We finally got to test it out for a promotional film we did recently for Seattle wedding photographers Vlad & Irina of Voir Photography. We started early on a Monday after a long Sunday wedding, but the shoot was full of energy.  All we knew when we showed up was that Vlad and Irina and their assistants, Solomiya and Pavlo, would be shooting two couples in after-wedding sessions. We knew they wanted shots of them hard at work and of their beautiful couples. Oh, and a timelapse of them getting set-up. Thanks to their careful planning (and a lot of great props) this film turned out to be a ton of fun!

As for our Super-8mm camera? This shoot proves that “it’s not a toy.” It actually gave us some pretty awesome footage that perfectly fit Voir Photography’s vintage style.

Take a couple minutes to check out Voir Photography’s work:

(for viewing on mobile devices, click here)

Thanks to Voir Photography for getting a couple shots of Alex hard at work (don’t worry, I was there shooting somewhere too).

Just for the record (if it wasn’t clear from this film), Vlad and Irina are AMAZING photographers. If you’re interested in checking out their work, I encourage you to make an appointment and check out their prints and albums. Just stunning!
For more of Sam and Norma’s “drown the dress” session, visit Voir Photography’s blog.
For more from Alex and Tania’s “after the wedding” session, visit Voir Photography’s blog.

To tide ya’ll over in the interim, I just had to post a few of Milana and Aaron’s wedding pictures, taken by the talented Seattle Wedding Photographer Michael Movsyesov. He is amazingly talented and super easy to work with!

He even caught us hard at work!

So visit his blog, stop by his facebook page, and follow him on twitter.  He is going places!!

A note about the music used: this is the real sound from the jazz group Milana found for the reception. Aaron and Milana are accomplished dancers and had the most amazing waltz for their first dance. Once I get the name of the group from these lovely honeymooners, I’ll provide credit here!

As with the Russian Orthodox ceremony, their reception was filled with many wonderful traditions! Again, many were familiar and appeared–in some version–at Alex and my wedding. I’m sharing some of the most special here

Daniela really brought together so many wonderful details!!

First the parents of the bride and groom met the couple with bread and wine at the door to the reception–then the bride and groom greeted their guests!

Later, they broke the traditional wedding bread together. They say that the person with the larger piece will be the head of the household . . . but they ended up with equal pieces! (Who do you think got the bigger piece at Alex and my wedding?!)

Such lovely dancing: first dance and traditional dances!

Finally, at the end of the evening, there are a series of traditions that show the transition of the bride from, well, bride to wife. In Moldovan weddings, the groom is seated on a chair and given a very fluffy pillow. The bride sits on his lap and then they are tied to the chair. The bride’s veil is then removed and she is given a scarf and apron. Gifts are then presented to the happy couple!

There were so many more events during the evening–amazing food, yummy cake, gypsy dancing and on and on and on! Here are just a few more photos take throughout the evening!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Greg and Daniela!! Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day

Reception: Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club
Photography and Cinematography: Zinchuk Studios | Bellevue Wedding Cinematography + Photography

Happy Fourth Anniversary, my love!

As this week is OUR FOURTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, we thought it appropriate to share this beautiful wedding with you. It will come in two parts: I. Morning preparations and Ceremony and then II. Photo session in the park and Reception.

Enjoy!

In many Slavic cultures, the groom must first “buy” his bride in order to show that he will provide for her long into the future. Daniela’s brother Denis was the family representative and was a tough bargainer. But for him, it wasn’t about money–it was about love (although a little cash helped!)

In a Russian Orthodox ceremony, when the couple first enters the church, their rings are placed halfway down their fingers. Their witnesses exchange the rings three times before finally placing them on the ring finger of the right hand. They then move forward to the altar to become Husband and Wife, one whole.

This kind of family photo is every photographer’s dream. Gorgeous location, happy family, and a little bit of unexpected comedy to lighten the scene. This neighborhood dog came bounding in from the side–ball in tow–in hopes of finding a friend to play with!

Part II coming soon!
Family and Friends, don’t forget to sign up here to be notified when their photos are online!

Morning preparations & first glance: Hyatt Regency, Bellevue
Hair & Make-up:  Many Faces by Maryanna
Ceremony: St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Seattle
Photography and Cinematography: Zinchuk Studios | Bellevue Wedding Cinematography + Photography

Congrats to Chris & Jodie! Have fun in Mexico

Until then, it is one awesome “toy” to play with!

Although they live thousands of miles away, it is clear that they are very close.  Jessica decided to schedule an Anytime session at my special Summer rates to get some fun pics with little sister visiting for the week. When we started, Jessica said we could do anything, shoot anywhere.  . . but she did bring two props: they both LOVE to read and they share a love of the Twilight books. And you know what, the pics with the books just might be my favorites