***Luxurious: Guest Sign-In Books****

NEW! NEW! I've been getting some beautiful products from abroad and one of them is this luxurious guest sign-in book. This fabulous album features all your favorite images of your pre-wedding. It is chunky, has either white or black page options and wide variety of beautiful cover choices to make it an amazing personal keepsake.

The pages are nice and thick (here in black option).
First page with studio signature


Your photo is printed on the right page, the left is empty for personal wishes from your guest (use a silver, white or gold pen for the black page option)
This album features a soft silver suede leather with a cover cut-out for the couple's photo.

If you would like to get your hands on one of these beauties, please email me for more information.

Portfolio: Annabella Geraghty

The first time I met Bella, I was struck by her classic beauty. Bella has the look of a film starlet, just about to be discovered.
Some faces draw you in, they beg to be studied and discovered and Bella's face invites you to do just that. Bella transcends an inner calmness through her eyes.. just have a look at these big blue eyes that are framed with endless amount of long lashes, too gorgeous!
Bella is currently studying and living in England and has a background in acting and now, as well, modeling on the horizon.

It was a true pleasure working together as Bella and I share a soft spot for the natural. For our session we made perfect use of the season's high grass, wild flowers and soft light. We started with some classic black&white portrait




Amongst a sea of wild flowers: This one is so amazing and I'd blow it up into a humongous canvas art print


I can only see eyes




Bella is so natural and carefree, she's made for the outdoors


Modelesque

For this session I test ran my new camera (more news about that soon!). The files are so AMAZING. These are pretty much straight out of the camera, simply beautiful!


Go ahead and blow it up (click on it with your mouse) for some buttery crispiness!






This one makes me giggle!


You don't know what we went through to get to this field!


but it was worth it!

Wow, look at her! Doesn't she resemble Katie Holmes in this one? I think Bella belongs into a magazine! She rocked it til the end and didn't complain a second while I was testing my new strobes. Seeing this night shot really made it all the worthwhile.


If you would like to get in touch with Bella for modeling work you can contact her here or email me through the box on the sidebar.
Bella is available in England and Malta.

Elaine on The Sunday Times

Congratulations to Soprano Elaine Borg for the raving review of her concert on the last Sunday Times. Do you remember her from our portfolio shoot, here?

So, what did the paper has to say about Elaine:
"(...) the young lady has a very promising voice, an outgoing personality which helps her communicate well and is blessed with a crystal-clear diction underlying a completely convincing immersion in the interpretation of each phrase she sings."

Again, congrats Elaine!!!

Happy Birthday, Maureen!

Ha, by coincidence I found out that it's one of my bride's birthday! I think Facebook ain't so bad after all!

Just a little teaser! Happy birthday girl, keep it coming!
Fierceness factor: 100 gazillion

Wedding: Chris & Coralie - Part 2

As promised, here is the 2nd part of Chris & Coralie's wedding.

A very emotional moment happened right after the couple stepped out of the church...


...a big crowd of family and friends were already waiting to congratulate the couple. In between all these people a special person, close to Co's heart, was waiting anxiously and excited. It was Coralie's grandmother, who made it to her granddaughters wedding despite her physical condition.
Coralie, just got a glimpse of her nanna and ran right into her arms. People were still throwing rice and confetti but Co and her nanna were hugging each other as if time stood still for a moment.


The pride in Coralie nanna' s eyes spoke a thousand words. Her expression still gives me goose pimples.



Both were moved to tears with joy! I think this was one of the most emotional moments of the day.


I love how Chris is looking at his new nanna.


I love the expression of friends and family!


Coralie and Chris decided to go down to the Sanctuary to share a silent prayer together as husband and wife.

The cutest munchkin


One portrait for the parents




Coralie's princess dress was from Maggie Sottero and here it shows off her beautiful train.


Chris and Coralie arriving at the venue.
Look at the blue sky! The weather was splendid and God-send.
Can you feel their excitement?!

