A Wedding Journal

New Blog!

2009-02-26T15:46:00.002-05:00

Change of venue! Keep a tab on Channing's whereabouts at www.channingjohnsonblog.com

Tasting

2009-02-02T14:07:00.006-05:00

Brooke and I did our tasting at the Exchange Conference Center in South Boston last weekend. Legal Seafoods caters functions there, so we knew the food would be good. The staff also was delightful to interact with. And I was particularly feeling good about our decision to forgo the traditional wedding dessert for a buffet of cheesecakes. I still need to find out if the groom can have two pieces.

The building is at the end of one of the Seaport District's fish piers, so after the tasting we stepped outside to look at the harbor. It was cold, and the wind whipped around the hair Brooke is growing out for the big day. We're hoping for a sweltering, hot wedding so our guests can enjoy cocktails on the water. But I'm told that is a long shot in Boston on April 25th.

McSweeny's Ideas for Wedding Portraits

2009-02-02T13:39:00.003-05:00

I would be happy to accommodate any couples that want to try these brilliant wedding portrait ideas from McSweeney's.

Petalena Flowers

2009-01-29T13:16:00.009-05:00

Julie and Apryl were kind enough to let me stop by their Reading studio last week to witness their creative process. We worked on two weddings together last year, and both events had some of the most beautiful, distinct floral pieces I had seen all season. The two love flowers and clearly enjoy working with each other.

They were kind enough to send me home with some beautiful flowers wrapped in brown paper. It was a big hit with Brooke. Thanks Julie and Apryl!

Indian Dance Workshop

2009-01-23T11:58:00.005-05:00

Tara and Mike's wedding was the second I shot after moving to Boston. It was a beautiful, intimate backyard wedding in August of 2007. I had a lot of fun getting to know them, which is why I was excited when Tara asked if I would be interested in taking some photos of her leading an Indian dance workshop last weekend.

Tara is very talented and seeing her dance is a treat. I learned that all the intricate body and hand movements contribute to the beautiful telling of a story. If you're interested in learning more, check out Tara's website: www.taraahmed.com.

Hair Trial

2009-01-21T12:59:00.003-05:00

Last night I accompanied Brooke to her hair trial with Sally at the Louis Anthony Hair Salon in Quincy. Apparently grooms don't usually tag along to such things, but everyone was very welcoming.

It was just an experimental walk-through, but Brooke seemed very pleased. Sally was delightful and will definitely be a positive energy on the wedding day. And I think even seeing a rough version of her wedding day hair-style got Brooke excited. She couldn't stop checking herself out in the mirror.

Friends of St. Stans

2009-01-09T14:59:00.005-05:00

In between wedding business planning I've been fortunate to pick up some good editorial assignments. On Sunday TIME sent me to cover an interesting story in Adams, MA. There's a link to a web-gallery at the end of the story.

Welcome to the Future

2009-01-08T15:04:00.005-05:00

Before Christmas I picked up a fun assignment to photograph three fascinating people for FLYP's "Future" issue. I got to listen in on interviews with Juan Enriquez, Ray Kurzweil and Andrew Bacevich.

Here's hoping genius is contagious.

WPJA Awards

2008-12-12T13:48:00.006-05:00

The Wedding Photojournalist Association announced their contest winners for the 2008 Quarter 3 competition, and I was fortunate enough to have two pictures recognized. I won a 2nd place award in the "Emotion" category and a 9th place award in the "Dancing" category. The WPJA is an international organization made up of photographers located in the United States, England, France, Singapore, Italy and many other countries.

Of course, if it wasn't for my wonderful clients who trust me to document their wedding and be a part of one of the most significant days of their lives, these pictures wouldn't exist.

The first picture of bridesmaids watching a photo slideshow is from Adrienne and Brandon's wedding in September. The second is Melissa and Chris sharing a moment at the end of a long and exciting day.

Jean-Christian Bourcart

2008-12-02T11:19:00.010-05:00

I came across some wedding photos from the early career of Jean-Christian Bourcart. Apparently his first job was wedding photographer. He put together a handful of these images beginning in 1980 in a collection called The Most Beautiful Day.

He's created some wonderfully odd wedding pictures.

Untitled, 1980-2008
© Jean-Christian Bourcart
(via Shane Lavalette)

Erin + Chris | Engaged

2008-11-24T17:21:00.002-05:00

Brooke's friend Erin also is recently engaged, so we took a little trip down to the Cape to hangout and take some pictures. They showed us around beautiful Marstons Mills and filled us up on delicious food and drink. It was great getting to know Erin and Chris and I look forward to more good times together. Thanks so much for a wonderful evening.

Colleen + Matt | Engaged

2008-11-24T17:20:00.000-05:00

Our friends Colleen and Matt are getting married next year so we made an evening of running around Harvard Square eating, drinking, oh, and taking pictures. We always have a good time with these two. I'm often sore the next day from laughing without pause.

