Kelly and I fell in love with Paula and Rick of Cronin Hill Photography when we saw their photographs of a same-sex couple. They do what many photographers struggle with – showcase each individual in the couple equally, not styling one as more masculine or feminine. We are so excited to showcase them! They specialize in destination wedding photography, so no matter where you are getting married, they can be there! (This is especially great for couples who are having one legal ceremony away from their celebratory ceremony!) You can check out their listing on So You’re EnGAYged here and their wedding photography portfolio here.

What is Cronin Hill Photography all about?

You would think our business would only be about taking incredible wedding day images, it’s a given. Our business is really about making couples feel comfortable in front of the lens, so their true personalities reveal themselves. If you can make a couple feel comfortable they will see themselves in a way they never have before. We always love the comment, “We feel famous!” or “We felt like movie stars!” There’s nothing better than sending out a couple’s slideshow and receiving an email just after they viewed it, saying “WOW! We look good!”

How did you get started photographing weddings?

Since high school Paula and I have always been into photography. Photojournalists at heart, we cover news stories for our emergency services all over New England. We were always asked, “Hey, would you shoot our wedding?” Our usual reply was a giggle and really didn’t think anything of it… until that faithful day LOL! Paula was asked to help a friend of a friend cover a wedding his assistant bailed on. After a brief discussion with the Catholic priest, the main photographer found out he couldn’t use flash, Paula saved the day and shot the entire wedding, no flash, in dimly lit conditions. From that day on we said, we can do this! The rest was history!

Tell us a little about your wedding photography packages.

Cronin Hill is “All Inclusive” No day or time limit. When the client books, we are theirs for the whole weekend. Our package coverage includes 2 Photographers, Pre-Wedding (engagement), Rehearsal, Preparation, Ceremony, Reception and Day After Brunch photography. All clients receive a Digital Negatives CD including all high-rez and retouched images.

What do you love about what you do?

For us, it’s the relationships we build and keep long after the “I do”. We stay in contact with many of our couples and we’re sometimes called back to shoot special family moments.

What’s your favorite moment that happens while you’re taking photos?

Paula’s favorite moment is capturing the couple on wedding day seeing each other for the first time and mine, listening to story of how and where they met and visiting those locations during the pre-wedding.

LGBT Review

“Rick and his wife Paula are consumate professionals. They recently did a photo shoot with my partner and I and we could not have been happier with the results. Everything we wanted to convey was captured perfectly. Also, but not an aside, they are 2 of the nicest people I have ever met. I would never use any other photographer.” – David & Scott

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

The everyday you and the glammed up you are always welcome.  Our sessions are never rushed and are held on location so that everyone is comfy giving me a peak inside their world.  The little ones have a chance to run around play, while couples get a chance to spend some lovey dovey moments together, all captured on film.  We develop a friendship during these sessions.  They love it, I love it!

How did you get into doing what you do?

During my last semester studying Psychology at Hofstra University I took both a Photography  and Sculpture course. I enjoyed them both and found my true love which was photography. If I could only have gone back four years, and changed my major it would have been great! My love also grew while documenting my son and realizing just how important it is to have beautiful, emotion filled photographs of your loved ones.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

During a session its jeans and sneakers, or flats. I  have to be comfy and don’t mind getting a little dirty, especially during sessions with the little ones! On wedding days I stay close to all black, and very very comfy shoes. I always wish I could wear an awesome dress though.

How is your business “pro-gay”?

Everyone is welcomed with open arms. Literally. Do not be shocked if you get a hug at the end of our session! I also worded my wedding packages so that it speaks to all types of couples.

What do you love about what you do?

I love to get to know my clients as I have a genuine curiosity in people and relationships… remember I was a psychology major. I also love when a Mom or couple cry tears of joy when they see their final images.

What do you love about working with gay couples?

I love all couples really. Its great when you can feel the love oozing all around you. I do love to see such great turnouts and support at gay weddings. It has a little extra something knowing that they are getting the support and love that everyone deserves.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

My favorite moment has to be when we are walking along on location and I spot something that totally connects with my client.  The “Free Love” photo is a great example; they actually made it their wedding theme!

Rave and picture time!

