Sarah Sloboda Weekday Wedding Photography

This Blog Has Moved!

2011-10-15T19:40:00.003-04:00

Thanks so much for your interest in my wedding work. I've officially moved this blog over to tumblr. Check it out here: http://bilanciaweddingphotography.tumblr.com/

Please let me know if I can answer any wedding photography question for you, at rsvp[at]sarahsloboda.com.

Despina & Greg - Testimonial

2011-05-28T18:29:00.008-04:00

"Wow! Sarah, we are so happy with the photos. You captured the spirit of our day and the city so well. You are very talented. Thank you again!" - Despina & Greg

Despina and Greg came all the way up to New York City from Melbourne, Australia. I was honored to be one of a handful of witnesses to their beautiful wedding day in the city. Here are some highlights from their ceremony on the High Line and portrait session at Madison Square Park and Central Park.

2010 Year-in-Review

2010-12-21T14:28:00.005-05:00

Now featured on the Sarah Sloboda Photography facebook page, this collection of photos represents some of the best shots of 2010 from weddings to babies, and from NYC to travel across the country (click to view !).

Alice & Andy Elope to New York from London

2010-11-27T22:13:00.012-05:00

Alice & Andy were married in NYC on rainy, September Monday, and had me along to capture it. The downpour stopped just long enough for a stroll through Central Park to the Ladies' Pavilion for the ceremony - just magical! We had Central Park all to ourselves. We also visited some other New York City landmarks to create their wedding portraits, and the folks at Glamour.com liked them so much, they featured them on the wedding blog (click to view more photos from this wedding).

Angela and Scott Wed in New Jersey

2010-11-08T16:26:00.004-05:00

Delightful Brooklynites, Angela and Scott, were wed at the bride's parents' home in New Jersey, and had me along to record the occasion. Wonderfully, glamour.com caught wind of this gorgeous event, and featured it in their Real Wedding Album section!

Here are a few of my favorites from this wedding. Be sure to visit glamour.com (Click it! It's a direct link!) for more highlights.

Holga Wedding Shot

2010-08-01T20:41:00.003-04:00

Just one sweet shot under the Brooklyn Bridge to say, "I love shooting on film."

DUMBO Wedding Teaser

2010-06-16T10:26:00.001-04:00

Just had to share a taste of these film shots from my most recent wedding in DUMBO...

Ice Cream Social - Wedding Invitations and Stationery

2010-06-10T21:59:00.005-04:00

My friends at Ice Cream Social have been up to some fabulous work - check out their blog for stunning wedding invitations, bursting with creativity from custom logo designs to hand-sewn fabric insert sleeves.

Appropriately, their slogan is "delicious design." This is seriously tasty stationery, people! Last week, I ordered some letterpress notecards through their Etsy site, and am totally enamored with their work. Here is the adorable six pack of cards I received from Ice Cream Social in a handy drawstring pouch!

Special Sampler Slideshow

2010-05-19T00:20:00.004-04:00

I wanted to show off some of the amazingly unique couples I've had the privilege of photographing, so I put together this slideshow. It features a bride who made all of the ceramics for her centerpieces, another bride who made several kinds of jam and gave each guest their own jar (with the table assignment on the lid), and yet another who found her dress in Krakow, Poland! Plus some other special features are thrown in, as well. This particular selection showcases weddings that each convey a connection with nature, do-it-yourself elegance, and a classic appreciation for the wedding tradition itself. I hope you'll enjoy!

Sarah Sloboda Wedding Photography - Images by Sarah Sloboda

Sample Leather Wedding Album

2010-04-28T12:57:00.011-04:00

I recently put together this stunning white leather album with thick, black flat pages. It's a sleek Mezzo-Reversible style by Art Leather, and it is one the most elegant albums I've had the pleasure of assembling. The edit Bill and Selena carefully selected turned out absolutely perfectly, and so a number of pages are featured here to help give a feel for the story held within in the album.

How to Prepare Your Wedding Album Order

2010-04-21T13:12:00.008-04:00

Organizing and selecting photos for your wedding album doesn't need to be a daunting task! Follow these steps before calling to place your order, for a stream-lined experience:

1. Go through your photos one more time for posterity. Just enjoy looking through them. (You'll want to get this out of your system so you'll be ready for the tough part coming up next - making decisions!)

2. Determine how you will flag your selects on your computer, and create a separate folder for them to go into and label it "selects."

3. Go through once and take all the photos that strike you in some way - whether it's emotionally or compositional-ly dynamic, a special moment grabbed, or you just plain look fabulous. If you like two similar ones, don't be-labor it, just put them both in the "selects" folder.

4. Once you have gone through the photos once, sleep on it. Congratulate yourself on having completed this much!

5. After taking a break, go back to the "selects" folder, and begin narrowing it down. Remove any files from the folder that you decide to eliminate, and try to get the total down to about 100.

