If you ask around you’ll find that our engagment shoots are one of a kind. Relaxed, and always unique, we usually have tons of fun and the results are always stunning. But every now and then we get to do something even better. Is it even possible. you ask?? YES! Couture Sessions! We photographed Katy and Matt’s wedding in February of 2010 at the Sundy House in Delray Beach. For a variety of circumstances, we did not have the opportunity to do an engagement session with them before the big day. But we hated the idea of them missing out on what really is the most fun about working with ArtEssence, and that is our portrait sessions. We love spending time with our couples, and really wanted to do something fun with Katy and Matt outside of the wedding day. The opportunity presented itself in the form of the City of Pembroke Pines 50th Anniversary Fair. It gave Katy the perfect reason to wear her beautiful wedding gown again, and Matt donned his tux for an evening of rides, funnel cake and more rides… what a blast we had! We were like four kids running around jumping on rides and devouring fair food… It may have looked a little odd, considering that two of us were hauling around camera gear, and the other two dressed for a wedding, but who cares! Anything for the shot. 
Katy and Matt, we enjoyed this so much, and hope that you love the images as much as we do!
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bride, carnie, carnival, City of Pembroke Pines, couture, Couture Session, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Engagement Session, Fair, Ferris wheel, Florida, fried dough, fun slide, funnel cakes, Gown, Groom, Jessica Savidge, Katy Kujala Muzic, Kiss, Matt Muzic, midway, Nikon, Pembroke Pines, Photography, slide, swings, trash the dress, tux, tuxedo
Not to sound too schmaltzy or anything, but we really are privileged to work with some wonderfully creative couples who let us explore and have fun with what we do. Such is the case with Jessica & Topher. When dreaming up what to do for their engagement session, they came to us with a great idea… a retro, 1950’s inspired shoot. We, of course, were all about it. From the clothes, to the progression of poses, to the post processing, everything about this shoot had a vintage feel to it. Jessica and Topher were amazing, they had the perfect outfits (thanks to a mini shopping spree the night before the shoot), and were up for anything. Knowing that this couple are residents of Delray Beach, we decided to play the hometown advantage and start right in downtown Delray. Letting the cinematic eye take over, we took them through scenes of casual glances and first dates, through to a Leave It To Beaver-esque scene at home… apple pie and all. After we were satisfied with our happy homemaker scenes, Jessica & Topher again changed outfits for our beach scenes. Their Italian Greyhound, Luca, joined us for the fun as we strolled along the sand. Eventually we made our way back to the house and into the pool, where we learned that Topher is part Superman. Have you ever seen someone get so much air diving without a diving board?!? LOL! It was a wonderful day, and we absolutely had a ball with our retro couple. Jessica & Topher, we love the results and can’t wait for the wedding in October! Oh, and p.s.- the pie was delicious.
Tags: 1950's, Apple Pie, ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Delray Beach, Doc's, Engagement Session, Gulfstream, Italian Greyhound, Jessica Savidge, June Cleaver, Kiss, Leave it to Beaver, Mad Men, Nikon, Old School Square, Photography, Rat Pack, Retro, Vintage, Wedding
After having such a fantastic engagement session with Sean and Kristen, we were really excited about shooting this wedding. Seeing how this couple truly enjoys the sun and sand, it was very fitting for them to exchange their vows in a beachside ceremony. It was picture perfect. Yeah, we know… bad pun But it really was picture perfect! There was a warm breeze ruffling sundresses, the sky was fading into evening as we listened to the waves coming ashore, and we watched a beautiful couple saying the timeless words that so many before them have said. Really- what more could one ask for? After the ceremony we rolled up our sleeves (or rather, pant legs….) and got down to our favorite part of the day- portraits on the sand. It was great- Sean and Kristen’s bridal party was just as relaxed and easygoing as they were, and let us capture them playing and having fun. The revelry continued once we returned to the hotel for a reception that included not only great dinner, dancing, and toasts, but a slideshow, put together by the groom, with photos of him and Kristen from childhood to present. And it must be noted that Sean’s photos were introduced with a John Wayne film clip… priceless. The slideshow was a wonderful personal touch that gave the evening even more warmth and laughter. Sean and Kristen, it was absolutely a pleasure to be part of your wedding, and we wish you joy, laughter, and happiness in all the years to come. 
