Michelle & Patrick | February Wedding at the Pleasantdale Chateau
The Pleasantdale Chateau is such a terrific wedding venue. I was there a few years ago, making wedding photos as second photographer to a friend of mine, and it was great to go back and work with some of my own clients, Michelle & Patrick. One of the reasons we all love the Pleasantdale Chateau is that the pool is the one from the movie Cocoon. It’s gorgeous, too, but since it’s such a memorable setting from that movie it’s just really cool to be there.
Michelle & Patrick and I had a lot of fun making photos there – both portraits and images with their whole wedding party.
Special Photos of Surprise Wedding Gifts
One of the reasons I love working at weddings is that there are always beautiful surprises to catch on camera. My second photographer Karli Cadel and I were lucky enough to capture two great surprises when the bride and groom decided to exchange wedding day gifts. Michelle gave Patrick a stunning watch. He loved it.
I was with Michelle when she received Patrick’s gift, and it blew her away. Last summer, Patrick wrote a long letter to Suzanne Collins, the author of Michelle’s favorite books, The Hunger Games. His letter explained that it was Michelle’s favorite book and how meaningful the story was in their relationship. Suzanne Collins no longer signs books due to a hand injury – she usually brings a stamp with her at book signings – and so Patrick asked if she could stamp Michelle’s copy. Patrick’s letter must have really touched her, because she autographed Michelle’s copy by hand.
Wedding Photography for Friends of Past Clients
Michelle & Patrick were referred to me by Stephanie & Russ, two of my all-time favorite clients from 2010. Stephanie’s about to have a baby (Mazel tov!), and she helped Michelle do some planning for the wedding because she’s thinking of becoming a wedding planner. She did a fantastic job.
I’m going back to the Pleasantdale Chateau for Jessica & Azal’s wedding this summer. Can’t wait!
Special thanks to Karli Cadel, my very talented second photographer for this wedding!
WEDDING COLLABORATORS
Ceremony, Reception, Catering & Cake: Pleasantdale Chateau ♥ Wedding Dress: Lazaro from Kleinfield Bridal ♥ Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade ♥ Make-up: Meredith Hayman ♥ Bridesmaid dresses: Two Birds ♥ Earrings: Swarovski Crystal Chandelier from Kleinfeld Bridal ♥ Groom and groomsmen’s tuxedos: Calvin Klein from Men’s Wearhouse ♥ Rings: Abe Mor Diamond Cutters & Co. ♥ Band: True Blue ♥ Invitations: Fran Langsner at Sheldon Graphics ♥ Wedding flowers: Crest Florist