<Weddings « Angela Gaspar Photography Blog

Weddings

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11
Oct 11

Jimmy & Stephanie’s Wedding At The Queens Botanical Garden

Stephanie and Jimmy met while on a spring break in Jamaica. They were next door neighbors at their hotel and immediately hit it off, so much so that they began dating after their vacations ended. It seemed fitting that Jimmy would later propose to Stephanie on a beach since that is where their love story began.

I met with Stephanie at the Verve Hotel as she prepared for her wedding day.

Stephanie and Jimmy

This is a handwritten note about a handkerchief carried by the brides in Stephanie’s family, it was written by her late grandmother.

Stephanie and Jimmy

Stephanie’s mother got a little emotional as her daughter put on her wedding gown.

Stephanie and Jimmy

This sixpence was placed in Stephanie’s shoe as a symbol of good luck, yet another wonderful family tradition.

Stephanie and Jimmy

The ceremony took place in the Wedding Garden of the Queens Botanical Garden.

Stephanie and Jimmy

The bride’s little helpers really loved their parasols.

stephanie and jimmy's wedding at the queens botanical garden

I loved these fans adorned with the bride and groom’s initials.

stephanie and jimmy's wedding at the queens botanical garden

After the ceremony we explored the gardens for Jimmy and Stephanie’s portrait session. There were so many naturally stunning backdrops.

stephanie and jimmy's wedding at the queens botanical garden

We got this shot before heading into The Aegean Cove for their reception.

stephanie and jimmy's wedding at the queens botanical garden

queens botanical garden wedding

This is such a cute idea for a wedding card holder at a reception!

queens botanical garden wedding

queens botanical garden

Thank you Stephanie and Jimmy for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I had an amazing time and felt so welcomed by you and your friends and family.

Ceremony Location: The Queens Botanical Garden / Music: Vogue Music Events / Reception: Aegean Cove / Cake: La Guli Bakery / Flowers: LIC Florist / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Officiant: Honorable Raymond Bruce of the Bronx Supreme Court / Dress: Nicole Miller from Nicole Miller Boutique Soho / Bride’s Shoes: Coach / Brides Jewelry: Banana Republic / Hair & Makeup: Adela of Space Salon / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor / Groom & Groomsmen attire: Alfani /

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26
Sep 11

Claudine and Evan’s Vermont Country Wedding

I met with Claudine at the sweet Barnard Inn in Vermont as she prepared for the big day. Rain clouds filled the sky but luckily they cleared just in time for the wedding.

vermont weddings

Claudine allowed her bridesmaids to pick out their own dresses and I must say they did an amazing job!

vermont weddings

Their ceremony was held next to this postcard perfect pond and was both spiritual and moving. I absolutely loved how Claudine and Evan wrote their own vows to one another.

vermont weddings

Evan and his groomsman shared a toast with Maple Syrup…only in Vermont!

vermont weddings

Wedding location: Barnard Inn / Catering: Barnard Inn / Wedding Dress: BCBG

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24
Aug 11

Kelsey & Dylan’s DIY Vermont Wedding

Kelsey and Dylan first met when their best friends Pam and Tony asked them to be the Maid of Honor and Best Man at their wedding. They got to know each other during the planning process, and then started dating shortly after their friends were married.

After dating long distance for over a year, Kelsey moved to Washington D.C. to attend graduate school. Dylan knew he had to be with her, so he packed up and moved to D.C. as well.

Dylan planned on asking Kelsey to marry him on a trip to South Carolina…but when the song “Marry Me” came on the radio at their D.C. home, he thought it had to be a sign. Joker that he is, he handed her a packet of Taco Bell hot sauce with the words “Will you marry me” written on it. Kelsey loved the humor of his impromptu proposal prop, and she happily said yes!

kelsey and dylan

Kelsey and Dylan are both natives to New England, which is why they decided picturesque Brandon, VT would be the perfect location for their wedding.

I joined Kelsey and Dylan at the Brandon Inn while they prepared for their big day.

kelsey and dylan

I loved how Kelsey chose to have her bridesmaids wear a mix of brightly colored dresses in blue and green.

kelsey and dylan

Kelsey wore the bell necklace worn by her mother and other family members on their own wedding days – I thought this was such a sweet sentiment.

kelsey and dylan

How great are these homemade signs placed outside of the church before the ceremony!

kelsey and dylan

Kelsey and Dylan had fresh cut flowers in mason jars through out their ceremony and reception.

kelsey and dylan

After a moving ceremony shared with friends and family, I stole Kelsey and Dylan away for a portrait session before their happy hour began.

kelsey and dylan

Mason jars were a theme in Kelsey and Dylan’s wedding. One of my favorite DIY projects of theirs was this seating chart — made from old window shutters and tiny pieces of paper with a mason jar design…so creative!

kelsey and dylan

It’s always fun when couples step away from traditions — for instance having homemade apple pie instead of a wedding cake. P.S…It was delicious!

kelsey and dylan

Guests enjoyed ice cold lemonade and fresh iced tea in rocking chairs on the breezy front porch of the inn.

kelsey and dylan

When cocktail hour was over, guests kicked off their shoes and replaced them with these nifty flip-flops so they could dance the night away in comfort!

kelsey and dylan

Thank you Kelsey and Dylan for a fantastic day!