“This day was special for the both of us…. We usually take pictures with our cellphones not quite like Nas’ photos. I love her work and her dedication to what she does, her incite and visionary ideas really stand out from other photographers… Thank You Nas”

“Nas thank u so much for your love of this and because of it, we get to enjoy what you have captured while wanting to show off her debut photos. I’m scared to see the final product and the rest of the pics being the sneak peek has bought tears to my eyes already. You really did your thing and we can now savor her precious moments forever because of it. Love you Nas”

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

I’m a photojournalist who honed my skills in the editorial world, shooting assignments ranging from the Super Bowl to long-term documentary projects. That experience has taught me to expect the unexpected, to anticipate reaction, and to be patient. My style is to document the day as a visual storyteller — to capture what you feel. I do blend some traditional portraiture into my coverage.

How did you get into doing what you do?

Throughout my newspaper career, I always had requests to cover weddings. I started doing more of them in the last five years, because my schedule made it easier to work on weekends. I soon realized how much I enjoyed it, as it gave me the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with my clients, something you don’t often find in other professions. I left my senior staff position at the paper in 2008 and took my business full-time.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

I always wear my “lucky” bracelet. ;-)

How is your business “pro-gay”, or how have you changed your business to be gay-friendly?

I’ve always believed everyone should have equal rights, and I conduct my business and personal affairs with that guiding principle. I photographed the first civil union in New Jersey when the law was passed in 2007, and I’ve advertised on sites like this one as well as exhibited my work at the GLBT Expo in New York.

What do you love about what you do?

In a nutshell, I love everything from the first client consultation to designing and delivering their album. Anytime two people pledge their love for each other, it marks the beginning of a new family. I feel honored to be a part of that process as the person responsible for capturing their memories in images.

What do you love about working with gay couples?

I just love working with people who are ready to commit to each other, gay or straight.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

As a photojournalist, I’m all about the moments! The obvious ones are pretty easy to get, but my favorites are the subtle moments — a slight sideways glance at each other, for instance. Their eyes reveal what is in their hearts, and sometimes it is a very fleeting moment.

Picture time!

I shoot primarily wedding, events, and portraits, and am based in Southeast Michigan. I specialize in creating distinctive, modern imagery.

What do you love about what you do?

In a word – moments! That’s really what it’s all about – capturing all the moments that happen during a wedding day – the moments that you may not even realize are happening, but take your breath away when you see the photos. I love the fact that I’m creating images for my clients that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I fell into shooting weddings almost by accident! My background is in photojournalism. in college, I was very involved with our school paper, and foresaw a career gallivanting through war zones with my camera in hand. after graduation (in 2003), I was doing odd jobs when a friend who was shooting weddings suggested I might like it. I tagged along with her one weekend, and was hooked instantly. I fell in love with the job and spent the next few years learning everything I could from some of the best in the field before starting my own studio in 2006.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

I keep it pretty simple. Looking cute is important, but comfort is definitely paramount! Typically, i’ll wear black or brown slacks, and a simple top. Usually I keep to dark/neutral colors, although sometimes I’ll try to coordinate with the wedding colors. And always my dansko clogs – the only footwear I’ve found that can keep me comfortable for 12+ hour days on my feet! And I love my new Gobee bag. It’s the best for carrying CF cards, business cards, lib balm – and it’s super-cute!

If you have worked at a gay wedding, what is one thing you had to change your assumptions about?

I’ve shot a handful of gay weddings. Honestly, I didn’t have any big assumptions or preconceptions. I’ve always been a pretty open-minded gal, and have plenty of gay friends, so it’s really no big thing. Just two people in love, celebrating their commitment. If anything, I’ve found that the gay couples I’ve worked with are so appreciative of the support and acceptance of everyone involved – from friends and family, to vendors.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

Honestly, I try not to come into a wedding with any preconceived expectations of what sort of moments to expect. This attitude really helps me stay ‘fresh’ and to create original imagery at every wedding I shoot. Of course, there are some moments that are always special: a couple seeing each other for the first time, their first dance, etc…

Rave time!

