Ben and Brooke at The Stone Mill at the NY Botanic Gardens

I'm not big into astrology, but all the stars, planets what have you must have been in alignment on Ben and Booke's wedding night. Everyone was in the best mood! I know that's kind of a given at weddings but this was something different....I don't know what it was or how to explain it really. Maybe it's the fact that half of the guests were from Texas. Have you ever hung out with Texans? They are just always up for a good time and full of positive energy. Ben and Brooke and their friends are also super-smarty-pants kind of people (yes, that's a technical term) and their toasts were honestly the funniest I have ever heard! I had a hard time keeping my focus I was laughing so hard behind the camera! It was just truly one of the most joyful nights I've been a part of. Things just clicked that night. I was reflecting on this wedding afterwards and was kind of amazed really. I've been shooting weddings for 10 years now, that's well over 250 weddings and I can honestly say that I'm enjoying this job more and more. It's just getting better. Maybe it has something to do with age and confidence. I'm not as stressed out as I used to be...I'm still working as hard as ever but I'm able to relax into the evening and absorb some of those good vibes around me. I'm truly a very lucky woman to be able to be around so much happiness. Documenting all the smiles for Ben and Brooke to enjoy for years to come....not a bad way to make a living;) Congratulations Ben and Brooke and thank you so much for such a joyous evening!

Photography by Kelly Guenther, Assist by Tanya Salazar, Photo Studio by Drew Anthony Smith

Lauren and Alex's Full Moon Wedding

This wedding was just a blast from beginning to end. First, Lauren and her mother Ronnie are a treasure and a true joy to work with. The wedding took place on Ronnie's estate in Long Island-the entire place is like one big art instillation. It has such a positive energy, it's no wonder Lauren and Alex wanted to get married there. The first look took place under this enormous old tree. I'm a sucker for old trees, they just ooze wisdom and I find them very soothing and calming. It felt to me like the tree was blessing them and wrapping them up in its branches....ever read The Giving Tree? It was like that but w/o the sad ending...anyway. Everything about the wedding just felt so much like Lauren and Alex, so fun and genuine and a tad bit quirky;) The table settings were the most original I have seen in my 10 years of shooting. Ronnie mixed in some of her antiques with rentals. Everything was mix and match bric-a-brac yet it somehow came off very polished. Kind of like fashion models with perfectly tousled bed head; you know it took a heck of a lot of work to look oh so casual. It just made you smile, so much to look at and a surprise around every corner. I mean, a table called "Damn it Feels Good to Be a Gangsta"?! Genius. We did the videography, photography and set up a side tent just for the on site photo studio. DJ Shakey (Julie Covello) had the most booming sound system! It was like being at an NYC night club. The only time the guests left the dance floor was to visit the photo studio or to bask in the full moon light. It was one of those nights where the moon was so bright you could see your shadow by it. I had to take Lauren and Alex down to the dock for a quick portrait session. I love shooting in low light, so dramatic and romantic. A truly magical night for a magical couple. Congratulations Lauren&Alex! Photos by Kelly Guenther, Assist by David Filipponi, On Site Photo Studio by Jordan Gomez, Videography by Mike Canzoniero coming soon!

Naomi and Rob at the New York Botanic Gardens

I've known Naomi and her lovely family since I first moved to the city almost 14 years ago. I even traveled to London for her brother's wedding many moons ago. I was so touched when Naomi wanted to hire us to document her wedding day. I felt like an honorary member of their family all day, it was such a lovely shoot. The little ones almost upstaged Naomi and Rob during the ceremony. They were running around, clapping & giggling, it was really sweet. The littlest flower girl took a shine to me and stood right in front of me while I was sitting in the aisle just when Naomi and Rob were getting ready to say "I do." She just stood there and kept saying "Hi! Hi! Hi!" She was not going to be ignored. I finally said a hushed "Hi there!", patted her on the head and off she went on her merry way. We all had a little giggle over it. The portrait studio was a huge hit! It was non-stop from the time the booth opened. Guests had a blast and we were hustling to instantly get everyone prints. As usual the staff at the Botanic Gardens were wonderful and the food was just delicious. Congratulations Naomi and Rob! Photos by Kelly Guenther, Photo Studio by Drew Anthony Smith, Assist by Tanya Salazar