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Bride, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Deerfield Beach, Embassy Suites, jcrew, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Kristen Kulig, Night, Nikon, Photography, Rings, sand, Sean Gilhooley, surf, Wedding
We’re used to working with couples madly in love with each other, excited about planning their upcoming nuptials. But it’s not every day we’re able to work with a couple before the bride-to-be even knows she’s a bride-to-be! Meet Donzell & Taneka. Donzell wins the most thoughtful groom award with his meticulously planned, and incredibly endearing surprise proposal. Donzell & Taneka live in North Carolina, but love to travel and spend time with friends from every corner of the country. Months in advance, Donzell planned a trip to South Beach for them, and told Teneka that as a treat, he and Teneka were going to have ArtEssence Studio portraits done during their stay. Unbeknownst to Taneka, Donzell was in cahoots with us the whole time. He planned with us, down to the minute, so that she would have a fabulous portrait session, and then be whisked away to a fun bowling party. Taneka knew about the photo session, and even the party, but what she did not know is that Donzell arranged for their friends and family to fly in and help him pop the question. After an amazing photo shoot at South Pointe Park and Watson Island with this fun-loving duo, we hurried over to Lucky Strike Lanes where Donzell & Taneka’s party was waiting. Each letter of the question was on its own piece of paper and held up by a loved one. Donzell led Taneka into the bowling alley wearing a blindfold, and then brought her into the circle of family and friends. As the blindfold was lifted, Taneka realized what was happening… she looked around and saw the letters spelled out before her. “Will you marry me” … but no question mark!! No matter, she said yes.
Donzell and Taneka, congratulations. We are so very happy for you, so honored to have been a part of your engagement, and can’t wait for the wedding!
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Beach, bowling, bowling alley, bowling pin, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, destination, diamond, Donzell Newkirk, Engagement Session, grey suit, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Latisha Williams, lavender, Lucky Strike Lanes, Miami, Miami Beach, Night, Nikon, North Carolina, Photography, Proposal, purple, Rings, South Beach, South Pointe Park, strike, sunset, surprise, Taneka Williams, Watson Island
Summer time, and the living’s easy…. wow, do we love this job, if you can even call it that. We know a lot of photographers and couples like to go to the beach to take their engagement portraits, but we at ArtEssence just don’t quite do things the way everybody else does… and really, would you have us any other way . Sean and Kristen love the sand, surf and all things beach, so for their engagement session it only seemed right that we should have a bit of our own endless summer. We packed up the trucks with our gear (surf and camera, respectively) and headed out to their favorite spot along the southern end of Deerfield Beach. It was an unbelievably gorgeous night, with warm ocean water and a balmy breeze that kept us all loving the weather. The evening started out with some beautiful serene portraits on the deck, and then we really got down to business and started having fun. Running, laughing, playing in the surf- they were up for everything. It wasn’t long before we took to the water where Sean and Kristen showed off some pretty nifty paddle work on their longboards. Shooting from both on the land and under the water, we were able to capture the truly fun dynamic that Sean and Kristen share. They’re both warm and funny, and spending the evening at the beach with them was an absolute pleasure. Sean & Kris, congratulations, and we can’t wait for the wedding in July!
