the sweetest days photography

What to wear?

2010-09-10T15:35:00.001-04:00

I had a conversation the other day with a new friend who is a wonderful photographer that also used to be a wedding planner. We got to talking about what we wear to weddings and to be honest she shocked me with the story of a photog that showed up in blue jeans and a T-shirt for a wedding she was coordinating. He said he had to be 'comfortable'. Seriously?

I remember when I first started out I attended a wedding of a friend and of course I was watching the photographer too! Again, stunned by what she thought was appropriate for a elegant church wedding. How about turquoise capri pants and a shirt with fringe, flip flops, big turquoise earrings and even a turquoise hair clip? Um... well, you get the picture, right?

So here's the 'required' uniform that we wear when we shoot. Black. Until they come out with something darker. :)

Thanks to Kasey, Jeremy and Melissa for being such fabulous photographers and awesome friends!! Hope you don't mind the "behind the scenes" photographs! :)

Full service photographers!

2010-09-01T14:14:00.001-04:00

I've seen some photographers advertise this, not sure what they mean exactly, but I do know what it means for us. Most of the time you will always see us with our cameras, it's what we do, we don't want to miss a single shot! But you might also find us helping the groom pin his boutonnière or delivering that special gift to his bride before the ceremony... and then there are other times when we put the cameras down completely.... just to be able to assist the bride with her dress! Of course it helps that I was a bridal seamstress for many years and have dressed hundreds and hundreds of brides. What can I say, when it comes to weddings, I love absolutely everything about them! A big thanks to Melissa Wilson for catching these shots! :)

The rules.

2010-08-26T13:27:00.001-04:00

Valeen Thivierge

The rules. Most every church has them, some more than others. I won't begin to go into the rules that my daughter encountered when she was planning her wedding because quite honestly, no one would ever believe them. I do still have the signed 'rule list', but it wouldn't be very nice to post it, just trust me it was beyond anything I'd ever seen or read. So even having said all that, I do still respect the church rules. It was the way I was brought up and in my opinion, it's part of being a professional photographer.

Unfortunately, because some in the past haven't had the respect they should for the ceremony and for where they are, it has made it harder and harder for the rest of us to get all the shots you want during the ceremony. I have talked to priests, ministers, and justices of the peace and other officiants who all would like to accommodate the couple's wishes, but they know what can happen, because it has... and regretfully have had to make these rules.

To me, there is no reason for a photographer to stand over the shoulder of the JP for most of the ceremony to get 'the shot'... or to fire off hundreds of flashes, blinding the minister while he tries to read and annoying everyone in the place too!! Especially when you can get shots like this without a flash and they don't even know you're there!

So on to the biggest rule that nearly every church has. No Flash. Most wedding photographers will tell you that while the lighting in a church is beautiful to look at, it's very difficult to shoot and made even harder with the rules of 'no flash'. We will do what we can with the light we have available and the professional grade cameras that are excellent in low light, but the photographer has to know what to do with it, another reason to hire a pro for your wedding.

Here are a few examples of shots done with 'no flash'...different lighting, different effects. And oh, by the way, I love my Nikon for being a superb low light camera. :)

Oh, the Blog!

2010-08-26T12:47:00.001-04:00

Valeen Thivierge

Yes, I know.... my blog took the summer off. Apparently it went on summer vacation. But just to let you know, we didn't! Beautiful weddings, fabulous families, precious babies, adorable pets, non-stuffy portraits, and even our first boudoir session too! I have so much to show you and will start posting much more regularly with lots of photos, random thoughts, rants and raves and everything in between.

First up... Facebook. I love it. All the posts should show up there too, either under my name (see above) or Sweetest Days Photography. There's something about the feed, etc... and right now I don't know that I have it worked out just right, hopefully I do so please friend us on FB and you should see the latest blog posts and pics as soon as they are posted. :)

Twitter.... mmmmm... nope, not there yet. Do you really want to know what I'm doing and where I'm going all the time? Probably not, I don't want to bore you to tears. LOL Of course that may all be subject to change in the future...

Now... on to the next post! :)

Megan and Michael got Married

2010-06-24T19:55:00.001-04:00

During the average wedding season we travel all over the state (and beyond) but sometimes a wedding can be in our own backyard... almost literally! Megan and Michael live in Florida but came back to Connecticut for their wedding this past Saturday. The wedding was in one of the littlest towns in CT (Baltic) and the reception was tented in her parents yard. The weather turned out perfect and everything else did too!

Once we got to know each other a little, they were more than happy to do whatever I asked, and they even came up with some fun ideas once we got back to the reception. I love when a couple has a good time with the photos and these guys definitely did! Here's a quick sneak peek, more to come.... and yes, this is part of Baltic! :)

A crazy year... so far.

