Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalism by JPG Photography

Classic Fall Wedding for Melissa & Matt at Maryland’s Grey Rock Mansion

February 1, 2010 – 12:21 am

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

October served up many picture perfect days for this Philadelphia wedding photographer, and Matt and Melissa’s wedding was no exception. The folks at Grey Rock Mansion in Pikesville, MD did an exquisite job hosting the ceremony and reception. JPG Photography absolutely loved their team, including Simply Elegant Catering and Artistic Desserts, both of whom provided the delectable food. From the start, we used every inch of this Maryland venue. Before the ceremony, we set up a special moment for Melissa and Matt to see each other for the first time at the mansion’s entrance. Hey, if your reception place is a mansion with a classic red door and white pillars, we’re going to use it!

From there, we walked over to some of the grounds, wedding party in tow in tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse and dresses from B2. It was the quintessential fall day — a little rain earlier, but a magnificent sun peaking through the clouds. The flowers from Flowers and Fancies looked amazing against a blue sky backdrop. Melissa and Matt enjoyed a little baseball and then one of JPG Photography’s favorites — a leaf fight!

Needless to say, everyone was jazzed for the wedding. Beginning with the ketubah signing, Melissa and Matt really made this day their own. The background of the ketubah featured one of their favorite places to hike together. Their Jewish ceremony contained traditional elements of sharing the cups and breaking the glass, but also personal readings from close family and friends.

We snapped a few great sunset shots with the happy couple and then proceeded to a killer reception, powered by Anthony Simpson at Mydeejay.com. There was laughter, dancing, and many-a-chair raising. In fact, one of my favorite shots of this couple is one of the last frames I took of the evening, when Matt and Melissa posed for the camera like Snoop Dogg and showed me some attitude.

These two have personality, and this Philadelphia wedding photographer had a blast capturing their intimate moments, as well as their fun ones. Melissa and Matt, may you have many happy years together!

Best Wishes,

JPG Photography, Philadelphia, PA

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Ashley

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Ashley

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

The full event is available at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728375

Kate & Brian say ‘I do’ on Delmarva at Heritage Shores in Delaware

January 14, 2010 – 12:48 am

Heritage Shores Golf Club

Besides having the honor of capturing Kate and Brian’s big day, this Philadelphia wedding photographer had a little extra pressure to get it right — my former newspaper boss was in attendance, and part of the family!

You see, before moving to Philadelphia, Rebecca and I resided in Salisbury, MD, which, like Bridgeville, DE, is part of the Delmarva peninsula. (For those non-Delmarva people, it stands for DELaware, MARyland, and VirginiA.) While there, I worked for The Daily Times in Salisbury, where my Managing Editor, was Erick Sahler, Kate’s brother.

But I didn’t have to fear Erick’s scrutiny (much). In fact, at the reception, he was boogying down like the best of them. Of course it helped that his beautiful sister planned an absolutely wonderful wedding day.

Kate’s dress from Candelight Bridal was elegant, and her junior bridesmaid and flower girl looked lovely too. The bridesmaids’ dresses from David’s Bridal were a deep chocolate brown with blue sash accent, providing nice contrast.

Of course, Brian and the guys came through as well, sporting their sweet tuxes from Men’s Warehouse.

Kate walked down the aisle to guitar music by Richard Barry, across a white carpet with “Kate & Brian” scrolled in chic cursive lettering. She held onto her dad with one hand and carried an exquisite bouquet from Posy Palace in the other. You couldn’t take that smile off her face when she saw her man!

Afterward, guests joined us for formal shots in Heritage Shores Club, the venue where both the ceremony and reception were held. What I love about this ceremony and reception venue is that despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, there were so many beautiful spaces to discover indoors that the couple didn’t even seem to miss the country club’s golf grounds. Instead, we staked out pool tables, spiral staircases and brightly colored sofas for a few intimate shots of the happy couple.

At the reception, guests had a great time dancing to Next Generation DJ. Peninsula Printing provided the table cards, which added to the elegance of the evening even more. And towards the end of the night, I was able to borrow Kate’s incredible custom wedding band from Kuhn’s Jewelers and snag a couple of tight photos with my macro lens.

Kate and Brian, may you continue to find light and love in each other’s eyes, no matter the weather. You’re always welcome in Philly anytime!