I don’t even know how to put into words how beautiful those pictures are. You did a fabulous job. You ROCK! I was sitting at my computer at work looking at them and getting tears in my eyes because you did such a good job capturing the day. I can’t thank you enough…… – Krysti and Trent

Oh my goodness Abby, those were the best pictures I’ve ever seen! They’re so much more than we could’ve imagined, they were so beautiful and perfect. They brought back so many memories, I feel like I just relived the day. I can’t express how perfect and amazing they were, they made me cry! Thank you so much for everything! We’ll be eternally grateful and it was worth every penny! Thank you again!! – All our love, Jerusha and Ryan

WE LOVE YOU!!!!
we received more comments on how terrific you were/are than anything else at the wedding! And it’s all true! you are absolutely fabulous! and we really really appreciate everything! The blog is awesome and we can’t wait to see the rest! you truly are amazing! i hope you know how very very talented you are and how much we appreciate you being a part of our day! we were very lucky to have you! Thanks abby! – Dan + Monica

I wanted to tell you that everyone that has seen the photos love them. They rave about them when they see them. In fact a couple of my friends got married right after we did and said your photos were way better. I would tell everyone who come to see you to look no further, sign her up. Thank you again for helping to make our wedding such a special day and all the great memories I get to look at whenever I want.
Michelle + Tommy

Tell us a little bit about your business.

The vision for Cakes and Kisses Wedding photography is to provide a photographic service for contemporary couples. As a photographer, I want to showcase romance, love and the union of two families. By using innovative techniques, products and constantly evolving, Cakes and Kisses seeks to bring an awareness of art and fashion and break the traditional walls of wedding photography.

What do you love about what you do?

I love “moments”. Each time he steals a kiss, or they look at each other down a isle, it is all magic. I am in love with romance, love and the optimistic thought that there is such a thing as a Happy Ending at the end of a fairy tale. Basically, I love being a hopeless romantic who happens to be a wedding photographer.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I got into photography basically by shooting a friends wedding. I went to a photographers showroom with the images, and told him I wasn’t going to leave until he hired me as a photographer. It worked and he hired me to carry his bags, and get him coffee, but the tireless hours sometimes ended with me with a camera in my hands and showing I had more to offer. I started shooting more, and then branched into having my own company Cakes and Kisses Wedding Photography.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

I like to be sleek and nimble like a panther. I dress all in black and try to be a “fly on the wall”. I also take into account if it is a beach wedding, or in a chic country club, and dress appropriately for the venue.

What’s special about being a photographer?

With my photography, I am proud to be a part of the bigger picture. By providing images a couple can “ooh and ahh” over and remember the bliss on their wedding day is the biggest reward I can have. I have had couples call me after a wedding to do family portraits, baby announcements and vow renewals… It is all a huge honor to be a part of some one’s life.

How are you involved in the LGBTA community?

I am a huge advocate for gay, lesbians and bi bisexuals in the community. I provide a service of love and happy to capture the moments of the special day. I am looking forward to the day when all couples in love have equal opportunity to express and declare their love publicly as married.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

Every wedding has special and emotional moments. I am touched by the father daughter dance, or the first kiss… Those are the highlights for me, when really I am just a documentary that was lucky enough to photograph such a beautiful day.

Rave and picture time!

“Michelle and I loved the photos. We didn’t even notice that you took so many. We have dubbed you, ‘Holly, the ninja photographer!’ You really are so terrific.” – Groom

“The pictures are lovely! Thank you for the time and care you put into our photography. I know you went the extra mile for us and we really appreciate it. We’ll definitely recommend you to our friends, should there be wedding bells in the air soon.” – Bride

“Holly, thank you so much for being our photographer, and more importantly for being a part of our wedding. It meant so much to have you there! We couldn’t of asked for more beautiful photos!” – Bride

Tell us about your business!

Our boutique photography studio specializes in fashionable wedding photography and creative portraits with flare. We are enigmatic shooters always on the hunt for good light. There is art in your wedding!

What do you love about what you do?

We spend the day creating images… telling the story of your day. That’s what we love the most about what we do. We love capturing these moments in time; since your wedding is quite simply, kaleidoscope of distinctive moments.

How did you get into doing what you do?

We have both always loved photography, so photographing people at happy times was a natural progression.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

Since we strive to be the “unseen observer” while capturing moments of your day, we wear clothing that is appropriate for the type of event we are working. Whether it is a formal affair or a casual, laid-back one, we attempt to blend in with your guests, while maintaining a professional look.

