A glimpse into the everyday world of Gaspar Photography

Laura and Daniel met where all great romances begin…a federal income tax class of course! They were from opposite sides of the country, but both landed at the University of Chicago Law School.

When Laura moved to Columbus for the summer, they continued to date long distance, and Laura made many trips to Chicago. In 2009, they both ended up on the same coast but still not in the same city, with Daniel in D.C. and Laura in New York City. Even with the distance, Daniel decided he just had to propose. During their first weekend together in New York, Daniel popped the question while the couple walked through Central Park. After calling their families to relay the good news, the newly engaged couple indulged in their favorite cocktails, for Daniel a Negroni and for Laura a Manhattan.

Their wedding ceremony was held at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. With its vaulted ceilings and nineteenth century organ, it made for a stunning backdrop for the event.

After the ceremony Laura, Daniel and I explored the neighborhood while taking portraits. We met some skateboarders that were very good sports while having their photo taken, and even stopped for champagne at Savoy on Prince Street.

We then made our way to the infamous Puck Building (you may have seen it at the beginning of ‘Will and Grace’ episodes).  The decor was amazing, and guests of the couple had such a blast dancing to The Ted Hefko Band.

Thank you so much Laura and Daniel – you really are a fun a unique couple and I had a fantastic time shooting your wedding!

Ceremony: Old St.Patrick’s Cathedral / Reception: The Puck Building / Catering: Thomas Preti Caterers / Flowers & Design: Stem & Co. / Ceremony Organist: Jared Lamenzo / Reception Music: Ted Hefko Band / Bride’s Dress: Gabriella’s Bridal Salon / Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew / Jewelry: Lulu Splendor / Hair: Fox and Boy Salon / Makeup: Laura Gellar

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When a good friend introduced Katie to Josh at a Labor Day party, sparks flew immediately…but they both were about to start their teaching jobs with Teach America, and the timing just wasn’t right.

Katie’s friend Frank did not give up though, and he brought them together yet again at a teacher happy hour. When Katie and Josh realized their shared love of whiskey, BBQ, and being bad at darts. they just couldn’t let this good thing pass them by.

Flash forward to a Tuesday evening in Central Park.  While on a stroll, Katie and Josh heard music blaring from a taco stand and began to dance.  Stumbling over her long skirt, Katie yelled out to Josh as she fell, “Will you marry me!?”

After he said yes three times, she presented him with an antique pocket watch. A few minutes of pure delight ensued, upon which Josh declared “OK, now it’s may turn” and asked Katie to marry him as well.

Their wedding day began in Fort Tryon Park. Katie and Josh signed the Ketubulah, the traditional Jewish marriage license, surrounded by friends, family, and nature.

Their ceremony was incredibly beautiful – with special touches like the Chuppah held above them coming from a wall hanging in Josh’s hometown temple.

After the ceremony, Katie and Josh shared some special time together in the park while I took their portraits. They even climbed a tree in their fancy wedding attire!

Wedding guests enjoyed a cocktail hour outside of the fabulous New Leaf Bar and Restaurant, then headed inside to celebrate and dance to the rhythmic sounds of Robbie Scott and the New Deal.

I had such a wonderful time shooting this wedding. In sharing their special day, I got a chance to see what a fun and sincere couple Katie and Josh are.  Thank you so much for the pleasure of taking part in your wedding!

Wedding Venue: New Leaf Bar and Restaurant and New Linden Terrace in Fort Tryon Park / Flowers: Flowers — Academy Floral / Cake: Soutine / Bride’s Dress: Sandals by Dessy / Bridesmaid dresses: After Six by Dessy / Groom’s Suit: David Alan NYC / Groomsmen attire: Ralph Lauren from Macy’s / Rings: Celtic Jewelers in Galway, Ireland / Bride’s earrings:  Jewel Boutique in NYC / Ceremony music: Manhattan School of Music / Reception music: Robbie Scott and the New Deal

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Kari and Ryan began a friendship through a college leadership/bible study they both attended in Minnesota.Friendship became romance, and when Kari moved back to her home state of New Jersey, only weeks after their first date, they continued their relationship long distance. They made monthly trips back and forth every month for over a year!

When Kari moved back to Minnesota last September,  Ryan did not wait long to ask Kari to be his wife.  He took her on a stroll by a river, under the Minneapolis skyline. As they walked, Kari began to see candles…then roses and champagne…and then Ryan got down on one knee to propose.  When she said yes, their closest friends and Kari’s sisters came running down the hill to congratulate them. So romantic!

The day began at Kari’s parents house with her bridesmaids, sisters, cousins and parents. Everyone had a blast sharing laughs and champagne toasts.