Tags: Adirondack Chairs, ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Blonde, Bride, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Deerfield Beach, Engagement Session, Florida, ink, Jeff Spicoli, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Kristen Kulig, Laird, Long Board, Night, Nikon, Ocean, Paddle Board, Paddles, Photography, sand, Sean Gilhooley, softops, Surfing, tattoo, Waves, Wedding, Werner
Tags: American Gothic, ArtEssence Studio, Band, Beach, Brian Rosen, Bride, Champagne, Cocktail, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Delray Beach, Delray Beach Club, Dereck Mack Band, Destination Wedding, Flag, Gown, Groom, Hotel, Jessica Savidge, Kelley Schorn, Kiss, May Wedding, Music, Night, Nikon, Palm Tree, Photography, Rabbi, Rings, Running, Seagate Hotel, Waves
We’re always honored to share our clients’ wedding day with them, but with our dear friends Maria & Raz, it was even more special than usual. They chose a beautiful plantation style home in Davie to host the event. With its deep front porch and two stories of columns, Casa Reta invokes a feeling of another time. The centerpiece of the home is the 300 year-old wood and stained glass front doors that were originally from an English monastery. Needless to say, we were like kids in a candy store with such unique details at our disposal. It was a hot spring day, (even by Florida standards), and we were happy to be tucked away in the upstairs bedrooms of the house while preparing for the evening’s events. Knowing just how important it is to have great ArtEssence portraits , Maria and Raz set aside time for us do a portrait session before the ceremony. But first, we took a special moment alone with our couple. Cameras at the ready, we stood back and watched as Raz looked at his beautiful bride for the first time. I don’t think any man could have been happier to see a vision as lovely as Maria approaching. We then met up with the family and bridal party for some fun in the field in back of the house. There was a barn, ponies, even an old bus… what a great place! Eventually we had to be torn away from the photographic fiesta we were having so Maria and Raz could go get married (details, details…). As guests took their places in the front garden for the ceremony, family gathered around the piano for the signing of the ketubah. Then, the bridal party exited through the ancient doors of the home into the garden so that Maria & Raz could exchange their vows. The party that followed was a joyous celebration, with incredible food, music and dancing. Not wanting to let the party simply fade away, a “crazy hour” was planned for the end of the night. Out came masks, hats, wigs, noise makers… and away went all inhibition. It was such a fun night, and a truly fitting and memorable celebration for these families. Maria and Raz, we love you to pieces. Thank you for letting us be part of this day.
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Barn, Bride, Bus, Casa Reta, Cocktail, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Davie, Destination Wedding, Farm, Field, Ft. Lauderdale, Jessica Savidge, ketubah, Kiss, Lai Harris, Maria Prieto, Maria Tako, Miami, Music, Night, Nikon, Old South, Orchestrated Events, Photography, Plantation, Ponies, Raz Tako, Rings
Even though it’s in Florida, St. Augustine isn’t exactly around the corner from ArtEssence Studio (about 4 hours by car for us). Always up for a destination wedding, we packed up the Jeep and journeyed north to photograph Pam and Alan’s wedding weekend. Having lived in Palm Beach County most of their lives, Pam and Alan decided that for their wedding they wanted to venture out for a special getaway with loved ones, rather than stay close to home. What a wonderful decision that turned out to be! Joined by their children, parents, and closest friends, Pam and Alan hosted a weekend of laughter and fun that none of us will soon forget. We met up with our bride and groom to be on Friday afternoon, and started exploring St. Augustine from there. What an amazing city- rich in history, wonderful people, and great food (It just wouldn’t be us if we didn’t mention the food). After taking some time to photograph the Castillo De San Marcos, we headed out for a night of fun with the family. Drinks flowed and the laughs didn’t stop all night. Saturday morning gave us some time to explore the downtown area before joining our bride and groom for the day’s events. They chose the beautiful gardens of the Lightner Museum to exchange their vows. After a warm and emotional ceremony, Pam and Alan were ushered into a special room to ring the wedding bell… it wasn’t until after they had pulled the cord that they were told that ringing the bell was for good luck with fertility. As they say, you can’t un-ring a bell. LOL! Departing the museum in style, Pam and Alan took a tour of the town in a horse drawn carriage, as the rest of the wedding party retired to a pub for a pre-reception celebration. Cocktails at the pub were followed by a great dinner at the charming Raintree Restaurant. The entire weekend was a wonderful celebration for this wonderful family, and we were so happy to be a part of it. Congratulations, Pam & Alan!