WeDoNYC Launch Party

About six months ago I teamed up with Ara Farnam (Rock Paper Scissor Events) to form WeDo; A professional wedding industry networking group connecting the best vendors in NYC. It all started because my couples are always asking me for referrals and over the years I've referred some of the best in the biz. I love making the referrals, it makes the planning process so much easier for my couples and I get to work with professionals I know will do an amazing job. So much of my business comes from word of mouth referrals that last year I decided to throw a wedding industry networking party. It was such a success that all my industry friends were asking me when I was going to throw another one. I realized that we were all hungry to network with each other and there is nothing consistent in NYC that brings all of us together on a regular basis. WeDo will do just that and so much more. WeDo is a curated group of wedding professionals. We'll hold monthly networking events where we will showcase our member talents ie. a different venue, caterer, DJ every month. Think of it like a monthly business to business bridal show with the feel of a mini reception. We will also offer educational workshops and the WeDo website will help keep the connections going online. The WeDo launch party was a great success and we plan to begin our monthly members only networking parties in January. It's the beginning of something big, something the wedding industry has needed in this town for a long time. Thrilled to have co-founded this dynamic group with so much potential. Below is the blog about the party.

To learn more about WeDo visit our temporary website here.

WeDo can throw a party!

This was the event the wedding industry was waiting for. We've been telling people about WeDo for months and the industry insiders came out in droves to see what we're all about. Ramscale looked amazing decked out in a wash of pink and orange light (thanks NiceUplights) with flowers by Rountree Flowers and rentals by Taylor Creative. Guests were encouraged to play WeDo Connect Four (created by Melangerie) all night, a little ice breaker to help everyone mingle and make the most of the people around them. The game card encouraged everyone to, "Meet a new Planner X, Meet a new Makeup Artist X, Visit the WeDo Lounge X, Make an Introduction X." People loved it! And besides the obvious business benefits to playing the game, there were prizes! See the list below for our winners. So many told me after the party that they made the most connections at our party than any other networking event they'd attended. That's been our big goal all along! WeDo is not only fun, but will help you connect with a curated group of NYC wedding professionals that in turn will grow your business. And if you happen to have fun, oh say visiting the GoFlipYourself photo booth or dancing to music by Jarrell Entertainment, well then all the better. (I'm still irritated at myself that I didn't get to make a flipbook, I'll just have to make sure one of my clients book them in the future so I'll have another opportunity;) Did I mention all the yummy food? Naturally Delicious was, well, delicious and Elegantly Iced gave all us sweet freaks something to swoon over. Seriously the best cupcake I've ever had! All of this would not be possible with out the brilliance (and patience, my God does she have patience) of Sarah Pease from Brilliant Event Planning. She came on board 6 weeks ago and pulled everything together. All of which was brilliantly captured by our featured photographer Craig Paulson Photography (Craig, Jean and Courtney).

We will be doing this every month! Want to be at the next party? To fill out an application to be a WeDo member, click here: click here.

Grand Prize winners of the WeDo Connect Four game: Parris Whittingham winner of B Spa Bar facial Evija Mehra and Maryla Colandrea winners of a free face peal and 1 laser hair removal session from Tres Belle Spa Lindsey Gamble winner of a massage from the The Pipper Wellness Center Amy DeGiulio winner of the two night weekend stay at the Hotel Roger Williams Sarah True winner of the 1yr membership to WeDo

Check out a video highlighting the event here!

We DO Event from MCM PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Featured Vendors from the Launch Party:

Brilliant Event Planning Rountree Flowers Naturally Delicious Jarrell Entertainment Melangerie NYC Nice Uplights Elegantly Iced Craig Paulson Photography Go Flip Yourself Taylor Creative Rentals Ramscale Penthouse

Bridezillas go crazy at In Any Event Halloween Bash!!!

