Masthead header

Posted in Videos,Weddings

I am often torn between being a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer. Both professions are very rewarding and satisfying but it always seems that no matter which one I am conducting at the time, I also see the other in my minds eye. My thoughts going into the sessions with photography are to capture moments and with video is to tell a story. On many occasions while covering these events I  see the present story developing and presenting it’s self to me.  To capture what I see is easy but, to present it with feelings I find difficult.

During many events I have asked myself, how a father feels when he give his daughter away and if he still sees her as a little girl…his little girl.  And I do admit, that on a few occasions I have asked a father to two and their answer was always one word it was either yes or no. But, always after they answered they would walk away.  During Dana’s preparation I, had noticed her father writing his speech his words full or power and meaning and all from a fathers point of view. Here is Dana and Ryan’s wedding video highlight. Through his eyes and his words.

All the best Dana and Ryan LL

Posted in Videos,Weddings
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Posted in Videos,Weddings

 

The excitement of planning a wedding starts much earlier than a girl getting an engagement ring. As a young boy, I can recall the lot of us playing together. It always seemed that we boys were playing some sort of cops and robbers or some super hero stuff and the girls were playing house with tea sets and speaking of when they get married.  This was long before the girls were actually interested in any boy but, even then, at such a young age, it appears that girls knew the importance of that special union. Maybe then his criteria had to be this or that. What ever it was it had to be easy to imagine because, I can not recall any of the girls ever being unhappy in these imaginative relationships/marriages.

Many years later, I still reflect on my memories. I now know that cops and robbers are real and real super heroes are everyday people that are all around us. But a deeper reflection into the childhood games that were played seems to suggest that while we boys were just having fun the girls were actually happy. This happiness I can only guess comes from all of the wonderful qualities that she had given her imaginary spouse, like patience and kindness.

Even then I could see the excitement on their faces and hear the happiness in their voices. These pictures/images I have caught in my minds eye and I still see them today at every wedding, with every bride and very truly happy couple. There is something very magical about the radiance of someone that is really happy. It shows. It’s like they are illuminated from within. This is how I saw Stephanie for the very first time at Villa Corlota on St.John US Virgin Islands. Kind and patient, just like the quoted verse that was written on a board in her wedding and more importantly faithful and strong. Not to break bridal tradition about not seeing the groom, they texted  a quick note to meet and hold hands. While doing so they said a intimate prayer back to back with a brick wall between them. It was very peaceful and humbling. I am very sure that if you were to ask her she would tell you that she always knew it would have been David. Maybe she did not see his face or know his name but there was something about his presence, the way that he looked at her. The way that only he could make her feel…Special.  That very special something that makes David, Stephanie’s special David. No one else on earth could have ever been there but him. It was his destiny…their destiny.

All the best Stephanie and David LL

 

Wedding planned by……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………..Weddings by katilady

Wedding Location…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Trunk Bay, St.John USVI

Reception location……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Villa Carlota, St. John USVI

Posted in Videos,WeddingsTags:
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Posted in Weddings

Virgin Islands wedding photography

One of the loveliest venues on St. Thomas to have a destination wedding and for wedding photography is the Ritz Carlton. Located on the east end of St. Thomas, the Ritz Carlton has almost a 180 degree view of the ocean, well manicured lawns, award winning cuisine and the global reputation of the Ritz that is synonymous with fine quality. But,more importantly it is the location that Vanessa and Joel decided to have their destination wedding.

On the hill, over looking the Caribbean sea and witnessed by some of their closest friends and family they exchanged vows of love and eternity. With a gentle tropical ocean breeze and the music of violins playing, they gazed into each others eyes, held hands and warmly smiled at one another. All eyes were on them, watching, awaiting to hear their personal promise of love and reflecting on their own lives experiences. This is the essence of of a marriage. A beginning for one and a renewal/sharing for another. Vanessa and Joel’s marriage touched many.

