Free Places To Take Wedding Photos

This article is taken from a staff writer at mycentraljersey.com

Photographing your big day is all about location, location, location.
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But don't worry: You don't have to shell out big bucks to strike a pose. Central Jersey boasts plenty of breathtaking locations that are free and open to the public. However, photographers recommend that couples consult with public officials to find out whether they must secure a permit or make a small donation to the site.

With a permit, officials will "allot you a time frame," Alex Ruchaevsky of Abacus Wedding Studios in South Plainfield says. "They'll let you know what's going on that day. It creates efficiency in the day." Ruchaevsky says most permits run between $10 and $25.

Be forewarned: Shooting photos in public places can be time-consuming.

"Allow extra time for traffic or (for) the guy on the bike to pass," says Roberta Tubertini, who runs A Moment in Time Photography & Album Design in Flemington and Wildwood Crest with her husband, Jim. "It might frankly take a little longer in a busy public place. It's an adventure."

Photographers suggest a variety of area parks for free photos. Ruchaevsky is partial to Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick because, as he tells it, they "put a lot of resources into changing the flowers there." He also admires the variety of trees in Westfield's Mindowaskin Park, the botanical garden at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle and the fountain, gazebo and bridges spread throughout South Plainfield's Spring Lake Park.

"Go online and research it," Ruchaevsky advises. "Look at the foliage and the flowers. Certain places might have color schemes that don't fit the color scheme of the bride."

Also, consider the time of year. Tubertini tells of a bride who chose to be photographed at the Rudolph W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Franklin's Colonial Park — in August.

"The roses weren't looking happy," she says. " . . . Half the flowers weren't in bloom."

Ruchaevsky suggests researching area historical landmarks such as the Edison Tower, as landmark grounds tend to be neatly manicured. He also recommends roaming Metuchen's downtown and hanging out at Edison's Menlo Park Diner for your wedding photo shoot.

Yes, that's right: a diner.

"Why go to a gazebo in a park when you can find interesting locations?" says Erik Kent, co-publisher of NJWedding.com. Kent says he surveyed wedding photographers, many of whom recommend choosing quirky locations.

"Consider an alley way, an old train station," says Kent, who likes the New Brunswick Train Station stairway and the gates at Old Queens, on the corner of Somerset Street and College Avenue in New Brunswick. " . . . The general gist of this is personalization. This falls into that. You don't necessarily have to have your mother's wedding photos with the dress puffed up."

Why not snap photos as you play an arcade game on the Boardwalk, Kent says, or participate in your favorite pastime. Play miniature golf; come fall, pick pumpkins.

While you're at it, feed your hungry heart.

"There's the old thing, you never eat at your wedding," Kent says, so stop for a quick bite at your favorite restaurant. He suggests visiting a haunt with "classic architecture," such as the White Rose System in Highland Park.

"Why not stop for a Fat Cat at the grease trucks" if you're a Rutgers alum, he says. "You can get a Slurpee at 7-Eleven, bring (in) something from your childhood. Something very personal and individual."

The point is, the photo shoot "doesn't necessarily have to be in an orchard," says Laura Pedrick of the Lambertville-area Laura Pedrick Photography. "They might want a hip look and have an urban background, a contrast (versus) the glamour of their gown . . . I've been on shoots where planners suggest gazebos, and the brides are mortified. They'll be shot in a diner or on the street . . . They're more adventurous and whimsical and have a sense of humor and get rid of that rigidity."

But if you do long for that pretty background, Pedrick suggests trying the streets of Lambertville, as well as the bike path. Tubertini suggests the bridge in Clinton with the iconic Red Mill looming in the background, as well as the rustic buildings of Titusville's Washington Crossing State Park or the Cooper Grist Mill in Chester. Tubertini also mentions the bridge in Stockton, which she says has the "same river view (and) beautiful background" as the Lambertville bridge, minus the crowds.

When in doubt, there's always home, sweet home.

"It's a tradition that's fallen by the way side," Ruchaevsky says. "A lot of people have nice foliage around their homes. I always recommend using what you have around you first."

Laurie Granieri: 732-565-7333; lgranieri@MyCentralJersey.com

Here is a Promotional Video we completed for Vanessa Joy that highlights some free places to take pictures in NYC

The Art of Marriage

I ran across the following while browsing the internet today. Having been married myself for 16 months TODAY, I thought this was wonderful! For those of you who are getting married soon, this advice is invaluable.

"The Art Of Marriage"
by Wilferd A. Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

A Look Back at 2008 (Movie Trailers)

Creative Video Editing films had a wonderful 2008. We invested heavily in updating our website, purchasing all new High Definition equipment and added lots of new computers. We also hired a highly talented and award winning editor to assist us in editing our films in a timely manor. Furthering our business plan, we expanded to include promotional videos for wedding vendors and started offering a FREE Movie Trailer online within one week of the wedding! Our legal and corporate work has also expanded in 2008.

We are looking forward to a promising 2009 even with the sour economy. We are filling up our wedding calendar quickly and even booking some weddings into 2011! Thank you to all our past and future clients for continuing to recommend us to future clients too! We're excited to begin our 2009 wedding season soon!

With the addidtion of our FREE movie trailer in 2008, our clients have sent us rave reviews! Here's to our 2008 clients, a look at some of the past years weddings!

Mary-Ellen and Rob's Wedding Movie Trailer By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Kaitlyn & Ryan's Wedding Movie Trailer By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Allison & Michael's Wedding Reception Dancing By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Allison & Michael's Movie Trailer (Wedding) By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Brienne & Ross's Wedding Movie Trailer By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Jessica & Ryan's Movie Trailer By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Allison & Michael's Reception Dancing #2 By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Danielle and Peter's Highlights By Michael DiChiaro
View in HD  Download Version  Visit Michael DiChiaro's ExposureRoom Videos Page