Best,

Joe G, JPG Photography

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware by Marno

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware

The full event is available at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728954

Web site Down but E-mail is back

January 13, 2010 – 2:28 pm

My Web site is down, but fortunately e-mail is back. Folks could see an OLD JPG Photography when going to the Web site. BUT, a new site should be posted shortly with proper portfolios.

E-mail is back! Yay! Please resume e-mailing jpg@jpgphotography.com

Thanks everyone for your patience!

Best,

Joe G

By Joe | Posted in Uncategorized | no comments |

JPG Photography Web site, JPGPhotography.com and E-MAIL are down

January 13, 2010 – 11:36 am

I’m so sorry, but my Web site, www.jpgphotography.com, and e-mail could be down as much as three days. I’ve been told there was a server problem in Toronto, and forgive my language, but some idiot routed my hosting information incorrectly. And to repopulate everything will take several days.

Fortunately, www.philadelphiaphotojournalism.com is up and running.

But should you wish to contact me, please e-mail me at this, my personal e-mail address, jgidjunis@gmail.com, or call me at 888-JPG-FOTO.

I thank everyone for their patience as this is sorted out.
Best,
Joe G

By Joe | Posted in Uncategorized | no comments |

Kimmy & Doug wed in style in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland

January 9, 2010 – 3:56 am

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md.,

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Getting Ready

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

In October, this Philadelphia wedding photographer got to photograph TWO brides and two grooms in one night.

No, it wasn’t a double wedding. It was, however, Kimmy and Doug’s big day in Towson, MD, and their good friends Karen and Rick, whom I, as a Philadelphia wedding photojournalist photographed almost a year to the date prior to Kimmy and Doug’s wedding, were in attendance. (For you faithful followers of the JPG blog, Karen and Rick had the awesome pig roast that we’re still raving about!)

And just like Karen and Rick, Kim and Doug really made their wedding day their own. With the ultimate DIY creativity, Kimmy made her own bouquet with flowers from Trader Joe’s. The centerpieces at their reception were these awesome funky gourds from Poor Boys. And the happy couple selected their favorite songs on their iPod and hired their friend Scott from Gotta Dance Entertainment – DJ Services to mix up the tunes.

Kim got ready in her home in Towson in a gorgeous attic-like room with light slanting through the window. Some of my favorite getting ready shots are of Kim putting on her dress from J Crew with her mom. (In case you haven’t noticed, natural light rocks!)

With fall weddings, it is always difficult to predict the weather, but this Philadelphia wedding photojournalist tires to make any setting idyllic. For Kim and Doug, this was a snap. While it was a bit chilly outside, you can’t tell from the pictures. The happy couple climbed on bright purple playground equipment under blue skies and sunbeams.

Kim and Doug’s ceremony was held at The Immaculate Conception Church in Towson, Maryland, which is definitely up there in terms of beautiful Roman Catholic Church’s I’ve attended. With high, arched ceilings and warm indoor light, the ceremony shots came out flawlessly. I love all the quiet moments between Kimmy and Doug — a look here, a half smile, a head on a shoulder, and hand held.

They ended the night with an autumn-themed reception at the Marriott Hunt Valley, where dancing, eating, and drinking quickly commenced. Overall, I think both brides and grooms had a blast. I know we did.

Kimmy and Doug, we wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for inviting JPG to be part of your day.

Her dogs were eyeing me up!

More intrigue from the doggies.

The J Crew Wedding Dress

Lots of final prep!

I loved this second floor space

Outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md., MD.,

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md.,

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

The Cake at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn;

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Karen and Rick looking fabulous at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Kimmy's sister considered going in closer...yeah, I said it!

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

The full event is online at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728947

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer JPG Photography takes 1st Place in Photojournalism Contest with Naked Bikers Moment

January 2, 2010 – 2:49 pm

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

News Announcement: Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalist wins top Humor category prize with Naked Bikers moment

PHILADELPHIA – DEC. 30, 2009 – Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, Joseph Gidjunis, President and founder of JPG Photography, today announced winning a major award with the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization representing professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. As a WPJA member, Gidjunis’ name ranks with some of the most talented wedding photojournalists in the world as judged by their technical, creative and visual aptitude.

