Joe Craig Photography Blog

KATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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Katie and Jeff are somewhere in Thailand as I post these photos from their beautiful wedding this past weekend. It had been raining for several days (including all day Saturday) yet the smiles remained undaunted. Katie is a friend and fellow wedding photographer based in New York City. It's totally an honor to shoot the wedding of someone who does what I do (but it certainly adds a bit of pressure to perform at my best).

It was a beautiful wedding at the Pen Ryn Mansion in Bensalem, PA. A day full of touching moments, too many to list here. One thing I will mention was something Katie and Jeff did for me. At some point during the reception, one of the groomsman gave me an envelope with a handwritten note from Katie and Jeff thanking me for "being with us today, we couldn't imagine having anyone else." This note, a simple yet super thoughtful gesture meant a lot to me. It's a small example of the thoughtfulness that these two have, which they share with everyone around them and exemplifies the love they have for each other, their family and friends. It was an amazing day, one that I will remember for a long time, with a smile on my face.

Many thanks to Cesar Laure and Daniel Moyer who photographed with me. I think we were able to capture the joy we felt throughout the day and for that I am grateful. It's one thing I can give back to such good friends and a beautiful couple.

kATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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KATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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KATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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KATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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KATIE & JEFF | MARCH 13, 2010

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MEE & JAE | PHILADELPHIA, PA

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Mee & Jae | Philadelphia, PA

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Mee & Jae | Philadelphia, PA

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Mee & Jae | Philadelphia, PA

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JESSICA & JONATHAN | PACKER CHAPEL, BETHLEHEM, PA

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Jessica & Jonathan | Packer Chapel, Bethlehem, PA

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Jessica & Jonathan | Packer Chapel, Bethlehem, PA

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Jessica & Jonathan | Packer Chapel, Bethlehem, PA

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Jessica & Jonathan | Packer Chapel, Bethlehem, PA

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SAMANTHA & TOM | BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

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Samantha & Tom | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Samantha & Tom | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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MICHELLE & RYAN | TAPPAN HILL MANSION, NEW YORK

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Michelle and Ryan took me out for a bite to eat after our E-session in Central Park last Fall. We really had a great time and I knew they'd be fun to work with on their wedding day. Great photographs aren't always a product of the skill of the photographer as much as the relationship they have with their subject. This seems especially true in wedding photography. I feel honored to be allowed into the lives of my couples and the more open they are to me, the better the results tend to be- at least in terms of how intimate the photographs feel. After spending a relatively short period of time together, I consider Michelle and Ryan friends and hope they feel the same. It's forming these kinds of special connections that makes what I do not only enjoyable and rewarding, but ultimately what allows some of my favorite images to be created.

I hope to see you both soon, and next time dinner is on me.

Michelle & Ryan | Tappan Hill Mansion, New York

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Michelle & Ryan | Tappan Hill Mansion, New York

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Michelle & Ryan | Tappan Hill Mansion, New York

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ELIZABETH & JEFFREY | COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, PHILADELPHIA

2009-07-13T15:35:00.004-04:00

Liz and Jeff were married at the College of Physicians in Philly - a huge historic building with very rich details, old paintings, and a great backdrop for a wedding. Being in the medical field themselves, there were more doctors in attendance than I've ever been around, except for on the 23rd of January, 1977. (The day I was born... you do the math.) So I felt exceptionally safe in their company. I also felt "all warm and tingly inside" because of the way Liz and Jeff looked at each other - all night long. Jeff totally busted out the most unique dance moves I've seen since Ronald Miller worked the arm-pumping African Anteater Ritual in the 80's film "Can't Buy Me Love."

It was apparent that Liz and Jeff not only have fun together, but they truly enjoy each other's company. It always makes my job more enjoyable when the couple and their guests have fun, and this one was a great time. Thanks for including me.

Elizabeth & Jeffrey | College of Physicians, Philadelphia

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Elizabeth & Jeffrey | College of Physicians, Philadelphia

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Elizabeth & Jeffrey | College of Physicians, Philadelphia

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MEGHAN & FRANK | SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY

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Meghan and Frank have large families. Italian families. Super-fun, dance-all-night-long, bust-on-you-in-a-relentless-way kind of families. Even the priest was cracking jokes during the ceremony! The band at the reception made the announcements throughout the night in both English and Italian. It was not just an old school kind of wedding, but old world. Guests must have asked me if I had enough to eat a hundred times. (There may have been a pinched cheek too.) These adopted mothers, brothers and cousins made me feel like I was truly a part of the family, if just for the day.

Emotions were high - lots of laughs and tears. The dance floor was filled all night long, no one wanted to leave in the end. I had a great time and really felt that at the end of the day, the Morici and Tavani families were not two, but one great family. Thank you for having me there to photograph.

