Archive for the ‘Philadelphia Photography’ Category

Classy Old Town Alexandria Wedding for Kat & Pat

Friday, April 24th, 2009

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Any wedding held in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, automatically has an elevated degree of class and elegance. This Philadelphia Wedding Photographer can’t remember ever having a bad day there! Katherine and Patrick are no exception, starting off with absolutely glorious light and great temperatures for March. The light, at times, was brilliant, and my favorite shots from the day are of Kat and her Dad, and the ones with Kat & Pat on the cobblestone streets. Kat and her Dad had amazing light right before they entered the beautiful Old Presbyterian Meeting House just off the King Street in Downtown Alexandria. It’s a true natural moment, and Kat is beautiful soaking in the light and her tears.

Then Kat & Pat shared some sassy PDA on the Cobblestone foundation of Prince Street, near one of my favorite eateries from my college days, the Union Street Public House. Kat & Pat didn’t mind the cars wanting to drive by and break up their intimacy, and they soaked in the tail end of that amazing Golden Hour of Dusk.

Kat and Pat were a blast, relaxed and completely ready to embrace each other for life. Their ceremony was beautiful, and I heard so many of their guests talk about how rare it was because it had contemporary elements in a former religious sanctuary for Founding Fathers and first President, George Washington. Everyone was impressed. Then, we had some fun in downtown Alexandria, and off we went to killer reception at the Washington Golf & Country Club. Honestly, you don’t immediately notice the facility’s grandeur at night, but once you walk around, and then see the back, it’s amazing. Kat & Pat picked well, and they had fantastic food, including pasta and seafood dishes made in front of you. The cake, by Cakes by Design, was tasty, too!

Dancing was fantastic, and got a big boost from some darn good Jimmy Buffet impersonations from the Leggz Band. The flowers accentuated everything beautifully. Kat chose a great boutique from BrookHill Florists. Chariots for Hire brought the wedding party there in style.

The two of them danced and danced and exited with a great sparkler trot. It was a very classy ending to a great day! Congrats Kat & Pat! We were honored to be a part of it all!

Best,

Joe G, Dan & Marno

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To view all of the images, sign up early and receive an E-Mail alert from Pictage, and bookmark their wedding site: www.pictage.com/625321

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer JPG Photography and Philadelphia Photojournalist Joseph Gidjunis, 2009. Assistance from Dan Shuman and Marno Muth.

Historic and Classy Wedding in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Friday, February 20th, 2009

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For a wedding planned for Dec. 27, snow is typically the greatest fear. But for Molly & Cyrus, the fear was sunscreen. This Philadelphia Wedding Photographer enjoyed a brisk perfect summer-feeling day with them, reaching a high of about 75 degrees. Whatever they did to guarantee such pleasant temperatures in Fredericksburg, Virginia needs to be bottled up and sold! Call it “Perfect Wedding Weather!” It would make millions. As I thought about it more, the weather really matched the couple. They were in love, and showed a brilliance Bec and I really admire

Molly got ready nearby at the beautiful Kenmore Inn. We had fantastic lighting for natural photojournalism, and her family supported her the whole time. We found some great dress shots, and used the Christmas Tree and decorations to our advantage. While I stayed with Molly, the guys were getting ready at the Richard Johnston Inn. Then Bec went to have fun with the guys over at their beautiful church, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. They were so cute, and we loved using the light from the awesome stained glass.

Then we headed to downtown Fredericksburg to one of the best reception sites, Fredericksburg Square, a site, ironically, I realized I shot at before years ago when I was just starting and helping my mom with some civil war history. Fredericksburg is loaded with Civil War history, as is Philadelphia. There was an event at the Square honoring our family friend, Brian Pohanka, and I took photos of him in front of the Square’s classic fireplace, just as I did with the family at the wedding.

Before the celebration started, the undertook a beautiful Persian Ceremony in an upstairs hall. It was really a wonderful ethnic experience filled with color, good food and classic tradition. There was also lovely poetry by Rumi, one of the best known poets in history. I love it when couples make the day their own, and Molly and Cyrus did such a great job of incorporating their heritage and their personalities. This second ceremony gave a depth and character to their wedding they will never forget.