The reception was catered by Creme Caramel, Coralie's dad family company. They did an outstanding job as you will see in pictures to come.


The happy parents. Left Chris' parents and on the right Co's parents.



The girls! Yeah!

Some special light for a special couple.


The venue in the evening. It was the magic hour, right after sunset when the sky turns into a "liquid blue".


In the morning of his wedding, Chris with the help of his best man erected this tent...just in case of rain.


The wedding's theme could have been candy land. There were sweets everywhere.
Coralie's dad made an ice piano for his daughter.. it was filled with strawberries.. yummy!


The highlight of the sweet concoction though was the wedding cake, perfectly designed to match Coralie's dress.

Look at Co's dad expression. Priceless!


The guests stormed the dancefloor and partied the night away. The couple couldn't have asked for a better party crowd!



The going away...

The couple left in a sporty VW beetle. Yeah to Volkswagen! ;-)

I made it on FACEBOOK

At last, I made it on Facebook!!! I know it took me forever. Maybe I was scared that no one was going to be my friend and I stay on Facebook by myself...so please please add me!

Looking forward to this "new" social network.. if you have any tips please leave me a comment!

Thanks and see you there!

Wedding: Chris & Coralie - Part 1

Chris and Coralie have been heart and soul since their school days and I was blessed to witness and document their special day. I think it was of the biggest wedding of the year and there are many images to show.
Today, I have to split my blog post in two parts starting of with the grooms details, brides residence and church.
We start of with Chris as he had some great accessories that need an special eye and attention to detail. It also worked so fabulous because I had an extra day shooting the grooms residence.

The grooms shoes..tata:



During the "getting ready" part, I loved playing with reflections



We had so much time on our hands, so we decided to take the boys out for a walk




In front of the church the two were getting married


On the wedding day, we headed to the bride's house very early in the morning (I think it was around 6.30am). Coralie was just getting "beautified"
I always take a bridal portrait...


...but then I love to play around and experiment. These are my favourites as they show the artist side of wedding photography.




The flower girls were so adorable


I like to leave the little ones doing their own thing and not stress them out with stiff poses


Before leaving the house

Chris and Coralie were so lucky! Their day was crystal clear, hardly a cloud in the sky although all week it had been raining and storming.


Here comes the bride



I really like how the flower girl is tossing the petals and in the background you see the bridesmaids waiting.

The First Look

Mellieha church is beautiful


That's one of the moments I always look out for. Sometimes, tears of sadness and joy are bundled into one emotion. The mother of the bride:


and these emotions are the most precious of all


Exiting the church

You can look forward this week to part 2 of the wedding!

Tiny Wedding Teaser: Sarah & Keith

This one is a special sneak peek for my dear couple Sarah & Keith, who just got married last Saturday. I think the image above sumarizes it well: a magic event, somewhat like a fairytale wedding with a princess and her prince!
Even I had butterflies on the morning of their wedding. I've known these two for quite some time now (after having photographed their engagement party). I still can't believe the day of their wedding had finally come. It was exciting for me to follow them on each step they took on this day and document the beginning of their new life as husband and wife.


Here's another two photos from right after the mass.
Don't they look as if they came straight out of an international bridal magazine?



Dear Sarah & Keith, hope you settled well in your new home and you are enjoying every piece of moment together before you head back into real life. Can't wait for our post-wedding, it's going to be special!

We Will: Helenia & Albert

Sometimes the most unexpetected things happen in life. They come out of the blues, knock you off your feet and keep you wondering: Did this really just happen?! Albert's proposal to Helenia must have been one of these wonderful and rare but also humourous moments in life.
All happened with a phone conversation and the horoscope! Helenia, like most girls, loves to read the yearly horoscope for fun and of course she couldn't skip reading Bertu's. She was laughing as it said, this year he is going to settle down. Knowing Bertu, who is happy to be in a relationship but never mentioned marriage, Helenia thought of him more of the "never settling down" type.
For fun and a teaser, Helenia picked up the phone and read him his horoscope... Helenia was still laughing and joking and wouldn't have ever predicted what came next. In all seriousness Bertu surprised her by saying: Let's get married!
Helenia clasped on the telephone: What? Say that again? Did she hear right? Yes, Bertu was dead serious with Helenia: He can't imagine a life without her by his side.



