Lindsay Docherty Photography

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | West Fairmount Park | Candace + Scott

2012-05-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

I feel like I got quite the treat the other week when Candace showed up in something other than sweatpants to her engagement session with Scott in West Fairmount Park. From what I’m told, she practically lives in them. Rightfully so. Their schedules are sooo busy – her with dental school and him with doctor’s hours. Nights involve coming home, getting take out, watching Law & Order, and falling asleep on the sofa together.

I was so glad that they were able to make time to come to Philly from Boston for our session. It was a bit chilly but they both looked absolutely fantastic and the park was incredibly lush and all ours!

They’re pretty hilarious together. Apparently impromptu dance parties are somewhat common.

Scott proposed to Candace on a hike along the ocean in Rhode Island. He had been picking on her for walking like a grandmother. He popped the question and she never saw it coming.

They’ll be back in town this September for what is sure to be a gorgeous wedding at the Radisson Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia. (I’m kinda hoping Candace changes into sweats for the reception so they can get their dance on!)

"They are kind to each other's hopes. They cherish one another's dreams."
~ Henry David Thoreau

Main Line Wedding Photographer | St. Norbert's Church & Chester Valley Golf Club | Andrea + John [teaser]

2012-05-23T13:17:00.000-04:00

Andrea and John moved together like a couple who have been together for eons. Maybe that’s what happens when you’ve known each other since 6th grade. Their wedding this weekend at St. Norbert’s Church in Paoli (where they met) and Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern felt natural. Here’s a taste of what’s to come!

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Bella Vista | Joanna + John

2012-05-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

I could go on and on about Joanna and John for a very long while. About how he’s obviously enamored with her or how impressively fit they are (we’re talking crossfit, paleo fit) or how they’re all kisses and laughter together or how they love creating masterpieces in the kitchen with one another or how they simply rock. Because they do. Hard.

But I’d rather get you to the pictures from their engagement session around Philadelphia’s Queen Village/Bella Vista where they live. We had a fabulous time wandering around the streets and parks and basking in some of the most incredible light.

See for yourself!

So the way these two met was interesting. Joanna is a nurse, John was a patient. He visited his and the doctor played matchmaker, only telling John that this mystery woman was someone from the office. Joanna had not been informed that this situation was going down. They met for their first date and hit it off. Obviously.

They looove being outdoors. Eight months into dating they were at Woodstock and wanted to get out and see something pretty. They found a nearby arboretum and drove up a windy road to the top of a hill and found a secluded grove. John got down on both knees and popped the question.

We did a quick change and played on. This neighborhood has such great stuff - textures, colors, light…

See, I told you – totally amazing. The day, the area, and them – Joanna and John – crazy for each other and just incredible people. I cannot wait for their wedding this September at Morris Arboretum. It will be stupendous!

"Everything is clearer when you're in love."
~ John Lennon

Happy [belated] Mother's Day!

2012-05-15T10:01:00.000-04:00

I didn’t post on Mother’s Day because I was in Scotland. Even better, I was in Scotland with my mom on Mother’s Day. The death of my uncle didn’t make the circumstances ideal, but I was glad to see her and some of the family. My family is a bit… quirky. I suppose when the family has 12 children (Scottish and Catholic, go figure) there is bound to be a degree of peculiarity. Some are on speaking terms, some aren't. There is giving and taking and laughter and frustration. It was so good to spend an evening together. Conversations ranged from the macabre to general catching up to scandalous but it felt quite us - no holds barred, no sugar coating, no polite conversation because there was a newcomer in the room (sorry, Andy). And though we left when the conversation turned to S&M (again, sorry, Andy), I loved it. It’s who we are and we’re fun and hilarious and loving and strange and certainly dysfunctional but we’re a family.

I gave my mom a woolen tartan scarf for Mother’s Day. It was the Lindsay tartan, not due to my (completely substantiated) vanity but because Lindsay is my grandmother’s maiden name and my namesake. And it’s actually a pretty tartan.