After the formals were out of the way, it was time to PARTY! It was a great night! We were so honored.

Best,

Joe G & Bec

The full wedding may be viewed online at Pictage beginning Saturday. Sign up now and receive a free discount: www.pictage.com/540258

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One of Bec’s.

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One of Bec’s.

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One of Bec’s. img_3957-ed-web

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Best Philadelphia Engagement Story Contest

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

ENTER:    JPG Photography’s “Otherwise Engaged” Contest!

IT’S YOUR STORY?
We could tell you about our own STORY — how Joe interrupted an entire church service to propose to Rebecca — but we’d rather hear yours! So this month, we’re making a request for the BEST ENGAGEMENT STORY!

If you think your engagement moment is unique, meaningful, funny, or off-the-wall, then send your entry of less than 250 words to jpg@jpgphotography.com. Include a subject heading of “My Otherwise Engaged Entry.”  We Philadelphia Wedding Photographers are accepting submissions until the end of January.

On February 1st, we will select the best stories from among our submissions and post them on our blog, allowing our fans to vote. The winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day!

Prizes will be awarded:
1st place: $100 gift certificate to Franco’s Trattoria (Joe and Rebecca’s favorite romantic restaurant) and a 1 hour engagement shoot at the location of your choice
($275 value)
2nd place: $100 off any JPG Photography engagement shoot package
($100 value)
3rd place: Two free 8×10 enlargements with any JPG Photography package
($50 value)

PLEASE forward this information to any engaged friends or family.  The more entries we get, the more finalists we can choose from! The only rule is that you must be engaged, but not yet married.

We can’t wait to hear from you!  To check out one of our recent engagement shoots, scroll through our blog.


Philadelphia Water Works Engagement Photos with Nia and Bruce

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

About an hour before I’m scheduled to start shooting an engagement with Nia and Bruce at the Philadelphia Water Works, I get a call from the groom-to-be. He has some hesitation to shoot because it is an overcast day in Philadelphia. This Philadelphia Wedding Photographer practically jumped through the phone! “Are you kidding?!? Overcast is awesome.” He took some convincing, but we had some laughs in the process. Overcast at dusk is great. Just compose great and use a killer looking tree or landscape with character.

Rebecca and I usually do shoots for about two hours, but on Sunday, did nearly four! This is what happens when you give a creative photojournalist a beautiful couple who loves having fun, colorful drinks and no deadlines. I think we may have been shooting until Midnight around the city, except for the fact that Rebecca and I didn’t get a chance to eat anything since breakfast because we were meeting dozens of new couples at the very fun Great Bridal Expo at the Sheraton in Center City Philadelphia.

So, Nia and Bruce and us started shooting using the Schuykill River and Boat House Row around the Water Works Restaurant. Just gorgeous! Then we went on to this great restaurant I’ve been dying to try, Swanky Bubbles on Front Street. Wow, the manager, Andria, was so nice, she let us shoot and just take advantage of the entire restaurant. The place has killer drinks and sushi, and Nia and Bruce are big fans. Bruce joked that he has good and bad memories there because he got shot down and accepted, and I think it was all at the same table in the back corner.

Then we headed to the Bellevue Hotel for some staircase salivation and GQ moments. We ended up, of course, at the Art Museum for the classic skyline of this amazing City of Brotherly Love.

We had so much fun. Nia and Bruce, you’re awesome. We had a blast! Congrats, and good luck on your plans. We’re crossing our fingers for an awesome Bermuda wedding for you in June!

Best,

Joe G & (Bec)

Register now online at Pictage: www.pictage.com/605970

A South Jersey Bris for Sam

Monday, December 22nd, 2008


This was a first for me and JPG Photography, and yet a proud moment to share. A bris is not an easy ceremony for a man to be around. It is, how do I say, painful. (understatement) But I was moved by the tradition and spirituality throughout the event. You could tell how much this meant to the family, and yet at the same time, how difficult it is to put your newborn through. The range of emotions was smiles to tears. It was beautiful.

I had the pleasure of documenting this important Jewish tradition for the Schuster’s, and I work with the new dad, Alan, at the Courier-Post. The family was a complete pleasure, and even though the weather in Haddonfield wasn’t the best, you’ll see that Alan and I went out for a few shots with his son, Sam.