Bertu, like most grooms, dreaded the thought of a 'pre-wedding' photo session but funny enough in a few moments these two were doing their own thing and I believe Bertu really enjoyed it after all. :)




Their photos work so well as story boards. Can't resist all these different expressions!




I absolutly adore this one! Imagine this as a framed print.
Click on it to see it big!



Work it!



Careful! Helenia knows karate and isn't shy to use it! ;-)




Complete change of location. Helenia is a tour guide and this area is one of her most famous ones.







And my favourite for last!

Miriam and Simon in Concert

Happy Weekend everyone! Here is some promo work I've done for soprano Miriam Cauchi and her husband and cellist Simon Abdilla Joslin. It's a blast working with them every time.


Simon is just a great guy! It will be my first time hearing him play.


I love that these two are always up to something new and let me experiment a little. You really need to give it a second look.


12th May 09 @ Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

Mystery Call 10 to 10pm

OMG! Where am I going to start? Last night at 10 to 10pm I received the most strange and incredible call ever! I still have to pinch myself to remind me if that was really true or if I was maybe already in lala land. But with foresight I marked it red in my diary so I have it right in my face: Yes, it did happen, you weren't dreaming!
Actually, I was having a real cozy evening in front of the TV, cuddled up in my blankets and watching one of those half reality half soap shows when suddenly my little pink and black cell phone rang. I said like, who's calling me at this time of night?! (not that it was really too late or anything but hey I was watching a soap!). The number looked alien, yes alien, to me... what's a +33 something doing on my display? Thank God, I wasn't watching one of those horror movies were the girl is receiving creepy calls... but anyhow, I still answered cautiously "Hello?"
The next thing I will never forget in my life...
"Hi, this is Joshua Smith calling"
I still want to cry and laugh at the same time.. what??? Joshua Smith, did I get this right?!!! Hey, there are probably a thousand Joshua Smith on this planet and one just happened to call me...yeah yeah... or could it be that I had the most INCREDIBLE OF ALL TIME AMAZING JOSHUA SMITH OF CINEMATIC BRIDE calling me up...


If you were wondering, Joshua Smith is one of the industry top professional in wedding videography on the PLANET, a creative genius and savvy business person I have admired for a looong time. In everyday language, it's as if George Clooney gave me a rang to tell me "Hey Jess, I saw your cute little blog and I was wondering if you'd like to go to the movies with me tonight."
Well, yeah.. no.. Josh didn't ask me for a date..just if you were wondering...
He actually asked me for my post code! There you have it..my post code! That's what I can remember.. because by the time my brain managed to process I had The Joshua Smith on the phone (and not some prank call) I couldn't process any other information anymore. My head just went: Joshua Smith of Cinematic Bride is on the phone (bubble), JOSHUA SMITH (bubble), Joshua Smith...BIG BUBBLE
Now you are probably wondering why the heck, someone like him calls a photographer from tiny island and asks for their postcode or address.. Now people, reality is sinking in so get prepared. The order I had placed a day prior with his new company LOKTAH (the coolest amazing earthy products for my clients!) couldn't be shipped because something was wrong with my address. Hey yeah..that's all (sorry to disappoint you!) but if it makes you feel any better, not everyday , the boss himself calls to solve shipping problems. I think my tiny little lucky star shone on me that night. As you can imagine, I slept like a baby ... too good.. as the next day I had overslept by 3 hours! (Bad side effect of happiness)
*Sigh* had to get this off my chest..yes world now you know! Thank YOU for listening!