6. On a piece of paper, jot down the names of people and moments you would like to include in your album. This will be your guide, as you now begin to narrow the photos down even more. (An album should have 50-80 photos, total.)

7. Go back and add any shots you may have overlooked during the initial edit, by comparing your "selects" against your list of desired shots to include.

8. If you are in the vicinity of 100 photos, and have included all of your key moments and loved ones, you are ready to call me! I can help you narrow down the "selects" using photographic expertise, and we can make sure your album tells the story you desire.

Be sure to let me know what you are envisioning for the book itself, as well! Do you want a traditional leather album, or a custom silk album from my signature vendor Hitch & Bundle? Albums can be customized in a variety of ways, so you will want to think about your color and style preferences.

When you're ready, drop me an email at sarah[at]sarahsloboda.com.

Pussy-Willow Themed Winter City Wedding Preview

2010-03-11T12:54:00.005-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at an upcoming edit!

Eric Carter - Wedding Beauty Expert

2010-03-03T21:32:00.010-05:00

Eric Carter, hair and make-up extraordinaire, shared with me some great tips for a bride to prepare for her wedding to make sure she feels calm and confident that she's absolutely amazing inside and out.

Make sure to have a hair and makeup trial at least a month in advance. You want to be able to adjust anything before the wedding day.
Get a trim 3 weeks before the wedding, you want to be fresh with no split ends.
Get your color done the week before the wedding, no one wants to see roots!
Keep your hair classic and simple. You want to look back at these pictures and see how beautiful you are, not what was that trendy hair style.
Enjoy everything! How often do you get to have your hair and makeup done?!

Eric's philosophy is simple - "You want to look like you. Just done." And my brides agree! I've referred several clients to Eric, who have loved his professionalism and nuanced touch. Eric is my go-to guy for special occasions, as well. Check out his work in action below, and on his own blog at http://beautyshoptalknyc.blogspot.com/

Joanne wanted a side-sweep that was sophisticated and reflective of her personality.

Tanya's loose locks were perfectly suited for her newlywed portrait session on the Brooklyn Bridge.

For a festive, formal NYC event, I told Eric I wanted to look as glamorous as a leading lady in a James Bond film - boy, did he pull it off!

(Photos of me by Theodore Crispino.)

The "Hin-Jew" Wedding

2010-02-02T00:36:00.017-05:00

Sabeena and Glen were wed at the beautiful Round Hill House in Washingtonville, New York. The venue housed the entire day's festivities, from getting ready, to Glen's entrance on horseback, to the garden ceremony under the chuppah, to cocktails on the veranda, to a sit-down dinner, to a special room designated for dancing. It was truly a festive, celebratory occasion, incorporating all of the traditions important to the cultures of both the bride and groom.

Wheaton, Illinois

2010-01-13T19:18:00.015-05:00

Jen and Chris are talented stage actors in New York, who charmed me from the moment I met them, and I was delighted when they asked me to fly to Jen's hometown outside of Chicago to photograph their wedding.

The wedding had a classic theatre theme - with old theatrical promo's designating the table assignments, and sleek black and white invitations. Honoring the tradition of the historic acting team (and husband and wife) Alred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, who created a retreat for actors in their Wisconsin country home, Jen and Chris paid a visit to Ten Chimneys, where they made a donation in honor of their guests the week before their wedding. Ten Chimneys also provided the collectible playing cards that were take-aways at the wedding.

The summer prior, Jen and her family had taken a trip to Poland, to explore their family heritage. While there, Jen found a perfectly unique wedding dress, which she managed to purchase and have altered while abroad!

Danada House and its grounds set the landscape for the outdoor wedding, portrait session, and reception. Jen and Chris selected a spot underneath two giant trees - standing apart from the forest, in the middle of a field - as the place they wanted to make their vows, signifying unity. Every detail of the day was imbued with meaning for Jen and Chris, and the delight they took in their celebration of each other was clear to everyone present.

Fire Island Wedding

2010-01-06T17:47:00.010-05:00

Off the southern coast of Long Island, there is a tiny place, accessible by ferry, called Fire Island. No cars are allowed on this speck of land, just bicycles, wagons, and occasional golf-carts grace the narrow streets of houses, all tucked away like huts in a grid, surrounded by sandy beaches.

Separately, Ilana and Jonathan had memories of family vacations here, and together decided it would make the perfect setting for their wedding. True to their Jewish faith, they were married in the island synagogue, followed by a festive party overlooking the water. It featured the most energetic horah I have ever witnessed -- replete with hoola-hooping children -- which culminated in wrapping the bride and groom in streamers. What a celebration!