If you have worked at a gay wedding, what is one thing you had to change your assumptions about?

We have shot gay couples before, and we are looking forward to shooting gay weddings soon. We are about people. We LOVE couples who love each other. Nothing makes us happier when we experience a couple whose friendship, love and emotions for each other are so genuine… and it shows in their images. We want our couples to have fun while being photographed. When everyone is happy and focused on each other, we can capture stunning images that is the art in their life!

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

Every laugh, tear, and smile we capture is part of what makes our job so special. It is that moment, every time that we know we “got the shot.” Oh, what a great feeling that is!

Rave and picture time!

“What a fabulous experience being able to see Britney + Joe in action, you can really tell by the way they work how much passion and love they have for photography and their clients.”

“I don’t think I can really express in words how much we love Britney and Turn Loose The Art! We looked at tons and tons of photographers because artistic photos were very important to us. We knew as soon as we saw Britney’s work that she was the perfect photographer for us…. and she has far exceeded our expectations on everything she has done. We did an engagement session and she made up Christmas/Save the Date cards for us that we are still hearing how much people loved! The wedding photos are breathtaking…the first time I watched her slideshow of them I seriously teared up. Everyone who sees our photographs comments on how amazing they are. :) We could not have found a more wonderful person to document our wedding day and we are so grateful!”

Tell us about your business’ mission or vision statement.

A Britton Photography provides fun, contemporary, and emotional images to clients who seek a photographer who will not only take the time to get to know them as a couple but will also strive to meet and exceed their expectations throughout the planning process.

What do you love about what you do?

A wedding is one of the rare times in life when you get to witness such raw emotion and I am one of the lucky few who gets a backstage pass to see it all. I get the opportunity to capture some of the most intimate moments shared between a couple that would otherwise go unseen. I am so grateful to have such an important role in one of life’s most joyous events.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I always had a camera and loved taking pictures but it wasn’t until I had children and started documenting their lives that I realized just how much I enjoyed capturing all of life’s special moments. The first time I was asked to shoot a wedding I turned it down because I didn’t think that it was something I wanted to get in to. Instead, I decided to go along with another photographer just to get a feel for what it would be like and it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. I instantly fell in love with every aspect of the event.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

I typically wear black when I work. I feel that it’s important to be unobtrusive and blend in so that the couple can forget about their photographer and I can capture images that are truly genuine.

If you have photographed a gay wedding, what is one thing you had to change your assumptions about?

I have only shot one gay wedding but one of the things that stood out to me was the enormous amount of support and love that existed between the couple and their family and friends. There was an amazing sense of unity and it was easy to see how genuine the friendship and love was among such a wonderful group of people.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

There are several moments that occur throughout the course of a wedding that I love but my favorite moments are those when the couple is together and they think that no one is watching. These are the moments when you really get to see the deep love and passion that exists between two people and I love being able to capture that.

Rave and picture time!

“I cannot possibly say enough good things about Allison and the talented folks she works with. Photography was our #1 priority, and we chose our photographer very carefully. We could not have made a better choice than Allison, even if we’d spent several thousand dollars more (I looked in a huge price range– Allison’s work was simply the best). Her work is amazing, and, unlike others I have seen, she creates literally hundreds of fantastic photos, not just a few good ones and many mediocre ones. We love (LOVE LOVE) our photos so much, we are having trouble deciding which ones to put in the album!” – S and TWB

“Allison and her team are amazing. They capture candid moments in the most beautiful way. She very creative and keeps the energy up with the whole group. Her easy going personality and work style brings out the best in everyone which makes for great pictures.” – Dawn

“Allison is awesome! Everyone that has seen the job she did for my husband and I constantly raves about how amazing the picture are. I feel very lucky to have found her and will cherish my pictures forever. By far the best photographer!!!” – Amanda

Tell us a little bit about your business!

We think you, your family celebrations, your friends and your true loves are beautiful, and any images that represent these milestones should illustrate the pure joy in these moments. In fact, the wife part of this husband-and-wife team will no doubt disarm you with her gentleness and charm while the husband part loosens you up with his cynical witticisms so that before you know it, you’ve got a miasma of artful photographs so achingly beautiful it will make your heart break like an egg. In fact, that is our hope here at Our Labor of Love Photography Studio, to break open everyone’s heart because a closed heart is not photogenic.

