natalie merchant–a benefit concert for wamc at the colonial theatre, pittsfield, ma (albany event photographer)
My blog posts up until now have featured our wedding photography, but this time, I’m heading in another direction entirely. In addition to weddings, I do quite a bit of public relations work with various organizations, and one that I’m really proud to be associated with is WAMC Northeast Public Radio. I’ve been an underwriter on the station for a while now, but more to the point, I really love the people there and what they do. I always say that I never turn on 90.3 without learning something new and interesting–whether the subject is news, politics, health, books, or whatever, they do a fantastic job and it’s an incredible source of information and entertainment.
But Tom, what about Natalie? She’s a longtime resident of the Hudson Valley, and loves the station, too. As part of the Fall 2011 fundraising effort, Natalie offered to do a benefit concert, with the proceeds going to the station. Very cool of her, to say the least! I’m not sure how the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA was chosen as the venue, but what a fabulous place it is for a show like this. I’ve loved Natalie’s music since her days with 10,000 Maniacs–she has a unique and beautiful voice, and she’s a great musician and lyricist. In addition to a lot of her classics, Natalie also sang some of her newer material, children’s poems that she has set to music…unusual, maybe, but they’re beautiful, and made for a nice juxtaposition with her more well-known work.
Opening the show were Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton of the band Ida…check them out, too. Her voice, the harmonies and guitars…gorgeous! She even played a harmonium…bet you don’t know what that is!
Uh-oh…suffice it to say that I’m no music critic, so I won’t try to start now. For me, it was a great night–hope you enjoy the photos!
Joe Donahue, radio host and interviewer extraordinaire, and a great guy!
Ida's Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton
The Patriots were playing, and they had at least one avid supporter!
Dr. Alan Chartock, President & CEO of WAMC...and a true visionary. Love the guy!
Alan with the star of the show
Accompanied by Erik Della Penna on guitar, and the Coriolan String Quartet
Natalie--backstage after the show, with Alan
One last backstage photo of Natalie and Joe
Kristina & Jason at Erlowest on Lake George (Albany wedding photographer)
Seems like a great time to take a short trip back in time, don’t you think? Nothing too dramatic, just to a time when the sun was warm and the world was still nice and green! Late September in the southern Adirondacks is a spectacular time, and Kristina & Jason’s wedding day was great not just for the weather, but for every aspect of the day. We started at Kristina’s parents’ really beautiful log home, overlooking Dome Island in Lake George. After making it up the fairly treacherous road to the house, it was a little bit like finally making it to heaven! I’m still trying to figure out how the mega-stretch Escalade from Royale Limousine made it up there…or down for that matter!
Inside, we met up with some of our favorite wedding colleagues in the area. First, ace wedding planner Shannon Whitney–she’s the owner of Wedding Planning Plus, and she is, in a word, awesome. Fun, calm, super-organized, on top of every detail…’nuff said! Dave and Sam from Bigler Productions were on hand to shoot video, and Susan from Make Me Fabulous was doing makeup along with a couple of her colleagues whose names I’ve unfortunately forgotten. My bad on that, since they’re all great, all the time…and they definitely live up to the name! The flowers were from Designs by Douglas–this was our first time working with them, and they did a beautiful job from beginning to end.
Back to our bride and groom–they’re a great couple, and I really enjoyed getting to know them over the past year. He’s pretty stoic–definitely the strong, quiet type! Kristina is a lot of fun–she wanted every detail to be just right, and why not! All her hard work and planning paid off in a fabulous wedding!
See what I mean? A unique and beautiful place!
Kristina's dad came up with an unusual way to keep the dress out of harm's way!
And finally, our bride! Getting the full Make Me Fabulous treatment!
Shannon from Wedding Planning Plus...can't say enough good things about working with her!
Ready to rock!
Before and after. Or ready...and not!
My backup crew...
Isn't she gorgeous! And yes, the house was just as cool inside as out.
Chillin' before the ceremony, after Dad brought her down off the mountain in his classic Corvette.
A final bit of advice from Mom.
Ready to walk...
The ceremony was in Rogers Memorial Park in Bolton Landing, and was performed by Jessica Rowell of Carissa Ceremonies — she always makes her ceremonies so fun and personal, and I have only the highest regard for the way she does things!
A nice touch with the leaves the guests tossed at the newlyweds!
After the ceremony, we headed down to Erlowest, one of my favorite places to shoot. See why?
The staff at Erlowest is always on their game, and I especially love working with Erin Dewey, who’s in charge of everything wedding-related there. You’re probably getting the idea that we had a great day, working with a lot of the top people in the area…and you’re right!
This is Kristina with her dad, caught in a really nice moment in the day.
Kristina's grandpa is a WWII veteran, and yes, he's a true character! Great guy!
Not to be defeated by the 7-year-olds! 
One more toast couldn't hurt!
This might not be such a good one to end on, but I couldn't resist. There's something about putting on a funny hat that makes people act pretty funny!
All in all–a pretty darn good day. Hope you enjoyed the photos!