Amanda and Eliza met back in 2006. Amanda was drinking her woes away over a recent breakup while Eliza was out partying it up with friends.

Feeling brave, Amanda approached a group of gals at the bar, including Eliza, who was introduced as a dead ringer for Lisa Loeb, Eliza hated this reference. None-the-less, the two hit it off and danced the night away, until they were the only ones left talking at the bar.

Amanda proposed to Eliza in December of 2009 with her Great Grandmother’s ring; and thanks to the July 2011 passage of New York’s Marriage Equality Act, I had the absolute pleasure of shooting their dream wedding in Brooklyn, NY last month.

We started our day at the hip Aloft Hotel in Brooklyn.

Eliza and Amanda held their ceremony and reception at The Roulette, a wedding and performance space on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.

The Roulette is such a beautiful and unique space for a wedding.

The ceremony took place along the balcony surrounded by their friends and family.

Hora!

Guests really got down and boogied!

Congratulations Amanda and Eliza, and thank you for a fantastic day!

Getting Ready Location: Aloft / Eliza’s Dress: Alvina Valenta from Adrienne’s / Amanda’s Dress: JCrew / Amanda’s Engagement Ring: Elleven / Amanda’s Wedding Ring: Doyle & Doyle / Eliza’s Engagement Ring: Family Heirloom / Eliza’s Wedding Ring: Shenoah / Eliza’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Candles: Poppies and Posies / Catering: Michael Stuart NY / DJ: DJ Street Justice / Linen & Chair Rentals: Something Different Party Rentals / Officiant: Amanda & Eliza’s Friend Daniel Mahon

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In April of 2011, Michael decorated their home with flowers, placing a special message for Casey to find in a bottle on the couch.  Casey came home and after she had read his note, Michael pulled out a ring out that had been hidden under a pillow.  She of course said yes, and on a chilly morning in January they began to get ready for their wedding day and the rest of their lives together.

I met Casey at her parent’s beautiful home in River Edge, New Jersey. When I arrived Casey was still at the salon, but her entire family was so welcoming. They filled me with appetizers before I set out to take some details of Casey’s preparations. When Casey arrived, she was welcomed by dozens of roses and sweet notes from Michael.

Casey is so amazingly talented, she actually handmade these brooch bouquets. Each bouquet held special meaning to her and her bridesmaids. They showed their true personalities, and even a family heirloom here and there. Casey’s own bouquet features special heirlooms as well, and was utterly stunning.

I loved Casey’s dress and shoes, they reminded me of art deco and old Hollywood style.

I love this shot of Casey’s tattoo, it really showed off her beauty and her wild personality.

The ceremony took place in Fair Lawn, NJ at the exquisite Saint Anne’s Church, still beautifully decorated from the holidays.

After the ceremony, the couple was sent off by their guests with a display of sparklers.

Who needs a limo when you have Mini Cooper of Ramsey loaning you one of their cars, along with a driver!

The reception at The Bottagra was fabulous, and included jewelled and branch center pieces, as well as a breathtaking cake made by a friend of Casey’s.

Instead of a band, this fun couple opted for a fantastic singing group called The R&B Show.

What is a wedding without Tina Turner! Casey had this impersonator come in just for her father, who is a huge Tina fan.

While spending the day with Casey and Michael, one thing that really stood out to me was how deeply they thought about their friends and family while planning their wedding. They really wanted this to be a special occasion for everyone attending, and they no doubt accomplished that goal. I had the most marvelous time shooting Casey and Michael’s wedding. Thank you both and to all of your welcoming friends and family!

Wedding Dress: Bijou Bride / Engagement Ring: Marta Stephens / Bride’s Wedding Ring: Macy’s Fine Jewelry / Groom’s Ring: Kay / Bouquets: DIY / Ceremony: Saint Anne’s Church / Wedding Planner: Julie of Warren Country Events / Reception: The Bottagra / Entertainment: The R&B Show / Cake: Melanie Vocaturo Pastery Chef  / Bride & Groom Transportation: Mini Cooper of Ramsey /         

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

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

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

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

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

The bride’s little helpers really loved their parasols.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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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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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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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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”.

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

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

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

Sarah’s father officiated their ceremony.

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.

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

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.

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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