The couple were married in New Jersey at Kari and family’s long-time church, just feet from their home. Kari walked down the aisle with her father while a close friend played guitar. It was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, with a song sung by their close friend while Kari and Ryan lit a unity candle, followed by a prayer with family members.

The reception took place at The Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, PA. The venue had an incredibly elegant charm, very Ralph Lauren! After toasts to the happy couple, the wedding party and guests danced and sang the night away…including a lovely rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot” sung by the groom (an old college joke).

Thanks to Kari and Ryan for letting me share in their special day!

Ceremony: Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church/ Reception: Stroudsmoor Country Inn / Brides Dress: Liz Clinton Bridal / Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bloomingdales / Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse / Invitations: Dick and Jane Letterpress

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Megan and John met on what they thought would be an uneventful evening at Leggets Sand Bar, a local New Jersey hot-spot famous for it’s shot-wheel game. John played it cool, waiting almost a week to call Megan after she gave him her number. They went on their first date at Harrigan’s Pub in Sea Girt, NJ and the rest was history. Flash-forward one year to June 26th, their first anniversary. John planned a romantic night, starting with dinner at the restaurant where they had their second date.  After dinner they headed to back to Harrigans, and their last stop was at the miniature golf course where they had their third date.

Nearing the end of their night, they came to the last hole, with Megan scoring a hole in one!  John knelt down by the hole, as if to retrieve the ball, but came up on one knee holding an engagement ring! Teary eyed, Megan said yes to John; and her family, which had been waiting on the boardwalk nearby, joined them to celebrate the big news.

We started the wedding day at Megan’s family home in New Jersey. I absolutely loved Megan’s color choices of navy blue, with bright pink accents. Even her dog was dressed to the color scheme! Megan’s mother made a special bridal suite just for her big day, and when her father walked in and saw her in her dress for the first time, the moment was priceless.

Their ceremony took place in an adorable chapel in Historic Allaire Village, New Jersey, with bag pipers chiming as guests made their way into the church.

After the ceremony, we all headed to the elegant Oyster Point Hotel overlooking the water.

Guests danced the night away — but John really stole the show with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean!

What an amazing night it was – thank you for allowing me to share it with you, Megan and John!

Ceremony: Church at Historic Allaire Village / Reception and Catering: Oyster Point Hotel / Cake: Piece o’ Cake / Music: The Pros / Invitations: Carlson Craft / Flowers: Margo Jane Fletcher / Wedding Dress: Robin Jillian purchased at Cinderella Bridal / Brides Shoes:Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung purchased at Cinderella Bridal / Groom and Grooms men suits: Tuxedo Den / Hair and Makeup: Salon Kokopelli

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I just love the story of Ashley and Michael’s engagement.  Ashley was one of those girls that never wanted to get married, but for three years in a row, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Michael took her underneath the Brooklyn Bridge and proposed.  Third time was the charm, because Ashley accepted!

We started the day with Ashley, her mother, and her bridesmaids at the fabulous New York Palace Hotel.  Their room was gorgeous, with an unbeatable view.  We later headed to Linden Terrace in Fort Tryon park,
where the ceremony took place under clearing skies (the rain decided to stay away!).

It was a very special ceremony, with great friend Bobby serving as their officiant.  The lovely lilacs used throughout were brought by Ashley’s mother all the way from North Carolina.  The couple even took in some
parts of the Orthodox tradition by having crowns of lilacs held over their heads as symbols of their new status, King and Queen of their new family.

The reception followed at the New Leaf Bar & Restaurant.  Guests danced the night away, and the photo booth provided by NY Photobooth brought out the kid in everyone.

I want to thank Ashley and Michael for allowing me to take part in their special day.  I also want to congratulate them both on an upcoming addition to their family – Ashley and Michael are expecting their first baby!

Flowers: Vanessa Burns Eckstein / Cake and Cupcakes: Ovenly / Music: PopShop / Wedding Coordinator: The Boutique Group / Venue and Catering: New Leaf Bar and Restaurant / Photobooth: NY Photobooth / Wedding Dress: Michelle Rahn from Gabriella Bridal Salon NYC/ Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Hair and Makeup: Beau from the Little Hair Shoppe

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Kimberly and Richard came all the way from Austin, TX to elope in our fine city, and I had the pleasure of not only capturing their special moment, but serving as their official witness as well!

We headed to the Marriage Bureau bright and early, and took our place in line.  This was my first time shooting a city hall wedding in NYC, so I was intrigued. After taking a number, yes deli-style, the couple took a seat on the fabulous green couch in the lobby and waited their turn.

The ceremony was short but sweet – taking only about 30 seconds or so! We then hopped in a taxi and made our way to Central Park for a photo session before we parted ways, with the happy couple celebrating by heading over to watch a Mets game.

It was such an honor to be their witness and photographer, and I wish them all the best.

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