Getting ready location: The Brandon Inn / Ceremony location: St. Dominic Catholic Church / Reception and catering: The Brandon Inn / Groom and groomsmen attire: Burberry / Wedding dress: Allure Couture Bridal / Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Sung / Shoes: Dessy / DJ: Bob from Starlite Entertainment / Live saxophone played by Kelsey’s cousin Nate Lepine

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10
Jun 11

Allison & Harley’s Central Park Wedding

I knew from the minute I met Allison and Harley in a local coffee shop — they were going to be such a fun and laid back couple on their wedding day. Boy, was I right!

We started the wedding day at the fabulous Hotel 414. At first Allison was a little hesitant about having her photo taken, but soon she became a natural, hardly noticing I was there.

Allison and Harley

Allison and I met up with Harley and some other family members in the hotel courtyard, before heading out for a fun photo shoot around Hell’s Kitchen.

Allison and Harley

I love this photo, taken on a basketball court of all places. Cool as a cucumber, Allison even threw back a basketball that had escaped the pickup game!

web_portraits-54

There was a slight chance of rain that day, but after a tiny sun shower at the pre-cocktail event, the coast was clear. We headed to New York City’s Central Park, where an intimate ceremony was held at the Lady’s Pavillion. Everyone squeezed in tight, and it was quite an emotional celebration.

Allison and Harley

Central Park was in full bloom for this wedding, and we took advantage of it for a mini portrait session before heading to the reception.

Allison and Harley

The reception was held at the exquisite french restaurant La Grenouille.

Allison and Harley

Thank you to Allison, Harley and your whole family for being so sweet, I had an amazing day with you all.

Getting Ready & Cocktail Reception: Hotel 414 / Ceremony: Central Park’s Ladies’ Pavillion / Reception & Floral: La Grenouille

Great Lawn

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8
Apr 11

Stephanie & Brian’s Jamaica “Day After” Shoot

The day after Stephanie and Brian’s wedding, we woke up bright and early and hit the Jamaican road. Alfred, our friendly driver, took us to some incredible hidden locations, including an abandoned plantation and some deep caves along the coast. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Stephanie and Brian's Day After

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30
Mar 11

Stephanie and Brian’s Jamaica Destination Wedding

I’m dreaming of warm weather as I write this blog post today. Earlier this month I traveled to Negril, Jamaica to shoot Stephanie and Brian’s wedding. It was an intimate affair shared with 13 close friends and family members of Stephanie and Brian. Stephanie had many reminders of those that were unable to attend the celebrations, including a pearl bracelet as “something borrowed” from her sister Kayla and a blue handkerchief sent to her by her grandmother.

Stephanie got ready for the day alongside her mother and sister-in-law to be, Christina.

Stephanie and Brian

A tiny bird made a guest appearance on the balcony and enjoyed a leftover muffin.

Stephanie and Brian

The weather was absolute perfection as the ceremony began. Brian’s sister, Christina, acted as the “Best Woman” and Ring Bearer.

Stephanie and Brian

I loved the tiny shells hanging from the ribbon on Stephanie’s bouquet.

Stephanie and Brian

Look at this adorable cake topper, made to the liking of Stephanie and Brian.

Stephanie and Brian

A map of Jamaica acted as their “guest book”.

Stephanie and Brian

Stephanie made these great place cards herself using starfish, so fitting for a beach wedding.

Stephanie and Brian

After cocktail hour, I took Brian and Stephanie down the beach for a portrait shoot. We found so many amazing backdrops and even a cute little starfish!

Stephanie and Brian

I want to send out a huge thank you to Stephanie and Brian, not only for choosing me to photograph their wedding but for making me feel just like one of the guests. They even took me snorkeling!

Wedding Bands: Dan of Raven’s Refuge / Ring Dish: Paloma’s Nest / Seashells In Bouquet: Shell Scapes / Fans: Michaels Crafts / Bubbles: Michaels Crafts / Ceremony Location, Catering and Floral Design: Beaches Resort Negril / Travel Arrangements: Jennifer from Sand & Sun Vacations

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23
Feb 11

Should You Do “First Look” Photographs Before Your Ceremony?

These days I am running into many nontraditional brides. 99% of the couples I photograph are already living together, many choose cupcakes over cake, and some even skip traditions such as the garter toss.

I do find that many couples are still reluctant to do “First Look” photographs. It’s not for everyone, but I have come up with a little list of Pros and Cons for this.

Pros:

The first time you see each other will be a special moment shared between the two of you (I’ll be in the distance, capturing it). You can revel in that sincere moment of joy together, for as long as you’d like.

When you do see each other at a first look, you are actually able to tell each other how happy you are in that moment. Whereas if you see each other at the ceremony for the first time, you must go right into the nuptials, and aren’t able to communicate until the end of the ceremony.