Ok, so I'm the Bridezilla* and so is my friend in the biz Megan Hill from Hello Super 8. Wedding planners extraordinaire Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler of In Any Event threw an amazing party at Guastavino's last night to celebrate their 10 years in business. Since it was Halloween and full of wedding industry folks I thought the Bridezilla thing would be a riot. We bought our dresses at a thrift store in Bushwick. The staff were so taken w/us trying on dresses.... "You look so pretty! When is the wedding?!" I didn't have the heart to tell her it was for a costume, so I patted my belly and said "Two months!" We recruited makeup artist Sharon Becker with SB Beauty to do our hair and makeup. It went against every fiber of her being to do bad bridal make up but she nailed it! Bad color choices, gobs and gobs of mascara and highlighter in all the wrong places. She added 10lbs to my face! And my hair! My god I looked like Joan Cusack from Working Girl-Sharon's got skills. We stuffed our tails, sewed ourselves into our dresses then stuffed ourselves into a cab. Everyone was so into our outfits! Mark Ingram actually told me my dress was coming back in style! God I hope he was kidding. Megan and I had a back story we told anyone who would listen: We were sisters who were marrying brothers Timmy and Tommy tonight at Guastavino's, but we were left at the alter and decided to join the party instead. All said w/a thick New Jersey accent from 1987 of course. What? Accents can be dated....anyway. Jason Fioto from Generation Events was spinning some mad tunes all night long. Songs we all hear when we work our weddings but can't dance to. We all made up for it! It was so much fun for all of us to cut loose together. I don't know what came over me, maybe it was all the tulle but I danced my brains out all night long. Twirling, jumping, strutting, throwing mock temper tantrums anytime someone would step on my train. Good times.  We work hard making our couples' dream weddings come true, we needed a party to celebrate a successful season and blow off some steam. When I got home I realized I was stuck in my dress!!! I literally ripped it off and buttons went flying! So liberating, I highly recommend it. I know where you can get a dress dirt cheap, just tell them your wedding is in two months;) Below are snaps I took w/my point and shoot while wearing 4 inch green witch finger tips. No judgment. *I picked up all my Bridezilla behavior by watching television. I'm proud to say that in my 10 years of shooting weddings I have honestly never personally encountered a Bridezilla. Can someone knock wood;)

Happy Halloween!

Rick and Jay gay wedding at City Hall in NYC

Monday morning I got a call from Rick. He had seen my blog entry about Gay Marriage and wanted to know if I was available to photograph he and his partner getting married....tomorrow morning! I jumped at the chance. As a journalist, a wedding photographer and an avid supporter of gay rights I've been dying to document a gay wedding in NYC since we passed the marriage equality act. I met up with Jay and Rick at their hotel while they were getting ready. They bought matching suits eight years ago when they first met hoping one day to wear them on their wedding day, if and when that day would ever come. "They're a little out of date," said Jay, but they wouldn't dream of wearing anything else. Riding in the car on the way to the courthouse I could feel the anticipation and energy in the car....it was more than wedding nerves. Now. Today. In the next hour they will be legally married. Something neither of them ever thought they would experience in their lifetime. "Can I see your marriage license please?" asked the clerk. "Wow.....I never thought I'd hear that." The clerk looked like a Bruno Kirby look-a-like (wait, maybe it was Bruno Kirby), and in his thick New York accent he bellowed "By the Gr-r-r-rate State of New York I now pronounce you married!!!" Sobs of joy all around, it was hard for me not to lose it. Stay focused Kelly, literally;) There is a photo of Rick looking at the Marriage License and you can feel the weight of that piece of paper and what it means to him. "I'm equal...I'm now seen as equal." After the ceremony we all walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. While they were kissing under the umbrella a construction worker yelled out "Hey! I like your matching suits! You look good!" God I love this town. I could tell as they looked around the city that everything changed for them. They were equal, New York City saw them as equal and acknowledged their love. "We should move here." We'd love to have you! Congratulations Rick and Jay!