Ici Restaurant Wedding

2009-12-14T21:31:00.012-05:00

Tricia and Justin created this darling wedding in the backyard and restaurant at Ici, in Brooklyn. They kept it small and heavy on the quality of the details, like exquisite food and drinks - Tricia even made her own dress! The two of them have since established their own culinary facility, Beer Table, located in Brooklyn, as well. I particularly love the shots of them drinking gourmet beer at their cocktail hour, foretelling of their future proprietorship.

Cold Spring Harbor Wedding

2009-12-09T01:02:00.010-05:00

Devon and Tommy had this stylish affair in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, to celebrate their wedding. The reception took place at the Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club, and I rode across the harbor for a photo opp with Devon and Tommy on a chauffeured boat! I just love their green and pink color scheme - which my album-provider, Blakely, of Hitch & Bundle - carefully duplicated in the creation of their custom silk album.

Tanya & Spike Elope from Australia to NYC

2009-12-06T02:10:00.010-05:00

Tanya and Spike came to New York all the way from Sydney, Australia, just the two of them. I was delighted and honored to be the only witness to their wedding (they even asked me to sign as their official witness!), and take part in a day of adventuring around New York to create a photo essay that really captured them. Below are some of my favorite images from throughout the day - you may also view a slideshow of their wedding day on youtube by clicking here: Tanya & Spike Elope to NYC.

Cape May, NJ

2009-11-30T14:51:00.014-05:00

Rebecca and Tom threw a gorgeous early October wedding in Cape May, New Jersey, the southernmost point along the Jersey Shore. They got permission to have their ceremony right on the beach, which was fun because there were kids splashing in the water and surfers walking by the entire time. You'd have thought it was August, that day. The infamous Hotel Alcott housed the reception, just up the street from the beach.

I'm thrilled to have met Rebecca and Tom through friends, and to have grown in friendship with them, too, since their wedding. It's truly an honor to work in a field where that's not only possible, but common for me.

It was difficult to edit these photos down! So, I opted to share 44, rather than try to narrow it further. I hope this collection tells the full story of the event's unfolding.

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, New York

2009-11-09T21:18:00.011-05:00

I'm not sure Matt and Ivy could have had a more picturesque wedding day if they tried. It was an absolutely gorgeous summer afternoon! They planned an elegant and relaxed affair on the grounds and in the atrium at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, with a painting-like cocktail hour at dusk amongst the fish ponds.

Ivy made a jar of jam for each of the guests, with personalized labels to designate their seats. Personally, I thought the hot pepper jam looked amazing!

New York City Wedding Portrait Session

2009-10-29T11:41:00.013-04:00

Jennifer and Eric eloped to City Hall, and asked me to commemorate their day with a special wedding portrait shoot around New York City. Spots we hit included the Meatpacking District, the Flatiron Building, Grand Central Station, and the W Hotel. Jennifer wore a stunning gown, and Eric opted for a white suit. You can only imagine the scene they caused stopping for a soda at hot dog cart...

Wedding Inspiration from Paris

2009-10-06T19:08:00.007-04:00

I walked by this car in Montmartre, and there was a wedding veil tossed in the back... like a sweet, Parisian getaway car from 1945. Just had to share.

(If you're curious to see more photos from my artistic trip to Paris, follow this link to the black-and-white's, and that link to the color.)

Sarah Sloboda Video Interview

2009-09-19T15:00:00.009-04:00

Recently, filmmaker Todd Ritondaro shot a video interview of me about shooting weddings, optimism, and the creative process. It gives a little insight into my own inspirations. Watch it here:

If clicking on the image doesn't work, cut and paste this link: http://www.vimeo.com/6657581

Casting - New wedding show in NYC!

2009-09-12T18:43:00.005-04:00

I have recently partnered with a wonderful casting director who is looking for fun, authentic, NYC couples looking to get married this fall. I'm excited to share with you this chance to be part of what promises to be genuine, fun-filled reality TV experience. If you're interested in having me photograph your wedding, and would like to be considered for the show, please email me with all of your contact info and photo so I can forward it along: sarah@sarahsloboda.com, no later than September 30, 2009.

Engagement Session, Long Island City, Queens.

Here is the casting call for the show:

Looking for couples who want to get married in Iconic New York City locations!! (Must live driving or train distance to NYC.)

Do you dream of getting married in the most romantic city in the world?

Can you imagine saying your “I Do’s” in Central Park? What about The Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge? Yankee Stadium? Or on the top of a double-decker NYC tour bus?

Would you like to get married but don’t have the time to plan your big day or can’t afford your dream location?

Looking for charming couples that are looking to get married this September to December who live in the Tri-State area and want to get married in New York City for a new Television Series to air on an upscale cable network.

