Lori O'Toole Tucson Arizona Wedding Photographer » dress

A World War II era military wedding

Lori — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:27:23 +0000

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 Hudson Valley destination wedding – Take me to the Catskills!

Lori — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:16:03 +0000

Lauren and Brandon are field hockey and basketball coaches. They love to hike, bike and just about anything to do with the outdoors. When I first met them, they described their search for a wedding location where all their friends and families could come together for the weekend and have plenty of outdoor activities in addition to the actual wedding. An internet search turned up the Frost Valley YMCA in Sullivan County. Who could have imagined a camp that includes both a castle and a picturesque chapel on the grounds? But there it was, and it was gorgeous. Their guests could stay for the entire weekend and hike, swim, go horseback riding, you name it. Lauren handcrafted all of the rustic and whimsical decor for the ceremony and reception hall. This was truly a diy wedding that had every little detail nailed. They really didn’t miss a thing!

Dress by Watters n Watters; Shoes by RSVP; Flowers by Green Cottage; Ceremony by Lauren’s uncle at Ketchum Chapel at Frost Valley; Music by Next Generation; Reception at Thomas Hall at Frost Valley

Chondra & Claudio’s “Once Upon A Time’ Rock n Roll Wedding

Lori — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:24:46 +0000

Chondra and Claudio Sanchez had a whimsical ‘Once Upon A Time’ theme that mixed in perfectly with pieces of their rock n roll lifestyle. Chondra’s feather bouquet was absolutely stunning and perfectly complimented the delicate lace in her Monique Lhuiller gown.The Kidrobot dunny’s as favors and in a giant size for the guests to sign just blew me away! Claudio and Chondra years together on the road with Coheed and Cambria have made them a perfect compliment to each other. Funny and sweet, the ceremony brought both laughter and tears to their crowd of family and friends. Perfection.

Dress by Monique Lhuiller

Flowers by Painted Petals, Middletown, NY

Ceremony and Reception at The Gardens at Catlin Creek

Music by DB Orchestra

Pianist Louis Landon of Common Ground

Favors by KidRobot

Purple, Orange, Lime Green, Yellow, and Color Color Color

Lori — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:21:02 +0000

Kristina gets the award for my sexiest wedding dress of the year! An amazing Anne Barge dress with jeweled straps crisscrossing the back. Kristina looked stunning. A short and sweet ceremony at Marist College Chapel then on to photos on the college campus, where Mike and Kristina had graduated from a few years back. Each bridesmaid had a different bouquet in bright eye popping colors that perfectly complimented their grape colored dresses. And each groomsman had a boutonniere that complimented his partners bouquet. Pompadour balls of flowers hung from tree branches in the tent at The Grandview along with jewels and purple hearts place cards.

Dress by Anne Barge

Flowers by Events by Ranita

Ceremony at Marist College Chapel

Reception at The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY

Music by Blazing Beats

All that color!

photos by Lori O’Toole

Janine and Joe

Lori — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:56:43 +0000

Janine's gorgeous dress!

Sometimes you see a wedding dress that looks so amazing on a bride, they really had found the dress that is ‘THE ONE’ for them. As soon as I saw Janine’s dress, I realized that she was the bride that this dress was designed for. A stunning and very different dress that looked gorgeous on her. A day that had predicted rain all day but ended up with big blue skies and a very happy couple.

Ceremony at St Mary’s, Fishkill
Dress Designer is Maggie Sottero
Reception at The Villa Borghese
Music by Jimmy Dee
Flowers by Liz at Heavenly Florist