If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this business, it’s that there’s nothing like a true expert. They save precious time and add refinement to everything they touch. Plus, you can always count on them. That’s why I’ve decided to share as many tips as possible from my favorite pros in the field. Ranging from the best in photography, planning, design and more, the talents below will give you a running start and enviable polish in whatever you’re setting out to do. I’ve worked with everyone on this list, so I can attest to these professionals’ talent and superior work. In fact, most have been in the business for more than five years – experience that’s priceless.
4EYES PHOTOGRAPHY
Kellie Walsh has been a professional photographer all her working life and was one of the premier fashion photographers in her native New England before moving to New York City in 1999. Kellie has a passion for the storytelling aspect of photography. Throughout her career she has always shot both weddings and fashion/commercial assignments which gives her work a unique dimension. She continues to shoot for a wide and diverse range of celebrities, designers, corporations and publications – as well as fabulous client weddings throughout the world!
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned with photographers, it’s that there really is a difference in styles. I’m not just talking about the way their photographs look. If you’re the type of person who is intimidated by the camera and needs direction to help you look your best, Kellie’s friendly, down-to-earth persona will have you feeling like you’ve been doing this for years and looking as beautiful as ever! Her unique ability to capture light and her eye for composition and angles makes her photographs something you will be in love with for years to come. Her talent makes her photographs truly stunning.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on 4EYES Photography in CeciStyle, or visit 4eyesphotography.com for more info.
BRIAN DORSEY STUDIOS
One of the leading photographers in the lifestyle wedding movement, Brian is a master at capturing the beauty and joy of life. His methods combine photojournalistic unobtrusiveness with a playful sense of leadership. The result is an eclectic blend of lifestyle images that are remarkably stunning as well as natural. Like his images, his subjects appear vibrant, full of personality, joy and fun. His clients love his passion, energy and fun visionary style, while his professionalism and technical capabilities have made him the darling of luxury event planners worldwide.
“Equal parts talent and personality, Brian Dorsey brings to the table that perfect combination of skills you need to actually enjoy getting your picture taken. His knowledge of the camera has no limits. He is the master at capturing those fleeting moments on the fly – no matter the location. City streets or indoors, Brian knows how to take a beautiful picture. Quick on his feet and his detailed eye always “on”, you can rest assured that you’re not only going to love the way your pictures come out but you will have fun while it’s happening.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Brian Dorsey Studios in CeciStyle, or visit briandorseystudios.com for more info.
BRIANA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Briana’s work reflects the sensitive manner in which she approaches life, her subjects, and the joy she finds in photography. She aims to capture the spontaneous, fleeting images that give life to our days. She revels in the compliments she hears from clients: that she was relatively unseen yet somehow artfully captured intimate details and illuminated the essence of an extraordinary day. Whether she is chronicling a joyous wedding day or the tribulations of human struggle, she is both tender and authentic. Her uncompromising search for amazing light and beauty has led her to exquisite locations around the world. Briana’s studio is nestled below the hills in Napa Valley, California, and she relishes the opportunity to travel across the globe.
“Briana and I go all the way back to college days. Ever since we were roommates, I have admired her sense of compassion towards people and the arts. She was always photographing whatever beauty caught her eye – be it landscapes, still lifes, or people – and had a fine appreciation for unique detail. To now see her channeling that love towards the world of weddings is fantastic! Lucky for us, she is available to document life’s special moments anywhere in the world.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Briana Marie Photography in CeciStyle, or visit brianamariephotography.com for more info.
CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO
Named one of the “Top Ten Best Photographers in the World” by American Photo magazine in 2007, Christian Oth’s hip, natural style helps capture the whole story as it unfolds. In 2002, Christian began shooting weddings; he opened his own boutique studio in the heart of New York’s Chelsea district in 2005. He brings a sharp eye for detail and an appreciation for the significance in every moment, resulting in memorable wedding shots that remain as art pieces. With a wicked sense of humor and a refined aesthetic taste, Christian Oth sets the standard in wedding photography and capturing the magic moments of every event.
“There are very few photographers out there who really stand out for their own style. Christian Oth is one of them. He has an outstanding eye and a real talent for creating stunning images. His level of perfectionism and ability to frame a shot is breathtaking. It’s no wonder he’s been named one of the best photographers in the world. Work with Christian or any of his esteemed colleagues and you’ll be loving the magnificence they capture for you.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Christian Oth Studio in CeciStyle, or visit christianothstudio.com for more info.
