Lauren & Josh’s epic winter wedding at The Knockdown Center, NYC

Josh & Lauren were married on a beautiful snowy Saturday in December.  We began the day at The Williamsburg Hotel, in Brooklyn.  Lauren’s room had amazing floor to ceiling windows letting in lovely natural light, which worked so well with her details and dress!  I had scoped out the lobby and to our delight the ground level of the hotel was full of nifty spots to take pictures of the couple after their first look.  Josh waited to see Lauren so she could do up his bowtie and that made for a sweet moment, too!  I was able to take them outside under our big clear umbrella for a few magical shots with the snowflakes wafting around– it was the first snow of this winter here in NYC so naturally I wanted to capture that for them!  We did some group shots with the bridesmaids and groomsmen and family groups that were there at the hotel, and then headed over to The Knockdown Center in Queens.  I was tickled to see this popular concert venue decked out for a marvelous wedding.  The decor was so elegant and yet simple, with greenery and white flowers and soft twinkly lights. While guests began to arrive, Josh and Lauren were joined by their family for Tisch and document signings before the formal ceremony in front of guests.  After they tied the knot they spent the traditional 7-9 minutes alone while guests got started at the cocktail reception, and we then took some final family group shots in front of the Chuppah before we moved into the main space for dinner and dancing.  Highlights of the evening included a very lively first dance and Hora, complete with silly dances presented to the bride and groom, known as Shtick, a beautiful set of toasts from siblings and friends, and Josh’s hilarious cake-cutting antics.  I was honored to capture this lovely wedding– it was a delight to end my 2017 season with such a perfect wintry wedding.  Congratulations to Lauren & Josh!

VENDOR CREDITS:
Getting Ready & Portraits Location:  The Williamsburg Hotel
Ceremony Location (skip if all in one place)
Reception Venue:  The Knockdown Center, Tyler Myers
Wedding Day-of Coordinator: Cherie Burnett
Wedding gown: Vera Wang
Bride’s shoes: Gianvito Rossi
Bridesmaid dresses: n/a – they’re all wearing different dresses
Groom’s suit/tux:Knot Standard
Invitation Design: Shine Wedding Invitations
Ketubah:  Ruth Mergi
 Videographer: Sixty First Productions, Daniel Nalladurai

Noemi & Michael at The Westin, Jersey City

Noemi & Michael were married at The Westin in Jersey City, just across the Hudson from Manhattan.  We started the day with them preparing in their respective hotel rooms and since it was fairly chilly outside (November), we set them up for a first look on the lovely staircase between the 2nd and 3rd floors, overlooking the lobby.  Though it was drizzling I was able to nab a handful of quick pictures of the two of them just outside underneath the overhang in front of the hotel between car-arrivals!  Once back inside where it was warm we gathered their bridal party and family groups for formals in front of the beautiful floral Chuppah, and then captured their Ketubah signing in a nearby room with friends and family gathered around them to witness and celebrate.  Next the couple went to separate corners of the cocktail hour for a Tisch, and guests were able to visit each one of them before Michael’s processional to Noemi for the Bedeken, complete with musicians leading the way to his bride.  Guests made their way to seating in the ceremony space and together we all witnessed a lovely wedding with each of the seven blessings eloquently delivered by different family members before Michael broke the glass and they sealed their marriage with a kiss.  The reception unfolded with wild abandon during the Hora and ensuing dance floor celebration.  I was particularly moved by the toasts at this wedding– these two are so obviously a match made in heaven and everyone in their lives is so happy they found one another!  It was such an honor and a pleasure capturing this incredible day for Noemi & Michael.  Congratulations to them and their families!

Vendor Credits:
Wedding Day-of Coordinator: Allison Kulesza
Wedding Gown: Pronovias
Makeup: Donna Lance

Bridesmaid dresses: One from BHLD, one by BCBG
Groom’s tux by Enzo Custom
Officiant: Morris Benjamin Panitz
Invitation Design: Paper Source
Floral Design: Dawn Melanie Designs
Catering: Crystal Plaza
Videographer: 15 Minutes of Frame
Floral Donation: Repeat Roses

Stacey & Jonathan’s Wedding at Flushing Town Hall

Stacey and JJ were married at the beautiful and historic Flushing Town Hall in Queens in November.  At one time this building contained an actual jail– in fact the room Stacey got ready in as a ‘bridal suite’ of sorts still has the antique jail cell door on it, so naturally we had to take a picture of her “behind bars!” (see it in the slideshow below).  These days it houses the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, and is home to many performances, gallery shows, and events, serving as a welcoming community hub. I was delighted to capture a wedding in this unique venue– and a unique wedding it was indeed!  Stacey and JJ made this event their own and incorporated little details that were special to them and so fun to shoot.  Early on JJ let me know that instead of the traditional guys getting ready in a hotel room he’d rather spend that time taking pictures with his grooms-people (not all groomsmen!  refreshing!) at Citifield, home of his beloved Mets.  My 2nd shooter had a field day with this, and they got a bunch of neat shots there. Instead of the traditional boutennieres, they all chose an action figure to carry in their jacket pocket, which was super cute and I’d never seen this idea before.  They did their ceremony up on the stage in the main hall under lovely floral Chuppah, and instead of having the florist take it down they kept it up and put their sweetheart table underneath it so they could look out at the whole reception from there with tables for their friends on either side of them.  It worked beautifully and I loved getting to shoot from the different angles afforded by the stage and balcony in this space.  To top the night off, when it came time to ‘cut the cake,” Stacey and JJ had one more surprise for us– instead of the traditional route, they opted to break apart a giant black and white cookie, another favorite of theirs.  I had so much fun capturing this wonderful day with Stacey and JJ– congratulations you two!