Tags: Alan Fleig, Ali Fleig, ArtEssence Studio, Bride, Castillo de San Marcos, Champagne, Cocktail, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Fleig, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Dinner, First Coast, Fort, Gown, Groom, Hotel, Jessica Savidge, Kevin Strachan, Kiss, Krista Fleig, Lightner Museum, Music, Night, Nikon, North Florida, Pam Strachan, Photography, Pirate, Raintree Restaurant, Rings, Ryan O'Donnell, St. Augustine
Ahhh… Maria and Raz. There is a special place in our hearts for this couple. We’ve known Maria for a long time…. long before wedding photography consumed our lives, and even before she met Raz, the love of her life. And once she did meet Raz, we were absolutely thrilled that these two amazing people found each other. They’re both kind, endlessly funny, and simply perfect together. So imagine our delight when our friends asked us to shoot their wedding… I don’t think we could have said yes faster or more enthusiastically if we tried. But there’s a catch- (isn’t there always… LOL) Maria, a photography enthusiast herself, told us how nervous she was about being in front of the camera. We assured her that the four of us were going to have a great time on South Beach, and that this session would be just as great as all of our engagement sessions- camera shy or not. Turns out our dear, sweet friend Maria is a LIAR. Not only was she great in front of the camera, she worked it like a supermodel. Raz was just as comfortable and easygoing… and seemed to really enjoy the “ok- now, grab her!” requests . We spent the late afternoon and early evening wandering around South Pointe Park shooting. Once the sun went down we took a break for sushi on Lincoln Road at what is becoming one of our new favorite spots, Sushi Samba. The menu is a deliciously eclectic mix of Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian. We have three words for you: “Bobo Brazil Roll.” Yummmm… After ordering seconds for the table (I’m not even kidding) we made one last stop on Watson Island to do some fabulous after dark portraits with the I-395 overpass providing the backdrop. The entire evening was great fun, and Maria and Raz were amazing. We can’t wait for the wedding in May!
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Bobo Brazil Roll, Brazilian Restaurant, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Dinner, Engagement Session, Fisher Island, Government Cut, Interstate 395, Japanese Restaurant, Jessica Savidge, Julia Tuttle Causeway, Lighting, Lincoln Road, Location Photography, Maria Prieto, Miami, Miami Beach, Nikon, Peruvian Restaurant, Photography, Raz Tako, Smith and Wollensky, South Beach, South Pointe Park, sunset, Sushi Samba, Watson Island
The phrase “attention to detail” doesn’t even begin to describe the love and thought that Maritza and Omar put into every part of their wedding. Every little thing, down to the color of ink in their wedding book, was chosen with care, and done so just beautifully. Each detail, including the lovely watch bracelet that Maritza’s mother had given her to wear, had special meaning to our couple. The gorgeous orange hues of the flowers, dresses, and favors seemed to fit just perfectly with this vibrant, loving family. And, it gave us a wonderful color palette to work with in one of our favorite tropical locations- The Sundy House in Delray Beach. We could not have had a more beautiful day- it was mild and breezy as guests watched Maritza and Omar exchange vows under the palm trees. Then, as a surprise for the bride and groom, Maritza’s daughter Sophia stood up and gave a heartfelt speech of welcome to her new father Omar, and then sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. It was amazing, and there wasn’t a dry eye left by the end of the song. After the ceremony we stole Maritza and Omar away for just a bit to capture some great portraits in this truly unique setting. We didn’t keep them away for too long, however. After all, there was a simply decadent brunch and dancing to attend to ;-). Friends and family shared the afternoon with flowing champagne and endless smiles and laughter. Maritza, Omar, and Sophia, we are so happy for you, and wish your family the best in all the years to come!
Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bride, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Delray Beach, Details, Gown, Groom, Jessica Savidge, Maritza Paz, Music, Nikon, Omar Fernandez, Photography, Rings, Sundy House, Wedding
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