Athena Bludé Photography

CT Senior Portraits: Allie, Class of 2013

Athena Bludé — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:48:03 +0000

I first shot Allie a couple years ago and was pumped when she asked me to shoot her senior portraits. The girl is a piece of cake to work with. She connects with the camera, loves fashion, has a big ol’ purdy smile + takes direction like a pro. It’s aint work working with her, y’all feel me? So out with the humdrum, corny, school sponsored senior portraits + in with what’s modern, fresh + fun.

If you have started researching senior portraits for yourself or your daughter and are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with custom hair & makeup, high quality images and products and an experience you won’t forget, please be sure to contact me [HERE]

New Haven, CT Portraits: Lindsay + Matt

Athena Bludé — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:02:02 +0000

Lindsay + Matt are a husband and wife team that run the show at BSC Photo Studio. Matt, the photographer + Lindsay, the art director. Back in November they organized a shoot out of sorts with 6 photographers and a videographer for their 5 year anniversary. When Matt thought of asking a woman—after realizing he only asked all dudes—he said that I was the the only one that came to mind. Dudeee, do you know what a huge compliment that is coming from a peer??!! I thought to myself that he must not have seen a lot of work from other women in the area… Either way, I was incredibly honored + stoked.

All the shooting took place in New Haven starting off at Crown 116 with each of us bringing our own steeze to the table as all of us chiefs either shot around each other or waited our turn to direct + shoot. It’s was fun getting to switch up the game, do something different, make new friends, talk shop and sh*t, learn from each other + horse around.

Without further ado, my favorite frames from the day (mostly of Matt + Lindsay, but a few of my other buddies, too).

From my iPhone, the crew from that day, (minus one).

Family: The Simmers

Athena Bludé — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:22:05 +0000

My best friend in high school and I would re-enact sketches from SNL, practice cheers (and we weren’t even cheerleaders, we were just really awesome), drink mochas as kids from the Pacific Northwest, listen to Dave Matthews, and, as girls do, fantasize about our future. A few of our fantasized plans included: Us each having the song, “I Do” by Paul Bryant for our first dance at our respective weddings, living by each other and of course, having kids at the same time. After high school life took us in different directions all the while keeping in touch. Then as luck would have it, in our own timing, we each wound up living in the Tri-States. What a lucky girl I am to have her so close — part of our fantasy coming to life. I love that we’ve been friends all these years and being able to see her sweet family grow.

Back in November, (catching up on some blogging here) we met at tree farm for a family lifestyle session. Perhaps I’m biased, but I just adore these frames. And, to CJ, as I still affectionally call her: “Through thick and thin!” Love you. xo

Family: The Maroneys

Athena Bludé — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:32:19 +0000

I was working out at the gym when I noticed these little girls who were absolutely ADORBS. Sisters. Three of them. I’m a little partial to three sisters as I am one of three. As I got to talking to the youngest of the three I was dying after she asked me all sorts of questions. And, my favorite question, in her sweet little voice, “Is your dad Asian?” Hahaha! First of all, in case you didn’t know, I’m a Latina. Secondly, I love kids! I love their candor + I love the optimism in their eyes.

These images were shot in the winter and I know it’s officially spring now, but I couldn’t pass up blogging them. They’re such a beautiful family!

Enjoy!

PS: Happy Easter this weekend! Hope y’all get to spend it with loved ones, get some fresh air + eat some chocolate. xo

Town Farm Wedding | Married: Niki + Mike

Athena Bludé — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:45:47 +0000

I shot Niki + Mike’s wedding solo. Gotta say, I do appreciate shooting by myself on occasion. With everything taking place close to one another and planned out well by Niki I was able to start with the girls and then hop over to the boys to document their getting ready shots, too. Then, we made our way to the Town Farm in South Windsor, CT where the guests were shuttled in by horse + carriage for the ceremony. The windy nuptials took place outside followed by partying under the tent, which was filled with good ol’ DIY details.