So this post is late and I’m okay with that. Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful and beautiful mum and to all of those other mommies out there too!

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it."~ Mark Twain

Lindsay visits Scotland

2012-05-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

If there was any doubt that wedding season has arrived, you can trust me when I tell you that it’s on! This month will be positively crazy with weddings out the wazoo. Stick around for loads of engagement session and wedding posts in the coming weeks.

As for this week, I’m in Scotland for a wedding and visiting family. You’ll absolutely be seeing a blog post about it in the weeks following the trip.

I don’t know if you knew this but I’m first generation American, born from a couple of Scots. When pronouncing “Docherty”, think about how you’d say “Loch” (LOK) as in Loch Ness Monster, and you’ve got it. Don’t worry, though, I’ll respond to just about anything close and a variety of short nicknames too.

If you need to get in touch with me while I’m away, it will be best to email me (hi@lindsaydocherty.com). I don’t know how often I’ll be able to check my inbox but I’ll do my best. I’ll be arriving next week and will certainly respond to any messages and inquiries then.

Off I go!

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Philadelphia Museum of Art | Stacy + Joe [teaser]

2012-05-04T11:29:00.000-04:00

Ugh… these two! I just dread going through all of the hundreds of images from Stacy and Joe’s extended engagement session around the Philly Art Museum. The problem is that they’re just too good and it will be close to impossible to narrow them down! I was worried this would happen with Stacy and Joe when I met them. My fears have been realized. Sigh…

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | West Fairmount Park | Candace + Scott [teaser]

2012-05-02T11:45:00.000-04:00

Awkward? Not one bit. Candace and Scott were fantastic during their overcast engagement session in West Fairmount Park the other day. Here’s a taste of what’s to come!

May Facebook Cover Images

2012-05-01T12:47:00.001-04:00

She’s been around through some of the hardest and most spectacular times in my life. She has comforted me when I’ve cried and joined in on dance parties when I’ve celebrated. She has lived with me in 5 different states. She can be too smart for her own good. She is the best cuddler I know but has a problem with bed wetting. She loves to run but has no patience for my hobby of running just for the sake of it. She’s a great listener. She has a mouth on her, but only really in front of her friends. She thinks naps are just about the greatest things in the world. This superlative also extends to basking in the sun, unattended food, road trips, the doorbell, a window with a view, belly rubs, “Sheepy”, peanut butter, great escapes, and quiet days spent at home with me. She is very serious about the responsibility of keeping the kitchen floor free of minute food particles, often as soon as the misplaced ingredient hits the ground. She takes direction well… if she feels like it. She sits, plays dead, stays, stands at attention, jumps, speaks, rolls over, and fist bumps… if she feels like it.

She’s Emma, my Jack Russell terrier / beagle mix of a pup. She’s one of the happiest, most loving dogs I’ve ever known. I’ll always jump at the chance to play with someone’s pooch during an engagement shoot or a wedding or a pet session (there might be a shoot with a certain Old English Bulldog in the future).

This month marks Emma’s 9th birthday. I’ve had her since she was just a few months old and, despite the vet bills, boarding, puddles, and furry dust bunnies the size of more Emmas, I couldn’t imagine life without her. No matter how long I’ve had to leave her for a wedding, no matter how many times she has to remind me to fill the dog bowl (listen, lady, I’ve carried it all over the house!), no matter how scruffy I let her get before I take her to the groomers, no matter how many times she has been stuck with needles or forced to take medication (she has epilepsy), there is always a wagging tail. Always.

Every month, I feature new images for download for you to use as your Facebook cover photo. Click to download it and see it at its full size and resolution.

Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

The dogs in our lives, the dogs we come to love and who (we fervently believe) love us in return, offer more than fidelity, consolation, and companionship. They offer comedy, irony, wit, and a wealth of anecdotes, the "shaggy dog stories" and "stupid pet tricks" that are commonplace pleasures of life. They offer, if we are wise enough or simple enough to take it, a model for what it means to give your heart with little thought of return. Both powerfully imaginary and comfortingly real, dogs act as mirrors for our own beliefs about what would constitute a truly humane society. Perhaps it is not too late for them to teach us some new tricks.
~ Marjorie Garber

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Bella Vista | Joanna + John [teaser]

2012-04-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

So there’s this amaaaaaaazing couple I know. We’ll call them Joanna and John (because, well, that’s their names). We shot their engagement session the other day and had an absolute blast around the city streets of Bella Vista and wherever else we wandered. Can’t wait to show you more!

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer | Commodore Barry Club | Cassie + Paulo [teaser]

2012-04-24T12:04:00.000-04:00

It was a gorgeous day for Cassie and Paulo’s wedding this weekend at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mt. Airy and The Commodore Barry Club (aka The Irish Center). I had been looking forward to this wedding for quite a while. Here’s the teaser!

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Philadelphia Museum of Art | Erin + Scott

2012-04-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

It was just last month that Erin and Scott celebrated their 5 year anniversary of that fateful night in March when they met at a bar for a birthday party. They chatted and had arranged a date by the next week.

I entered the picture a few months ago when they contacted me about photographing their wedding coming up this June at Castle Yacht Club in New Jersey. I was excited to meet them in person for their engagement session around the Philly Art Museum just the other week. Spring was in full bloom and I was psyched to make use of it. We had perfect puffy clouds, lots of light, color everywhere, and a touch of wind for good measure.

We made our way around Waterworks and up to the front of the museum.

I love this series of images we got on the steps there.

They had talked about rings a few weeks before Christmas and Erin was hopeful. They opened presents early Christmas morning and there was no bling to be found. She was a little disappointed. They were getting ready to clean up and get ready for the rest of the day when Erin asked about her phone. Scott told her it was by the door and when she turned around, she found him decked out in a suit, flowers in hand, and on one knee with a gorgeous ring. It was perfect.

They’re big sports fans so it was important to pay homage to the Phillies for the engagement pictures so they donned some red shirts (don’t you just looooove Erin’s VS striped T?) and we played in the greenery of the azalea garden.

The wedding is just around the corner! Can’t wait to see you two so soon! P.S. Erin’s hair is naturally super curly. I’m incredibly impressed with how awesome it looked for the shoot and even more excited to see it in ringlets for the wedding.

"If I know what love is, it is because of you."
~ Herman Hesse

Philadelphia Event Photographer | Glen Foerd Mansion | ABC Meeting

2012-04-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the Association of Bridal Consultants’ meeting at Glen Foerd Mansion last week. Phyllis Jablonowski of Eventricity Floral and Event Design gave an impressive presentation on tabletop planning and setup, instructing the group on an array of napkin folds, proper table setting and spacing, rules for centerpiece design for optimal flow and appeal, and so many more tidbits. It was the perfect size group for an event like this. Coordinators were asking questions, offering advice, and bringing up trends and concerns within the industry. I felt quite lucky to be let into the thought processes going on in the room.

Here are some images from Philly’s gorgeous Glen Foerd on the Delaware. I’ve shot at this Conroy Catering venue a few times now and it always charms me with its intimate rooms filled with historic pieces and character in every corner. The gallery upstairs boasts original art pieces by Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. You’d never know that this Victorian beauty were there unless you were looking for it.

And some images from the evening and Phyllis’ rousing presentation.

Thanks again to Rebecca Richman of Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants and Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting for inviting me to photograph the event!

If nothing else I learned: never put that freaking napkin inside the glass!

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer | Knowlton Mansion | Casey + Eric [teaser]

2012-04-16T10:27:00.000-04:00

It was the perfect day at Knowlton Mansion this weekend for Casey and Eric’s wedding. Check back soon for more pictures!

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Philadelphia Museum of Art | Erin + Scott [teaser]

2012-04-11T11:20:00.001-04:00

What’s better than springtime in Philly?

