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Favorite Moments of 2011

January 20, 2012

I know it seems kinda late to share the highlights of our 2011 wedding season, but this has been such a hard project to put together. Part of the reason is that 2012 totally grabbed us by the hand and took us running full force! We ended 2011 on New Year’s Eve and started 2012 with a wedding the very next weekend! We launched our wedding photography giveaway on January 1st. We went to New Orleans for the ImagingUSA convention. We’re also in the process of opening our studio and launching our new website, in addition to streamlining our workflow so we can be more efficient in our business. We have barely blinked, and we find ourselves in late January! How did that happen?!

Another reason why it has taken so long to share this post is that it’s a challenge to summarize what an amazing year we had in a video with less than 6 minutes. Choosing our favorite images out of the thousands that we captured is almost an impossible task. I can’t even begin to count the moments that have captured our hearts – your beauty, your laughter, your tears – your hilarious moments of rocking it out on the dance floor (because who cares if the world is watching as long as you are having a great time!). We look at everything that has happened, all the precious moments that we have witnessed and shared with such amazing people, and it’s overwhelming. So many people tell us they love our photos, but over and over I say that the beautiful part of the images is not what we captured. It’s what all of you have given – how you’ve let us in to see who you truly are – that makes these images both meaningful and beautiful!

Okay, so admittedly we also got to shoot against some breathtaking scenery! We had the opportunity to shoot 3 weddings in California, thanks to some wonderful people (you know who you are)! We traveled to a quaint town in the mountains of Colorado to shoot a wedding at 10,000 feet! We raced a hurricane to shoot a lovely wedding on the coast of Maine and shot some of the most beautiful wedding photos ever in a place I never imagined – a cemetery! Seriously, beautiful images can happen ANYWHERE with good light and a couple in love! They can also happen with incredible sunsets on the cliffs of Negril, which is where Lisa & Omar hosted their closest friends and family for a destination wedding at Moon Dance Cliffs! Their stunning wedding is featured in the January/February 2012 issue of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine (on shelves now!). And of course, we bounced around the entire state of Florida to capture weddings from Jax to the Panhandle, to south Florida and the west coast. Though we love to travel, it’s just as exciting to shoot weddings right here in our home state!

So after more than a month of reviewing photos from the past year and 9 revisions of the final video, we are so thrilled to finally present to you our Favorite Moments of 2011. I knew it was ready to present when the tears started to fall. Thank you to all of our wonderful couples for the year of memories!

Posted in Travel, Video Slideshows, Weddings | 1 Comment »

Rachael & David | Wedding at Out of the Blue Restaurant | Florida Wedding Photographers

January 12, 2012

Rachael and David had a very specific idea in mind for their wedding day: intimate, relaxed, fun – and with great music! By choosing to have their wedding at Out of the Blue restaurant in Jupiter, FL they created the perfect atmosphere for a great celebration! The location overlooks a waterway with provided the perfect backdrop for their sunset ceremony.

Rachael and David’s ceremony included several traditional Jewish elements, including the Seven Prayers, the sharing of wine, and the breaking of the glass. As their closest friends and family looked on, and with a full-moon overhead, Rachael and David shared their vows and promised themselves to each other. Their ceremony was so touching, with lots of smiles.

After whisking them away for a few couple shots in the fading light, it was time to get to the fun part of the wedding! Their reception featured a cocktail hour complete with hand-rolled cigars and live music from a seven-piece band! The tables were lit by candlelight with beautiful orchid centerpieces.

The rest of the evening was filled with hanging out and lots of dancing. Though some guests enjoyed the gorgeous weather and great conversation out by the marina, the dance floor remained packed the entire evening! Except for a small break to cut the elegant wedding cake featuring strawberries covered in chocolate and decorated like little brides and grooms, the reception was a non-stop party right up until it was time to leave.

