The results of the international Wedding Photojournalist Association’s Fall contest were announced, and we were thrilled to see that two of Chris’ images from 2010 were awarded prizes!

Chris placed first in the category for Bride Getting Ready with this image:

The three judges’ comments:

“If dogs and owners truly look alike then it would be an easy bet which dog “owns” this bride. Perhaps it’s just me but my experience as a photojournalist taught me that moments like this are rare. I’m glad this photographer used every possible element to bring it home for the rest of us through simple use of available light, good composition and enough skill to “get out of the way” of a delightful scene long enough to let it speak to the rest of us.”

“Sometimes the circumstances can really help turn a photograph into a work of art. The combination of patterns and textures work together perfectly. This could be in any wedding magazine.”

“This photo has more subtle humor but also is very well exposed with several beautiful elements. All the patterns in the room work well with the simplicity of the texture of the dog’s hair and the texture that mirrors the texture in the brides dress and the moment is nicely captured with a reflection in the mirror. A lot of elegance and grace in the photo!”

Chris shot this image at Kim and Sammy’s September wedding at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, MA.  Kim’s standard poodle, Cody, not only supervised the preparations, he served as the ring-bearer for their beautiful outdoor ceremony!

Chris placed fourteenth in the category for Other Vendors with this image:

A contest judge noted:

“Humorous image and well executed.”

Chris captured this image at Jennifer and Jessica’s August wedding at the Old Manse in Concord, MA.  Jennifer and Jessica’s close friend, David Prifti, used an 8×10 view camera to make a tintype portrait of the happy couple.

More contest winning images and the judge’s biographies can be viewed on the WPJA’s website.

The results of the international Wedding Photojournalist Association/BRIDES magazine contest were released, and we were very excited to learn that TWO of Chris’ images from 2009 placed in the top 10!

Chris placed sixth in the category for Customs/Culture with this image:

The judges wrote:

“Most “Money-dance” traditions require the money to be pinned on the bride. Not sure how the money stayed on this couple except for maybe glue, but it made an interesting photograph with good interaction.”

Chris shot this image at Kelly and Larry’s wedding in Stow, MA. It was an incredibly hot July afternoon, and the way that the dollar bill stuck to Larry’s sweaty forehead made for a very funny shot!

Chris placed ninth in the category for Kids with this entry:

The judges’ comments:

“My goodness, the expressions on these boys is priceless. Perfect timing, perfect positioning by the photographer.”

At Stephanie and Rich’s October 2009 wedding, the pull string on their aisle runner broke. Chris captured the merry struggle that ensued as their three young attendants juggled it down the aisle.

It seems that some of the warmest, funniest and most memorable moments at weddings often occur when things don’t go exactly as scripted!

Check out more winning photographs on the WPJA website!

The WPJA released their Winter 2007 contest results, and we were happy to see one of Chris’ images among the top 20. This one received 12th place; it was entered in the “Cake Cutting” category:

Here are some of the judges’ comments:

These are folks big of stature and big of heart. They love life and each other, quite obviously. Great high moment. Well handled interior light.

Denise and Rich had two cakes, one especially for the cutting ritual (it’s the chocolate covered one in the background). It’s always interesting to see different interpretations of a “traditional” part of the wedding reception. As the judges guessed from just this brief instant…they had a great time throughout the day, it was a fun wedding all around.

One of the cool things about entering WPJA photo contests is that they always manage to get a great lineup of judges.  Here were the judges for this contest:

• Al Bello, Photojournalist
• Dennis Brack, president, White House News Photographers Association
• Renée C. Byer, Photojournalist, Pulitzer Prize winner
• Mary Calvert, Photojournalist
• Gina Ferazzi, Photojournalist, Pulitzer Prize winner
• Bill Frakes, Photojournalist, Sports Illustrated
• John Long, Photojournalist Natioal Press Photographers Association Ethics and Standards Chairman
• Massimo Mastrorilo, Photojournalist
• Joe Mcnally, Photojournalist
• Pete Souza, Photojournalist
• Yonathan Weitzman, Photojournailist

For more on this impressive list of judges, see their WPJA bios.

Victoria’s Quinceanera is less than two months away! We photographed Victoria in her mother’s garden, and she chose these two images for her invitation: