MASTER AWARD AT WPPI

We are back from an amazing trip to the annual WPPI Wedding and Portrait Photographers International trade show and competition in Las Vegas!

If you tuned into Neal's facebook in the past week, you noticed that we took home four print awards this year! Not only do they judge the image but the quality of print also plays into the judging process. (See video link below) - This is why we stress how important it is to order your prints from us. The prints & albums are the final product, not the digitals. We've seen it happen so many times where clients order prints from a 3rd party printer and they destroyed our beautiful images. If you have any questions and would like to see the prints that we offer please do not hesitate to ask!!

Also, Neal was also recognized as a "WPPI Master Photographer". This is a very hard honor to achieve. There are a small amount of Americans that hold that title! It is based on the prints that we submit for the WPPI Competition. We accrue points for photos that score high in the competition. I sat in on the judging this year and let me just say, the judges are tough! I couldn't believe how technical they were. I actually told Neal I wasn't returning after the lunch break because it was too stressful. (Watch this short video on youtube about the competition and how intense it is!)

Neal has been working on this goal for quite some time. And within 4 years, he accomplished that goal. It may seem like a long time, but it's not. Some may acheive the status within 5-8 years or possibly a lifetime for others. This is one thing that photographers can't copy or fake, this status must be earned through years of hard work, consistency, skill, originality and dedication!

I am so very proud of my husband. He always strives to be the best he can be. But just when I think he's reached his limit, he comes up with another crazy idea. He is always trying to create something magical for our clients. He taught me everything he knows about photography. I would not be where I am today without him. He not only helped me, but he is always willing to teach others and educate them. 

Congratulations Neal on this amazing achievement!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International

LEWISTON LOWER NIAGARA RIVER BRIDE

Not long ago, you got to see Kellie in her amazing foyer image. You didn’t get to see her face in that photo, so we decided to bring her back in a different angle.

She looks so beautiful here. The sun was out and made her dress and head piece glow. We had her walk to the end of the dock and glance down at her flowers. I love the colors going on in this image too. The blue water was shimmering and the touch of purple in her flowers looked so pretty. Gorgeous Kellie!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Lewiston Waterfront

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Antonio’s Banquet and Conference Center

PEARL STREET WEDDING FUN

Katie and Chad had a fun wedding reception at Pearl Street. The party was going strong, but they wanted to take a breather and get away for a few minutes. They asked if we were ready to do some photos!

Neal already had this idea in his head. He had scouted out the game area at Pearl Street. Katie and Chad loved the idea! When they walked into the room, everyone clapped and congratulated them. This floor was open to the public, so it was awesome to see!

We wanted Chad to actually play some pool in the back ground. The thing about Chad, was he was laughing so much and having a great time, that we couldn’t get a serious face. We wanted him to concentrate on making the shot. It was so much fun, that his tiny grin would work fine. Katie just kept looking ahead smiling wondering what was going on behind her. 

It was such a great time with Katie and Chad for this image. We were so happy they enjoyed themselves as much as we did!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Fourteen Holy Helpers

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Niagara Square, Lafayette Square

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Pearl Street Grille and Brewery

UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO WEDDING

Rebecca and Matthew had a gorgeous day for their wedding. We did their photos at the University at Buffalo Campus!

I love this campus for photos. It has such beautiful architecture. This building in the back ground is one of my favorites. There is a great courtyard in front of it as well. For this we had Rebecca and Matthew stand at the end of the courtyard. Matthew had a seat and Rebecca leaned into him. 

Neal shot from a little further away for this to get some of the stone work on the ground. I really like how he did this instead of going up close on the couple. I think it all ties in nicely. And I love the color of Matthew’s suit against everything as well. I thought he would blend too much, but he looks great! I think if he was in black, he would have stood out too much overall.

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Glen Oak Country Club

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: University at Buffalo

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Glen Oak Country Club

ELLICOTT SQUARE BUILDING WEDDING PHOTOS

This is my favorite image from Ronald and Joanne's wedding! It was a cold November day, so they chose the Ellicott Square Building for their photos.

We had finished up with the wedding party and sent them back to the limo. It was time to get some great photos with the lovely couple! While doing photos with the Ronald and his Groomsmen, Neal noticed this part of the stair case. He told Ronald we would be coming back here with Joanne!