PS: If you want to see one of his amazing movie trailers go here
and my alltime favorite here

Favorite Detail: The Bouquet

Hi my dear blog readers. The last few weeks were a whirlwind... many many things have happened...phew, let me catch my breath! I have news to share, very soon!
For now, I hope to have more blog lovin' coming up, starting today with another installation of My Favorite Detail. Just Yesterday I talked to a sweet bride of mine about the flowers and colour scheme for her wedding. Oh yes, colours can express so much! Colours can really make your photographs pop and add a great vibrancy to the overall look.
Imagine a summer wedding near the beach. What colours do you see, what would contrast really nicely? I am thinking turquoise and bright yellow.And you?
If you love subtle pastel tones such as rose, white ivory, etc they always work great for an elegant affair.
Or, why not mixing up the two? I love the bouquet above from my sisters July wedding. The green and pink just make you smile and happy, don't they!

Get yourself inspired by your all-time favorite colour and see how it fits into the season and your wedding scheme. Have fun planning and let me know how it goes!

Portfolio: Elaine

Last week I had a fantastic portfolio session with Elaine, a soprano and student of the ever wonderful Miriam Cauchi. Very passionate about music Elaine is taking the next step in her musical career and reaching out for her goals. In fact, I thought it was the perfect timing for a portfolio shoot as the countryside is so alive and blossoming just like Elaine and her hopes and aspirations for the future.




Stunning!





I loved the high grass and golden colour





How different Elaine looks in all of the following images:

* So sweet

* gorgeous

* fierce

* fun loving. Wouldn't you like to have her as your best friend?!


* elegant with a hint of mystery




The perfect backdrop



I think Elaine looks like a Native American princess in this one.


And this one I completly adore!


Talk about light













So so beautiful in every sense

Sidney is 6 months!

Did you recognize this little boy? I blogged about the little fellow here when he was just a month old. Isn't he just the cutest?!



His parents Daniel and Mireille came to Malta so I finally got a chance to have all three in front of the lens!





I found this pretty field with perfect light






The three braved some chilly wind


I got to have a father-son photo




And one with mommy as a silhouette at sunset

I DO: Louise & Niall

Have you seen the latest edition of I Do magazine? There is a double feature about two of my weddings. One of them is about my Irish couple Louis & Niall who celebrated their Big Day at the Radisson SAS Bay Point, St. Julian's, Malta.
Louise and Niall's night before their wedding day started with a big spectacle in a natural sense. One of the first winter storms had just hit Malta. Louise confessed to me later that she had never experienced a storm like this before and part of the night she had spent listening to the waves crushing to the shore and the thunder roaring right above her. I was also lying awake at home and wondering how her wedding day would look like.
The next morning, as I arrived at Louise's hotel suite I was greeted with laughter and happiness. Inside, Louise's smile lit up the room... outside the clouds had parted and Malta's beautiful sun shone once again bright and clear on Louise's and Niall's wedding day.

Their beautiful wedding bands


Details, details

Wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, flower girl's dress


Looking so content and re-assured


The great thing was that I could switch from one hotel room to the next and see what bride and groom individually were up to



The Bride


Can you see the reflection of the palm trees?


Louise's bright smile on the way to the chapel




Niall was also very happy to see his bride


St. Paul's shipwreck church in Naxxar

You just have to love that smile!



Love this one

They had a very different type of cake

I DO: Clint & Ann-Marie

Today, I have an extra loooong blog post for you! It's Clint's and Ann-Marie's beautiful wedding which was just incredible in every way. From the impeccable details, to the emotional ceremony to the lavish reception at Ann-Marie's grandparents private villa. This wedding truly had it all.

First, let us start with the details...
In the morning, Clint sent this personalised book of 'The Chronicales of Narnia' (left image) to his soon-to-be-wife. Both of them used to read it together and in this book Clint left some wonderful personal words for Ann-Marie.