Erin + Dan | Sudbury, MA

2008-11-24T14:26:00.005-05:00

I can't imagine a better way to end my wedding season than to spend the day with Erin and Dan and their families. I had a wonderful time and couldn't get enough pictures of this joyful couple. They were smiling all day. Literally.

The wedding was at the beautiful Wayside Inn.

Wedding Photographers Unite!

2008-11-24T13:45:00.004-05:00

Connie had a bunch of us wedding photographers over the other night. We all are just now emerging from our computers to begin interacting with the world on a day other than Saturday. It was great to hang out with friends and share stories from the summer before hibernating again, this time to take care of all the business stuff we've been neglecting for the past several months.

This is an iPhone picture of Ashley's leg. I don't know exactly why she had one pant leg rolled up, but I think someone may have asked to see her pirate stockings.

Megan + Brendan | Boston, MA

2008-11-24T10:21:00.007-05:00

Megan and Brendan had their wedding at one of the most beautiful venues I photographed in this year. The Algonquin Club was warm, ornate and the perfect setting for Megan and Brendan to celebrate with their family and friends. Petalena did a beautiful job with the flowers, once again, and Stardust kept the dance floor crowded.

Melissa + Chris | Boston, MA

2008-11-10T13:11:00.008-05:00

Melissa and Chris were married at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End and then had a beautiful and intimate reception at the Bradley Estate.

Angela + Jeff | Portsmouth, NH

2008-10-21T10:04:00.013-04:00

Angela and Jeff picked a crisp, cloudless Fall day to celebrate with their close friends and families. Everything was perfect. The only thing that would have made it better is if Jeff and his groomsmen had worn their tuxedos while playing wiffle ball. Although I'll admit that would have only benefited the photographer.

Regardless, you can see this one was a lot of fun.

Cypress Album

2008-10-15T18:08:00.006-04:00

I'm excited to introduce a new album to my collection. These beautiful fabric-wrapped flush-mount albums from Cypress are individually hand-crafted using the finest archival materials available.

Kara + Dan | Lincoln, MA

2008-10-09T14:03:00.010-04:00

Kara and Dan tied the knot on a beautiful, crisp Fall day at the DeCordova Museum. I was laughing most of the day trying to keep up with the wit of Kara and Dan's friends and family. Even Grandma Jean was pulling out some real zingers. I didn't do a very good job of getting pictures of people laughing, because I was usually laughing myself.

Kara and Dan demonstrated how to put on a very fun, stress-free wedding.

Kate + Russ | Portsmouth, NH

2008-10-07T13:25:00.010-04:00

Kate and Russ didn't pay much attention to the rain that came down on their wedding day. I think they were too excited. And other than making for good pictures, it really didn't change the day much. They still got married in the beautiful South Church. And they still celebrated and danced with close friends and family down the street at the Sheraton. It was a really fun day.

I wish the best to both of them as they start their new life together in Washington, D.C.

Adrienne + Brandon | Groton, MA

2008-09-28T20:02:00.013-04:00

I was the only person at Adrienne and Brandon's ceremony that wasn't already a friend or related to them. Their beautiful ceremony was officiated and included performances by uncles, brothers and cousins.

Their dance floor was really fun, too. Adrienne taught me there's few things cooler than a bride doing a really convincing air guitar.

Dogwood Floral Design and the folks at Gibbet Hill made everything beautiful.

Meagan + Mark | Dennis, MA

2008-09-26T12:44:00.011-04:00

I had been looking forward to Meagan and Mark's wedding since we met for drinks at The Snug late last year. Their laid back but meaningful approach to wedding planning was refreshing. I love backyard weddings and feel lucky to have been apart of this one.

Jennifer from Clementine Floral kept the day moving along smoothly, and Chris played some great music that packed the dance floor consistently all night long.

Simply a beautiful wedding . . .

Ainsley + Jacob | Boston, MA

2008-09-20T08:23:00.007-04:00

Ainsley and Jacob were the only people at their Fairmont Copley wedding who actually live in Boston. Their families from Canada and Kentucky, respectively, traveled to The Hub to celebrate their new commitment to each other in their new city.

Eliza helped them plan their Boston wedding before the two actually made their move to the city. She did a great job recruiting Jwrobel for flowers, Jon Paul Prunier for hair, Joanna Almeida for makeup, Swank Audio and Visual for lighting, Anima Trio for reception and cocktail music, Rugg Road for stationary, Liz for calligraphy, Priscilla of Boston for the dress, and Dave for DJ.

Jenna + Daniels | Milton, MA

2008-09-14T15:00:00.006-04:00

Jenna and Daniels got married in a hurricane. Well, it was actually downgraded to a tropical storm, but it sure was a good rain. Luckily Jenna and Daniels didn't seem to mind. They helped support my opinion that rain is hardly the worst thing that can happen on a wedding day. And there are few cuter pictures than a bride and groom underneath an umbrella.