Meghan & Frank | Somerset, New Jersey

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Meghan & Frank | Somerset, New Jersey

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Meghan & Frank | Somerset, New Jersey

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RHIAN & RYAN | CAIRNWOOD MANSION, PHILADELPHIA

2009-07-06T16:55:00.009-04:00

Rhian and Ryan were married on New Year's Eve and everyone (including me) had an awesome time. It was freezing cold but everyone braved the icy wind for a few outside photos. Luckily, Rhian was wearing a gorgeous white cloak, though I can't say she was toasty warm. :)

I really enjoy being a wedding photographer: the traditions, the uniting of families, the way a couple looks at each other. Occasionally I'm reminded of the importance of images to families; this was one of those times. A few weeks after their wedding, a fire destroyed Rhian's parents' house, along with their family photo collection. Rhian told me how happy she was that I was there that day to document as she got ready at her childhood home. While I always work hard to capture the moments of the day, I feel extremely honored and privileged that my work can play such an important role in a family's history.

Rhian & Ryan | Cairnwood Mansion, Philadelphia

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Rhian & Ryan | Cairnwood Mansion, Philadelphia

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Rhian & Ryan | Cairnwood Mansion, Philadelphia

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Rhian & Ryan | Cairnwood Mansion, Philadelphia

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Laurel & Perry | July 12th, 2008 | Aruba

2008-08-16T00:43:00.006-04:00

I promised to have Laurel and Perry's slideshow up by the end of the week so here it is!

I'll post some highlights and write a little about their amazing wedding in Aruba in a couple days. One thing I wanted to say now is that the pictures at the start of the slideshow, in the plane, are of Matt whose wedding I shot along with my good friend Douglas last November. Laurel and Perry were at Matt and Laura's wedding in Philadelphia, which is where we all met. Douglas was already booked for their date, so I got to go along instead and I'm really happy I got the chance to photograph my first Aruba wedding! It was an awesome experience and super fun to hang out with everyone. More to come soon.

It will take a few moments for the slideshow to load, it's a big one.

WPJA Awards | Quarter 1, 2008

2008-06-06T00:40:00.012-04:00

I'm excited to receive another award from the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) for this reception photo taken at Rachel and Philip's wedding! I really love this picture for the simple reason that it seemed to capture the great energy and fun that was happening that night. There was seriously more dancing at their reception than I've ever seen and I'm glad I was able to capture some of that feeling in this picture.

Thanks again you two for a really fun time and for making me feel like such a welcome part of your wedding day.

Rachel & Philip | April 5th, 2008

2008-05-30T14:10:00.013-04:00

I shot this one for my good friend Douglas Benedict who was already booked for the date so I was happy to work with Rachel and Philip who literally came from around the world for their wedding. Rachel, who is originally from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania basically organized her wedding from Switzerland where both she and Philip now live. She expressed how important the pictures were to her because (and I'll just copy right from her email to me from months ago);

"We have a really special situation (as I'm sure everyone thinks theirs is!) in that my fiance is from Australia so it is the first time, and maybe only time in a while, that all of our family and friends will be in one place together. I am so excited!"

It was an amazing day with beautiful weather. We were at the Hotel Bethlehem and the Philadelphia Funk Authority provided killer music, I've never seen a dance floor that full for the entire duration of the reception. Those Aussie's know how to have a good time! I really enjoyed my time with you both and with all your guests. Everyone was a real pleasure to meet. I'm really happy to have been a part of it all.

Here's Rachel and Philip's slideshow: (It may take a moment to load)

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Annie & Scott | January 28, 2008

2008-05-19T11:07:00.017-04:00

Photographing Scott and Annie's wedding was a special honor for me. Scott has been a good friend for a long time, one of my older brother's best friends since high school. In fact, when we get together for a night out, if Scott isn't there, it's tradition for George and I to raise a toast of Jagermeister to Scott. You won't find a more loyal friend than Scott. In Annie, he has found a beautiful woman, a loving wife and an amazing partner. They had a simple ceremony and reception with family and friends. It was touching to see how Scott's grandfather made it a point to photograph all the moments of the day. He is known to be the family photographer, and because he spends most of his time behind the camera at family functions, they almost never have pictures of him so I'm glad I was able to capture him doing what he loves to do.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your day and I look forward to seeing you both soon!

Click on the play button below to view Annie and Scott's slideshow.

Wedding Photojournalist Association Awards

2008-03-09T13:21:00.009-04:00

The WPJA announced the final awards for 2007: I'm thrilled to have received a first place for the following photograph (under the 'Details' category)! Thanks to Trevor and Holly (July 7, 2007), the couple whose hands and dress make up the image. There were a bunch of awesome photos from their wedding and it's nice to have one of them recognized. Congratulations to my good friend Douglas Benedict for his winning photos as well and to Ben Chrisman for winning the 2007 Photographer of the Year!