All shoe fetish watch out for these designer heels! A funny story: Clint and Ann-Marie chose each others shoes for the wedding. And look what goodies Clint got for his bride...


*sigh* Aren't they just to die for?!


They deserve a RED CARPET moment!


Another glam accessory

The bride getting ready... stunning make-up!


I go crazy for those lashes


First look


The flower girl was so adorable, here she was practicing
Details of the gown
And here it is in full glory



This might look easy but it was hard work!


A quick shot while being tied up


My beautiful bride

Look at these eyes!

Leaving the house
This is the second flower girl. I adore this photo.


Excitement was growing...

...even for Clint



First Look


There was a funny moment with the rings and they took it with great humour


The momma's got all emotional



And Clint was moved to tears. I love these moments right after the blessing of the rings and the Holy Communion...


I really like this sequence




"We DID!!!!"

A short few portraits before we headed off to the party


The villa and gardens of Ann-Marie's grandparents is breathtaking! The couple kept to the tradion to celebrate there as Ann-Marie's mom had her wedding at the same villa too.

A chill out zone with cushions and candle-light


The cake area

Clint designed the cake! I have never seen one like this one before
Party/ chill out zone


On the drums

Everybody partied


like there was no Tomorrow...no surprise as the incredible...

AIRPORT IMPRESSIONS rocked the house!!! They were soooooooo AMAZING!!! I became a huge fan of them.


And there was love....

...and more love...

...and even more. All the best tweets and Clint!

Milkshake_hairmodels

Hairmodels for milk_shake and Z-one seminar 09, please email me for your images.

Book Your Pre-Wedding Session!

My dear 2009 couples, it's pre-wedding season again! Yeah!
Please check your inbox and get in touch with me for your session. Dates are available from next week until end of April.
Quick tip: March is beautiful for the outdoors and vibrant colours in your photographs. Week days locations will be less crowded than on weekends. Book your date quickly to avoid disappointment. Once a day is booked, it's sorry, no more!

Bags of Charm & Character

A while ago, I had a commercial shoot for Popeye's Village. While walking through the film set I discovered little nooks and crannies that hold bags of atmosphere. I realized this place is so much more than just a kids fun park. I indulged in all the different colours, shapes and in its beautiful light.. this place has mesmerizing light! So Today I decided, instead of showing you the actual shoot, I give you a small visual appetite of what can be discovered when you don't look for the obvious but for all those small little details that beg to be seen.

LOVE: Chris & Coralie

Chris and Coralie came to me as sort of a "pre-christmas present". I had nearly finnished up my year and "hello", these two came along a few weeks before their wedding. We three quickly connected over our love of photography. They love photos as much as I do and all the sentimental memories that come along with it.
At our pre-wedding session I noticed how close Chris and Co are. Time has created a special bond between them. Chris adores Coralie and it was so cute to watch how he snuggles up and gives her gentle kisses on her cheek. And Co feels completly relaxed in Chris' arms.. always knowing he is going to catch her



How nice are these colours?!



Chris is also quite relaxed with Co ;-)




So intimate


These two couldn't stop smiling

The yellow and blue looks fabulous!



Cute shoes!


For mama's mantelpiece

Coralie loved this house with the blue shutters which I totally adore as well!


Until the every end, Chris and Coralie worked it. I don't know how may times I told Chris to lift Coralie and he never complained but happily obliged. If it was for Chris, I believe, we could have continued for another 3 hours.. but instead we three went for a nice cup of Cappucino (or coke, but cappicino sounds better) and enjoyed the moment before the sun completly dissapeared.

Soon: Chris and Coralie's wedding. Also check out the new edition of I DO magazine coming beginning of March!