Yeah, I don’t know either. Here’s a teaser from Erin and Scott’s engagement session at the Art Museum.

[the value of] Guest Sign-in Books

2012-04-05T11:34:00.000-04:00

If there’s one thing that couples fall in love with during a consultation that they never considered before, it’s the guest sign-in book. With good reason too.

I’ve seen my share of lame-o guestbooks. You know what I’m talking about: that weak keepsake with “Our Wedding” in gold cursive on the front and nothing but rows of lines inside. It’s an attendance book and you’re not likely to ever flip through it again after the wedding.

Consider an alternative: a guest sign-in book that makes your guests ooh and ahh and something that you’d be tickled pink to have on your coffee table after the wedding. What a concept! Lindsay Docherty Photography couples get an engagement session with their wedding photography coverage so this is a great way to display all of those fantastic engagement pictures and have something with lots of rooms for guests to write down words of wisdom, good wishes, and heartfelt congratulations.

They’re custom designed around the pictures from your session with room for your guests to get wordy. The cover won’t say “Our Wedding” (unless you want it to). Instead, it’s your favorite picture of you and your hunny.

Since I’m a photographer, I have a few pictures of these fine specimens.

And a few of these books in action:

People seriously crowd around the guestbook table to check out the pictures and write notes. And you’ll get a kick out of looking through it afterwards. Awesome, no?

April Facebook Cover Images

2012-04-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

I try to post the desktop/cover photos on the first of every month. I’d like to say that yesterday’s lapse was an intentional April Fool’s prank but it wasn’t. It was a case of Lindsay reading. You see, when I get into a book I don’t just read it, I consume it. It happened yesterday. Perhaps you’ve heard of this book. It’s called The Hunger Games.

I started and couldn’t stop. I sat there on my bed for a few hours and flew through it, page after page, chapter after chapter until it was completely done. It was 3pm and I was still in my pajamas. I had forgotten about lunch. And then I realized I had places to be and wouldn’t be getting to my monthly pictures post.

My sincerest apologies.

In honor of the book that took my attention yesterday, I present you with food pictures. Bread and berries. (I considered pictures of lamb stew or a roast pig for all of 2 seconds.)

Every month, I feature new images for download for you to use as your Facebook cover photo. Click to download it and see it at its full size and resolution.

Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

“May the odds be ever in your favor.”
~ Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

Philadelphia Headshot Photographer | Washington Square | Keren

2012-03-30T12:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you want a classic headshot set against a white backdrop with traditional studio lighting. If you do want that, there’s a really good chance you’re not coming to me. I’d rather take you outside, get you in gorgeous light, and use reality as your backdrop.

That’s exactly what I did the other week when I went to Washington Square for some professional headshots for Dr. Keren Sofer, a clinical psychologist, to use for her psychotherapy practice.

During our photo session, we chatted about the overlap of our two worlds. Mine being weddings, hers being people dealing with stress and other issues. I get couples on beautiful days when everything that can be done has already been done. But there are checklists out the wazoo, etiquette, planning, money, people, and considerations involved in the process leading up to the big day. As much as a day at the spa can be rejuvenating, having someone available to actually listen and work through these crises is a million times more useful.

And that’s just the planning. More important than the wedding (gasp!) is the path that you’re about to take with another person. I don’t know of any couple who has regretted couple’s therapy. It’s just smart to stay communicative, intentional, and there for one another. Isn’t emotional openness at the core of this thing you’re doing?! I can’t think of a better way to be a loving partner.

Some things get me going. Paying attention to yourself and your relationships is one of them. Back to the pictures!

Keren was comfortable, warm, and so easy. Keren, thanks for chatting with me and being an absolute joy! As for you to-be-weds dealing with in-law stresses, wedding mania, and general upkeep with this magical person in your life, think about individual or couple's counseling. Seriously.

After all, happy people make happy pictures and I’m a pretty big fan of those.