WPJA members are held to strict membership standards regarding image quality and content, technical and creative technique, Web site and marketing professionalism, business ethics and communication.

Gidjunis earned first place for humor in WPJA’s most recent contest. He has earned six previous awards, too.

“I love looking for what’s unique and funny all around us. Being recognize for what you love is truly an honor,” Gidjunis said.

In addition, this latest humor award places Gidjunis in the top position in all of Pennsylvania. Last year, Gidjunis placed on the top 100 wedding photojournalists in the world for YEAR and can be found on the Top WPJA Photographers page at the following web address: http://www.WPJA.com/top100.

Joseph Gidjunis, 27, started JPG Photography in 2005 after seeing moments in weddings he felt were being missed, or sacrificed for boring portrait after boring portrait. Ls than five years later, Gidjunis, along his wife, Rebecca, and three part-time staff, form the JPG Photography team.

Despite tough economic times in 2009, Gidjunis said he is fortunate because the business has expanded and 2010 sales are already double what they were this time last year.

A 2004 graduate of The George Washington University, Gidjunis lives in the East Falls section of Philadelphia with his wife of four years, Rebecca, and their two rambunctious dogs, Gus and Trudy. Gidjunis also serves as a reporter and photojournalist for the Courier-Post newspaper in South Jersey and an adjunct faculty of journalism at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa.

Rebecca Gidjunis also serves as full-time lecturer in the English Department at Eastern University. She recently won the Keystone Chapbook Prize for poetry, and her winning manuscript is scheduled for publication by Seven Kitchens Press.

###

Thank you Kim and Nate! Thank you Naked Bikers!

Best,

Joe G

By Joe | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Award, Award-Winning Photographer, Contest, jpg photography, Naked Bikers, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Photographer, Philadelphia photojournalism, Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, philadelphia wedding photography, philadelphia wedding photojournalist, WPJA | no comments |

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer Photographs Punk Rock Models at Photog Shootout

December 20, 2009 – 1:39 am

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia’s City Hall;

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia’s City Hall;

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

If you happened to be near Philadelphia’s downtown, essentially right at City Hall, you may have noticed many more paparazzi than normal at the center of the City of Brotherly Love. Despite the frigid weather, Rob N of his Delaware-based Humbled Eyes Photography organized a Philly Photog Shootout. He had help in finding some great punk rock models, with killer tattoos, from Allebach Photography, and some team leaders including friends of mine, Cindy Guessford, Mark Gardner and Jeff Dietz. Rob N calls the shootouts a way to connect photographers with different strengths, abilities and talents to learn from each other, to network and make new friends.

Rob N has taken this thing across the United States, even though he started it all right out in Philly. “We are a part of the global Photog Shootout network. We are planning on spreading all over the world, so no matter where you travel to, you will know what your fellow photographers are doing! This will be your one stop to find workshops, photographer GTGs and other photography related events,” he writes.

Wanting to give my Philadelphia-area JPG Photography team (more on them in 2010) more experience, I brought most of them to the shootout. It was fantastic, and all of us came away with some killer images, both posed and photojournalistic. Then we had some laughs at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Here are a few more of my favorites:

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

And a special thanks to one model in particular, Leslie Gilbert, who is one of the best photographers in Pennsylvania! She came out to model for her competition. That’s selfless!

Nga & Lim Buddhist Ceremony in Washington, D.C. and Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.

December 20, 2009 – 12:42 am

U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C.

Fox Chase Manor, Masassas, Va.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Fox Chase Manor, Masassas, Virginia

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.; Karaoke

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.

It was nearly two years ago when this Philadelphia wedding photographer first heard from Lim and Nga about their wedding day. As Philadelphia wedding photojournalists, we planned to shoot Lim and Nga’s Washington, DC wedding later that year, but Lim was deployed by the U.S. Military to the Middle East for the U.S. Air Force, delaying their intended date.

As is always the policy with JPG Photography, we were glad to work with Lim and Nga on a new date for their wedding, since we are incredibly grateful to those who serve our country. The new date was set, and this incredible couple endured distance and delay, which in hindsight only strengthened their relationship.

When their wedding day finally arrived on October 2, 2009, this Philadelphia wedding photographer felt like he’d known these guys for years, which, in a way, I had.