Rachael & David’s wedding was such an incredible time, and a great way to kick off our 2012 wedding season! It was beautiful and such a fun event to be part of! : )

Venue: Out of the Blue Restaurant
Hair/Makeup: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
Floral Design: Julie Campbell and Carina Woods
Cigar Roller: Pablo Romay
Band: The Brass Evolution

Posted in Travel, Weddings | 28 Comments »

Sneak Peek: Rachael & David | Wedding at Out of the Blue Restaurant | Florida Wedding Photographers

January 9, 2012

We opened the 2012 wedding season with the beautiful wedding of Rachael & David at the Out of the Blue Restaurant & Marina in Jupiter, FL! All I can say is that this wedding ROCKED! We loved the venue, the band was beyond awesome, and of course Rachael & David are just two incredibly sweet and amazing people! They have really set the standard high for this year’s weddings! We can’t wait to share more of their details with you (like the beautiful chuppah made by the groom and a very fun cake design). Here’s a little something in the meantime! : )

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Gigi & Steve | Wedding at Sawgrass Beach Club | Jacksonville Wedding Photographers

January 5, 2012

Written by Matt Tundermann

When Gwen first told me that we were going to ring in the new year with Gigi & Steve’s wedding, I remember thinking that it was going to be a great way to close out 2011 and start 2012 with style. And then I met Gigi and Steve and I just knew that not only would it be a fun, amazing wedding, but it was going to be one heck of a party! And they did not disappoint.

Gigi’s vision for her wedding was to gather her closest friends and family for a classic Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of the Star, followed by a reception at the Sawgrass Beach Club, complete with a balloon drop, New Year’s favors, and champagne.

The reception featured personalized seating cards, each with a photo of the guest, New Years hats and noisemakers, signature drinks, cigars, and boxes of Godiva chocolates. The décor and favors set the tone for flat-out New Years party, with non-stop dancing well past midnight.

The evening finally came to a close with a grand exit, where Gigi and Steve ran through a tunnel of sparklers.

Gigi and Steve, we are so honored that you picked us to capture your amazing wedding! Best wishes to you and Eli as you start your new lives as a family!!

Ceremony: Our Lady Star of the Sea
Reception: Sawgrass Beach Club
Bridal Makeup: Jill Stonier (team member of Makeup by Paulina Perez)
Hair: Ten Salon
Transportation: Carter Limousine Service
DJ: Charlie Roberts
Photobooth: Red Eye Photo Booths

Right after Gigi and Steve shared their official first kiss as husband and wife and turned toward their guests. Gigi’s face was a mask of complete joy and excitement. She couldn’t help but bounce up and down, reveling in the fact that she had found her soulmate!

Our-Lady-Star-of-the-Sea-Wedding-Photos-Ponte-Vedra-21.jpg

The adorable pooch below is Lucky. She was the center of attention during the cocktail hour, saying hello to everyone and running around with the flower girl’s shoe in her mouth. Isn’t she precious?!

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Sneak Peek: Gigi & Steve | Wedding at Sawgrass Beach Club | Jacksonville Wedding Photographers

January 2, 2012

2011 was an AMAZING year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to end it than capturing Gigi & Steve’s gorgeous wedding at Our Lady Star of the Sea and the Sawgrass Beach Club. It was an evening to remember, and certainly one of the highlights of our year! We just can’t say enough about how much we adore this couple!

Since their wedding began on December 31st and carried over into January 1st, I thought I should post two pics for the sneak peek. Can’t wait to share the full blog post soon, because it was everything that a New Year’s Eve wedding should be – glamorous, festive, and full of joy and new beginnings! Cheers to Gigi & Steve and to the new year!

Posted in Weddings | 1 Comment »

Suzanne & Scott | Wedding at the Hilliard Mansion | North Florida Wedding Photographers

December 13, 2011

We have the perfect wedding to get you in a holiday mood! We are completely loving Suzanne & Scott’s gorgeous winter wedding at The Hilliard Mansion! This wedding is packed with sweet southern charm (complete with mason jars, burlap, lace, and a barn reception). Mix that with purple and green wintery elements (including a hot chocolate bar!! Love!!) and you have one of the cutest weddings imaginable! And really, who cannot fall in love with a wedding where the couple brought a tree stump to sit the programs on? Pure awesomeness!

From the moment we heard Suzanne & Scott’s love story, we became huge fans of theirs! Like we were literally cheering them on! And it’s clear that their family and friends are all cheering them on, too! From all the tears and smiles on their wedding day, it’s clear that they are very much loved by everyone and family and friends are of the highest importance to them. And while all the cute decorations and pretty lights make this wedding visually inspiring, it’s the couple that truly makes this wedding beautiful!

We had such a great time shooting this wedding and getting to know such a wonderful couple! We hope that you’ll always remember all the little moments that made this day perfect! Congratulations Suzanne & Scott!