It was an honor. Thank you all for sharing your culture. You taught this Philadelphia Wedding Photographer a great deal. I’ll always remember being with you all with and for Sam.

Best,

Joe G

The event will be placed online soon at Pictage: www.pictage.com/602476

Photojournalistic family portraits outside Philadelphia

Monday, October 13th, 2008

What a perfect portrait photography weekend! (Couldn’t ignore the alliteration.) So much going on. October is certainly the month everyone wants pictures, but that’s good for me. I’m a fall guy. I love mid 60s weather. It just so happened that Sunday, it stayed in the 70s…it was like May or June. No matter, it was a great day for pictures and having a blast. Just so nice to be out of the office, right!

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I’ve been blessed with some great families this weekend. One was the Ginter’s (see post coming Tuesday) and the other are the Shaffer’s. Lori, Mike and their adorable son Drew. This 3-year-old loved the camera, but not in a hamm or obnoxious way. He’s just so darn cute! Come on, look at these pictures. Don’t you just want to take him home, too!

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We had a brilliant pumpkin picking at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, New Jersey just outside Philadelphia, PA, and not far from where I work in Cherry Hill at the Courier Post. (Also had the lead art and a lead story Sunday.)

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Lori and Mike were perfect. They had fun. They laughed. They were patient, too…(Drew only liked the dirty pumpkins…lol)

This is just a sample of the great moments I’m proud to share with the Shaffer’s. I hope to be around more to watch Drew grow up! Thanks again! Such a pleasure.

Come on…look at this face. Pretty darn cute!
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philadelphia portrait photographer
philadelphia portrait photographyphiladelphia portrait photographer

philadelphia portrait photograph
Caught the rainbow!philadelphia portrait photographerI’m digging this shadow!
philadelphia portrait photographyNo, it’s not heaven. It’s not Iowa either…
philadelphia portrait photographyLoving the golden light in this spot!philadelphia portrait photographphiladelphia portrait photography

philadelphia portrait photographerphiladelphia portrait photographerLoving the fade away! Thanks so much guys. Had a great time!

Joe G

Photojournalistic family portraits outside Philadelphia

Monday, October 13th, 2008

What a perfect portrait photography weekend! (Couldn’t ignore the alliteration.) So much going on. October is certainly the month everyone wants pictures, but that’s good for me. I’m a fall guy. I love mid 60s weather. It just so happened that Sunday, it stayed in the 70s…it was like May or June. No matter, it was a great day for pictures and having a blast. Just so nice to be out of the office, right!

philadelphia portrait photography

I’ve been blessed with some great families this weekend. One was the Ginter’s (see post coming Tuesday) and the other are the Shaffer’s. Lori, Mike and their adorable son Drew. This 3-year-old loved the camera, but not in a hamm or obnoxious way. He’s just so darn cute! Come on, look at these pictures. Don’t you just want to take him home, too!

philadelphia portrait photography

We had a brilliant pumpkin picking at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, New Jersey just outside Philadelphia, PA, and not far from where I work in Cherry Hill at the Courier Post. (Also had the lead art and a lead story Sunday.)

philadelphia portrait photography
Lori and Mike were perfect. They had fun. They laughed. They were patient, too…(Drew only liked the dirty pumpkins…lol)

This is just a sample of the great moments I’m proud to share with the Shaffer’s. I hope to be around more to watch Drew grow up! Thanks again! Such a pleasure.

Come on…look at this face. Pretty darn cute!
philadelphia portrait photography
philadelphia portrait photographer
philadelphia portrait photographyphiladelphia portrait photographer

philadelphia portrait photograph
Caught the rainbow!philadelphia portrait photographerI’m digging this shadow!
philadelphia portrait photographyNo, it’s not heaven. It’s not Iowa either…
philadelphia portrait photographyLoving the golden light in this spot!philadelphia portrait photographphiladelphia portrait photography

philadelphia portrait photographerphiladelphia portrait photographerLoving the fade away! Thanks so much guys. Had a great time!

Joe G

Pure Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalism with Jen & Julio

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALISM: This was a day of purity. Purity for us and the couple. So we do what we do best: capture fun wedding moments.