"Motto for the bride and groom: We are a work in progress with a lifetime contract."
~ Phyllis Koss

Philadelphia Headshot Photographer | Washington Square | Keren [teaser]

2012-03-27T10:53:00.002-04:00

PSA: Professional headshots don’t need to be those fake smiles set against a white backdrop (or some jewel toned green screen, gag!) with crazy lights and Glamour Shots airbrushing.

Don’t believe me? Check out Keren’s teaser picture from our session last week.

I’ve just blown your mind; I’m sorry.

Princeton, NJ Engagement Photographer | Casey + Eric

2012-03-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

It’s the age old love story. She was a nurse; he was a resident. She had her eyes on him and asked if he wanted to go out one night. They went to Triumph Brewery in Princeton, down the street from the hospital, and conversation was so easy. The date that night and all of them since them have been so good that they’ll be celebrating their wedding next month at Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia.

These two have a thing for cooking that made me want to invite myself over to their place for dinner. Casey apparently makes a pretty mean mac and cheese and can rock some pancakes. Eric’s got the omelets. They made a rack of lamb for Valentine’s Day. They actually got three ice cream makers at their wedding shower.

He calls her “Peach”. She’ll occasionally page “Dr. Walla”, even if he’s just in the other room.

We all got together the other week in Princeton where it all began. We started out at their very hospital, in fact.

And then they showed me around the lovely borough/town/city/place of Princeton. We strolled around Palmer Square.

And then we walked around Princeton’s incredible campus right as the sun was setting. The golden light was absolutely luscious. She went to Penn and he went to Rutgers but they were still willing to indulge in the fabulous surroundings.

Of course we had to make it to Triumph Brewery, where Casey and Eric talked endlessly just a few years ago on that first date.

It was about this time last year when Eric took Casey to the Grounds for Sculpture. He hadn’t realized quite how modern everything would be and nervously held onto the ring in his pocket. He finally found a statue, had Casey stand by it, and popped the question before going on to dinner to celebrate.

I think it’s pretty adorable that they play Parcheesi together.

In just a few short weeks you’ll be seeing a lot more of these two from their wedding day! I can’t wait!

Paradise is always where love dwells.
~ Jean Paul F. Richter

Philadelphia Portrait Photographer | Papertini

2012-03-19T13:10:00.000-04:00

Lindsay, we don’t want those boring pictures of us looking boring and stiff and standing like this [prom pose]. I want us to look like a bunch of friends just hanging out. Can you do that?

Sugar, please!

When it comes to Tanti and the gals at Papertini, there is no possible way the pictures could be boring or stiff. If you’ve met her, Tanti is that little ball of energy. She laughs and smiles and I’m about 99% sure she’s made of sunshine. That’s probably why her floral arrangements are so incredible. Seriously. She’s got creativity out the wazoo and is so much fun. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Papertini crew a few times now and will be seeing more of her work this year. It blows me away every single time.

For now, let me share some pictures from our little photoshoot of the Papertini gals: Tanti, Carryn, and Sara.

These women are awesome.

Just don’t piss off Tanti!

But friendship is precious; not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.
~ Thomas Jefferson

Sláinte!

2012-03-17T12:58:00.000-04:00

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all the year long.
~ Irish Blessing

Philadelphia Portrait Photographer | Papertini [teaser]

2012-03-16T15:15:00.000-04:00

I got to spend time with the flower mavens from Papertini yesterday and it was hilarious and awesome. Don’t believe me?...

Kennett Square Engagement Photographer | Longwood Gardens | Andrea + John

2012-03-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

Here’s a story of a boy and girl who met in 6th grade at St. Norbert’s. The boy apparently told his friends that he would marry the girl. The boy and girl began dating their senior year of high school. They’ve been together 8 years now and will be getting married this May at that same grade school where they met and where he first proposed to her (more on that later).