Venue: The Hilliard Mansion
Wedding Coordinator: Renee Fields
Hair Stylists: Terry and Margaret
Makeup Artist: Natalie from Knockout Artistry
DJ: DJ Entertainment
Cake Designer: Rhonda Nelson and Taylor Danson
Florist: Parker Events
Catering: Willards BBQ

We hope you enjoy this slideshow with additional photos from Suzanne & Scott’s wedding at The Hilliard Mansion:

Posted in Video Slideshows, Weddings | No Comments »

Leigh Anne & Patrick | St. Augustine Destination Wedding at the White Room | St. Augustine Wedding Photographers

December 6, 2011

We’ve been looking forward to Leigh Anne and Patrick’s wedding for so long, and we think you’ll agree that this special day was worth the wait! They are the absolute sweetest people you will ever meet and so head over heels in love with each other!

The best way to tell their story is to actually borrow from Patrick’s sister, Natalie, who introduced them. As she told everyone during her toast, growing up with brothers, she always wondered what kind of women would become her sister-in-laws. And now she can’t be any more thrilled than to have her best friend, Leigh Anne, officially become a part of her family (to which Patrick said “Thanks for that!”).

Leigh Anne and her bridesmaids got ready at the gorgeous Westcott House. Leigh Anne’s purple heels were incredibly stylish, her jewelry elegant and tasteful, and her dress so incredibly beautiful. But our favorite detail was her grandmother’s garter! While she and her ladies were getting ready, Patrick and the guys were a few miles away. Patrick wanted a classic “James Bond” look and had a very elegant tuxedo with a bowtie and purple socks that matched Leigh Anne’s shoes.

They decided to do a first look at the Lightner Museum. As Patrick waited on a gorgeous stone bridge overlooking the koi pond, Leigh Anne slowly walked up behind him, finally tapping his shoulder for him to turn around. They both had a complete look of joy and happiness as they looked each other up and down. It was a perfect moment!

Traveling from North Carolina for their nuptials, they chose a wedding location that highlighted all the charm of The Oldest City. They held their wedding at the White Room on the rooftop overlooking the marina and the Bridge of Lions. The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, with many tears and smiles. As Leigh Anne and Patrick’s ceremony ended, a gorgeous rainbow appeared in the sky. Leigh Anne’s grandmother had passed away this year, so everyone said that the rainbow was a sign that her grandmother was smiling down upon Leigh Anne and her wedding. (Feel free to pause to get tissues!)

The reception was the perfect mixture of relaxation and party. When the night finally came to a close, Leigh Anne and Patrick boarded a carriage to take them for a ride around downtown St. Augustine and the thousands of white lights that were on display for the holidays. Luckily for us, they made a quick stop back at the Lightner Museum to do a few more evening photos with all of the twinkling lights (and some sparklers!).

Now that they’re back from their honeymoon, we’re so excited to share some of their wedding photos! I hope you’ll forgive us for posting a few more than usual, but we are big LA & Pat fans and it was such a gorgeous wedding! Leigh Anne and Patrick, you are a special couple and we wish you many long years of joy and happiness!

Venue: The White Room
First Look: The Lightner Museum
Ceremony Musicians: Wehner Weddings
Makeup and Bridesmaid Hair: A Glamour Bride
Bridal Hair: Scott from Bellezza Salon and Boutique
Floral Designer: 57 Treasury
Cake Designer: Sweet Weddings
Videographer: Keeka Productions
DJ: Charlie Roberts
Transportation: Country Carriages

Special thanks to Wanda from the City of St. Augustine Special Events Department and Carla of The Wedding Authority for all of your help with Leigh Anne & Patrick’s wedding photos at the Lightner Museum! We also thank Country Carriages for being so accommodating as we took some photos of the newlyweds at the end of the evening!

Posted in Destination Wedding, Weddings | 5 Comments »

Sneak Peek: Suzanne & Scott | Wedding at the Hilliard Mansion | North Florida Wedding Photographers

December 5, 2011

Suzanne & Scott’s wedding at the Hilliard Mansion last night was A-MA-ZING! They had a cozy and intimate winter theme and everything was beautiful! But even though it had an intimate feel, don’t think it was quiet by any means! It was a full on PARTY!

The newlyweds are currently on their honeymoon, so all we have for you right now is a sneak peek. But we’ll have tons more of their Hilliard Mansion wedding photos on the blog next week!! Seriously loving everything about this wedding!! : )

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Claire & Oliver | Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Wedding Photos | CA Wedding Photography

December 1, 2011

We love to share the story of our couples and about the special moments of their wedding day, but sometimes the photos just say it all. I look, and I remember the excitement and anticipation as Claire was getting into her dress and heading to the church. The tears in Oliver’s eyes as Claire walked down the aisle. Their smiles. Their laughter. The warmth and love felt in the room as everyone came together to celebrate the marriage of two amazing people. Sure, I can tell you what it was like to be there and how special that day was, but I really think the photos say more than words can.

