Shang Chen Photography, jetsetting wedding photographer of dynamic couples » Lincoln

Joanne and Chris, Married! | DeCordova Sculpture Museum Wedding, the Portraits

Shang — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:34:04 +0000

And now for the grand finale, the portraits from Joanne and Chris’s wedding. We photographed the majority of these prior to the ceremony which was going to occur at sunset. It was so wonderful meeting all their fun friends and having a blast throughout. Be sure not to miss part 1 and part 2 of this wedding as well.

We began with some portraits of Chris

After Joanne got into her dress at DeCordova, I took lots and lots of photos of her. I don’t think I need to mention just how gorgeous she is

This was a special moment – I asked her to think about what Chris is going to be like during the First Look

Some more of her wedding dress ruffles

Yummy backlight!

We then wandered around the grounds for photos of just the bride and groom

My. Favorite.

I don’t show a lot of family portraits, but I do them! Yes indeed! I’m pretty proud of this photo because Joanne told me that her parents don’t often smile in photos

After the ceremony, there was a spectacular sunset. I can’t take credit for this photo – Amy took this one – and after reviewing my angle and hers, I think she’s got me beat =)

I asked the security guard to turn this cool sculpture on at night

Thank you, thank you Joanne and Chris for being such expressive and warm people and for giving me the honor to be there for you!

The vendors:

Shang’s Assistant: Amy Bao
Venue: DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA
Catering and cupcakes: Different Tastes, Boston, MA
Joanne’s Dress: Jon’s Bridal by Suzanne
Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six Bridesmaid
Rings: Springers Jeweler’s, Maine
Chris’s Suit: Pronto Uomo
Florist: Hillside Florist, Woburn, MA
Hair: Di Re Hair, Ltd., Waltham, MA
DJ: Boston Music Works, Woburn, MA
Invitations and Paper: DIY

August 31 – Return to Chicago
Sept 8 – 12 – Boston
Sept 23 – 25 – Boston
Oct 8 – 10 – San Francisco / Bay Area
Oct 22 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain
November 4 – 6 – Boston

hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

Joanne and Chris, Married! | DeCordova Sculpture Museum Wedding, the Photojournalism

Shang — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:37:57 +0000

To say that Joanne and Chris’s wedding at the DeCordova Sculpture Museum in Lincoln, MA was amazing is an understatement. The day was beautiful, the venue had amazing light, and even with the little snafus in between that inevitably come with a wedding, as I reviewed my images I was just thrilled with what came out. This wedding reflected much of what I stand for – genuine and expressive emotion, lots of energy, laid-back bride and groom, fun guests, and of course, personalized and cool style with color that pops! Therefore, I have chosen to publish this wedding in three blog posts to showcase the different ways in which I photograph a day – photojournalism, details, and portraiture. I place emphasis on all of them because I see myself as a storyteller photographer, which means that my goal is to document the day such that when one looks at the images one is taken back to relive the memories, emotions, the beauty. I believe in portraiture because I want my couples to feel as beautiful and fabulous as they are in my eyes, and I believe in capturing all the details because together, it makes the wedding experience complete.

First up, is the photojournalism. With the exception of the champagne toast and the First Look, none of these are staged, posed, or directed in any way. To me, photojournalism is about being in the right place at the right time and not interrupting the flow of the day.

Joanne and Chris exchanged gifts while getting ready. This is a journal that Joanne had secretly kept during their engagement documenting many thoughts and happenings

Joanne’s maid of honor delivered it to Chris

Joanne’s reaction upon hearing how much Chris loved it

Not to be beat, Chris also had a great gift of his own for Joanne. Coincidentally, it also included a journal

Last-minute decoration

We then drove to the museum where Joanne got dressed in her beautiful gown

Since the ceremony was going to occur around sunset, we had all the portraits done beforehand to allow plenty of time to relax and have fun. So while the First Look is often directed by me, I love, LOVE it because the emotions are so genuine

This is my favorite photo, taken by my intern Amy!

A quick touch-up before the ceremony

Joanne’s colors were green with black and white accents

Joanne told me that her must-have moment is the moment they realize they’re married. I got two of them

During cocktail hour, guests were able to “sign” a tree guestbook with fingerprints

Joanne and Chris had an awesome Red Sox-like entrance planned. It ended with them high-fiving all their wedding party members

All the speeches were quite funny recounting Joanne and Chris’s courtship

Cupcakes. Delish

The dance floor hopped all night thanks to Boston Music Works

The bouquet toss was intense!

You know a dance floor is fun if at the end of the night I join in – which I did =)

Not the end of this wedding – more to come, stay tuned!

The vendors:

August 31 – Return to Chicago
Sept 8 – 12 – Boston
Sept 23 – 25 – Boston
Oct 8 – 10 – San Francisco / Bay Area
Oct 22 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain

hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

4 weddings… (but no funeral)

Shang — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:54:19 +0000

I don’t fall behind, I rarely do, but I do want to warn people that I have had an insane past 9 days. I shot 4 weddings (2 each weekend), 2 engagement sessions, 1 in(SCP)iration, and 1 headshot session. That was definitely NOT the norm – now I’m back to my normal schedule of around 1 wedding and 1 engagement session a week. I am really thanking the stars for amazing weather throughout. I am trucking along with proofing, creating albums, sending out stuff to print. Clients, all of you are definitely being moved through the queue by date.

