Bellemore Blog - Burlington County Wedding Photography

Hidden Treasure Hamilton, NJ Wedding Photography

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:55:00 -0800

Congrats to Janet and Robert on their recent wedding! They got married at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton, NJ this fall. They got married in front of a beautiful gazebo with a pond and a fountain in the background. This place is a hidden gem. Literally. You walk down a path through the bushes and it opens upon this wonderful ceremony space.

The cocktail hour was held in what looked like a rustic barn, but it was actually part of the hotel. There were multiple fireplaces, greenery and plenty of tables and bars for people to stand around.

The ballroom itself was spacious and pretty. I would love to work with them on a wedding again. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a beautiful location close to Burlington, NJ.

My Port in a Storm- Starbucks

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 19:04:00 -0800

Being a photographer and a theater mom, I end up spending a lot of time in coffee shops. Whether I am meeting with clients or waiting patiently for my son to finish up with his theater/class/rehearsal/workshop, I often find myself needing to kill a few hours someplace that's not near my house.

I love coffee, so naturally, I'm drawn to coffee shops in general, but more specifically, to Starbucks. I know. It's considered a sin in most people's eyes to pay over $4 a cup for coffee, but I don't care. I am thrifty in most other aspects of my life, but when I need a place to hang out and a decent cup of coffee, nothing beats Starbucks. I'm willing to pay a little more for what I get. The quality of the beverages are better, my order is always correct or I get it remade for free and they know how to craft an actual latte. It's also warm and inviting. Their brand colors are the same as mine- Green, white and black. The store is full of plush chairs, warm woods and soft music. Most importantly, it smells like coffee. Much like good photography, I'm paying the extra money for the experience and I don't mind one bit.

No matter where you go, even in other countries like Ireland and Belgium, you will always have one thing familiar to you in Starbucks. They are all a little different but the same. I'm actually composing this blog post from the Starbucks now, while waiting for my son while he's at rehearsal for one of his many theater productions. Sometimes I just come here to work, especially in the winter when I am done being cooped up in my house. It's my port in the storm. The familiar place that sells my favorite beverage and keeps me going.

So, don't feel bad for the little splurges in life. If you want good coffee, go to Starbucks. If you want amazing photographic art of your wedding or family that you can pass down for generations to come, contact me.

Things I Love- Coffee

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:41:00 -0800

There is nothing like the smell of brewing coffee. It's like the promise of warm creamy goodness. I could drink coffee 24-7, though I try not to drink it after about 8pm or I'll be up all night. Coffee is what fuels me. It's the reason I manage to get up out of bed every morning. I am inherently a night owl, but with two kids that have to get on the bus by 6:50am, that's not a possibility for me.

My first experience with coffee was when I was little and I'd come home after school to my grandmother's house. She'd be having her coffee with one of those Stella Doro S shaped cookies. I think they were called "Breakfast Treats". She'd give me a cookie and let me dunk it in her coffee. (Because they were too hard to eat without dunking) I remember her saying, "I just need a little something sweet with my coffee". Besides dunking my cookie, I had never really cared for the taste of coffee back then.

Then I went to college. The summer between my Sophomore and Junior year I got a job working in a coffee shop on the Atlantic City boardwalk from 6pm to 3am. I also had a 9-5 office job. So, by about 9pm, I needed something to keep me going. I didn't like the taste of coffee, but we made lattes, so I tried that first. LOTS of milk and LOTS of sugar. Gradually, I put in less milk and sugar and more coffee. Now I take my coffee with cream and a little bit of sugar. I've come a long way.

My favorite types of coffee are the organic, small batch, fair trade (and all those other pretentious words) coffees. Yes, it sounds snooty, but they taste amazing and I hope that they really are paying the farmers better. I also still love the frilly foo foo lattes. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks are my all time favorite. You will see me start to get antsy towards the beginning of September every year when they are getting ready to release them again. Being born on Halloween, pumpkin is just in my blood.

I'm not a coffee snob though. As much as I love the expensive stuff, I'll drink the cheap stuff too. :) It may just need a little extra love added to make it potable. Now, I've officially become my grandmother. I yelled at my husband the other day for trying to eat my Girl Scout cookies that I had squirreled away. I said, "You know I like to have something sweet with my afternoon coffee!" It's come full circle and I think fondly of my grandmother as I dunk my shortbread cookie into my organic fair trade coffee.