Their wedding was a special day for another reason too — it was JPG Photography’s senior photographer Dan Shuman’s last shoot with us, as he pursues plans to start a family and focus on his job as PR director at Eastern Virginia Medical Center in Norfolk, VA. It was, ironically, the only time that Dan, Rebecca, and I had shot a wedding together. The vibrant colors, variety of angles/composition, and unfurling story of the day were the results of this once-in-a-lifetime artistic collaboration.

(Now before you get too sad about Dan’s departure, we’re happy to report that after many months of searching, interviewing, and training, we’ve hired several new photographers who will also knock your socks off. More updates on that in the new year…)

We arrived at Nga’s house just after dawn as she put on the finishing touches from TruBeauty Make Up and Florist and prepared for the traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, similar in some ways to the Chinese tea ceremony we shot earlier that fall. Nga’s Vietnamese dress and her bridesmaids’ (called Ao Dai) were purchased in Vietnam, and her Western-style dress was purchased at an independent dealer and tailored by her very talented mother. The groom and groomsmen were handsomely clad in tuxes from Jeanette’s Bridal.

After a meaningful ceremony at the vibrant Buddhist Congregational Church of America, a short outdoor reception followed. Nga changed into her Western-style dress, and we had some fun with the orange wall in her changing area. Then, we headed to Washington D.C.’s best landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and other key National Park Service sites along the National Mall. Then the wedding party and guests headed in buses via Chariots for Hire to the elegant reception at Foxchase Manor.

Talk about a celebration! Between karaoke and an interactive photo booth, Nga and Lim’s guests had an incredible time, and we had a blast shooting. Catering by Nam Viet and DJ-ing by K2 Productions really rounded out the evening.

From 7 a.m. until well into the evening, Lim and Nga celebrated every moment of their love with laughter and grace. The patience in regard to their wedding day paid off, and they now have a lifetime of memories to create together.

We couldn’t imagine a more wonderful day for you two!

The full event is available on Pictage: www.pictage.com/786296

Best Wishes!

Joe & Bec and Dan

JPG Photography

Falls Church, Va.

Falls Church, Va. pre-ceremony

Falls Church, Va.; before Lim could enter

Falls Church, Va.; on the way to the second ceremony

Falls Church, Va.; the family landscaped Nga and Lim's initials

Annandale, Va. Family having a good time

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.; the legal ceremony

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.; changing into Western Dress

Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.

Neither Bec or Dan will admit to shooting this fearing my rath. Yes, I get that into demonstrating the poses.

U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.

At the U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.

At the U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.; I like mixing things up and not doing the same old jumping shot!

National Mall, Washington D.C.

National Mall and Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.; Karaoke

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia

Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.

By Joe | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Annandale, Ao Dai, Buddhist Congregational Church of America, Chariots for Hire, District of Columbia, Falls Church, Fox Chase Manor, Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Jeanette's Bridal, K2 Productions, Manassas, Nam Viet, National Mall, National Park Service, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, Philadelphia Wedding Photographs, philadelphia wedding photography, philadelphia wedding photojournalism, philadelphia wedding photojournalist, Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalists, Philadelphia Weddings, Traditional Tea Ceremony, U.S. Capitol, United States Military, USAF, Va., Virginia, Washington D.C., Washington D.C. Wedding, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer, Washington D.C. Weddings, Washington Monument, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photographers Philadelphia, wedding photography, wedding photojournalism, Wedding Photojournalist, Weddings Philadelphia | no comments |

Corey & Nimesh celebrate at Ridley Creek State Park and Lai Lai Garden

December 8, 2009 – 3:49 am

Glen Mills, Pa.

Ridley Creek State Park

Glen Mills, Pa.

Ridley Creek State Park

If you’ve ever received an email from this Philadelphia wedding photographer at 3 a.m., then you know that I’m a night person. The adage by Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin “early to bed, early to rise” (or is it a proverb) never resonated with me.

So when Corey and Nimesh told me that their traditional ceremony would start at 8 a.m. morning in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, I knew I needed a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee to wake me up. (I’m not a big hot coffee guy.)

The day dawned with blue skies and sunshine, and a long line of family members gathered outside of Corey’s home in their brightly colored gowns and gifts to offer to the bride’s family.