2010-06-16T11:25:00.001-04:00

Posted by Valeen Thivierge

Once again I am so far behind in blogging and I don't know that I can catch up, but I'll try. I really wanted to challenge myself a little bit and try something different, so I got the bright idea to try my hand at photographing dogs and cats. Okay, first off, I am a cat person, not to say I don't love dogs too, but I've always had cats up till a few years ago. You know the old saying about working with kids and animals, well I really don't know if it's true, but I can tell you cats can tell you to pretty much 'go to hell' with just one look. Dogs on the other hand are just so happy that you have treats for them, they'll do just about anything! I swear Abby would even perk up her ears if her 'mommy' told her to! :)

So here is Abby, Cosmo, Mr. Dittles, and Sicily.

No Facebook at work?

2010-05-25T15:47:00.001-04:00

by Valeen Thivierge

I just found out that some of my clients haven't been able to see any of my Facebook updates because it is blocked where they work. Seriously? :) Okay, okay... I get it, so I'm going to make sure I post updates here so they can check 'em out (even at work!)

And sometimes... it rains.

2010-05-13T14:59:00.001-04:00

by Valeen Thivierge

I don't think they even noticed.... :)

Sarah and Jay got married!

2010-05-13T14:31:00.001-04:00

posted by Valeen Thivierge

I had the privilege of being part of a beautiful wedding recently at the Officer's Club in Newport RI, what a fabulous venue! Apparently you have to have a Navy connection to get in there, but it is spectacular! I'll have some more images up shortly, but just had to post this one, love the way Jay is shaking hands with Dad but only has eyes for his gorgeous bride. :)

So many things coming up...

2010-03-25T15:22:00.001-04:00

Yes, it a teaser! I can't tell you how excited I am about all the weddings that are coming up this year, the first will be in Newport in a couple of weeks and I just can't wait! We have also (finally!) decided to venture out more and are looking for some real life models. So I'm looking for some women (all ages) that are wanting to bring sexy back a bit. Hint, hint! Send me an email direct at valeen@thesweetestdays.com and I'll get right back to you!

Beach Day with Raya

2010-03-23T13:17:00.001-04:00

Meet Raya. My daughter recently adopted her, she is almost a year old and is a fabulous black Labrador, we are all in love with her!

We took her down to Weekapaug last week, her first time at the beach ever and she loved it! She even ran right into the water...and right back out again as quick as she could, it was cold!!! So we have officially expanded into taking photographs of all our beloved 4 legged friends and family members now. :) Shoot us an email if you're interested, we can come to your home or go on location!

I think this one is my favorite. :)

~Valeen

I'm in trouble.

2010-03-23T13:05:00.001-04:00

I have just been informed that I'm in trouble, I have not updated my blog in way too long, again! As I hang my head in shame, I'm thinking of all the things I want to write.... so let's just jump right in!

First, Happy Spring! Happy Vernal Equinox!! Either way, it's here and I for one am so glad winter is over! It seemed like it lasted forever this year, but then again, I think I say that every year. lol So even though today is rainy and yucky, the past few days were awesome and there will be more to come, I can't wait. :)

Love that light!

2010-01-07T17:14:00.001-05:00

Beautiful light and gorgeous couple... I love my job! :)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T18:34:00.001-05:00

Twenty-ten! Wow! Can you believe it??

We hope your holidays were wonderful, awesome, and fabulous! And yes, we have been away from blogging for a while but plan to get back on track starting now. :) It really was a crazy couple of months with so much going on and lots of great weddings to finish, it was an incredible year! Thank you all so much!

We have met with some wonderful couples for this year and even for 2011 already, the calendar is filling up quickly, so if you've been waiting till the holidays were over to get going on your planning, it's officially time to book your venues, florists, DJ's, bands, and photographers (us, of course!). Seriously, many popular dates are already booked, so please call and set up a consultation as soon as you can. :)

Here's hoping all your dreams come true this year!

Emily and Jay got married!

2009-11-11T14:28:00.001-05:00

We just posted a new slide show to the website, so make sure you check it out! We had such a good time with them, they are such a wonderful couple and I just loved the family, too! Kasey went to school with Emily brother, so she knew lots of people there and they even invited Jeremy to come down and join the party! I know I say it all the time, but it's true, we just have THE BEST couples ever!!

Here's a pic of the car that they had that day. Some cars are just more awesome than others and this is one of them. Believe it or not, years and years ago, it was used to plow the streets of Manchester!! The owner said it was a love/hate relationship with years and years of restoration, but I think it's magnificent!

Apologies!

2009-11-03T16:05:00.001-05:00

I am running a little behind due to the flu that left me sick for a week. Agh!! Bad timing and I know now (per the doctor's visit today) that I will never get another flu shot either. Okay... back to work! So much to do and lots to post! :)

What's new?

