Gardner Hamilton

The first time I met Gardner was at my sister’s wedding in Vina del Mar, Chile. He came in bright and early with us to catch some ‘getting ready’ photographs… we hardly even noticed he was there. He was totally not intrusive and we never ‘posed’ for a single picture, yet he caught some amazing and unique shots. I felt so comfortable with him and his Scottish accent. It was a dream come true that a year later, and in another continent, Gardner would photograph my wedding in Connecticut, USA. Gardner was there for my whole wedding weekend, from the rehearsal dinner, wedding day, to post wedding day pictures in Manhattan. Even though he was in Chile while we were planning, he seemed to know more than I did about the area. He knew the exact coordinates, had satellite images of the area to plan out photo locations, knew the exact sun angles throughout the day (it was an outdoor wedding), and was scouting out NYC spots for the day after ‘trash the dress’ shoot. We would skype, email, and facebook each other and even though he was countries away I dont think I ever waited more than 2 minutes for a response! We decided to take wedding party pictures before the ceremony and when the BIG day came, of course the girls were running late. The groom and groomsmen had some extra time which resulted in the most hilarious, amazing, high quality pictures I’ve ever seen. My dress had a lot of subtle detail, and once we arrived Gardner knew exactly where to go so that the sunlight didnt drown out my dress. I was nervous that I would feel rushed, or that I’d have random hair in my face, or have funny posture in a picture. Gardner was totally open and honest, and let me know when something was off and needed to be adjusted, from hair, dress, posture, shoes, etc. I knew he was on the same page as me and I felt so much more relaxed. Everyone who interacted with him loved him, and we received so much positive feedback from friends and family. The picture arrival day finally came (only a month later, but it felt like a lifetime). We received about 700 pictures on 2 DVDs. We held a BBQ for friends who couldnt make the main reception and had the pictures running in a slideshow on our TV throughout the party. Our friends said our wedding looked like a fairytale, and they had never seen so many amazing pictures. When our parents showed the Manhattan pictures to friends, they thought they were fake and we used a backdrop or green screen… they really are that great. Its been about 6 months since the wedding, and we love to relive the weekend through the photos. The wedding day goes by so quick and even though you think you’ll remember every detail, months and years later its hard. Our wedding photos are so vivid and capture so many emotions, that we really can ‘relive’ the day just by looking at them again. Gardner is a great photographer and will become a great friend to you. We are still in touch, and he is welcome to stay with my family anytime he is in the area… how many brides can say that about their wedding photographer? I highly recommend him, and hope your wedding experience feels like a fairytale just like ours was :)

I didn’t just walk away from my wedding with magazine worthy photographs, I walked away with a great friend. Gardner knows his craft so well that he answered questions I didn’t even know I had and I was able to completely relax knowing he would capture the day beautifully… which he definitely did! Gardner has the most down to earth and engaging personality; I am usually extremely uncomfortable with getting my photo taken, but Gardner has such a bright and lively personality that he was able to put me at ease and capture memories that I will forever treasure. He knows how to make people laugh, got along with all my guests, both young and old, and is up for any idea you can throw at him (including shooting pictures from up in a tree). He got my (over 300) photos to me quickly and best of all on a dvd so I can share them and print them as much as I want without an extra cost. Thank you again for all the great memories, my friend!!!

My wife and I wanted something above and beyond what the typical wedding photographer would do. We received that and more from Gardner. Gardner takes the time to get to know you, goes over the days details with you, all so that on the big day you feel comfortable being in front of the camera. The only bad thing for us was deciding which pictures to frame because they were all amazing! I really wish I could just post a picture from our wedding as my review, because that is all you would need to see. Best wedding photographer ever!