Suddenly, morning didn’t seem so bad after all.

After the home ceremony, Corey and Nimesh headed to Ridley Creek State Park (our second wedding at that beautiful venue this year) for a lovely outdoor ceremony. While some photographers are unsure of how to handle direct sunlight without producing odd shadows and highlights, this Philadelphia wedding photojournalist was ready to go with proper white balance and flattering angles. I love the elegance of Corey ascending the stone stairs with her flowers from AAA Sunflower Florist and the couple’s faces as they walk down the aisle at the end.

The incredible weather continued for an outdoor picnic lunch, accompanied by a tea ceremony and about a ga-zillion formal shots. It’s awesome when a bride and groom have so many great family members and friends!

And as if there hadn’t been enough celebration already, we headed to Lai Lai Garden in Blue Bell, PA for a 13-course Chinese dinner, with some Japanese and sushi, too. Yes, I said 13! Needless to say, the food was amazing.

Corey and Nimesh then set the tone for the evening with their choreographed dance to Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho. They had many moves just right! This was such a fun way to get their guests excited about dancing to the sounds from Cutting Edge Entertainment, and as a result, the dance floor was filled all night long.

Corey and Nimesh, not only do you really know how to party, but you also know how to love each other. We wish you many years of happiness, including more 13-course meals and awesome dancing!

The full wedding is available on Pictage: www.pictage.com/704109

AND NEW: See some of our videos of the couple on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/groups/26759

Glen Mills, Pa.

Ridley Creek State Park

Lai Lai Garden, Blue Bell, Pa.

Natalie & Jay’s Excellent Adventure in Trenton and New Jersey’s Bridgewater Manor

December 1, 2009 – 5:32 pm

Bridgewater Manor

Kuser Mansion

Holy Cross Church, Divine Mercy Parish

Hamilton, New Jersey

Bridgewater Manor

If you’re a Philadelphia wedding photographer, then you know the importance of a bride and groom’s personality. You can shoot in some of the greater Philadelphia area’s best venues, like the Union League or Ridley Creek State Park, but if the couple doesn’t have the personality to match the ambiance, the venue loses some of its pizazz.

Happily, for us, the couples at the aforementioned venues have been fabulous, and this Philadelphia wedding photojournalist has been consistently blessed with wonderful clients.

Still, every now and then, we get a chance to meet that couple that has a little extra vibrance and that over-the-top personality that is just plain infectious.

When I met opera singer Natalie Megules and graphic designer Jay Dugan for their engagement session, I knew right off the bat that this was a couple who loved a good party.

They did not disappoint.

Their ceremony was held at Holy Cross Church, Divine Mercy Parish, which is an absolutely breathtaking cathedral. The groomsmen were dapper in Calvin Klein tuxes, the lovely groomswomen sported flattering Bill Levkoff gowns, and the bridesmaids looked lovely in their Alfred Angelo separates as they strolled down the aisle to the magnificent Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One.

As Jay can attest to, though, even in the midst of all this glamour, Natalie took the cake in her gorgeous Monique Luo gown from David’s Bridal. As we learned from Kristin and Brian’s wedding at the National Cathedral last winter, this gown was made for brides with sass and charm. Natalie had both. And then some.

Just check out her shoes for heaven’s sake, hand crystalled with Swarovski loose rhinestones by the bride, herself.

For me, though, amidst all the elegance, the highlight of the service was when Natalie sang “Ave Maria,” a song that has always gotten me a little choked up, I admit. Her operatic voice echoed throughout the church, while Jay and the congregation listened in wonder. Afterward, we took the wedding party for some killer shots at the Kuser Mansion, a beautiful Victorian home in Hamilton, New Jersey.

The reception at the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, NJ was seriously the party of the century. Jay’s graphic design business crafted everything from the programs to the place cards. Natalie, not to be outdone, created some adorable cake topping chickens for the affair.

See what I mean? They’ve got personality.

So it will come as no surprise to you that this couple choreographed a tango for their first dance together. Yes, I said tango. This bride and groom could have appeared on Dancing with the Stars.

Natalie and Jay, what an absolute BLAST to be part of your wedding day. We wish you all the best in your creative ventures and love forevermore.

The full event is available on Pictage: www.pictage.com/704106