• Stylish imagery that stands out from the rest. I have been photographing weddings and families for 10 years and I'd like to say my style is 'REAL'; I'm after the real you, your real love and those candid moments most people don't notice...the ones that make you and your families different from everyone else. Photographing weddings, families and events in the Hudson Valley, New York and Southern Arizona.



  • Welcome to Lori O’Toole Photography!

    Tucson Arizona Wedding and Portrait Photographer

A World War II era military wedding

I haven’t done a vintage inspired wedding in awhile, but then I had two just last month!  Brianna and Joe planned a 1940′s World War II era wedding at West Point Military Academy, where Joe had graduated from a few years ago.  This retro theme carried through every part of the day, from the vintage shoes and classically designed dresses, to the reproduction WWII uniforms worn by the groomsmen, to the sound of big band and swing music that played all though the reception.  All the guests arrived dressed in 1940′s era clothing for a ceremony at the majestic Cadet’s Chapel at West Point.  Wingtip shoes, gloves and hats were the norm.  Brianna and Joe then exited the Cadet Chapel to the traditional Arch of Sabers before riding off in a reproduction Packard.

Having photographed many weddings at West Point before, I thought I knew alot about the history and grounds.  Joe proved me wrong – we went to places on the grounds I had never been before (Flirtation Walk and the Helipad at North Dock) and gave me more background on the history and traditions of West Point than I will ever be able to remember.  I had a great day as in addition to this beautiful wedding and fun couple, I had the pleasure of working again with filmaker Jen Cassaro!  After a drive around the grounds of West Point, we all headed to Herbert Hall for a reception full of swing dancing all night long.  Even the band came in 1940′s era costumes.  Official draft letters from the War Department were handed out assigning guests their table and MRE’s were given out as wedding favors.  Not a touch was missed.

Dress by Enzonal Blue Collection, Video by Jen Cassaro; Ceremony at West Point’s Cadet Chapel;  Photos at West Point;  Flowers by Main Street Florist; Music by Eric Nicolas & One Love; Reception at Herbert Hall at West Point Military Academy

A Tucson Wedding at Tanque Verde Ranch

Rachel and Francisco met 10 years ago at St Pius Church in Tucson, so getting married at St Pius was the biggest must on their wedding wish list!  Rachel and Francisco exited the church after a beautiful full mass to ringing bells and streamers thrown by their waiting guests and then we all headed to Tanque Verde Ranch.  Weddings at Tanque Verde Ranch are a delight.  The beautiful Western ruggedness of the ranch contrasting with the elegant simplicity of the Sonoran Ballroom.  The highlight of the outdoor cocktail hour on the patio was an enormous paella – one of the 1st things Rachel and Francisco had mentioned to me when they talked about wedding plans.  Don’t miss the paella!

Ceremony at St Pius Church, Tucson, Arizona;  Music by Starlight DJ’s;  Flowers by Georgeanne at Villa Feliz;  Wedding Reception at Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

Tucson wedding

Tanque Verde Ranch

A Locust Grove Wedding on a Warm October Day….

Carly and Chris were a diy couple with a eco-friendly theme, a black lab named Oscar, and pumpkin pie instead of cake.  I’m not completely sure, but I think I was hired because I like diy, and I love dogs:).  Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie is a favorite wedding location of mine and a perfect October day (meaning warm and not raining) with an outdoor wedding ceremony did nothing to change that!  Carly and Chris are crazy in love with each other and I think that really shows in the photos I took as we walked around the grounds in the hour before the wedding ceremony.  Oscar joined us for a few minutes after the ceremony for a quick photo op,  and then everyone (minus Oscar) headed inside to a fall themed wedding complete with carmel apples and pumpkin pie.

Ceremony and Reception at Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie, NY;  Dress by Vera Wang;  Music by DJ Bri Swatek

Lori O'Toole, Tucson wedding

Tucson wedding

Tucson wedding

Tucson wedding

Lori OToole

Harley Davidson and a Retro Pin-up Wedding

 

Tucson wedding photographer

Jim is in the Navy and Alanna is a dance instructor and works at a Harley dealership.  There was no way this could be a traditional wedding and I was excited as soon as I heard about some of the details.  Alanna’s style incorporated a retro pin-up look, birds, a french netted veil and the color turquoise.  A beautiful combo!  I don’t usually add a vintage look to my photos, but here it just seems to fit perfectly.  A beautiful sunny day at the Chateau Hathorn in Warwick, NY after what seemed like days of endless September rains.  It was another day with old friends as I had photographed Alanna’s sister, Alycia’s , wedding a few years ago – I love it when I get to see people again!

Flowers by Corwins Florist; Dress by David’s Bridal; Shoes by RSVP; Ceremony and Reception at Chateau Hathorn

Tucson wedding photographer

Chateau Hathorn

Tucson wedding photographer

Chateau Hathorn, Warwick

 

Tucson wedding photographer

motorcycle wedding photo

A Patriot Hills Wedding Day with Jen & Nish

Tucson wedding photographer

Jen and Nish chose to see each other and do all their wedding photos before their ceremony at Patriot Hills Golf Club.   And yet their handwritten vows in a ceremony performed by a close friend brought both Jen and Nish to tears and laughter not once, but several times.  I was smiling and laughing plenty too, working once again with a great friend and even better videographer, Jen Cassaro.

wedding dress

wedding ceremony

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