Favourite Detail: ***The Dress***

Welcome to another episode of My Favourite Detail. Today, it's without a doubt the most unticipated item in a wedding (well, apart from the bride and groom... wait they are not really an item, are they?!).
The dress *sigh* is one of The highlights of the day. I think, everybody has this scene in their mind: bride walking down the aisle and everyone turning their heads to get the first glimpse of her. It's kind of a magical 30 seconds where everyone is holding their breath (that's what they should do! ;-)
For me, the magic starts when I arrive at the bride's residence and enter the room where the dress is kept save. Sometimes, it's still in the closet and I politly ask: "And.... where is it???" Other times, it's already in perfect position hanging by the window ready to be "shot".

The above image is my personal magic. It was captured within a few fleeting seconds. Time was flying and the bride got quickly dressed in a dark room. There was only one window where a beam of sun light came through. Suddenly, the bride turned and was standing directly in the sun's spotlight. What a beautiful effect! High contrast between the dark and the light and then the wooden strips of the windows painted a cross on her back! As soon as I saw it, I knew I had a winner. These little unexpected moments are hidden everwhere and I see it as my job to create 'my little magic' out of them.
Hope you enjoyed this one. Until next time!

Baby Sidney

Last time I went to Berlin, I visited my sisters best friend who just had her little baby boy Sidney. It was so beautiful watching these two.



I think close-up's for babies are essential!




I really like the contrast of this one.


This will be a wall art...


...looking great in a simple black frame

Today I'm Wearing Red Lipstick

OMG, Today I feel goood, so goood!
Normally, you will never see me wearing red lipstick only on these very rare occasions - those extra special days, were I feel like I am running on a cloud. Yeah, only then I believe I can pull it off to wear such a fierce shade of red without feeling like a complete idiot.

I feel like I am the most blessed photographer in the world, ok, on the island! :-)
I so LOVE my brides! Last night before I went to bed I checked my mail for the last time. In my inbox I found the sweetest email of my delightful bride Sarah which really touched my heart:

"But you have no idea how re assuring it is to us that you're our photographer! We just know that whatever goes wrong, you ll capture beautiful memories for the day which we will look back at and cherish! So even if i wake up with blemishes on my face, or someone drops red wine on my dress ... you got it covered"

I can't even begin to say how much my couples mean to me. Just to know that they chose me to capture those memories that will remind them of one of the most special days in their lives and making me part of this celebration of love is just the best feeling ever! Thank You!

And this afternoon, I received another incredible email of my bride Dana. OMG, she found THE ONE ... pair of heels!!!!! OMG, I am so freaking out and I have to control myself not to give away anything... only so much: her designer heels are going to be HOT! Everything that starts with a J and ends with OO is HO HO, baby, yeah!

Girls, Thank you so much! I feel like I am wrapped in a candy cotton of love!
xxx

Zach's Holy Communion Session

My sister just gave me a call and told me she is really annoyed! She's says she's been waiting for another blog entry. Day by day goes by and nothing new yet although I have so much to share!

So it's 5pm now and here it comes, Sari.

This was a shoot I've done quite a while ago but it's pretty much the perfect timing if you have anyone in the family who's looking for a photographer who does relaxed, fun and pretty portraits for the upcoming First Holy Communions and Confirmations in May.


If you wondered: No this was not shot in a studio


Even if it might not go into the album I couldn't resist Zach's expression!


And with mommy, who is, by the way, my fabulous wedding assistant.


I truly like the outdoors



A perfect sweet photo for the mantelpiece


Behind the scenes: I let kids be kids :-)


Here Zach was a good boy

and absolutely adorable


One of my favourites, very thoughtful, great background


Hey, someone adores mommy...


Fran looking great!

They had something casual in mind: Let's roll up the sleeves and stay close to the sea


Aren't the colours so yummy?!
I think Zach really resembles his mom..just look at their lips and chins



Flaretastic!

If you would like any information on packages please get in touch with me via email (on the sidebar). I can only take a few select sessions this year due to the Holy Communions being so close to my wedding season.

Pure Adrenaline!

Watch This!


wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

Would you ever dream of trying this?