Hurricane Irene, Cindy and Richard and a dip in the pool

A hurricane on your wedding day. It's every brides worst nightmare. You've been planning for months, sometimes years....this was not in your plan! You have guests in town from all over the world, everything is paid for. Do you reschedule? Go for it and hope the weather reports are all just media hype? These are hard choices and I didn't envy any bride who had to make those decisions that weekend. We had two weddings booked for that Saturday. Friday morning I get a call from Sue the fabulous event planner at Wolffer Estates "Are you ready for this?" she asks, "They canceled?" I said, "Nope, they're doing it tonight at their house, can you have everyone out here by 2pm?" Yikes!! I called the A Team: Mike Nagle Photographer, Mike Canzoniero Videographer and Jordan Gomez Assistant. The biggest worry? All of them had their wedding clothes at the dry cleaners, other than that they were ready to roll on a moments notice. Mind you reports at that time were saying lower Manhattan may very well be under water not to mention the Hamptons (later mandatory evacuations were ordered right where the wedding took place!) But you wouldn't know any of that chaos was happening when you look at the photos. Looks like they planned this to be at their home from the beginning. Cindy was a cool cucumber who really went with the flow. Nothing was going to stop the love. Best part? After the party she and Richard jumped in their pool!! I have to say when I heard that I was soooo jealous I wasn't shooting, I've always wanted to document that moment. Mike and Jordan nailed it and even thought enough ahead to submerge large hurricane (ha!) candle vases in the water and use them as underwater housing devices for their cameras. Still think it doesn't make a difference to hire a photojournalist? We're all about thinking on our feet and improvising. We live for the spontaneous. The underwater shots are so incredible. The last photo reminds me of the famous Rolling Stone cover of John&Yoko, except this one is under water and Cindy is wearing a Monique Lhuillier designed wedding dress. Ok maybe I'm stretching it a bit. Photos by Michael Nagle with Assist by Jordan Gomez

NYC Wedding Industry Networking WeDo Event at The Green Building

Brides always ask me "Do you know a great caterer, florist, DJ, hair&make up person?" etc. and I've loved connecting them with professionals that I've formed relationships with over the years. I like making the referrals to my couples because I KNOW that the people I recommend are not only fantastic at what they do but they're fun people to be around on the big day. I think everyone can agree that getting a referral from someone you trust is much better than blindly searching for a vendor on the web. Having the ability to refer great vendors is a win win for couples and for our businesses. There are so many talented people in the wedding industry in NYC-the problem is getting all of us in one room so we can network and form relationships with each other that will benefit our couples. That's why I'm starting up a wedding industry networking group called WeDo, as in We Do photography, planning, cakes, flowers etc. It will bring together the best wedding vendors in NYC on a regular basis via monthly networking events where we will be showcasing our member talent. I've teamed up with Ara Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events to make this group a reality. Membership to WeDo will be selective but not snobby and we're in the process of signing up our Charter Members now. Through out the summer and fall we will be hosting Charter Member cocktail parties to tell everyone what WeDo is all about like this one we hosted at The Green Building. Everyone is really energized by the idea and our list of new members grows everyday. Our website www.WeDoNYC.net is under construction now. Until then follow us on Twitter @WeDoNYC or like us on Facebook http://on.fb.me/o8aoPk to keep up with WeDo news.

If you'd like more information about becoming a WeDo member, email info@WeDoNYC.net.

Post Wedding Blog: "I threw up on my wedding night"...

This is a wedding grad blog entry from one of my brides on A Practical Wedding. "It certainly talks about the hugeness of marriage and how on your wedding day, the tidal wave of enormous competes with the minutiae of moments in time, and it sometimes overwhelms us. It will help you remember what your wedding day felt like, how it changed you, and why."

Kate is a gifted writer who keeps it real. It's a great read, and the photos she chose really compliment the telling of her story.

Enjoy! Click here to see the entire post.

First Gay Weddings at City Hall in NYC

It's hard to put into words what it was like to witness so many couples finally able to legally declare their love for one another. I guess that's why I'm a photographer and not a writer. I was in with the crowd of well wishers across the exit from City Hall in Manhattan. Every time a couple would emerge from the doors the crowd would erupt with cheers, chant "kiss! kiss! kiss!" and beg the couple to cross the street and walk through what I considered to be the aisle so everyone could shower them with confetti and well wishes. I photographed couples who had been together for 37 years, 20  years, had children....it was an overwhelming outpouring of love and support that effected those who gave it, those who received it and those who documented it. We were all witnessing history, witnessing gay relationships finally being viewed as equal. It was powerful and moving.  I've already shared these images with some of the couples photographed and they were so thankful and appreciative....it was my wedding present. I look forward to documenting many many many more gay weddings in the weeks, months and years to come. Congratulations to all who married on this historic day!

