Ellen Wolff Photography Blog

Ethan turns 10!

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:53:59 +0000

Its double digits! Ethan’s mom and dad made a carnival birthday party for Ethan over the weekend. It was rainy and very windy at the shore, but you wouldn’t know it inside Ethan’s tent. There was popcorn, and hot dogs, and games and prizes. There was an amazing magician too. And of course, making wishes.

Happy Birthday Ethan, I hope you get your wish!

Tricia + Danny

admin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:26:10 +0000

Tricia’s brother is the best. She planned an intimate ceremony and then a great dinner at one of their favorite restaurants. Bobby, her brother, had something else planned. He surprised her with a limo, a violinist, Dom Perignon champagne and me! It all came together in Lloyd Harbor on the beach in perfect weather.

Tricia and her brother.

Mr. and Mrs. Love

Pamela + Ilan, The Wedding

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:19:49 +0000

On October 25, Pamela and Ilan were married at Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn Heights. The bride wore a luminous vintage gown inset with beautiful floral panels and exquisite detail. Her mom told me it was purchased at an antique store.

Two years ago, I photographed Pamela’s sister get married. And at that wedding we made some of my favorite pictures together while in the dressing room. Mom wanted to do this again. Here are a few moments from Pamela’s dressing room:

It was time for the first look.

Pamela and Ilan selected a laser cut design for their Ketubah.

The ancient custom of Bedeken was followed.

The bride and groom after the ceremony.

The first dance.

The celebration would be incomplete without freestyle dancing.

Claudia + Omer

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:14:04 +0000

On October 5th, eleven months after their original date, Claudia married her love, Omer, at the Woodmere Club on Long Island. The bride and groom observed Jewish marriage rituals some of which include circling the groom seven times, placing the wedding band on the pointer finger, drinking wine and, privacy immediately after the ceremony. The bride was so present and in the moment, that I found her to be a captivating subject. I made hundreds of photographs of her. A few follow.

Claudia circles her groom 7 times.

I love Eileen, the mother of the bride, signaling to her daughter that she completed “seven” circles.

I love picking up the detail of Claudia’s veil as she drank from the cup of wine.

The Rabbi reads the Ketubah.

After the seriousness of the ceremony, Claudia and Omer were ready to do relaxing portraits, so I borrowed a club car and off we went to the far-flung corners of the golf course for landscapes and a few romantic shots.

Jamie & Elvis

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:36:35 +0000

Jamie’s Bat Mitzvah is less than six months away. Marissa, Jamie’s mom and Betsy Low the graphic designer, came up with a great idea for Jamie’s save-the-date card and asked me to shoot some pictures for it. After we got our “work” out of the way Jamie was ready to pose for some personal shots. Such a natural beauty. She radiates. She glows! And I love the way Elvis is posing - especially his paws, they are so expressive. So cute!

Andrea and Brian, Brookfield CT

admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:48:45 +0000

The day was clear as can be. And as I made my way up to photograph Andrea and Brian, sprinkles of water began to fly down from above. Out of the blue came the big grey cloud! I met Andrea at her parents home. They have lots and lots of windows, perfect for some of the natural light portraiture I love to do. Well, we get started with pictures in front of the windows, and just like that! the sun comes blazing through the lace curtains creating a beautiful shadow all over her shoulder. It reminded me of the bridal custom of henna. Gorgeous.

The groom spent one year in Iraq. This was quite a celebration. I love photographing grandparents at weddings. I pay special attention to make sure I get good coverage of them. Brian and his grandpa look like brothers to me. I just want to soak in grandpa’s joy. In each photograph I made, he is so full of vitality.

Andrea had only one request really. She wanted me to capture her and her husband “walking away.”

Get Well Soon DJ AM

admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:49:26 +0000

Sunday morning, early. Those who know me are aware that I subscribe to the concept of non-local healing. I believe from a non-local geographic distance, thoughts can effect change. Join me and send DJ AM the healing thoughts he needs now. Get well soon DJ AM and all of the other families and individuals hurt by this awful event. Sending the light your way.

DJ AM spinning at Alexa’s Sweet 16 last year.

Bridal Shower at Lady Mendel’s Tea Salon

admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:25:46 +0000

Saturday afternoon, September 20, 2008. It happens so fast. Always. Pamela is getting married in five weeks! Her mom Beth, an incurable optimist (I love her), filled Lady Mendel’s with all of the important women in Pam’s life. As you can see from these photographs, it was a surprise (of sorts). Beth wanted her daughter to fuss over her outfit a little - so the bride was told about the luncheon but not the location. It was the Bride’s sister, Rachel, who pulled it off flawlessly by handing the cabbie a note with the address so that Pam wouldn’t be able to overhear anything! In keeping with Lady Mendel’s theme, Beth presented each lady with a tea pot, using a different antique ribbon to tie up each gift wrap.

All American Girl

admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:48:27 +0000

That’s Kelly! I am unable to give anything away, but I can tell you we are getting ready for Kelly’s Bat Mitzvah in a few months.

Jess + Pete

admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:40:46 +0000

Jessica and Peter got married in Cold Spring, in a Church walking distance from Main Street. The town has a waterfront overlooking the Hudson River, restored brick buildings, and is dotted with antique sellers and cafes. While hurricanes and tropical storms threatend - the weather remained perfect and the area so charming, Jessica and Peter agreed to walk into town for relaxed, fun, spontaneous portraits. It was fun to photograph the bridal party in a fun style too!