Neal already knew the shot he had in mind too! At this time in the evening, the doors were letting in a nice blue color on the concrete walls. Joanne would look great here in her dress. All we needed was to find the light switch to turn on the light where Ronald would be standing. With a little help from the Groom, the light went on!

We had them look toward each other. Well, pretend to look at each other. Ronald was pretty much looking up at the cement arch. I think that's what helped with their expressions. Joanne is almost laughing! And Ronald has a nice grin! 

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Ellicott Square Building

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Avanti Mansion

NEWLYWEDS STRUT THEIR STUFF

Diana and Scott were a fun couple to photograph. Their wedding was at Christ the King Chapel at Canisius College. We also stayed behind to do their photos on campus as well.

Right outside of the Chapel is a giant courtyard with a long walkway. We asked Diana and Scott to walk to us for some action shots. We told them to have fun with it. They both started to strut their stuff! Scott started singing and they both showed off some dance moves too! There were no other people around either. This runway was all theirs!

Diana and Scott were just being themselves too! We try to match our style to our couples' personalities. This was definitely perfect for Diana and Scott!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Christ the King Chapel

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Canisius College

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Templeton Landing

FOYER BRIDE

This image of Kellie is so beautiful!

Kellie and Jesse had a gorgeous day for their wedding! Kellie was on her way to the limo, when we had to stop her in the foyer for this shot! Neal shot this from upstairs in the house. He wanted to get the entire entrance in the shot. I love the sun coming in through the doors and pouring onto Kellie! 

Kellie's dress was amazing. From this view, we could showcase the train of her dress. I really like how Neal chose to include the window over the door and chandelier as well. I think it all ties in nicely. We had Kellie look straight ahead. All of her ladies were outside waiting for her to get on the limo and cheering her on!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Lewiston waterfront

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Antonio's Banquet and Conference Center

THEATRE DISTRICT FUN!

Gabe and Jeff were married on a cold November day. The days were getting shorter and it was getting darker pretty early.

They decided on having their wedding photos done in the Buffalo Theatre District! It was so pretty. All of the buildings were lit up and created amazing backgrounds. The Bijou Grille was calling our names to have photos taken in front. It was a really cute diner style grille on the outside. 

Jeff was super tall compared to Gabe. We asked him to pick her up for this shot. Look at how high off the ground Gabe is! We had Gabe kick up her feet and show off her leopard print wedding shoes! She did an awesome job! Jeff looked like he could have held Gabe like that for a very long time! I love this!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: St.Louis RC Church

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Buffalo Theatre District

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Pearl St. Grill and Brewery

A BRIDE AND HER HORSE

Earlier in the week, we showed you a fun image of Mike in a dance line, “Rockin the Boat,” at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Now we take you to his amazing wife Kristen.

Kristen and Mike had their photos taken at a private family residence. I bet you can guess what kind! There were a ton of horses and the grounds were so pretty. Kristen was going to take one of the beautiful horses for a leisurely stroll! 

It was a bright and sunny day and the light was reflecting off the giant pond. Neal had Kristen walk behind the pond to get her reflection. This was more of a bonus. We really didn’t need to have it in the picture, but it made it more magical.

Good thing Kristen grew up around horses too! She did a great job and was so calm. I love how Kristen was completely up for doing this in her wedding dress. We were so happy to capture her in a place that meant so much to her.

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Our Lady of Victory Basilica

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Private Residence

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Salvatore’s Italian Gardens

OOPS, I STABBED MY FATHER WITH A NEEDLE!

And that is exactly what happened in this photo!

Diana and Scott were also married in August of 2011. We told Diana we wanted to get a photo of her putting a boutonniere on her father. She only needed to pretend, but she wanted to go for it. It wasn’t working out so well. But Diana and her father were laughing and joking. Dad decided he was going to help out a little. Sure enough, right when he put his hand in to help, Diana pricked him with the needle. Her reaction was exactly as you see in the image. And yes dad’s finger started to bleed.

This was just so funny. Diana felt really bad and it was a running joke the entire wedding day!

-Danielle

Buffalo Wedding Photography: Neal Urban Studio

Buffalo Wedding Ceremony: Christ the King Chapel

Buffalo Wedding Photo Location: Canisius College

Buffalo Wedding Reception: Templeton Landing