Lindsay & Conor | November 17, 2007

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Lindsay and Conor, who are from the Philadelphia area, decided to have a very intimate wedding at the Carneros Inn in Napa Valley, CA. I was honored to be one of the five people there. It was three days of hanging out in wine country, eating great food and drinking awesome wine. We spent an afternoon exploring and taking pictures on the estate of Conor's Uncle and Aunt, who own the Mayo Family Winery and had an amazing wine paring experience at their "reserve room" tasting foods created and prepared by Chef Oliver to compliment the wines. We even had a little adventure trying to apply for their marriage license Friday afternoon, only getting to the county office minutes before it closed for the weekend. The drive there was a little crazy but we made it just in time!

The day of the wedding was beautiful, sunny and warm. During the ceremony, a huge flock of birds flew overhead and were so many in number that as the cloud of birds turned in the air there was a kind of dull roar created by the millions of beating wings…it was spectacular. After the ceremony, Lindsay and Conor called their families and friends to tell them they just got married, which was both exciting and emotional at the same time. Later, we went back to the Mayo family wine tasting room for their first dance where they were met with the applause of random guests who were happily surprised to be part of the wedding ‘reception.’ We ended the night at their favorite Thai restaurant in Sonoma and of course, with some more wine.

The Sonoma/Napa Valley area is special to Lindsay and Conor because of their family connection, but also because they both spent time working at the winery together, so they specifically asked for scenic photos as much as portraits of themselves. It's a beautiful area that has a rustic feel and a very appealing sense of 'old county'. It was a real pleasure to meet you both- you made me feel immediately welcome and took me in like an old friend. Also, many thanks to Nicki, Will and Courtney for being such great hosts! It was an honor to be a part of your wedding celebration. I can't wait to get together again soon, not only for your company, but also to share some of that "old vines" Zinfandel that Linds aptly describes as a "fruitbomb!"

CLICK HERE to see Lindsay and Conor's slideshow .

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Katherine & Ben E-Session

2008-01-31T00:56:00.001-05:00

Ice and snow delayed the first engagement session scheduled with Katherine and Ben last month. The skies were clear the following weekend and we planned to go into Manhattan but missed the ferry. But by missing our ride, we were able to get a bunch of great sunset photos with the NYC skyline in the background, something they can see from their neighborhood- so it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was a beautiful afternoon, and though it turned cold after the sun went down, I had a great time. Hopefully you both had as much fun as me.

Thank you both for being willing to brave that cold!

I'm looking forward to being part of your wedding later this year!

joe :)

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John, Emily & Jane

2007-12-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

While in California this November, I visited with my good friends John and Emily and got to meet their new daughter Jane! It was my first time to LA, so we had a great time going to the beach, grabbing some double-doubles at In-N-Out, visiting Marty and Elayne at the Dresden (you know what I'm talking about if you've seen the movie "Swingers"), taking a nap (it was warm, I was jet lagged, Jane was napping, I couldn't help myself) and going to see a sneak peak of the Coen Brothers newest film "No Country for Old Men." It was a great time seeing you three, I can't wait to see you all again at Ben and Amanda's wedding this upcoming summer back here in PA! Here are a few photos from our visit.

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Jane made funny faces at me in an attempt to make me laugh. It worked!

I tried my best to make her laugh in return, pulling out my best stuff, but she remained undaunted - sadly, she's seen it all before. John however, being easily amused or at least humoring me, cracked a smile.

Emily snapped this one of John and me outside the Dresden. Seeing Marty and Elayne perform "Stayin' Alive" was a personal highlight of the trip!

Rufus, the terror himself, vigilantly standing guard while John lulls Jane to sleep. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a 10 day trip out and along the west coast. I had a great time photographing, visiting old friends, and meeting new ones.

Expect highlights from the 3 weddings I photographed (Dana Point, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara) soon!

If you stop by, drop me a line, I love to know who visits.

Have a great day!
Joe

Alysia & Justin 08/18/07

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Maura & Chris 07/29/07

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Holly & Trevor | July 7, 2007

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Sarah & Nathan | June 22, 2007

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Jon & Jill, Reading PA

2007-07-26T00:33:00.001-04:00

Jon and Jill's wedding was the first 'friend' wedding I've shot. Jon's older brother Tom and I went to school together from kindergarten up through college. I actually roomed with Jon at one point as well. It was great to see all my friends that day and just being a part of the wedding was a really awesome time. I'm really looking forward to our portrait session in the fall too!

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One of my friend Doug's photos. (above)

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Karen & David

2007-07-26T00:13:00.000-04:00

Karen and David were my first couple of the season back on May 18th. We had a great time, beautiful weather and a lot of fun together.

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Reading High School Portraits

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Reading High School Portraits

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Angie (red shirt) and her friend from Holy Name.

MOAB UTAH VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

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***click on photo for a larger view***

MOAB UTAH VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

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MOAB UTAH VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

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MOAB UTAH VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

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MOAB UTAH VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

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