We will provide you with a FREE WEDDING VIDEO, WEDDING OFFICIANT, & FREE TOP NOTCH WEDDING PLANNER with staff including assistant, wedding coordinator, intern, photographer, hair and make up, head of wait staff, caterer, singer, limo driver etc.

Our expert wedding planner has ongoing relationships with some of New York’s TOP vendors and venues.

Please email me with any questions about how to be considered, or visit the casting facebook page. Casting closes on September 30, 2009.

Eloping in Central Park

2009-08-30T18:29:00.006-04:00

Lots of people have been asking me about the various elopements I've photographed this summer, and so I wanted to showcase a couple of black and white's from a recent wedding in Central Park. It was a completely gorgeous, sunny day in New York - the perfect Friday afternoon for a wedding!

Amy Shey Jacobs of Chandelier on The Knot TV Live - TODAY at 12 EST

2009-08-18T16:25:00.005-04:00

Amy Shey Jacobs, proprietor of Chandelier Events, and PR for the Knot magazine, and I have worked together on numerous occasions. Her knack for creating a warm, festive environment, combined with her sweet manner and impeccable professionalism, have garnered her clients like Lisa Loeb, whose wedding she planned this past winter.

Today, Amy shares some of secrets on theknot.com - watch The Knot Live broadcast on their homepage! The broadcast will feature one of my photographs, shot at one of her events. Look for my credit!

Pictured: The above are two shots I captured for Amy's work coordinating a wedding at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

Top Ten Reasons to Elope in New York City

2009-08-14T11:02:00.019-04:00

Top Ten Reasons to Elope in New York City
A Photo Essay by Sarah Sloboda

Kitsch factor. Okay, how awesome is it that you get to see other people of all sizes, shapes, colors, styles, and ages coming to and from their own weddings? The people-watching at City Hall is superb.

Deli-like service. Take a number! Once you’ve stopped by the registration desk, you’ll be given a paper ticket, much like the ones at the deli counter. When the computer-generated overhead voice announces, “Now serving C842,” you’ll know it’s time to say, "I do."

Lobby hairstyling. While waiting for your number to be called, there is plenty of time for last-minute hairstyling. (Bring your own stylist.)

Mild shenanigans permitted. While the bureaucratic feel of the government building is fairly pervasive to the eloping experience, the benches lining the New York City Clerk’s office are a fine place to keep child guests’ shenanigans to reasonable level. Since wedding parties vary in size from the couple and one witness to My Big Fat Greek City Hall Wedding, no one will notice your squirming nieces and nephews on the bench, and should your family be laughing and enjoying themselves, there will be enough ambient hubbub with which to go unnoticed.

Say cheese. The Marriage Bureau comes replete with a theme-park-like photo backdrop. Everyone will want a turn.

Getting to watch non-New Yorkers act like tourists. What’s great about New York is that almost everything makes for an interesting backdrop. For this reason, your family and friends will be constantly pointing their camera at you – as they repeatedly see the “perfect” shot of the bride and groom in NYC.

No fuss, lots of down time. Unlike your friends with their twelve-person wedding party and long list of family traditions incorporated by in-law request into the day’s itinerary, your wedding day will be quiet, with plenty of down time. With the ceremony itself lasting approximately one minute and seven seconds, the bulk of your day at the Marriage Bureau will be spent waiting on the three lines required to have your marriage “processed.”

The big gold door. Who doesn’t want to walk out of this door for the first time as newlyweds?

TAXI! No New York eloping experience would be complete without an encounter with a rude, eccentric, psychotic, or downright evil taxi driver. Yes, it’s true, most people will recognize by your wedding attire that this is a special day for you and treat you with kindness – but NOT taxi drivers! They treat all of their customers equally as the nuisance they perceive them to be.

Umbrellas make great props. The weather is unpredictable in New York, and the skyscrapers create wind-tunnel-like conditions down on the street level, so come prepared! Luckily, umbrellas look fabulous in wedding photos.

Pasadena, California

2009-07-17T02:57:00.007-04:00

I love this couple! I flew to Pasadena for the honor of witnessing Jerilyn & Peter's wedding, and was thrilled to be part of their happy day. They were married on the 4th of July, so their celebration came replete with fireworks!

The majority of these photos (all but four) were shot on color and black and white film, using a rangefinder camera. Rangefinders are the traditional photojournalist-style cameras used by war photographers in the days of the trenches, requiring the user to work with two small viewers - a tiny window for focusing, and another for composing the shot. They have a slim, cool body-style, as allowed for by the lack of reflexive internal devices required by an SLR. In other words, it not only takes awesome photos (in the right hands), it also makes for a great fashion accessory.

Ardent fans of photojournalism, Jerilyn and Peter loved the candid, behind-the-scenes approach. Thanks to them being open to this creative method of photographing their day, the feeling of the event comes through with authenticity.