Here's a short coffee video I made. Enjoy!

Beautiful Church Wedding- NJ Wedding Photography

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 14:19:00 -0800

A lot of couples are opting for a short ceremony onsite at the reception location. So, rarely do I get to shoot a wedding in a church any more. When I do, it's quite a treat, especially when it's a church as beautiful as this, with a couple as beautiful as this.

Two Brides is Double the Fun! Lakeside Manor, NJ

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:00:00 -0800

I had the pleasure of photographing two lovely brides last weekend. They got married at Lakeside Manor in Gibbsboro, NJ beside the lake on a beautiful spring day. The flowers were in bloom on the trees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I live for wedding day weather like that!

We did some traditional photos but I was able to capture some heartfelt moments between them as well. I often take pictures when they don't realize that I'm taking pictures. Those are the moments, the unposed, candid moments, when you see the real feelings of the day.

A Little Help for the Groom and his Men from a NJ Wedding Photographer

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Sun, 31 May 2015 21:43:00 -0800

I've seen it at almost every wedding. The men struggling with those little colorful pocket squares they get with their tuxes. You learn how to tie a tie but never what to do with that fussy little piece of colorful satin.

Well, here's a bunch of different ways to fold it. Happy Folding!

https://www.bows-n-ties.com/how-to-fold-a-handkerchief/

The Garter Toss - A NJ Wedding Photographer's story

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:55:00 -0800

At almost every wedding I've been to, when it comes time for the bride to toss the bouquet, every single woman is out on the floor, elbowing each other for room and waiting for the chance to catch it. That is not the case for the Garter Toss. Although, it is the same at almost every wedding I have shot.

So the concept is simple, the groom gathers all his single friends and tosses the garter to one of them, signifying they are the next to be married. The first issue is that none of the single men want to come up. The DJ and the groom is yelling out specific names by the end, begging them to come forward to participate. In the end, about 3-4 men begrudgingly, make their way to the dance floor to await their fate.

Then the groom takes his place all ready to throw the garter.

None of the guys catch it. Ever.

They stand there and stare at it as if they will catch a disease if they touch it.

Then they all punch each other in the arm daring one of the 3 men brave enough to pick it up.

Finally, some guy puts an end to it and picks up the garter while the other guys make fun of him unmercifully.

That, my friends, is the sad story of nearly every garter toss I've shot.

NJ Engagement Photography- Smithville Park, NJ

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 21:19:00 -0800

Sometimes you get the perfect light and the perfect fall foliage. That's what happened this day in October for this engagement shoot. We starting the session around 4:30, right before the sun was setting, and finished up right before sunset. It was gorgeous.

NJ Wedding Photography- Timeless Elegance, Burlington, NJ

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 05:12:00 -0800

I did a wedding recently at Timeless Elegance in Burlington, NJ. The ceremony was on-site and we were able to take the pictures in the same space afterwards. They have a lovely pond with a fountain in it the lobby that makes for a nice backdrop for photos.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

Top 10 Places to Take Portraits

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:04:00 -0800

A lot of people are opting out of the traditional portrait studio type photos and opting for more creative portraits. This often includes outdoor locations or their own home. Here's a quick list of some of the cool places to have your portrait taken.

10. A Local Park

There's no more accessible place to take portraits than your local park. You are probably familiar with it from taking walks there, playing sports or attending a local concert in the summer. You can easily guide your photographer to your favorite spots and it looks different depending on the time of the year. Best of all? It's usually free to shoot there.

9. A Vineyard

Like wine? How about beautiful lanscapes covered in vines and grapes? Some vineyards are open to the public and will allow you to take pictures ontheir property as long as you are respectful and don't touch the vines. Even without grapes on the vine, they make a nice backdrop for elegant portraits.

8. On the Boardwalk

Ah the boardwalk in the summer! It's a bustling, busy destination with tourists everywhere. However, if you use the right lens and angle, you can capture all of the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk without the actual tourists in focus.

7. On the Beach

From the boardwalk, you can head to the beach. Avoid the bright light of midday by heading there about an hour or two before sunset. Doing this will also ensure a less crowded beach as the bulk of the beach goers are headed home for dinner by then. Or, if you are a morning person, head there around dawn to capture the sunrise over the ocean.