CORBIN GURKIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Often, the elements of a beautiful, compelling photograph align in the blink of an eye. Corbin Gurkin is not only skilled at capturing that unique moment, but also at understanding what that photograph means to a couple in the context of a lifetime. A true destination photographer, Corbin has photographed weddings in places as diverse as coastal Maine, California’s wine country, historical Charleston, Paris and Tuscany. Her work has been regularly featured in print and online by The Knot, Inside Weddings, Brides and Martha Stewart Weddings.
“When you’re looking to hire a photographer, you want to find someone whom you love not only for their pictures, but for their personality, too. It’s essential you click, since they are capturing all the intimate, beautiful moments of your big occasion and are going to be with you for the entire day. To me, Corbin Gurkin is the whole package. She is kind, easygoing and effortlessly captures the most gorgeous moments in time. I also love her immaculate attention to detail and eye for styling. This is a rare skill only the best photographers possess. Corbin is born with “the eye” and knows how to do what it takes to capture the perfect image.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Corbin Gurkin Photography in CeciStyle, or visit corbingurkin.com for more info.
DONNA NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Donna Newman has been the photographer of choice for some of the country’s most exciting assignments. She has photographed the weddings of Howard Stern, Katherine Heigl, Rush Limbaugh, Ali Larter and the Today Show wedding on NBC. She’s often requested by Martha Stewart including an assignment photographing Martha with Michelle Obama at Camp LeJeune Marine Corps Base. Her work has appeared in every major news outlet including People Magazine, OK Magazine, Oprah, Late Night with David Letterman, Live with Regis and Kelly, and CNN.
“Donna and I have worked together on many of the world’s A-list events – past clients have included Katherine Heigl and Rush Limbaugh, to name a few. I can honestly say that there are not many photographers who are able to deliver work that is as spectacular as Donna’s. She has a gift with the camera. Donna has a magical way of capturing an event and making it even more magnificent than what you saw in real life. She’s always capturing the light, her subjects, and the compositions beautifully. She is a truly outstanding photographer.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Donna Newman Photography in CeciStyle, or visit donnanewman.com for more info.
GRUBER PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gruber Photographers founder Terry deRoy Gruber began taking pictures at age eight and honed his skills as a photo-documentarian during the first years of coeducation at Vassar College, culminating in the 1975 Vassar College yearbook. Feature stories in the New York Times, People magazine and Esquire have highlighted the uniqueness of his yearbook approach. Using his skills as a storyteller, Terry shoots each bride and groom with humor, sensitivity and cinema-verite sensibility. Terry was awarded the only Trendsetter Award given for photography from Modern Bride.
“Terry Gruber and his team of photographers know what they’re doing, with Terry leading the way by creating some of the greatest images of all time. Capturing moments for clients ranging from A-listers like Catherine Zeta-Jones to Manhattan’s elite, Terry knows how to work a camera!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Gruber Photographers in CeciStyle, or visit gruberphotographers.com for more info.
IRA LIPPKE STUDIOS
With studios in both New York and Southern California, Ira Lippke shoots extraordinary events each year in international locations as diverse as a Tuscan castle, a Balinese beachfront, a Canadian mountain lodge, and many of the finest resorts around the world. He received the Photographer of the Year award from the Wedding Photojournalist Association and got first place in Brides Magazine’s International Photo Competition. He was also named Peter Jennings’ “Person of the Week,” and is featured regularly in such prestigious publications as Elegant Bride, Inside Weddings, The Knot and Wedding Style.
“I love creative people who are not only great at what they do but are nice to work with. Ira is so down to earth and an all-around wonderful, professional person. Plus, his images are so strong you can’t resist wanting him to take your picture! I love the range in his work. I think it’s super important to work with photographers who really can capture anything you give them, beautifully!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Ira Lippke Studios in CeciStyle, or visit iralippkestudios.com for more info.
JOSE VILLA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
People often ask me how I developed my style and how I create images that stand out in today’s highly competitive wedding market. Well, I consider myself a fine art wedding photographer. My approach applies fine art photography to the living, breathing, fast-moving phenomenon that is a wedding. For me, it is all about making something beautiful. Ultimately, my goal is to craft vibrant, energetic images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. I’m humbled to say that I have been published in many magazines around the world, including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, and InStyle Weddings.
“Jose is a true artist. He has set new trends with his unique style, which is emulated across the globe. Every event he photographs has a beautiful balance between light and composition, character and grace—it makes for some of the most beautiful images around. Plus, his down-to-earth personality makes him an absolute pleasure to work with. Not many photographers know how to style and shoot stationery, so to me that’s an added perk since Jose always captures the details perfectly!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Jose Villa Wedding Photography in CeciStyle, or visit josevillaphoto.com for more info.