I often smile when I see people getting married and exchanging vows. Being a wedding photographer, I can see the look in others eyes as they watch the wedding couple. Briefly to me but, I am sure to them, years or a life time of memories flood their thoughts. Taken back into time is what a wedding can do to someone who has experienced a wonderful love. It allows you to appreciate your love by sharing and being a witness to someone else’s love. It is for this reason I believe that many couples hold hands during weddings. I Think it’s a symbolic gesture of their love, a small token that seems so little but, means so much.

Vanessa and Joel your wedding and reception was truly beautiful. I am sure that the beauty of your love has reminded many of their love and brought to you many well wishes of eternal happiness and love. All the best. LL

Posted in WeddingsTags: ,,,
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Posted in Fun

St. John carnival carnival is one of my favorite carnivals to photograph. It’s intimate atmosphere allows for personal street portrait photography. The vivid colors and different textures add to the excitement of all of the dancing and caribbean music. Troops from St. John, St. Thomas as well as other places like Puerto Rico vie for the best costumes. Considerations are not just limited to costumes, organization, movement and presentation are all considered in the judges final decision. Normally, the contest is between the Westin resort and Caneel Bay resort.

It is normal to run into people from all over the Caribbean, US and other parts of the world. Everyone is laughing, dancing and just having a great time. The mood is always festive and fun. But more importantly, it is family friendly. Kids from all sizes partake in the fun, food and festivities. It my main reason that I like it for street portrait photography. So many subjects in such a small place. Really wish you could have been here. Enjoy the images. LL

Image of St. John carnival

Posted in FunTags: ,,,
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Posted in Videos,Weddings

God has blessed me with the patience and gift of observation. My passion of Wedding and Family portrait photography has awarded me with many many pleasures and luxuries of life. It has really been good to me. My greatest treasure besides by wonderful family are the gifts that I receive from everyone of my wedding and family portrait sessions. These gifts, Precious pearls as I call them are the reminders of whats really important in life.

Weddings can appear to be chaotic. Fifty eleven things all happening at once, this person over there and that person over here. It can seem so unorganized so over whelming. Then the music starts. Sweet cords of melody fill the air. Everything comes into harmony. What appeared unorganized now pulsates with the beat and rhythm of a colorful heart. All things now are vibrant, soft and so full of life and purpose. Nothing now matters but, the beautiful gift that is about to be witnessed. There are no longer guest, everything has magically disappeared. The bride and groom are all that I am aware of. Treasures. Real treasures fill the air. I am bombarded with beautiful happy sounds and wonderful sights. Glances that say, theres no place you would rather be. Smiles that are full of laughter and soft tender touches that are filled with warmth, passion and love.

The wedding of Olga and Robert at Villa Serenita located on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands was a page from all things beautiful. To  witness and be apart of this special union ranks upon my most memorable weddings. Two people, romantics at heart, fun, down to earth and more importantly a thrust for living, made this wedding very special. As their friends told stories of Olga and Robert friendship, admiration for one another and trips around the world just to be close to one another. Images of beautiful ballads filled my mind. Suddenly, I realized, here in front of me is a team that has dedicated their life together as one, with the promise of love, to live each and everyday together. To hold true that the very existence of happiness is to love freely and know that you are loved freely in return. In these two I am willing to bet, that they will not forget what and who’s important.

This is how I saw Robert. Content, happy and Loved. He knows the secret and I am sure that stories and songs will be made of their love.

All the best Olga and Robert. It was truly a pleasure to be apart of  a precious pearl.

LL

 

Wedding planned by……………………………………………………………………….Perfect weddings of St. Thomas

Music by………………………………………………………………………………………..Beth champion mason    “Can’t love you enough”

wedding venue/location………………………………………………………………….Villa Serenita on St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

 

 

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/131503908[/vimeo]

Posted in Videos,Weddings
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

« Older posts Newer posts »

M o r e   i n f o
M o r e   i n f o
M o r e   i n f o