOT just pull out his iPhone during the ceremony! Nope, this next one was shot during the pre-ceremony rehearsal. But how rude would that be, huh?

Cheers to the happy couple!

8/2/2009 Promo Shoot

2009-08-05T08:37:00.008-04:00

Hip hop duo, D-Lock (left) and Medik (right).

The three of us were having a discussion before shooting about how to keep going (especially as an artist) when you are stuck in an unsatisfying job, you have no money and all your credit cards are nearly max'ed out. The answer seemed to come a few minutes later when we chanced upon the word EAGER tagged at this location.

Stay EAGER, people!

8/1/2009 Wedding, Judith = Nigel

2009-08-04T10:54:00.013-04:00

These two could be hand models!

Many thanks to the very talented videographer, Greg Mocker, for assisting with my favorite shot of the day:

Star Tribute

2009-07-13T21:39:00.024-04:00

How do you love someone you’ve never met? I guess it’s the soul of the person that touches you, grabs hold and doesn't let go.

Only three weeks ago I photographed a maternity session with my sister. She asked me to take pictures of her at about halfway through her first pregnancy. I was pleasantly surprised because my sister normally hates being photographed. Of course, I was happy to do it and even happier with the results.

We talked about doing another maternity session further along in the pregnancy, as well as documenting some of the preparation for baby boy’s arrival, to put together in a nice photo album: the baby shower, fixing up his room, shopping for his little clothes. After we all saw the 3-D sonogram, my nephew was no longer an idea; he was very real and everyone was so excited for him to come into the world. He had a few nicknames but most in the family were calling him “Star” because he already commanded so much attention.

But it was not meant to be. "Star" had a perfect, beautiful soul that grabbed onto my heart and wouldn't let go. He was funny, playful, lively and even stubborn. I never got to meet him, but I miss him terribly.

7/3/2009 Wedding, Michelle = Gary

2009-07-07T10:58:00.006-04:00

I marveled at the truly beautiful architecture of this church.

Apparently I wasn't the only one.

Loving the creative use of red cabbage lining the vase of the centerpieces.

Ah, yes. Time for tea and cake...

6/27/2009 Wedding, Marissa = Eddie

2009-06-29T20:03:00.008-04:00

Future brides.

Found this flower girl in a kneeler. It's never too early (or too late) to start praying.

"I want you to arrange a meeting of the heads of the five families."

Have to love a cake with my initial on it.

Her turn to stick a camera in my face. I hope she got my good side.

6/19/2009 Wedding, Amy = Keith

2009-06-22T15:01:00.011-04:00

Amy couldn't get over her fabulous "stiletto-length" lashes.

She did warn me that she was definitely going to cry.

These two schoolteachers couldn't stop giggling like students in class. Super cute.

They look like little dolls standing in front of a large house.

May we all have moments of this much joy...

I Heart NOLA

2009-06-08T16:52:00.014-04:00

Only two days in New Orleans. Goals: eat good food, listen to good live music and hang out with my brother.

First stop (of course!!):

Mississippi River. Definitely not for swimming.

f22 @ 1/15th.

"You match the building."

American apparel.

The eight year-old in me wanted to climb up and take this plaque down as a souvenir.

Best pralines (PRAH-leens) in the city is at Tee-Eva's.

Gigi (right, showing love for NY--right on!) and Ashley (left) of Hansen's Sno-Bliz making the most delicious snow cone I've EVER had. I got grape-ade (grape and lemonade) and my brother had satsuma flavor. If the line wasn't already out the door then I would have gone back for another one.

Soul Rebels at the Blue Nile. Very good live band. Music is literally all over this city. I love it.

Sunday brunch at Slim Goodies.

The Jewish Coonass is their most popular dish. Potato latke and spinach topped with egg topped with crawfish étouffée. Good Lord.

Exactly how I describe the weekend...

5/16/2009 Wedding, Maureen = George

2009-05-22T13:16:00.010-04:00

When I say every guest had a camera at one point or another throughout the day, I mean EVERYONE.

It's cool. I don't mind a little competition. ;-)

Engagements 5/7/2009, Izzie = Greg

2009-05-09T09:59:00.018-04:00

Nearly got rained out in Brooklyn, but this couple were real troopers the entire shoot.

A fun and sweet way to start up this season. :-)

Que Beno.

2009-04-18T16:56:00.010-04:00

Spent a bee-yoo-tee-ful afternoon in Central Park hanging out with a couple of girlfriends and photographing a very pleasant, happy, funny and super cutie eight month-old named Beno, son of my friends Silvana and Diego.

He sniffs in and out whenever he's excited for some reason. It's so funny.

The next three are my favorites because of Beno's expression naturally progressing from "Look how precious I am!" to "Are you laughing at me?" Don't worry, I assured him we were laughing near him.

Awww, look at him! It would break your heart if he wasn't so freaking cute.

Loving this kid's hair!

A near mini-breakdown when he was prevented from eating his mom's iPhone:

He quickly got over it.

Excited to see his daddy.

Right back at ya, Mr. Beno! :-P

Music Appreciation Week continues...

2009-04-09T19:19:00.005-04:00

...with live jazz @ The Grotto in NYC last night (and every Wednesday).