After the first look, we are able to take our time to great creative portraits.

After the ceremony, only family and group portraits will need to be done, allowing you to get right into the celebrations as soon as possible!

Brides have told me they were less nervous when it came time to walk down the aisle after doing the “First Look”.

I honestly believe when you see each other at the ceremony, you’ll retain that pure moment of bliss from the first look.

Cons:

If you are a very traditional bride, a first look could take away from the suspense of walking down the aisle and seeing each other there for the first time.

Your friends and family would miss out on sharing in the first time you see each other.

I absolutely respect every couples decision and will capture your day with all the beauty and detail you deserve no matter what you choose. The most important thing is that you are happy!

Please take a look at some examples of the “First Look”.

Courtney and Clint

Sarah and George

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16
Feb 11

Sarah & George’s Winter Wedding

You may remember Sarah and George from their NYC engagement shoot back in October.

Well, I had the pleasure of meeting the happy couple again to shoot their beautiful winter wedding!

Sarah and George

Sarah and George chose to see each other before the evening ceremony, in order to get some outdoor photographs before sunset. We met in the courtyard of Williamsburg, Brooklyn hotspot My Moon, and I absolutely loved capturing their “first look”. It was such a sweet moment they were able to share together before the arrival of their guests.

Sarah and George

Sarah and George braved the cold beside their families for a quick portrait session.

Sarah and George

Friends from Sarah’s choir group sang as guests filled the room.

Sarah and George

Sarah’s father officiated their ceremony.

Sarah and George

Sarah is a children’s book editor, which gave them the idea to use vintage copies of their favorite books from childhood as center pieces.

Sarah and George

Tiny custom cardinals were placed on each table to represent loved ones that were unable to attend.

Sarah and George

An artist and friend of the couple made a piece for the event – a red and white, Chinese paper cut design, used for programs and as a display near the seating cards. This design was also used to stamp the inside of the vintage books provided as favors.

Sarah and George

Congratulations Sarah and George!

Location and Catering: My Moon / Wedding Planner: My Big Day Planning / Cake: Baked / Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas / Hair and Makeup: Woodley and Bunny / Custom Paper Design: Grace Lin / Custom Cardinals: Song and Branch / Hair Clip: Bridal Wear Musicians: Yasmine Ilyia / Florist: Rose Red & Lavender

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7
Jan 11

Meghan & Jeremy’s Fall Wedding at The Picnic House

It was a crisp sunny fall day when I met Meghan, Jeremy and their entire wedding party in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park the day of their wedding. The local farmer market was crowded but we made our way through, with a mission to find pumpkins to use as props in their portraits.

Meghan and Jeremy

What a fantastic couple Meghan and Jeremy make!

Meghan and Jeremy

Jeremy and his groomsmen dressed to the nines in tuxes adorned with orange orchid boutonnieres.

Meghan and Jeremy

Meghan’s bouquet was absolutely stunning.

Meghan and Jeremy

A quartet played music as guests were seated.

Meghan and Jeremy

The programs were very cute and unique. Meghan and Jeremy included a lovely message to their guests, as well as fun facts about Prospect Park and a map of the area.

Meghan and Jeremy

You can’t get more romantic then taking your vows in front of a glowing fireplace at Prospect Park’s Picnic House.

Meghan and Jeremy

Their cake was beautiful in it’s simplicity.

Meghan and Jeremy

I adored the cascading flowers that accented their card drop and guest book.

Meghan and Jeremy

The colors in the wedding were so vibrant and rich, they were perfect for the end of fall wedding date.

Meghan and Jeremy

Guests looked on as Meghan and Jeremy shared their first dance together as husband and wife.

Meghan and Jeremy

There were several heartfelt, amusing and maybe even a little embarrassing speeches that kept everyone on an emotional roller coaster.

Meghan and Jeremy

Meghan and Jeremy enjoyed a special private family toast with flasks, which I thought was hilarious and was one of my favorite moments.

Meghan and Jeremy

I love when guests instantly hit the dance floor and enjoy themselves, and this definitely was the case at Meghan and Jeremy’s wedding.

Meghan and Jeremy

The Picnic House exuded a warm glow and I captured the moment as I made my way home for the night.

Meghan and Jeremy

Thank you Meghan and Jeremy for a fantastic day. It was truly a pleasure meeting you both and all of your wonderfully supportive friends and family.

Ceremony & Reception: The Picnic House in Prospect Park / Wedding Dress: Jenny Woo / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Catering: Charles Susswein of Loud Food / Flowers: Kerry Quade of Root Stock and Quade / Cake: Cheryl Kleinman Cakes / Escort cards: Sweet Pea and Seashells / Table numbers: Sweet Cookie Vintage / Invitations: Lucky Duck Letterpress

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2
Jan 11

My Top 30 Favorite Wedding Photographs of 2010

I hope you all had a fantastic New Year’s Eve and are ready to take on 2011. I wanted to honor 2010 a little bit by choosing my “Top 30 Favorite Wedding Photographs” . So here they are in the order they were taken. Let me know which your favorites are!

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