Gramercy Park Wedding - NYC

2009-07-07T17:27:00.010-04:00

Patricia and Frederick had the most beautiful wedding in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan this summer. I just had to share some of the photos I shot at their wedding. They wanted purely photojournalistic-style photography, so you won't see a single posed shot amongst their photos. It was a distinct pleasure to photograph a couple with such refined taste.

Click on any photo for a more detailed view.

Pop-Up Wedding Chapel

2009-06-30T11:29:00.010-04:00

I had the delight of photographing these two happy, creative people - Tony and Rebecca - and their wedding at the Brooklyn Pop-Up Wedding Chapel this weekend. The "Chapel" was part of a whole lot of festivities, and its website has all the details - check out www.brooklynchapel.com.

For more photos from Tony and Rebecca's wedding, please visit my online proofing site. (This is the cool, new way I am sharing my clients' wedding highlights online - check it out!!)

Seamen's Church Institute - New York City

2009-06-19T15:13:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I paid a visit to the Seamen's Church Institute, where I have had the pleasure of photographing several weddings over the years. When I arrived, I found they had created this lovely promotional piece, using photographs I had taken in the space. (They had asked me permission, and credited me on it, but this was the first time I got to see the printed piece!) I loved the way it turned out so much, that I just had to share.

Click on the photo for a larger view. Also, check out their event space for an unforgettable view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the Southstreet Seaport area of Manhattan.

Please check out Elizabeth & Steve's wedding for more photos in this space.

Elizabeth & Steve - New York City

2009-06-15T15:02:00.010-04:00

I had the honor of photographing this festive and fabulous wedding at the Seamen's Church Institute in lower Manhattan. Elizabeth and Steve incorporated their personal histories beautifully - hers in hospitality, his with the Bowne printing company. (I even made a special pre-wedding visit to Bowne, where the kind store operator made a "LOVE" print on an accounting log sheet from the 1800s, and sent it back with me to the couple as a gift.)

Since many of their guests were coming from abroad, and Elizabeth and Steve had just decided to make NYC a more permanent home, they gave the entire wedding a New York theme, with details like the Brooklyn Bridge on the cake, and Empire State Building cookies as favors. From the special printing press announcements to the Snickers lollipop desserts, this was truly a wedding to remember.

Elizabeth had these kind things to say about working with me:

"Sarah Sloboda Photography was responsive throughout the pre-wedding process. They were extremely professional and incredibly flexible. Everyone who sees our wedding photographs says that they should be in a magazine - and that is high praise coming from a group of New York City creatives! Without a doubt, we will be using Sarah Sloboda Photography for any other future events we have."

After Dark - Receptions, Part 1

2009-05-26T13:19:00.004-04:00

As a photojournalist-style photographer, I often have people asking me about how I cover the "party" part of a wedding. Today, a potential client was inquiring about an evening wedding - in other words, what happens when shooting after dark? I loved this inquiry, and decided to post a couple of series of "After Dark" reception photos. Here is my first batch:

Staten Island Botanical Gardens - New York

2009-05-15T23:42:00.007-04:00

Jenny and Nate just ordered a selection of prints to hang on the walls of their new home, and I loved the photos they chose! So, I just had to share these shots from their October wedding at the Botanical Gardens on Staten Island:

Cleveland, Ohio - Rock-n-Roll Wedding

2009-05-06T12:45:00.002-04:00

Here are a few funky shots from a September wedding I shot in Cleveland, at the House of Blues.

Photography Website Update

2009-05-01T11:14:00.003-04:00

While this isn't exactly wedding-related, I am absolutely ecstatic about my latest photography website update! Due to a submission deadline, I spent the entire day yesterday organizing fresh, new photos, along with a few longer-standing favorites, and preparing the files for this update. While I have gotten a lot of attention for my children's photography, I am particularly proud of the photos I shot of grown-ups for this web update. Those can be viewed under the "portraits" section of my site. Of course, I still think the kids are cute, too. I would love to get some feedback on the new site, so please feel free to leave your comments!

www.sarahsloboda.com

Here's a sneak preview of a series I did with actor Libby Winters (hair and make-up by the delightful Eric Carter):

Visit www.sarahsloboda.com for additional photos from this series, and more!

Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Part 2

2009-04-29T14:00:00.010-04:00

By popular demand, I am sharing some more photos from Christina and Andy's wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
To view a slideshow including 50 images from this wedding, click here.

(You may also view this wedding's feature story on One Wed's blog, Savvy Scoop!)

Click here to view the original posting.

To view a slideshow including 50 images from this wedding, click here.

