Mary Dougherty Photography l New York Based Wedding Photographer » custom

late night diy

Mary Dougherty — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:52:34 +0000

Megan stayed up late to make the hanger for her wedding dress – and I think it was totally worth it. I can sympathize with her, I’ve spent many a late night finishing up a project, and you probably have too! In fact last night was one such night, if I can be completely honest. So today coffee is my best friend and hopefully some time outside in the sun will recharge me. Just wanted to share a little preview of what’s to come, and who out there would love a tutorial from Megan on how to make their own hanger? Maybe we can ask her to share one!

three real wedding invitation suites

Mary Dougherty — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:05:06 +0000

There are so many different ways to spread the news about your wedding, but nothing beats an amazing wedding invitation set. They stop you in your tracks as soon as you open your mailbox. This evening I have three different invitation sets to share with you, each different, beautiful and hopefully inspiring.

The first paper suite is from the modern, urban, and altogether chic Portland wedding of Marianne & Jimmy. It’s also a good precursor to their wedding photos which I’ll be posting tomorrow. Marianne took on the daunting challenge of not only learning calligraphy, not only addressing her own invitations, but writing custom menus for every single guest. Everything was custom and written in calligraphy, save the actual invites + save the dates which were beautifully letter pressed by Oblations Papers & Press. I don’t know how she did it, but she recounted that each day after work she would write a little bit. Marianne, you amaze me. That’s dedication, and I have to say I think it was worth it. As witness to the wedding and details of the day there was something about the beautifully written cards that waited at each table, the handwritten quality and thoughtfulness that went into each piece. In case you are wondering, the artist behind the beautiful handmade tray I photographed the invitations on is Alice Drew, whose work I love & admire.

Our next invitation set was handcrafted by the ever talented Margaret Sanford. You probably remember the fabulous invitations she created for her own wedding, and since then she has been in high demand to create custom paper goods for many other events. I would highly recommend contacting her if you are interested in custom paper goods of your own, and as of next week she’ll be living in the New York City area so you might have to be patient while she moves. Back to what we’re hear for. When Becca + Bobby got engaged, Margaret got started on the perfect paper goods that would go along with the blue and red theme of their Scottish wedding. Never afraid to stray from tradition she came up with a brilliant save the date that featured white embossed letters and the thinnest red thread tied around. I love it. The invitation is similar, but incorporates a band of lace under another loop of red thread. It’s all in the details.

The last invitation is for Liz + Matt’s upcoming wedding in Michigan. I’m know they will have a beautiful suite of paper goods, but since I just have the invite that’s all I’m sharing today. It’s a beautifully put together piece by The Dandelion Patch, a local Virginia stationer. The actual invite is a design by BT Elements, and is put together in Liz + Matt’s wedding colors of navy and pink. The sophisticated design sets the stage for what is sure to be a beautiful day on Lake St. Claire back in my home town of Grosse Pointe! ps – how do you like that corkboard they are photographed on? That’s a Mary Dougherty original from several years ago, and super easy to do!

I hope you enjoyed looking through the full gallery of images, and thanks to the wonderful people who created these pieces and the clients that inspired them and allowed me to post them. I’m continually blessed to be able to work with people like you!

Rustic November Wedding : Matthew + Caitlin

Mary Dougherty — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:23:55 +0000

Like all good things, Matthew + Caitlin’s relationship took time. It took time for them to get to know each other and start their relationship. It took time for them to finish traveling and studying abroad so they could live in the same country, let alone city. It took time for the letters to arrive (if they ever did) that they wrote back and forth when Caitlin was studying in Tanzania. It took time for them to admit that they were falling in love, but after several years when the time was right, Matthew proposed and Caitlin said yes.

From then on they began planning and crafting their wedding day (literally and figuratively). They envisioned a rustic yet charming mid-November event that would take place in a barn and be decorated with all kinds of delicate and antique details. While Caitlin started making everything from the programs to the ties the guys would wear – and learned how to knit to do so, Matthew along with some of her family worked out the doily chandelier and dessert stands (to name a few). The amount of work and detail they put in to their day is evident in all of the photos and of course weddings like this are a dream to photograph. There is always something to document and I love being able to capture details that make the day unique.

