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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What a fantastic couple Meghan and Jeremy make!

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

Meghan’s bouquet was absolutely stunning.

A quartet played music as guests were seated.

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.

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

Their cake was beautiful in it’s simplicity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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