The VERY talented trio:

Gabriele Donati - bass

Greg Ruggiero - guitar

Bryson Kern - drums

D2I Live @ The Annex, NYC 4/6/2009

2009-04-07T18:35:00.008-04:00

My first time seeing D-Lock and MediK perform and, no lie, they ripped it. Keep working hard, fellas!

The Wedding Experience

2009-03-27T15:48:00.021-04:00

Someone suggested I put up a post going into my approach to wedding photography since there's one previously about portraits. Since weddings traditionally follow a format and a timeline, the objective is relatively simple: document what I see (and perceive) happening. This means I move around a lot throughout the day. Well, except when the priest of a very strict church asks me to stay in one spot during the ceremony. Otherwise, there are no rules when it comes to documenting a wedding day.

I was in the bridal suite shooting the preparations, and while I was trying to find the right position to photograph the Maid of Honor assisting the bride I bumped into the coffee table:

I was waiting for the ceremony to start and spotted a cute guy checking me out:

It was an outdoor wedding so the couple thought to put out cans of bug repellent for their guests:

Sometimes a guest will tap me on my shoulder and say "You've gotta get a picture of this!":

I'll throw out cues during a couple's portrait session:

Their hands were almost touching. "Okay, now just lightly reach out for his hand."

Generally, my approach is about being present, anticipating and sometimes creating the moments, and I've missed more than I can count, believe me. It's exhausting work and the next day I usually feel like I've been through at least six rounds of championship boxing. But I know I've had a pretty good shoot when I feel like I was really there experiencing the whole day along with the couple, their family and friends.

"Hey, uh, are you on myface?"

2009-03-27T14:45:00.007-04:00

Buddy, I hope not.

But I am on Facebook. Finally! I never wanted to open an account because I hardly use the myspace account I've had for a couple of years now. However, I went to a seminar last night at Noble Desktop on Networking, and the speaker Karl Heine of creativeplacement said the magic words: "Everyone in here should be taking advantage of Facebook because it's a free medium." I never thought of it in those terms, and it made so much sense that I went home and started my profile.

It will take some time to mold the page to suit my need to stay connected without compromising my need for privacy, but I'm coming around to seeing the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Besides, as Karl pointed out, you can always deactivate your account. Very good to know.

Little Kids and Big Kids

2009-02-09T20:31:00.012-05:00

The Portrait Experience

2009-02-09T11:21:00.026-05:00

When someone calls me to photograph their kids, families, themselves or their band, one of the first questions I'll ask is "How do you want to be portrayed?" This catches most people off-guard; not many people (including me) really think about how they'd like to present themselves in general, much less in a portrait. I'm excited whenever folks tell me they don't want to look too posed and unnatural. This means they are open to allowing the session to evolve organically with me guiding with some direction and cues along the way.

I recently photographed the very talented hip hop duo D2I, whose members are rapper/songwriter Lawrence ("D-Lock") and producer/keyboardist André ("MediK"). When I asked how the best friends wanted to portray themselves, they came up with ideas that required props, costumes and such. I suggested we save the elaborate shoot for the next time and go a bit more simple and authentic for their introduction. We photographed the session in the place where they spend most of their waking hours, the basement of Lawrence's parents' home in upstate NY.

Pretty tame so far. Then André threw out an idea.

Thanks, guys, for a really fun shoot!

Wedding outtakes

2009-02-01T13:32:00.009-05:00

I thought of a couple more fun stats from last season:

Number of times I saw the same bridal gown = 2 (Both wore it beautifully, what can I say?)

Number of weepy grooms = 2 (It takes a real man, fellas!)

Number of 'bridezillas' = 0 (I've been blessed to experience this only once in 3 years. Not cute.)

This slide show is a bit more playful than the previous and speaks to what I really like about shooting weddings. I love nice moments, pretty images, taking chances (and having it work out!), folks having a great time, kids, octogenarians and the little details that make a wedding day special.

A season of weddings

2009-01-30T18:00:00.017-05:00

Some fun 2008 wedding season stats:

Largest wedding party = 32 (15 bridesmaids + 15 groomsmen + 1 ring bearer + 1 flower girl)

Number of non-strapless bridal gowns = 3 out of 20 (one bride wore a pantsuit)

Number of non-black tuxedos = 3 out of 19 (2 brown, 1 navy blue)

Longest distance traveled = 362 mi (to Pittsburgh, PA)

I'll try to think of more. In the meantime, please enjoy your slide show.

Welcome.

2009-01-30T17:20:00.010-05:00

This is the place where I will call 'home' for my photography. I'll be here indefinitely to update new work much easier and faster. Ideally I'd like to have a professional re-design my website, but this will do for now. I'm even going to set up a Facebook profile strictly for photo work, a huge step for me so look out for that announcement.

So again, welcome to my very humble abode. Please excuse the construction as I'm still trying to decide the layout of this thing. But feel free to stop by anytime. ;-)

A week ago today...

2009-01-27T15:25:00.025-05:00

When the majority of Americans elected Barack Obama to be our president on November 4th, 2008, we voted to stop allowing the past to weigh us down and hold us back from moving forward. The past is history and we made it a part of all of us a week ago today.

Making change on November 4th...

Yes we did, y'all!