The next 5 days I will be spending most of my time at a photography workshop by the inimitable Jerry Ghionis which I will tell you all about when I am done. For people in the wedding industry who wish to catch up with me, I am starting to schedule meetups starting the 11th =) SAN FRANCISCO and CHICAGO – I am coming to your hoods too. Chicago people, some lifestyle spots are being opened.

In the meanwhile, here are all the sneak peeks I can provide. Have a great July 4th and party safe!

The wedding of Tricia and Mike at the Black Rock Country Club in Hingham

The wedding of Blair and Josh at Young Israel in Brookline

Joanne and Chris engagement session

Lisa and Jeff engagement session

in(SCP)iration for Monica

The wedding of Charlotte and James at BCEC Newton / Wellesley Country Club

The wedding of Mengmeng and Shawn at the Ocean View Inn in Gloucester

July 9 – 10 – New Haven
July 29 – August 4 – San Francisco / Bay Area – please email me if you’d like to get in touch
August 19 – 22 – Jamaica
August 23 – 25 – NYC
August 31/Sept 1 – Return to Chicago – taking weekday sessions in Chicago for the month of September
Sept 8 – 12 – Boston
Sept 23 – 25 – Boston

hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

Mary and Jason, Married! | Boston wedding photographer

Shang — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:45 +0000

Oh my goodness, be prepared, this is the first of MANY weddings that will now be making their way to the blog now that I’m delivering proof galleries! First of all, I am so, so, so happy to finally show Mary and Jason’s wedding at the Henderson House in Lincoln, MA, on the blog. To say that their wedding was fun is such an understatement. I had such a BLAST, and I’m so glad that Mary and Jason and I have become fast friends. You guys are amazing to the end, funny, laid back, and yet extremely amazing. I don’t know how you do it, but I get so warm-fuzzy just thinking of you two. Have I got a feast of color, energy, and details for you all!!!!!

First off, I had two weddings that weekend, and Carolina of From Hair to Eternity was on hand to transform my brides and bridesmaids at both. Her handiwork will show up on a couple more weddings and shoots later this year with me! She just gets everyone and brings out their best no matter what ethnicity, facial shape, hair texture. She works punctually, and she is so nice to be around!
That’s why she’s a preferred vendor!

At the same time, my second shooter Tammy captured Jason getting suited up and tying ties for his groomsmen

I. Love. Mary’s red wedding qipao. It is gorgeous in every way and so incredibly detailed and fit her perfectly

As is in Chinese tradition (and also common with Korean and Vietnamese.. heck, many Asian weddings), Mary’s bridesmaids had door games for Jason to pass. He first tried to bribe using red envelopes

Unfortunately that didn’t work. So he and his groomsmen got down on their hands to do pushups while singing a love song

And then Jason had to guess whose hands were Mary’s. It wasn’t easy!

The tea ceremony got really emotional

Then we headed to Henderson House. Mary’s dress from Berkachi Bridal is a dream in lace, so pretty!

Dealing with that day’s weather was quite a challenge, we were plagued by intermittent thunderstorms all day long, so we moved the First Look (and the ceremony) indoors. Look at how cute they are!

Then the weather cleared for some wedding party portraits

Biiiig group huuug!

Then we did some quick photos of Mary and Jason as it started raining

We took a break upstairs. A beer break

And then a couple of portraits against this gorgeous window

They laughed a lot during the ceremony. Sounds like a great start to marriage to me! Jason’s sister Stacie officiated

Meanwhile, the dining room was set up with the handiwork of Lyndsey Loring Design, who did all the floral work!

And then a surprise for everyone – LION DANCERS! Yes, Mary had lion dancers perform for everyone

There were some pretty cute kids at the wedding – niece and nephew of Jason’s. As a special treat, they played a song to see if they’d dance

And during the dinner, the guests got the parents to kiss as well

The following shows my view and Tammy’s view . And nah, I don’t always go this extreme, I want to make sure no one steps on me first =)

When Michael Jackson’s Thriller came out, Mary’s dad showed off his moves (thank you, Nu-Image, for the music!)

Out of nowhere a group of people hoisted Jason and Mary up on the chiavari chairs

Woo! Rock on!!

Yum

And remember what I said about details? SOOO MANY that I’ve created four inspiration boards!!!

First off, there is this amazing brain-melting dessert spread. If I liked sweets (I’m more a salty food person) I don’t think I’d be able to get back to work after photographing this
What I really like about the details in this following board is how much thought Mary put into them to really reflect her and Jason’s personalities.