"Gay Wedding in a Basket" City Hall Wedding Package

Kelly Guenther Studio has partnered up with some of our favorite vendors to offer a mini-wedding package to those couples getting married in NYC at City Hall. See below for details. Contact info@kellyguentherstudio.com to book.

Kris and Joanne at Prospect Park Picnic House

First can I just say how much I loved Joanne's bold use of color in her dress! The aqua ribbon train was so fabulous and fun, it really reflected Joanne's personality. We were all a little worried about the rain that day, but as usual on all my weddings the skies parted just before it was time for photos. I've got connections;) The ceremony started off with a great ice breaker; Joanne's dad knocked the bouquet out of her hand while hugging her, yet she some how managed this graceful back bend to pick it up. Had everyone in stitches! Well done lady, grace under pressure for sure. Because of the sketchy weather we had Prospect Park all to ourselves for portraits, so romantic. During the reception the kids stole the show. I had a hard time believing that the little Michael-Jackson-in-training ring bearer who had a dance circle around him for 70% of the reception was apparently very shy...until that night! When the music hits ya you gotta go with the flow-man that kid had some moves! To top it all off Joanne served pudding Snack Packs for dessert....you heard me, Snack Packs! It was awesome. That's her favorite thing to eat and that's what she wanted to serve at her wedding. I love it. It's the little personal touches that really make a wedding memorable for all involved and really, who doesn't love puddin'? Photos by Kelly Guenther with Assist by Tanya Salazar

Gay marriage passes in NY!

I'm overwhelmed with emotion that gay marriage finally passed in my state. It's about time! It seemed so odd to me that gays could marry in Dubuque, Iowa but not New York City?! I've never understood why government would tell it's citizens who they can and can not marry. I've documented over 250 weddings and gay or straight they are all about the same thing: two people committing to love each other for the rest of their lives. How is that ever wrong? I'm so happy that all New Yorkers now have the choice to marry in their home state. So, in honor of gay marriage being legalized in NY I wanted to share the wedding of Brad and Michael. They are New Yorkers who chose to be married in Provincetown, MA, not because they had to go to Massachusetts to be married, but because Ptown is an incredibly important place in their lives and relationship. Knowing that their wedding will be legally recognized in New York makes these images even more meaningful somehow. Congratulations to Brad and Michael and to gays all over NY! Photos by Drew Anthony Smith for Kelly Guenther Studio

Holdon's 1st Birthday at the Brooklyn Farmacy

I don't normally shoot 1st Bday parties, but Chrisann is a friend and hello? have you seen how cute her baby is!? That little Holdon is a heart breaker-I personally love the hair part. She also has a background in events (http://ducksinarowevents.blogspot.com) so I knew it would be a great party w/fun elements to shoot. If you haven't been to the Bklyn Farmacy it's worth the trip. It's like stepping back in time...the old fashioned soda jerks, the ambiance, everything about it is nostalgic but w/that Bklyn hipster twist. I loved the "Message in a Bottle"- Chrisann had everyone write a little message to Holdon and stick it in a bottle that will be opened on his 18th birthday. Such a great idea. I also loved the wrapping job on the rocking horse. I mean really, what other options are there? When it came time for the big Happy Birthday moment Holden was all smiles. It was his first synthetic sugar moment and the little guy couldn't get enough! So adorable. Happy Birthday Holdon-I can't wait for #2!

Kelly Guenther Studio and The Tonys

Some of you may have seen our name in the credits for the Tonys (unless you blinked then you missed it;). The sets for the big musical numbers were a combination of actual set pieces and digital LED screens. We spent days shooting thousands of photos of all the nominated musical sets. These images were then pieced together and animated by our own web guru and motion graphic genius Brandon Bell of Design-O-Matic. I've attached two videos below, one from the Anything Goes number and one from Sister Act. For Anything Goes, the only thing not digitized is the lower deck and the railing. The boat, the sky, all the portals...basically everything else are all digital animations using our photos. It's hard to tell the digital from the real thing. The big Mary in the Sister Act number? I took that shot from the balcony...more like I took 1000 shots of Mary from the balcony and they were all pieced together through the different lighting cues to make her come alive. Not literally of course, atleast I don't think so, I didn't actually see the show;) Anyway, we were thrilled to be a part of something so big as The Tonys. I apologize in advance if the Anything Goes song gets stuck in your head. And no, I can't get you tickets to see Book of Mormon.