In early November, the wedding day arrived and in my estimation, it turned out to be everything Matthew + Caitlin wanted… and more. November can be a tricky time to plan a wedding in New York, but the day was a perfect mix of late fall weather with a gorgeous blue sky. I arrived as people bustled around to get last minute details ready and headed over to Freedom Run Winery for the first look and photos. The winery was already set up for the reception so I had plenty of time to document some of the details, which is always helpful. When looking for a spot for the first look, I was immediately drawn to the outside of the barn which was elegantly covered in the shadow of a nearby tree. It seemed the perfect spot to document the start of a wedding day and the important moment of seeing each other for the first time.

Caitlin’s wedding dress was custom made from a seller on Etsy and completed her one of a kind wedding. It’s layers flowed and twirled and made me fall in love with short wedding dresses. The delicate oyster colored sweater from Anthropologie completed Caitlin’s outfit and of course played a crucial role as the sun set and the day cooled.

Inside the barn were chandeliers, fabric leaf garland and hay bale seating for the reception and dance. I love what a few decorations can do. The stone inside of the barn was gorgeous and I’m kind of hoping I get to photograph a summer wedding at this location!

the paper chandeliers m+c made for their wedding were impressive to say the least. They gave life to the rustic barn and were complimented with fabric leaves hanging on either side. Fabric can really transform any space and adding curtains – let alone chandeliers and garland – can made a big difference.

Carrying over the letter writing theme of their relationship, M+C used airmail envelopes to create a one of a kind guestbook and also encourage guests to write them at their new home.

I was thrilled to work once again with Sassafras Flowers of Rochester, New York. Caitlin’s bouquet was not only beautiful but it added a touch of color and elegance that topped off the wedding day. The boutineers were thoughtfully made to include unique elements such as fiddlehead and twine to fit in perfectly with the wedding theme… and while we’re looking at Matthew nice job on that tie, Caitlin!

Since it was an evening wedding, there was a big dessert and drink reception following. No details were forgotten here as each cup was tied with a thank you tag and even the tea bags and hot cocoa packages were made to fit with the decor. I love it.

Drinks were kept warm in old fashioned carafes and treats and canned goods were packaged as favors.

the bridal party joined us for photos in and around the winery and there was no lack of locations. I love this image below and we were able to shoot these as the sun set so the light was gorgeous. I love when either planning or luck gives me amazing light to shoot with.

these two can not only plan a good wedding, they can have fun at it! seriously, thanks for having a good time taking pictures and good job bringing your boots along Caitlin!

I hope you guys never forget what you felt like on your wedding day, I love how in love you are. Soon it was time to head to the church which was a beautiful little chapel not far from the winery.

They said their vows, exchanged rings and it didn’t take long to become officially husband and wife! The doors of the barn were opened for a grand entrance to the reception where their guests awaited. The party started, dessert was served and the hot drinks kept people warm until the dancing began!

congratulations again Matthew + Caitlin! I hope you’ve settled in to life in Atlanta and enjoy looking through all of the images from your wedding. Leave a comment to help m+c earn a free print and say hello or let us know what you think about their wedding.

Newborn : Gabriella

Mary Dougherty — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:07:25 +0000

Natural light + soft sheepskin + sleeping baby = newborn photos. It’s a simple recipe but one that works. I photographed Gabriella when she was just one week old, and she was the sweetest baby that slept so well during the session. I will add it took a little while to get her to sleep which is totally normal and all part of newborn photography – I do have some tips and tricks of course to help. I’m sure she’s grown already since the session but it was my pleasure to photograph her when she was so new and tiny.

See the full set of images in Gabriella’s gallery here which you can view and order from for two weeks. While you’re at it, visit my facebook page and join in on the coversation.

HOLIDAY cards!

Mary Dougherty — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:35:08 +0000

It’s after thanksgiving so we can officially talk Holiday cards. Actually you probably should have thought about this earlier – I hate to say it – but with appx 26 days until Christmas (depending on how you count, if you start with today, take out weekends, etc…) it will be here in no time. It can be difficult to get everything together for cards if you don’t start early, which is why it’s easy to let me do the work for you! There is still some time for all you Virginians who would like to sneak a session in and get holiday cards included, otherwise if I’ve taken photos for you and you’d like to use one in a card, just contact me and I whip it together. Your options? A varied collection of bright, crafty, elegant, and colorful cards designed by me and my talented friend, Sarah Knight. If you see something that you like, let me know, and I can’t wait to get these out to you!