What do you love about what you do?

Everyday is different. I mean really…how cool is it that we get to document people professing their love to each other? We thoroughly love working with other creatives such as stylists, djs, designers, florists, etc. which is why we are so excited about theflashdance, a new collective based out of California that we are a part of.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

We wear clothes that won’t draw attention to us just in case my husband is lingering in the background and ends up the shot. Professional, stylish, dry cleaned.

If you have worked at a gay wedding, what is one thing you had to change your assumptions about?

I would change my assumptions on the law. We assumed that equal rights should be afforded to everyone and not put up to a popular vote! All these years since the most basic gay rights were such a gigantic controversy and the evangelicals and groups like the Mormon church are still spending insane amounts of money to scare people! That doesn’t seem too neighborly to us.

We photographed a brilliant Lesbian wedding in LA a week after the California Supreme court Ruled that the existing ban on same sex-marriage was unconstitutional. Only a couple months later Prop 8 was passed in California. We were really bummed, but It didn’t change the love that those two people feel for each other, or the moving beauty of their ceremony. Our dream is that we will see Prop 8 overturned by the CA Supreme Court which will start a snowball effect nationwide. One day we hope to shoot a constitutionally recognized gay marriage in Georgia and every other state in the USofA! Wouldn’t that be rad?

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

My favorite moments are when the ceremony is heartfelt and I get teary eyed behind the camera.

Rave and picture time!

“There’s only one thing I can say about Whitney and Jesse – we LOVE them! They are fabulous to work with, creative, fun and amazing photographers. Their work is absolutely amazing … and they were a pleasure every step of the way. Even our parents (who were hesitant about their “artsy” style) loved the result; a testament to their awesomeness!”

“Jesse and Whitney did a beautiful job photographing our wedding. They are creative and have such a unique eye, taking photos that are perfectly reflective of the day and stunning to look at! They are so fun to work with and put everyone at ease, resulting in great shots of the wedding party, friends, and family. We will always treasure our engagement and wedding photos from Our Labor of Love – they did an awesome job capturing the moments we can now look back on forever!”

What do you love about what you do?

I have to pick one thing? I love weddings! I love that my clients include me in a really special day of their lives. I also love that people feel comfortable enough with me to call me when they’re stressed out or have questions that don’t relate to photography, that people refer me to their friends and family members, and call me up again and again for maternity, baby, and family pictures.

How did you get into doing what you do?

A bunch of friends were getting married during the summer of 2005 and they ganged up on me! I had been an artist and a photographer for years but didn’t think I was going to like photographing weddings– I LOVED it. I started my business “on the side” in 2005 and quit my day job in October of 2006. I’ve been a full-time, self-employed photographer ever since.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

I found out the hard way that a cute sundress was not the right thing to wear when you’re working at a wedding! So I wear dark clothes– generally black slacks and a black top….although I venture into gray when I’m feeling adventurous. I also cannot live without my Keen mary janes– they’re comfy and cute and keep me happily on my feet for the 8-10 hour days– they’re also quiet so I can be stealthy during silent moments in echoey churches.

What’s unique about photographing gay weddings?

Being gay and havng worked as an activist and organizer before coming to wedding land, I think I come pretty prepared for queer weddings…but it’s definitely very different than a straight wedding. When posing and arranging people I am always asking what must seem like weird questions like– “generally speaking, who’s the hug-er and who’s the hug-ee?”

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

I love it when people cry happy tears– parents walking their children up the aisle, couples reading their vows, people dancing or giving toasts. Weddings are one of the only socially acceptable places for people of any gender to cry in public and I think it’s great.

Are you getting married too?!

My fiance and I are planning our own wedding right now and it’s been a ton of fun– we’re getting married in an art gallery, I’m having a custom made dress that’s blue and white and references 1950s party dresses, we’re taking swing dance lessons, serving chinese food, two of our best friends are officiating the ceremony, last weekend we screen printed the invitations in our basement…we only wish our Boston Terriers could be there, but no dogs allowed in the gallery.

PHOTO TIME!

I picked out my favorite photos of Kelly’s and they all have one thing in common – FUN.

Be sure to check out her testimonials as well!