2009-10-21T17:19:00.001-04:00

Well, besides working on editing some gorgeous weddings and designing some albums, I got a chance to put our new logo on the website and the blog, changed a few things on the home page, too. :) Sarah & Chris's slide show is up and Jen & Marty's is almost done, too! Yep, been busy!! :) Now we're going to head out to NYC tomorrow to find out what's new and cool at the Photoplus Expo! Should be fun!

The Sweetest Day is Today!

2009-10-17T12:42:00.001-04:00

Believe it or not, we had no idea about this holiday when we named our company 6 years ago. But pretty cool, huh? :)

The Sweetest day is Saturday, October 17 and is not really just another made for retail holiday but it seems to have evolved into that. It's not exactly Valentine's Day, it was started when a Cleveland candy store owner brought little "sweet" treats to orphans.
In other words, the sweetness was in helping others. It was always on the third Saturday of each October, leading people to call it "The Sweetest Day of the Year". Now it is all about sweethearts in 2009 and we will try and help in case you need a plan.
First, try and make it a traditional sweet day, times are tough so make a donation of time, food or any kind of help to one of your local charities. Even a little bit helps. ~ By Ginger Marks for the National Ledger

Valeen

September's Ten Eyck Tuesday!

2009-09-28T07:10:00.002-04:00

I'm finally back on the blog...sorry I have been MIA for so long!!! So earlier in the month I had the opportunity to participate in one of Carla Ten Eyck's workshops and needless to say it was a pretty AWESOME day! Not only is Carla as funny in person as she is on her blog, she is CRAZY talented and had planned a fabulous day for us. The theme of this month's workshop was "weddings" which was so appropriate. Carla and her team gathered a bunch of very talented vendors together who donated their services for the day and added to that a sweet location that had awesome natural light. Needless to say everyone was able to get some fun and fabulous shots. Just thought I would share a few of my favorites from the day!

How cool is that peacock feather!!

and who doesn't love a little sun flare??

Pink may not be my favorite color but these were gorgeous flowers!

LOVE this hairpiece!

And of course you have to get a shoe shot...especially when they are this cute!

How HOT are these two...

Come on..who doesn't love blue cake!

I also had a blast with all the other crazy photographers that were there too. Thanks again to Carla and her team for a wonderful day! Happy Monday!

-Kasey :)

Yummy!

2009-09-25T14:54:00.001-04:00

And yes, they tasted as good as they looked! Honestly, the best cupcakes ever! :)

I am almost done editing Lauren and Chris's fabulous wedding aboard the Lexington. Watch for the slide show coming to the website soon!!

~ Valeen

We love the details!

2009-09-20T12:15:00.001-04:00

You couldn't miss us last week at the Mystic Seaport because The Sweetest Days had 2 wedding there at the same time! Kasey and Jeremy covered a beautiful wedding up at the Seamen's Inne and I was at the Boat Shed on the grounds of the Seaport. I'll have lots to post from those as well as a couple more I'm working on but I had to post some of the details from Jen and Marty's wedding. I couldn't believe all the thoughtful and beautiful things that they provided for their guests and well and the gorgeous decorations, perfect for the outside venue. Love it!!

~ Val

So perfectly adorable!

2009-09-18T08:50:00.001-04:00

Once again I got my 'fix' of Flowergirls, this time at Lauren and Chris's wedding in Greenwich. I'm thinking that a great off-season project would be to create a photo book of all the flowergirls I've had the opportunity to photograph. More on that insanely awesome wedding later, but here's a favorite image for now. I loved watching them totally mesmerized watching the bride get ready...

~ Val

In case you missed it...

2009-09-17T15:16:00.001-04:00

...we updated the website with 2 new slide shows. Check them out when you can! We can't begin to describe how wonderful our couples are, how spectacular their weddings have been... we thank you all so very much for letting us be part of your day.

Erin and Larry at Lake of Isles in Ledyard, CT...

Courtney and Mike at The Nylo in Warwick and The Quidnessett Country Club in Naragansett RI

Flowergirls

2009-08-27T13:30:00.001-04:00

Okay, everyone knows that I just love Flowergirls! Maybe it's because I was one in my uncle's wedding years ago and can still relate? So what if I can remember the gorgeous red silk dress the maid of honor wore? And the real rose petals I carried? And my aunt's incredible tulle skirted dress like it was yesterday and yet I can't remember to return the movies I rented this weekend?

There is something wonderful and magical being "The Flowergirl" and I just love watching them and of course taking a ridiculous amount of photographs of them too! What can I say??

One of my favorite models!

2009-08-25T11:02:00.001-04:00

Just a little sneak peek at the baby and family session I did Saturday morning...she is such a little doll. :)