Wedding Albums

2009-04-23T14:11:00.010-04:00

A lot of people have been asking me about wedding albums, and I have had the opportunity to create new options for my clients, so wanted to post some samples. I offer custom hand-made silk albums, which are one-of-kind creations by the artist/bookmaker Blakely, of Hitch & Bundle. And, I recently became affiliated with Art Leather, the renowned wedding album retailer specializing in classic, custom-crafted leather books. Below are examples of both kinds of albums, as well as a smaller Kolo album I put together for a child's birthday party (the perfect size for a parent album!).

Albums are completely customized, and pricing includes album assembly. I hand-mount the photos into the albums myself, so they are laid out with the same eye that shot them. All of my clients are entitled to a complimentary album-planning session with me (via phone, or in person, if local).

You may click on any of the photos for a larger, more detailed view.

Two examples of silk albums (Showing 8x10-sized photos):

Leather album (Showing an 8x10 and a smaller photo):

Small Kolo album - perfect for parent albums! (Showing 4x6-sized photos):

Hoboken, New Jersey - Testimonial

2009-04-19T12:39:00.005-04:00

Holly and Eric wrote a lovely review for me on Wedding Wire, and I wanted to share it:

"We loved Sarah! (we still do!) She was creative, professional and did a great job photographing our wedding. We would recommend her to anyone seeking photographic services. Sarah had a distinct point of view (which happened to match ours) yet was respectful and open to our vision for our special day. Sarah was also very fast - we were lucky enough to find her on the internet and she got back to us right away (we only had a 3-month engagement so timeliness was essential). We also had all of our digital photos so soon after the wedding... this was great fun since you feel like you miss so much that day... she helped us capture all the "missed memories". Additionally, Sarah helped us do re-prints for gifts for our family and helped us design our wedding album. Sarah is a special woman and seemed personally invested in us... what more could you ask for? HIRE HER FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY OR OCCASION!!!!" -Holly & Eric Grannan

Here are some of my favorite shots from Holly and Eric's March wedding:

Duncan Quinn - Bespoke Suit Shop

2009-04-10T00:27:00.011-04:00

Duncan Quinn, a bespoke suit shop of Old-World charm (with locations in downtown Manhattan, Beverly Hills, and Dallas) offers European-style custom tailoring and suits made-to-measure. I spent the afternoon with Duncan and Theodore in the NYC shop, and they showed me all the details necessary to befit a truly rock-n-roll-style groom. They had the Beatles blaring on the stereo, and Theodore even demonstrated on how to tie a bow tie. Visit them online for locations, look-book, and more information at www.duncanquinn.com.

Here are some shots I took at the shop:

Ode Magazine - Exchange Article

2009-04-07T12:44:00.007-04:00

Ode magazine was kind enough to feature an article I wrote on what they call the Exchange section of their website. It's a place where optimists can share their perspectives, and I have found it to be a beautiful forum for my work.

Photography and Optimism

As an optimist and a photographer, I am always looking for happy emotions. I work with my camera the way a musician masters an instrument, because when I am shooting, I want to be able to completely step into the moment, and not be distracted by fussing with technical details.

During this economy, a lot of people have asked me, "How's the optimism going?" And I say, "It's going great!" Because I am always looking for happy moments, they are easy to find. A pause in a person's thoughts often give way to a contemplative smile. Asking someone to speak about their dog or their beloved always creates a grin or even a giggle. While much of the mainstream media is obsessed with making and showing images of fear and despair, I keep myself focused on the beauty in our daily lives.

I photograph weddings because I believe that the love that draws two people close enough together to want to entwine their lives is more powerful than the stories we read in the media about crises and fear. I believe that capturing evidence of people's lives working beautifully, and showing the world these images, is how to perpetuate a better feeling of the world we live in. How much beauty surrounds you? If I showed up at your house today, what would you want to show me? What would you want to be savored about your life?

Many of my clients don't actually have to answer these questions out loud. Since I am looking for the beauty in them, and in their lives, it is easy for me to intuit the answers to these questions. My entire craft is dedicated to the bolstering of people's feelings about how wonderful their life really is. I want people to look at my work and think, "She sees it, too. She knows the beautiful secret of how wonderful my life is."

View the article on the Ode magazine website by clicking here.

Shelter Island, New York - Testimonial

2009-03-30T15:44:00.004-04:00

I had the privilege of shooting Arden and Andrew's wedding on Shelter Island, and Arden had these kind things to say:

"Sarah Sloboda came highly recommended to us (Arden & Andrew Ward) by close friends from Manhattan. From the very first email, Sarah was always quick to respond to any of our requests and I loved it that she seemed as excited about our wedding on Shelter Island as we were. She felt more like a friend than a vendor but was always extremely professional and fit seamlessly into our day. She gave us guidance when we needed direction, but followed our lead on the kind of pictures we wanted and when. One of my favorite times of the entire reception was when Sarah tapped us both on the shoulder - an indication that the sunset lighting was perfect - and the three of us escaped the madness for a set of portraits out on the dock. I would recommend Sarah to any of my friends and would call on her in the future without hesitation."