The day began in Chino Hills with the wedding at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. It was a little chilly and windy, but once we headed out to the coast Claire & Oliver were blessed with sunny skies and the most incredible sunset! The reception took place at the stunning Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, and again I think my words get lost when I try to tell you how beautiful it was (especially the sunset). The sky went from blue when we arrived, then looked hazy and dull before revealing hints of purple and yellow and finally exploding with vibrant hues of blue, purple, pink, orange, and yellow! Not only was it gorgeous, it also matched their wedding colors! : )

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour outside as the sun set before entering the reception room illuminated by blue and purple lights. They partied the night away on the dance floor, taking breaks to jump into the photobooth and watching a slideshow of Claire & Oliver through the years. And, of course there was a money dance! It must have gone on for an hour! Eventually everyone just jumped in!

We welcome Claire & Oliver back from their honeymoon and hope that everyone enjoys these highlights from their beautiful wedding day, including the slideshow at the end. Thank you both for letting us share this day with you and for inspiring the world with your love for each other! <3

Ceremony: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church” – Chino Hills
Reception: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
Wedding Coordinator: ME Events & Design
Hair & Makeup: Denise Castro
Floral Designer: My Splendid Sentiments
Cake Designer: Rossmoor Pastries
DJ: Ultimate Entertainment
Videographer: Striking Motions
Photobooth: Sparkle Photobooth

Posted in Travel, Weddings | 38 Comments »

Wedding Wednesday | On The Road With GTP | Jacksonville Wedding Photographers

November 30, 2011

Wedding Wednesday is a weekly feature discussing all things wedding-related! To suggest a topic or question, contact Gwen at info@gwendolyntundermann.com.

We recently went on the road to shoot Claire & Oliver’s wedding in California (which we will be sharing on the blog TOMORROW!!! Yay!), so we thought we would document some of the trip so we could share it on Wedding Wednesday. We had direct flights both ways, which we definitely prefer when traveling for weddings. I’m always willing to drive down to my hometown of Orlando if it means we can get a direct flight! We also flew for the first time ever on Virgin America, and we love it! Virgin and JetBlue are definitely our favorite airlines! Great customer service and comfortable flights!

While in California, we also visited with our album vendor to pick up an album for one of our other CA couples, Linelle & Jonathan. We also saw some of the new materials they were testing out and found out that they used one of our albums as a sample! Pretty cool!

On Sunday we met up with 3 of our couples (including the bride we picked up the album for). It’s always great seeing everyone when we come out there! Sadly, I didn’t think to get any pictures with them! We were going to do a photo shoot, but it was cold and rainy. At least it was beautiful for the wedding!

In the second video, Matt reviews our LowePro 200x Roller and our LowePro Flipside backpack. We absolutely love them both! The roller carries 4 camera bodies, 4 speedlights, our 2 large zoom lenses, about 5-6 prime lenses, and a bunch of accessories. We used the backpack to carry all of our chargers and batteries. In the event that we were on a small plane that couldn’t accomodate our roller bag, we could put our two main cameras bodies, two zoom lenses, and a couple primes into the backpack. We’ve actually traveled to a wedding on a plane that had about 10 seats, so the backpack is for the worst case scenario because it will absolutely fit on any plane. It’s not likely to happen on a cross country trip, but always better to be prepared! I’m all about logistics and constantly thinking of “what if…”

I also brought my ShootSac (given to me by my wonderful friend Rupa) which packs pretty flat and Matt used the backpack as his camera bag on the wedding day in lieu of his regular bag (which is a bit bulky). We also bring the roller bag with us to the wedding to carry extra lenses, batteries, chargers, etc. We pack our tripod and lightstands into our checked bag along with our clothes. Well, Matt’s clothes. I’m proud to say that all of my clothes (except for my suit) fit into a small carry on bag! We also bring a bag to carry the lightstands in and pack it in the checked bag (it takes up very little space). If you have any questions about our roller bag or backpack, please feel free to email us at info@gwendolyntundermann.com.

Apologies for the shaky camera work. I used my iPhone to capture everything, but I hope you enjoy it! : )

LowePro 200x Roller from Gwen Tundermann on Vimeo.

Posted in Travel, Wedding Wednesday Topics, Weddings | 2 Comments »