6. On a Bridge

Bridges make for a very interesting background. If you can get the water or a waterfall in the shot, it's even better. Sometimes you can position yourself on the bridge and the photographer can take the shot from one of the banks. But standing on the actual bridge with the photographer also lends itself to some intersting pictures.

7. In Front of a National Landmark

Who doesn't love an iconic National Landmark? Why not have your portraits done in front of one? The only downside to this is that you are usually required to get a permit to shoot there and it may cost you a small fee. Also, you are restricted to certain times you can be there. But, the end result is a portrait of national significance.

6. In Front of Your own Christmas Tree

Why go to a portrait studio in the mall, during the holiday season, in front of a fake backdrop with a Christmas tree printed on it when you can have your portrait done in your own home with your own tree? Your tree makes for a more meaningful Christmas portrait. Also, this allows friends and relatives that can't visit to see your tree.

5. In Your Backyard

This option is particularly good for those with young children. You can go out in your backyard and let them run around and play with their toys. The result is less crying, less stress and beautiful candid shots. This is a great option for anyone though,especially if you are having a gathering of family or friends and just want some great portraits without dragging everyone out to the mall.

5. In a Public Garden

Not a green thumb? Me neither! Public gardens are a perfect option then. They have seasonal foliage and everything is perfectly manicured. You may have to pay a small enttry fee for you and your photographer. This particular photo was taken at a sculpture garden in Hamilton, NJ.

4. During a Party

This is a great option for getting portraits taken of friends or family that are not able to get out to a central location or portraits studio. Have the photographer come to your party. Set aside an half hour to an hour and get various group and individual portraits taken. The guests may then purchase prints from the photographer later from home once the pictures are available.

3. In a Pile of Leaves/In the Grass

The best part about Fall or Spring portraits is capturing the elements that are great about that season. Go to a park, your backyard or anywhere that has the elements you need. In the fall, rake together a pile of leaves and let the kids jump in it. In the spring, the kids can lay in the newly green grass.

2. On a Horse

Have a favorite family pet? Include them in the picture! In this case, the pet was a horse, but you can include your cat, dog, bunny or hamster too!

1. In the Air

The internet is wonderful and has given people access to a plethora of fun portrait ideas. Pintrest and Instagram are great apps for browsing through to get ideas. Talk to your photographer about trying out some of these fun poses. It helps if you have a willing group of people to try them out too. This is one of my favorite wedding photos. And we did it in just three takes!

Same Park, Different Seasons

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:03:00 -0800

Which season is your favorite? Do you like Spring flowers and leaves that are just budding? The lush green of summer? The beautiful fall colors? When thinking about having your portraits done, think about what you'd like to wear, what you want the foliage to look like and what you want to do with the pictures.

I shoot family portraits at the same park in my town pretty frequently. It has some really nice elements, such a gazebo, and bridge and a stand of tall trees. However, the park looks completely different depending on the season. Below is a variety of photos taken in the same park at different times of the year. So again, I ask- Which season is your favorite?

Pictures taken at Green Acres Park, Burlington, NJ

Spring:

Before the Fall Colors:

After the Fall Colors:

The New Dichotomy of a Wedding Photography Session

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 11:33:00 -0800

What do you think of when you think of a wedding portrait? Most people would say a picture of a beautifully posed bride and groom set in a beautiful landscape. Well, times are changing and couples' ideas of the perfect portrait are changing. Couples want to infuse some fun and creativity into their pictures by doing silly poses or using props. Pinterest has been a big catalyst in this new creative movement, with its seemingly endless supply of fun ideas right at your fingertips.

Because of this new trend, wedding photography has become a fun dichotomy of traditional portraits, candid shots and fun, creative poses. There's something in there to suit everyone's tastes.

Unique Wedding Venues

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:25:00 -0800

Not really feeling a typical wedding hall for your reception? Why not go with a unique wedding venue? I did a wedding last year at a small airport. They had a tent set up where they could host the party, a gazebo for the ceremony and we did the formal pictures on the runway. The couple had a great time with it too and brought props for the photos. Check out the Flying W Airport in Medford, NJ.

Unique Wedding Venues

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:25:00 -0800

Unique Wedding Venues

bellemorephoto@gmail.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:25:00 -0800