Here are some highlights from Arden and Andrew's August wedding:

Flower Girl - New York City Florist

2009-03-15T15:43:00.011-04:00

Tucked inside the Earnest Sewn clothing store, in what was once the historical Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Flower Girl houses a shop with the feel of an old general store - with modern spins on luscious flower arrangements that range from straight-from-the-garden to ultra-exotic.

I've had the best time getting to know the proprietor, Denise Porcaro, whose eye for design has made me more than once tempted to have her over to decorate my apartment. Beyond talented, she is a truly lovely, delightful person, and bubbling with love for her work. The shop itself is full of delights from fresh bunches and arrangements, to tall, old stools where one might perch to brainstorm the concept for their wedding amongst dried buds and jars of lavender.

Below are some shots of Denise and the shop on a visit my camera and I recently paid them. That day, Denise had buckets of poppies standing by in preparation for a modern-antique-themed wedding of all red flowers in aquamarine glass at the Tribeca Rooftop. I'll be photographing some of her work at a wedding soon! If you're getting married in New York, be sure to visit Flower Girl on the corner of Broome and Orchard.

New Orleans

2009-03-13T19:35:00.007-04:00

On vacation in New Orleans this past week, I had the chance to connect with some lovely vendors through a new friend named Lauren who was recently married in there - check out the next issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, on newsstands April 1st, which will feature her wedding!

Lauren introduced me to Café Amelie - a quintessential New Orleans bar and restaurant with a gorgeous, enclosed courtyard - and to Kristen Essig at Nola Bean, who is not only an amazing chef and caterer, but a coveted creator of wedding cakes. Kristen and I had a chance to connect over a drink, and her passion for her work is absolutely contagious!

Click the links above to visit their respective sites, and enjoy the photos below, featuring one of Kristen's cakes and some details at Café Amelie.

To view more photos from in and around New Orleans, shot on a 35mm rangefinder film camera, please visit Sarah Sloboda | photography on facebook.

Rock 'n Roll Bride - the Blog

2009-03-12T11:21:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine in the fashion industry recently turned me on to this funky, cool blog called Rock 'n Roll Bride. Since I pride myself on being a rock-n-roll-style wedding photographer, I found this an uncanny coincidence.

Not only is the blog in excellent taste - real life ideas, for hip, fun weddings that are truly reflective of your personality - but it's funny, easy-to-read, and full of inspiring images.

This week, Rock 'n Roll Bride featured my work from Caleb & Laura's wedding at the Metropolitan Building in Queens. Below are a few of my favorites from that wedding, and you may view even more from this wedding on my flickr site, by clicking here.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine - NYC

2009-02-23T14:50:00.008-05:00

As part of my plan to help serve others with creative ideas, I would like to share this wonderful find of a bakery called, Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Not only are they reasonably-priced, and run by two of the sweetest women in town, Peg and Deb, they are also the BEST cupcakes I have been able to find in New York City. And believe me, I LOVE cupcakes, so I have tried them all.

Over the past few years, many of my wedding clients have used cupcakes as a dessert option, instead of a traditional wedding cake. They're fun and festive, and guests seem to love them! Plus, they make for a fun spoof on the traditional "cake-cutting" photo - see Laura & Caleb's demonstration below.

These are two examples I shot of Sugar Sweet Sunshine's work - one set of mini-cupcakes, and one set of regular cupcakes. I highly recommend consulting with Peg and Deb for wedding cupcakes, or any other baked-good needs! Pay them a visit at the bakery on the Lower East Side.

Frank & Coco Elope to City Hall - New York, NY

2009-02-21T15:45:00.007-05:00

I was incredibly touched by this response to my work that Coco sent along, after receiving the photos I shot for her and Frank of their small wedding at City Hall, in New York City. There was so much tangible love in the air on their beautiful wedding day, and I was deeply honored to have been chosen to capture it for them. You'll find some photo highlights below Coco's message:

"On December 30th, my now husband Frank and I eloped at City Hall here in NYC. With no preparation whatsoever, Sarah came and spent the entire day with us. Because we eloped with only one witness present and Sarah, our photographer, I explained the importance of her role. She was to be the eyes and record-keeper for our family. I told her, "You are here to witness this day for my mother." Because our parents and friends would not be there personally, Sarah needed to capture every moment so that later, when they saw the pictures, they would feel like they were present.

Sarah captured our wedding beautifully. The joy on my face, the tenderness in Frank's eyes -- precious moments that I can treasure again and again through Sarah's photos.