JUSTIN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
I believe in bringing style and grace to my photography. My goal is to create beautiful, vibrant, timeless fine-art images while being gracefully interactive. My approach is very journalistic, with subtle direction when needed. I do my best to let your wedding day unfold naturally and organically – with a modern twist.
“We often praise movie directors for the masterpieces they create on the silver screen, but I must say that after working with Justin Lee, I feel the Academy should add a whole new category for Photography Art & Direction. Justin’s photo shoots are always so successful that I am continually blown away by his keen eye, artistic direction, and ability to turn the most mundane backdrops into Vogue-worthy images. His calm, kind demeanor and passion to continually push himself makes him unstoppable! Once you experience Justin’s work, it may be hard to love another picture as much as his.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Justin Lee Photography in CeciStyle, or visit justinleephotography.com for more info.
KAREN MORDECHAI PHOTOGRAPHY
Karen Mordechai is a NY-based artist & photographer, specializing in weddings, family and food. Karen’s approach to wedding photography is a unique blend of art & documentation. Her innate sense of style is reflected in her work which has been published by Daily Candy, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Real Simple, NY Magazine, The Knot, Conde Nast’s Brides, Town & Country and more. She is also the creator and stylist behind the popular blog Sunday Suppers, which is a documentation of intimate cooking and dining experiences that take place in a Brooklyn loft.
“For me, lighting is key in creating gorgeous photographs. And I can personally vouch that even on the cloudiest of days, Karen Mordechai knows how to make the most incredible images happen. Her great eye, paired with a sense of style, kind spirit and beautiful depth of field use, makes her stand out as one of the gems in this industry.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Karen Mordechai Photography in CeciStyle, or visit karenmordechai.com for more info.
MEL & CO.
Mel is known for her fresh, stunning style and ability to document the beauty of your day in its purest form – without the distraction of contrived poses. Her eye for fashion lends an attention to beauty and design, while her easygoing manner brings a relaxed atmosphere. Her vibrant images capture spontaneous moments that convey an introspective narrative to your experience. Couples and industry professionals worldwide find in Mel’s work a timeless sensibility; a genuine lifestyle documentation of life and emotion.
“I love the way Mel makes you feel like a real model – beautiful, comfortable, and confident. Her images are just pure beauty. Plus, her personality wipes away any nerves you might have so you truly enjoy the experience.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Mel & Co. in CeciStyle, or visit melbarlowandco.com for more info.
SCOTT LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHS
Based in sunny, sleepy San Diego, California, Scott Lawrence is a photography studio firmly planted in the idea that creating a photograph is all about a personal connection, an idea, and the ability to make such an idea exist on film. The end goal is to create images and moments that appear elegant, effortless, and whimsical as they unfold during a love-filled day. Scott’s work has been featured in California Lifestyle Magazine, The Today Show, San Diego Style Weddings, and Exquisite Weddings.
“Scott is a friend from California. With his background in editorial photography, he brings to the table great skills to help you shine. What’s more, his cool and super nice personality makes him so easy to work with! When a photographer ensures you look and feel your best, you know the pictures are going to turn out even better!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Scott Lawrence Photographs in CeciStyle, or visit scottlawrencephotographs.com for more info.
TIMOTHY LEE PHOTOGRAPHERS
New York meets Paris: Timothy and Lydia Lee have collaborated as photographers for five years. A native New Yorker, Tim studied documentary photography with preeminent artists at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Tim has diverse interests in photography through working extensively in commercial and editorial, as well as in film and personal exhibitions projects.
Born in France, Lydia brings a wealth of artistic context; with her master’s degree in graphic design from ESAG in Paris, she traveled and photographed the world extensively. Arriving in New York some fifteen years ago, she graduated from studies at I.C.P. and worked in the editorial and fashion worlds.
Passionately pursuing photographs with their unique perspectives at a wedding, they seamlessly make images that hold the essence of the wedding day.
“Timothy and Lydia Lee bring something so unique to the world of photography. Their respect and appreciation for the art of fine photography is evident in all they do – from discretely capturing every detail your own eye would never see to their calm personalities that help you relax and truly be yourself. I love how they care so much to really get to know you and your destination, making sure they tell your story through their beautiful images.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Timothy Photographers in CeciStyle, or visit timothylee.com for more info.