Jen and Julio are friends. OK, they’re better than friends, they’re great friends! Jen sang at our wedding, was a bridesmaid, oh, and, has been one of those dependable, there for you friends almost as long as Bec and I have been dating. AND I shot her brother’s wedding during my first year of business (it seems so long ago.) And yes, some of you might remember them as the couple in front of the yellow wall who served as front image on my old business card!

(I can’t believe I found this on my computer…)Philadelphia wedding photograph
So when Jen finally met this killer Latin guy named Julio, we started partying Puerto Rican-style. And did they have one bad as* party. Outside, gorgeous location at Strawberry Hollow Farms in Phoenixville. But forgive me, this all was preceeded by a moving ceremony at The Church of the Good Samaritan. I’m so proud of you both. We both are.

I hope you enjoy these shots for a life time, and I hope we’re all part of 50-plus anniversary dates to come! Love you both!

A moment I’ll cherish with Jen and her dad!
Philadelphia wedding photograph
This little girl was perfect for Jen.Philadelphia wedding photographGot to give a shout to Jen’s long-term roommate Jonelle for keeping the day on track…
Philadelphia wedding photographYeah, possibly the best dress shot ever!Philadelphia wedding photographAnd here’s one of Julio being a big bab.., I mean, perfect groom…Seriously, these were real tears. Great moment for everyone!
Philadelphia wedding photographGood Sam Church
Philadelphia wedding photographAt the farm
Philadelphia wedding photograph
Guys kickin it
Philadelphia wedding photographYes, the animals appear to be kissing, and demonstrating to Julio how to get some…

Philadelphia wedding photographJen looking particularly hot! (Had to say it Jen!)
Philadelphia wedding photographJen can move it, move it…

Philadelphia wedding photographThe two are dancing pros. No, seriously…they’re a sight on the dance floor (AKA grass). I wish I had them at all my weddings to get the party moving!
Philadelphia wedding photograph
They love wine…NOW YOU know the real reason we adore them…

Philadelphia wedding photographLOVE YOU BOTH!

Pure Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalism with Jen & Julio

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALISM: This was a day of purity. Purity for us and the couple. So we do what we do best: capture fun wedding moments.

Jen and Julio are friends. OK, they’re better than friends, they’re great friends! Jen sang at our wedding, was a bridesmaid, oh, and, has been one of those dependable, there for you friends almost as long as Bec and I have been dating. AND I shot her brother’s wedding during my first year of business (it seems so long ago.) And yes, some of you might remember them as the couple in front of the yellow wall who served as front image on my old business card!

(I can’t believe I found this on my computer…)Philadelphia wedding photograph
So when Jen finally met this killer Latin guy named Julio, we started partying Puerto Rican-style. And did they have one bad as* party. Outside, gorgeous location at Strawberry Hollow Farms in Phoenixville. But forgive me, this all was preceeded by a moving ceremony at The Church of the Good Samaritan. I’m so proud of you both. We both are.

I hope you enjoy these shots for a life time, and I hope we’re all part of 50-plus anniversary dates to come! Love you both!

A moment I’ll cherish with Jen and her dad!
Philadelphia wedding photograph
This little girl was perfect for Jen.Philadelphia wedding photographGot to give a shout to Jen’s long-term roommate Jonelle for keeping the day on track…
Philadelphia wedding photographYeah, possibly the best dress shot ever!Philadelphia wedding photographAnd here’s one of Julio being a big bab.., I mean, perfect groom…Seriously, these were real tears. Great moment for everyone!
Philadelphia wedding photographGood Sam Church
Philadelphia wedding photographAt the farm
Philadelphia wedding photograph
Guys kickin it
Philadelphia wedding photographYes, the animals appear to be kissing, and demonstrating to Julio how to get some…

Philadelphia wedding photographJen looking particularly hot! (Had to say it Jen!)
Philadelphia wedding photographJen can move it, move it…

Philadelphia wedding photographThe two are dancing pros. No, seriously…they’re a sight on the dance floor (AKA grass). I wish I had them at all my weddings to get the party moving!
Philadelphia wedding photograph
They love wine…NOW YOU know the real reason we adore them…

Philadelphia wedding photographLOVE YOU BOTH!