The reception was at the Milton Hoosic Club and catered by Domenic & Anthony.

Kerry + Travis | Engaged

2008-09-12T12:07:00.007-04:00

Kerry and Travis got engaged this past week. So, Brooke and I went out with them last night to return a favor.

Their dog Chiclet even got a haircut for the occasion.

Asuka Book

2008-09-11T16:28:00.007-04:00

I'm offering a new 10x10 in. leather-bound album. It comes with a presentation box for display and protection. These magazine-style books are sleek and light while still offering a clean and classic presentation.

I'll be introducing a hand-made flush-mount album in few weeks. Check back for that update.

Save the Date

2008-09-11T16:15:00.004-04:00

Brooke and I put the finishing touches on our Save The Dates this past weekend.
It was then I learned that I'm kind of a big deal when it comes to stamp embossing.

I believe everyone is blessed with at least one great talent.

Anne + Gordon | Boston, MA

2008-09-08T09:47:00.010-04:00

I've been waiting for Anne and Gordon's wedding for awhile. They are both hilarious and a lot of fun. And it was great to meet their friends and family who were also a joy to be around.

They got married at the beautiful Boston Public Library and had it all catered by Sebastians.

Erin + Philippe | Engaged

2008-08-27T10:55:00.006-04:00

Brooke's good friend from school, Erin, and her boyfriend Philippe are also planning a wedding. In fact, they were engaged a few days before us.

We had a great weekend on the Cape with Erin's parents. We even managed to fit some engagement portraits in between vineyard tours, oysters, and late night Olympics coverage.

Lynda + Kevin | Moultonborough, NH

2008-08-26T16:43:00.007-04:00

Every wedding I've shot this year has rained or threatened rain at some point in the day. But it has always worked out in the end. Sometimes the day is even better because of it.

Lynda and Kevin's wedding was no different, but it was touch and go for a while. The bluff at Castle in the Clouds is such a beautiful location no one wanted to think about the back up plan.

Luckily, the rain not only held off, but the sky turned into a beautiful blue/grey which made for the perfect ceremony back drop.

Other side of the Lens

2008-08-26T15:28:00.007-04:00

Never mind Travis' national and international photography awards. His real contribution to photography was made when he did Brooke and I's engagement portraits last week. I think this experience has also prepared him well for the National Geographic internship he'll be starting next month.

I'm impressed, but not surprised, by how much Travis has accomplished since our days at the Valley News. And I'm glad I'm able to still take advantage of it two years later : )

Also, this is a good time to mention I'm not available to shoot any weddings on April 25, 2009. I'll be busy marrying my sweetheart.

Liz + Stephen | Cambridge, MA

2008-08-20T22:38:00.005-04:00

Liz and Stephen put on the most hip and stylish wedding I've been to this year. They dished out most of that style by simply choosing to have their reception at the Hotel Marlowe. Having the Motown sounds of Souled Out didn't hurt either. As much as I enjoyed shooting the wedding, I couldn't help but wish I was a guest.

Emily + Matt | Boston, MA

2008-08-20T22:25:00.007-04:00

I met Emily when she was working at a small coffee shop in Midland, MI. I was in my first staff photographer position and Emily was studying photojournalism at a local university. Three years later I was shooting her wedding in Boston, MA. Matt is from Midland, too, so I saw a few familiar faces among the guests.

Emily and Matt did a great job planning the wedding and showing off Boston to their primarily out-of-town guests. I wish the best to the both of them as they look to make a new home in Texas.

Alison + Adam | Lyme, NH

2008-08-20T22:01:00.012-04:00

Alison and Adam had a beautiful, intimate wedding on the banks of the Connecticut River. It was so intimate they felt weird about me eating on my own and insisted I sit at their table. Really nice folks and a lot of fun.

Below is a picture of a polaroid their friend Martin took of me. People love to take pictures of the photographer.

A lot of people think it's funny to take pictures of the wedding photographer. I do, too.

Kristin + Matt | Mashpee, MA

2008-08-20T21:51:00.006-04:00

Kristin and Matt are two of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of working with. And not only were their friends and family just as nice, they were also a lot of fun.

This was the first time I had seen a circle open up on the dance floor before the main course was served.

Laura + Mike | Canterbury, NH

2008-08-20T21:41:00.008-04:00

I knew I would get along well with Laura and Mike when they mentioned the two most important elements of their wedding planning was the food and photography.

The rain held off just in time to make for a dramatic entrance to the reception site. It couldn't have been planned any better.

Julie + Jon | Hanover, NH

2008-08-20T20:56:00.011-04:00

I first met Julie a couple of years ago. She joked how all she wanted was to settle down with a man and raise some chickens. She not only got her man, but she got her chickens, too.

Next time I'm up in Hanover, NH we might have to do a portrait session around the coop.