What's it like working with me?

When you're choosing someone to shoot your wedding you're not hiring photographs, you're hiring a photographer. It's hard to get a sense of the person behind the camera by just looking at their photos. I always insist clients come into the studio to meet me and make sure that we're a personality match. But the question still lingers, "What's it like to work with her on my wedding day?" Well, that's why I put together these client testimonial videos (soon to be featured on my updated website). You get to hear directly from my clients what their experience was like working with me and get lost in their love story in the process. They're short and sweet and I even make a cameo or two. Thanks to Arianna&Richard, Nicole&Eric, and Mark&Sarah for participating. http://vimeo.com/24243332

http://vimeo.com/24244804

http://vimeo.com/21710709

"Our First Year" album....wow, they've been busy!

In one year I've shot Rebecca and Jason's engagement, bridal (just Rebecca, not Jason;), maternity and baby portraits. Yesterday Rebecca and sweet baby Haley stopped by the office to put together an "Our First Year" album. It's been so much fun for me to document their growth from a newly engaged couple to a family. Here are a few of my favorites (and yes, that is the baby in Jason's hockey helmet-his idea!):

Video of Kelly Guenther Studio @ NY Magazine Weddings Event

Check our this fun little video of our Studio at the NY Magazine Weddings Event last week (shot by our very own Ben Norman-damn that kids got talent!). That place was packed! We met tons of brides (yes, Tiffany I shoot weddings in Tobago, twist my arm;), made new friends (Greg & Bella from Kate's Paperie) and reconnected with some of our favorite vendor friends (Hello Super 8, Rewind Pics). Everyone loved the sweet treats provided by 24 Carat Cakes, we could hardly keep them on the table. But most importantly, the people that came by the booth got what we did. People lingered, watched the slideshow&video, chatted with Allison and Joy and signed up for our raffle for a free engagement portrait. (Congratulations Janine!) Over and over I heard from brides what a breath of fresh air our photos were. We wish we could have spent more time with each bride, but we were swamped (as you can see). So if you liked what you saw at the show, call us and set up an appointment today, I'll even be sure to have more sweet treats on hand. http://vimeo.com/22090515

New Client testimonial videos for Kelly Guenther Studio

I'm so excited to finally share these videos! They've been months in the making and I'm so proud of them. I got the idea during my pick up meetings. My couples are always soooo excited to see their photos for the first time and I always thought I should film them. I finally did it with the help of Associate Photographer Ben Norman and Editor Milner Ayala. Each video tells the story of one couple and their love story, the wedding day and their experience working with Kelly Guenther Studio. They're short, funny, beautifully shot and just fun to watch. A special thanks to Eric&Nicole, Arianna&Richard and Mark&Sarah for participating. Your guys are the best! Enjoy and please share the video and let me know what you think. http://vimeo.com/21707540

http://vimeo.com/21710709

Kelly Guenther Studio @ New York Weddings Event

I'm so excited to be exhibiting at the New York Weddings Event again. Like I tell all my brides, New York Magazine Weddings is the only magazine you need to buy to plan your wedding in NYC, and their event is the only one worth going to. Over 100 highly selected  vendors (ahem;) will be represented. Everything you need to plan your wedding is under one roof.  Be sure to stop by our booth for the chance to win a free engagement portrait session, meet the team and sample delicious goodies courtesy of 24 Carat Cakes. Many of the vendors exhibiting are on my referral list: Nine Cakes, Ray Jarrell Entertainent, Generation Events, Loli Events and many more. If you go, be sure to check in your gift bag for an amazing Kelly Guenther Studio give away for NY Mag Wedding attendees only. I don't want to give it away, but can you say Kelly Kash? Too much w/the K's? I'm no marketing genius, I'm a photographer. Photos from the show coming soon!