Row 1: Carolina’s makeup, Mary’s earrings
Row 2: Mary used our engagement photos to personalize the tables at cocktail hour, teacups used in the tea ceremony, Mary’s emergency kit
Row 3: Mary’s personalized shoes, personalized cufflinks and cards for the groomsmen

My and Tammy’s view of the wedding cake from The Icing on the Cake adorned by flowers from Lyndsey Loring

The wedding colors were primarily red and gold to match her qipao
Row 1: Favors, Mary’s qipao, the red pouch of goodies for the lion dancers
Row 2: Mary’s qipao, the fasteners for the invitations (which match her qipao!!), and hand-made escort cards – the double-happiness was cut using a stamped cutter
Row 3: Invitation suite and ceremony program

The floral work pulled it altogether – it was the perfect season for peonies!
Row 1: The bouquets, a signing plate, the centerpieces
Row 2: Reserved sign, ceremony setup from top, petals around the cake table (you can see Jason’s parents’ wedding photo in the background)
Row 3: Personalized cake knife and server, Northeastern University personalized water bottles, and pew decor (flowers in cones adorned with ribbon)

And if you are still awake by this part of the post… some behind the scenes photos thanks to Tammy! I rarely show up in photos because I’m the photographer, so it’s pretty amusing for me to see these

“hello, yes, look into my lens. MY lens! thank you!”

Dancing with the little girl =)

Loooooove. Seriously

The amazing vendors who helped this wedding run so smoothly:

Venue and catering: Northeastern University’s Henderson House in Lincoln, MA
Dress: Berkachi Bridal, Cambridge, MA
Cake: The Icing on the Cake, Newton, MA
Rings: Barmakian Jewelers
Suits: Russo’s
Make-up and hair: From Hair to Eternity
Florist: Lyndsey Loring Design
DJ: Nu-Image
Lion Dance Troup: Chiu Mo Kwoon
Shang’s second shooter: Tammy Hui

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
I am a boston and chicago wedding photographer. hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

Eugenia and Stephen, Married! | Boston Wedding Photographer

Shang — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:24:16 +0000

I love being able to photograph a couple for both the engagement and the wedding – it makes the wedding all that more relaxed! I first met Eugenia and Stephen back in March, and these two are just too darn cute, I want to hug them up and wrap them up in ribbon! They’re shy, but the moment I tell them to be loving to each other, they are naturals, awesomeness! Stephen’s sister-in-law, Vernee, introduced us. Vernee was one of my first clients, EVER, I took photos of her adorable daughter way, way back. Too bad the little one was not present at the wedding, I bet she’s all big now!

Eugenia and Stephen’s wedding was on a beautiful day at the end of summer. I’m loving, LOVING all the details and thoughts being put into it. I also highly coming back to the John H. Pierce House – last time I was there for another wedding I didn’t get to stick around for the end. All right, enough blabbing, on to the photos!

This was one of the first photos I took. I noticed these shoes literally when I walked in and fell in love. Eugenia wore these during the reception

I also can’t get enough of her dress. It’s a beautiful Maggie Sottero

Eugenia chose to get ready at a hotel, I’m loving the window light!

Their limo was pretty fabulous – provided them with a champagne toast post-ceremony =) And I don’t know how the driver did it, but he got Eugenia and Stephen to the reception site before I did even though I left earlier

Look at her smile! She is so happy

And they could not stop smiling at each other throughout the ceremony. Awwww

Big smiles all around right afterwards

We shot the formal portraits in delicious sunset light at the John H. Pierce House

Um. I love that red shed. That’s all

A creative wedding party as well!

Eugenia is Greek, so imagine my delight when they did a Greek dance! I love Eugenia’s Dad, he’s exactly as I’d have imagined him

During Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” I asked them to show their bling :D

These four fabulous people came all the way from London to be part of this wedding. They tore up the dance floor all night long! You guys rock!

Eugenia and Stephen surprised everyone with a dance in the middle… can you guess what it is?

Superman… OH!

Vernee rockin’ it out with the DJ, who was so fun! He also came at her recommendation. Vernee, you are a treasure trove of awesome connections =)

Some of the details… see how one of my engagement photos got used for the guest book!

Eugenia and Stephen, thank you for letting me be a part of your intimate day! It was an absolute joy witnessing your marriage, wishing you many years of love and romantic laughter!

I gotta rave about the many vendors who helped make this wedding happen as well. This was one of the smoothest weddings I’d been to. The catering was all vegetarian but boy was it delicious! The mini cala lilies in Eugenia’s bouquet take my breath away. And the personalized Hershey bars and the owls on their wedding invite… The DJ (who came up from NYC) kept the dance floor packed all night long even though the wedding itself was pretty small (~40 guests)… I kept dancing too! It’s true what they say, it’s in the details, and when the details mold together the effect is great!

Vendors!

Ceremony: United First Parish Church, Quincy, MA
Reception: John H. Pierce House, Lincoln, MA
Catering: Tastings Caterers
Dress: Maggie Sottero from Camilla’s Bridal
Veil: Button + Bloom
Rings: Engagement from Brilliant Earth, Wedding rings from Long’s Jewelers
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Cedar Grove Gardens
Make-up and Hair: Kathy and Jill from Illusions Salon, Quincy, MA
DJ: Lord Easy