I feel like she captured the essence of us. Our spirit. Our relationship. When I look at our pictures, she inspires me to hold our relationship up to that level of love, joy, and gentleness.

I will forever hold a special place in my heart for Sarah. It takes more than skill to take pictures like the ones she took at our wedding. It takes heart, spirit, profound connection, and dare I say, love.

Thank you, Sarah."

Chandelier Events - Details

2008-12-01T01:03:00.012-05:00

The amazingly talented Amy Shey Jacobs, of The Knot magazine, launched her own endeavor, Chandelier Events - a full-service wedding planning outfit with Amy's special aesthetic touch. Amy manages acute attention to detail, while using broad strokes to create a real sense of atmosphere for her clients. For all kinds of unique wedding and event planning ideas, from lounge furniture rentals to festive holiday meals, visit her blog at http://www.chandelierevents.blogspot.com/

Below are some details I photographed for Amy, of a May wedding she planned on the rooftop of the gorgeous Hudson Hotel in New York City.

Highlight Reel

2008-11-28T22:06:00.005-05:00

These are some of my favorite moments from the weddings I have shot over the past two years. As a collection, they are the highlights from a variety of weddings, in terms of the kinds of moments I try to capture and cherish.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Seefeld, Austria - Testimonial

2008-11-20T14:17:00.008-05:00

It was my great pleasure to travel to the Austrian Alps to photograph Scott and Trish's winter wedding, in the remote town of Seefeld, outside of Innsbruck.

I asked Scott to share some thoughts for the blog, and he wrote the following:

"Sarah was a complete joy to have photograph our wedding. Her professionalism made our experience in Austria a turnkey event. Her photography was stunning and she captured the essence and theme of our winter wonderland. She was even able to make me look good!"

Below are highlights from their February Alpine wedding:

For more photos from this wedding, please click on this link to the Sarah Sloboda Photography facebook page.

Malibu, California - Testimonial

2008-11-12T13:44:00.006-05:00

Tracey Bolton writes:

"My husband and I were fortunate enough to have our wedding photos taken by Sarah. All of the emotions and important moments of the day were captured beautifully.

We were impressed with her creativity and her ability to be everywhere at once without anyone noticing. While looking through our pictures, we often exclaim, "how did she get that shot?!" Overall, we couldn't be happier with the service and quality Sarah provided us."

Below are some highlights from Tracey and Nat’s July wedding in Malibu. Tracey and Nat are both graphic designers (and very talented ones, at that!), which comes through in the vibrant, beach-inspired details.

New York, New York - The Knot - Press

2008-11-11T22:00:00.010-05:00

The Knot featured this shot as a full-page closer - I took it of Jen and Mitch, in DUMBO, before their wedding. We had met up in their neighborhood with a friend who was dog-sitting so that we could take some “family” shots them, including their lovable dog, Sam.

Below are some more of my favorites from Jen & Mitch’s August wedding at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns - a Fellow Blogger

2008-11-09T00:16:00.010-05:00

Christina and Andy had the most delicate, delightful wedding in Tarrytown, New York, at the infamous Blue Hill at Stone Barns. This wedding was all about the details and the food. While we got rained in, Christina’s loving attention to detail (and willingness to wear her dress out in the rain to shoot portraits) made it an incredibly heart-felt occasion, and all-around smashing success.

Over the summer, we paid a visit to the site so I could a sense of why Christina and Andy were so enamored with the place. Christina’s own blog, A Farm Fresh Wedding, is full of unique inspiration for creating a truly heart-centered wedding. (You can also see a large selection of my photos from her wedding, as well as my photos from a location scout we did earlier in the summer.) She made all of her own ceramic centerpieces, and learned Illustrator so that she could custom-design their invitations herself. She is a brilliant woman, and I highly recommend checking out her blog for your own planning!

To view a slideshow including 50 images from this wedding, click here.

In addition, Green Wedding Shoes, a wedding blog for the green-inspired by a Los Angeles creative director, featured Christina and Andy's wedding and lots of photos.

Here are a few choice moments and amazing details from Christina and Andy’s September wedding:

Biloxi, Mississippi - Testimonial

2008-11-08T17:03:00.001-05:00

Musicians David Cook and Shayna Steele flew me to Biloxi, MS, to cover their wedding. David shared these kind thoughts with me:

"Sarah did a tremendous job catching all of the big moments of our big day, and she excelled in catching so many of the little things as well. We look back through her work and immediately feel like we're in those moments and we'll have them with us forever. She delivers all the important pictures that you expect to take with you from a wedding day; she also brings with her an eye for art and perspective. She's the best."

Here is a selection of shots from Shayna and David's October wedding. Two of the photos were included in my 5-image series, "Happiest Day in a Girl's Life," which Prix de la Photographie, Paris, awarded 2nd prize for portraits in 2007.