Andrea and John are delightful. They’re so easy going and so in sync with each other (what a surprise, right?). He calls her Toots (which I love) and she calls him Peanut (which he doesn’t love). Their first date was to see Big Fish and then dinner at Maggianos with a few other people. They eat Chinese food, play with their pup, go to Limoncello every year on their anniversary, and bask in being in love.

Most people who choose Longwood Gardens for their engagement session do so because it’s such a beautiful place. We actually had an extra reason. John, an arborist, has taken classes there and was able to show us around and take us to parts of the gardens I had never seen. Pretty awesome.

The day was beautiful but fairly chilly so we moved inside to warm up.

Andrea has this amazing laugh that crinkles her nose. I adore it and can’t wait to catch it more at the wedding!

John initially proposed to Andrea at their grade school a few years ago. They decided to hold off a while and Andrea was given the responsibility of doing the next proposal. She kept the ring (occasionally trying it on) and popped the question on Christmas day the year before last. John said yes. Check out this stunner.

We journeyed outside again to some of the far reaches of Longwood Gardens. Unfortunately the fountains hadn’t yet been turned on but we did see some fabulous trees.

Andrea and John, thanks so much for showing me around. Can’t wait to see you both so soon where it all began!

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.
~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Princeton, NJ Engagement Photographer | Casey + Eric [teaser]

2012-03-05T12:31:00.000-05:00

Township, borough, city, town, village, hamlet… Whatever you want to call it, I was in Princeton yesterday with the lovely Casey and Eric who will be getting married just next month at Knowlton Mansion. Here’s a teaser from their NJ engagement session. Keep it here for more soon!

March Facebook Cover Images

2012-03-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

Feel free to send gifts of flowers, cheese, and adventures my way. After all, I turn 30 this month and isn’t that supposed to be a big deal? Doesn’t that mean I’m, like, a big kid now? (I see you snickering over the short jokes. Bite me.) So maybe I’m not the most adult adult but I’ve been thinking back over the last 30 years and have come up with a list of some accomplishments that make me pretty proud:

Gone skydiving
Lived all over the country
Run a marathon
Experienced both sides of a broken heart
Found a cause I believe in
Gone SCUBA diving
Watched the ball drop in Times Square
Graduated from college in the top of my class
Gotten a tattoo
Endured disease and death
Become vegetarian (11+ years now)
Witnessed incredible celebrations and traditions
Raised a lovable wee pup
Skied down double black diamonds
Wandered around Europe
Made mistakes
Been published in journals, magazines, and blogs
Competently learned to drive stick shift and parallel park (in San Francisco, no less!)
Found my passion and created a business and career out of it

Not too shabby, methinks. Of course there is so much more I’m itching to do:

See the Aurora Borealis
Learn Italian, relearn Spanish
Bake cookies from scratch (and they have to taste good)
Ride a gondola in Venice
Learn to snowboard
Be a speaker at a photography conference
Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Somehow acquire 6 pack abs
Improve my handwriting
Attend Carnival in Rio
Pay off my mom’s mortgage
Truly appreciate beer
Watch all of AFI’s top 100 movies (51 to go)
Own a house, get married, procreate
Dance the Tango in Argentina
Watch the fireworks over Sydney Harbor on New Year’s Eve
Learn to surf
Keep a basil plant alive for more than 2 months
Get re-certified to SCUBA dive and go at every opportunity
Get my PhD
Travel, travel, travel
Photograph many, many more incredible people and events

I can’t wait to cross these off my list and continue to add to it.

I got a fortune cookie the other day that read, “Soon you will be on top of the world”. In a lot of ways, I feel like I already am. Happy birthday to me!

Starting this month, I’ll be featuring new images for download for you to use as your Facebook cover photo. Click to download it and see it at its full size and resolution.

Please note these images are made available for personal use only. If you’re still looking for these pictures as desktop images, you can get the confetti picture here and the balloon picture here. Unless I get a huge backlash for discontinuing the desktop pics, this will be the last month for them.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
~ Helen Keller