Y’all, they came, they wed, the laughed, they danced + I took lots of pictures. :)

Lord Thompson Manor Wedding | Married: Justine + Mike

Athena Bludé — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:34:59 +0000

Justine + Mike got married in the fall of 2012 at Lord Thompson Manor. And let me tell you, Lord Thompson Manor is now my new favorite venue in all of Connecticut. From their cottage house where the girls got ready, to the details that covered every inch of the property, to how they run the day’s events. In short… Lord Thompson Manor is the sh*t.

There was a mad grip of friends, laughs, tears, pretty pink colors, bocci, corn hole, cigar rolling, scotch tasting, a band, dancing, tasty food, and an after party. And I was lucky to be a part of all of it.

And huge thanks to my girl, Renee is the best Descoutures for shooting with me.

Love, hugs + rainbows, friends.

Tented Private Estate Wedding | Married: Kate + Lt. Alex

Athena Bludé — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:05:21 +0000

I didn’t get the pleasure of meeting Lt. Alex + Kate in person until their wedding as they did all of the planning out of state. I anticipated the wedding was going to have great details when Kate emailed some of the ideas she had in the works. Not only was the wedding beautifully + elegantly planned, but they were great to work with. The ceremony was held at St. John of the Cross and then the party moved to a private estate. Incorporating military influences throughout, the captain’s hat making its rounds (is that what it’s even called?) and a packed dance floor, this wedding was such fun. I’m excited to share with you my faves from the day.

Ms. Renee Descoutures on backup vocals… The girl be killin’ it. Thanks for shooting + laughing with me!

Always a pleasure working with the girls from Larissa Laake Makeup Artist & Co.

The Taft School Wedding | Married: Emily + Justin

Athena Bludé — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:35:37 +0000

Emily + Justin got married at the The Taft School in Watertown, CT where Justin is an alumnus. They started the day with a first look (LOVE!) and portraits following so they could enjoy their cocktail hour and celebrate with their guests. Then, once the reception started and the bridal party introductions were made they went right into a game of flip cup, (one of my favorite drinking games. ;) ), which they thought was a appropriate since they met in college. Their wedding day was just as Emily described what she wanted to me — comfortable, casual + fun. I didn’t get to meet them prior to their wedding day since they live in Chicago, so I gotta say… I totally lucked out. They were sweet, charming + made my job mucho enjoyable.

Second shooter cred goes out to my girl, Renee Descoutures. As always, she contributed some beautiful images.

Congrats to Emily + Justin!

Society Room Wedding | Married: Jenna + Bret

Athena Bludé — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:37:12 +0000

Jenna + Bret had a lovely ceremony at the Saint Patrick – Saint Anthony Church, with an elegant reception following at The Society Room in Hartford. It was a day filled with smiles + celebration!

Thanks to my girl, Renee Descoutures for shooting with me!

A New York City Wedding | Married: Judy + Tommy

Athena Bludé — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:55:18 +0000

Judy + Tommy, who live in the City planned the dopest City wedding ever. The day started off near Battery Park where Judy + Tommy got ready + had a first look (score!). Then in true City fashion we hailed a cab and moved the festivites over to Studio 450 where the ceremony + reception all took place. With its panoramic views, a wraparound outside terrace and being minimally chic, this venue was legit! Not to mention that Beyonce’s video for “Love On Top“, (which song incidentally holds the number one spot for most played on my iTunes) was shot there—added dopeness! And as if that couldn’t be topped, they merged their cultures with a Korean Hanbok outfit change + a Chinese Tea Ceremony before their ceremony. Diversity dopeness! (Have I murdered the word dope yet?)

To Nicole Taylor, you are one talented lady + contributed some killer images. Lucky to have you shoot this one with me + to have you as one of my closest friends.

Such a fun filled day with people that I beyond adore… I ‘m excited to share this wedding with you.