VENDOR CREDITS:
Ceremony Location:  Flushing Town Hall
Reception Venue: (Same as Ceremony) Citi Field (listed as “other”)
Wedding Day-of Coordinator: Rebecca Carrion of the Unruffled Bride 
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vow to be Chic
Hair and Makeup Team: (including bridal hair and makeup) Gorgeous Faces
Groom’s suit/tuxedo: Indochino
Groomsmen suits/tuxedos:  Black Tux
Floral Design: Blossom Heath Florist
Catering and Wedding Cake:  Bassett Caterers

Caitlin & Michael’s Wedding at Buttermilk Falls Inn

Caitlin & Mike were married on a beautiful weekend in October at the fabulous farm-to-table venue Buttermilk Falls Inn up in the Hudson Valley, just a short drive from NYC. I was so so excited to see what they had in store for us as I knew from talking with them about their plans that this wedding would be super unique and full of fun surprises.  I started the day with Caitlin’s getting ready with her bridesmaids in one of the Inn’s sweet houses.  Her wedding dress was, amazingly, an antique lace gown that her mother had bought for her as a young teenager because it was such a perfect fit on her long torso.  She had planned to wear it at her wedding ever since, and seeing that it (incredibly!) still fits her, she did just that!  The vintage look informed much of the wedding, and Mike and his groomsmen sported hats for the occasion, and festooned them with flowers and feathers.  Caitlin’s brother officiated the ceremony and took the opportunity to wear a formal kilt, which looked great, and he got everyone laughing– this guy could go pro!   Speaking of their ceremony, I was tickled to see the men take their processional to the next level by performing “silly walks” down the aisle, something that was inspired by Monty Python.  After exchanging personal vows they wrote themselves, Caitlin and Mike exchanged a pair of very unique rings and sealed their union with a kiss.  Guests were led across the beautiful grounds to a tented cocktail hour featuring the most impressive cheese collection I’ve seen at a wedding.  Cheese, chocolate and wine are a passion this couple wanted to share with everyone at their wedding, so dessert was an incredible chocolate creation instead of the standard cake-slice, and I can only imagine the wine served was impeccably paired with dinner! Highlights of the evening included an epic spontaneous dance off featuring our kilted officiant, Caitlin’s mom’s toast, which started with a bit of brilliant prop humor, and a dance floor full of the most adorable families with small children ever.  I had so much fun capturing this tremendous wedding!  Congratulations to Caitlin & Mike!

VENDOR CREDITS:
Location  for Bride and Groom’s preparation:  Buttermilk Falls Inn 
Ceremony Location: Buttermilk Falls Inn 
Reception Location: Buttermilk Falls Inn 
Event Designer, Wedding Planner and/or Day-of Coordinator:  Michael Elbe, Event Coordinator at Buttermilk Falls Inn
Florist Company:  Crocus Hale Flowers
Reception Dress:   Etsy seller Dig For Victory
Bride’s shoes:  Billy Ella for BHLDN
Bride’s veil: Melinda Rose
Bridesmaid Dresses:  BHLDN, Joanna August, Amsale
Shawls: Novica
Flower Girl Dresses: BHLDN and Microbe by Miss Grant
Groom and men’s suits/tuxes
Fedoras:  Bailey Hats
Shirts: Express
Officiant’s Kilt: USA Kilts
Ring bearer vests handmade by bridesmaid Jayne Kirber, from custom fabric designed by Sandra Boynton
Ring bearers’ tartan caps & bow ties: ScotlandShop
Mike’s dragon themed wedding ring by Argentum Arcana
Officiant / Celebrant: Keith Boynton, brother of the bride
Invitation Designer: Sandra Boynton, mother of the bride
Save the Dates, Programs, Menus, and Escort Cards:  GeekInk Design 
Catering Company:  Henry’s at the Farm
Wedding Cake: Frida’s Bakery
Chocolate favors by Poco Dolce
Wine glass favors designed by the bride’s mom Sandra Boynton, and made by Glass with a Twist
Quaker-style wedding certificate also designed by the mother of the bride.
“Guestbook” quilt handmade by Natalie Hanson and Mary Markoff.

David & Ian’s Wedding at Dumbo Loft

David & Ian were married in an intimate ceremony at the ultra-hip rustic industrial event space, The Dumbo Loft, in Brooklyn, on a beautiful fall evening in October. Friends and family gathered for cocktails, dinner, and dancing, and we even got to hear a few sweet toasts to the couple’s happiness. David went to Wesleyan, like me, and had seen my work at another mutual college friend’s wedding a few years back, so I was thrilled when he contacted me about his own wedding photography. They weren’t sure they wanted any portraits at first but I was so glad I got time to do a few with them outside before the guests began to arrive. After helping each other get their bout’s on we did a batch of family shots and then it was on to the ceremony and reception. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to capture this sweet couple’s celebration of love! Congratulations to David & Ian!

VENDOR CREDITS:
Getting Ready Location: Brooklyn Bridge Waterfront Retreat
Ceremony Location: The Dumbo Loft
Reception Venue: The Dumbo Loft
Event Design: Angela Siu
Wedding Day-of Coordinator: Angela Siu
Groom’s suit/tux: Alexandr Olch
Officiant: Glenn Kehler Ricci
Invitation Design: Yasuko Yamamoto
Music: Luke Joachim DJ CoolHand
English Sparkling Wine: Primrose Fine Wine