A San Francisco Engagement Session at Bakers Beach

BJ proposed to my sister Ashley along the Atlantic Ocean in Newport Rhode Island which I captured. I helped him create an elaborate ruse of a family photo session to get her dressed and not at all suspicious of my camera. So, when I moved out to the San Francisco Bay Area and they came to visit me, it was only fitting to offer them an engagement session along the Pacific Ocean.

This was my first Bay Area session and I was super excited to explore with them. Earlier in the fall I had explored this area with my family and filed it away in my brain as a location I wanted to come back to with a couple, and I’m so glad I did.

I love how within a small area you get Bakers Beach with a sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the moody eucalptus trees, or the seaside homes as a backdrop. It’s so versatile and romantic!

Summer Wedding at Shady Acres Organic Farm

Angela and Danny share an incredible love story; they are actual high school sweethearts. In my career I rarely meet couples that have survived high school and adulthood together, which says so much about these two. The longevity and ease they share is obvious. They are the best parents to their super friendly pup, Maverick, and even both went into teaching as a profession together. Everyone in their circle is full of exuberance and amazing vibes, I had the best time solo documenting their wedding at Shady Acres Organic Farm. A family member hand built yard games, the bride’s brother played music during cocktail hour, and one of my favorite details - Angela’s class created a book about love that was displayed! How cool is that?

Shady Acres Organic Farm is one of my favorite Hudson Valley venues and it did not disappoint. Angela utilized the gorgeous boho styled bridal suite, then they shared their first look in front of the vintage pickup truck. Formal group photos happened with the backdrop of the meadow, and their ceremony took place in the famous pine tree forest. The day ran smoothly thanks to coordination from Service Matters North East. Florals were created by the incomperable Flowers by David Anthony.

The night was thumping with beats by SkyHook Entertainment (seriously, 10/10 recommend for anyone that wants a mixture of live music and a DJ, such a great dance floor experience!) followed by toasted marshmallows at the fire pit.

It was an excellent summer wedding that was full of energy and fun and left me energized. Thank you Angela and Danny for trusting me to capture your day, and big high-fives to all of the amazing vendors that helped make it such a dream.

Spring Time Wedding at Shady Acres Organic Farm

When I was asked to photograph Alli and Chris’s wedding, I was so excited. Alli and I have been friends since childhood, growing up around the block from one another. I’ve seen her come of age and blossom into an incredible person; she is a talented musician with a beautiful voice and skilled at song writing. Her heart has always been full of compassion for others which has lead her down a path of serving others in her career. Her energy is both fierce and soft all in the same breath. It had been a few years since we saw each other in person (thanks distance + pandemic) so I hadn’t gotten a chance to meet her fiancé Chris. I knew he proposed to her using a Pokéball and that he worked on cars. They lived in Philly together creating a happy life. I had seen Instagram photos of their shared husky, Misha. I went into this day, 8 months pregnant and working solo; I didn’t mind though, I knew it was going to be special.

I personally loved that they chose Shady Acres Organic Farm for their wedding venue, it was completely true to Alli’s roots located just two miles of her childhood home. Shady Acres is as the name suggest, an organic farm that makes in house jams, honey and provisions. The manager, Sasha (who I’ve become friends with and absolutely adore) grew up on the property and has helped create the venue portion of the working farm. The farm house has a lovely downstairs event space and a fantastic upper level lofted bridal suite. Sasha has a passion for interior design and aesthetics, and it shines throughout. There is a large open air pavilion, small green houses and outdoor organic garden beds, a row of fruit bearing trees (with the prettiest flowers in the spring!) and a lush pine forest that houses their ceremony location.

So fast forward to day of. It’s a chilly, drizzly Saturday in May. The Hudson Valley is green and overcast with the occasional rain coming through. I packed my car with a bunch of clear umbrellas because there was no avoiding the forecast. I arrive, and immediately get the last few moments of Alli getting ready. Chris has arrived, and I quickly stock him up with an umbrella and we decide to proceed with the first look outside in the elements. Having not met Chris until this moment, I took him in. He stood stoic and calm in a dark green suit that matched the woods behind him. I put him into position and run upstairs to get Alli. As I approached her in the loft, the skies outside suddenly eased up, and the first hint of sunshine glimmered through the clouds and shined into the bridal suite; which is where these photos begin.

When Alli got outside and made her way to Chris I was excited to finally see these two together. When they saw each other they both beamed. They walked us over to their ceremony area and we took some quick portraits before guests began arriving.

Pokémon evolution references were made in the ceremony like poetry. After they kissed and walked to the end of the aisle, Chris swept Alli up into his arms to carry her down the hill. It was magical.

It was an honor to capture this day and I look forward to seeing these two evolve together in the future.

Vendor credits:

Venue, Shady Acres Organic Farm, Middletown NY
Dress, BHLDN
Suit, Giorgio Fiorelli
Florist, Deja Vu Florals
Misha’s collar, FlowerHungry
Rings, Aeriswings
Band, Nailed Shutt

An October FEAST at Round Hill Wedding

When my amazing wedding planner friend Gina connected me to her clients Natalie and Justin, I was so pumped. Anyone who hires Gina is for sure going to be cool in my book, so that was my first indicator that I was going to adore these two. Lo and behold, we shared a love of South Brooklyn, the Verrazano Bridge (it’s the most attractive bridge in Brooklyn, fight me) as well as a love of plants just from the get-go. In September 2020, we had a gorgeous engagement session along the Bay Ridge waterfront, as well as at their apartment featuring their cat. It couldn’t have been better.

Fast forward to October of 2021. Their wedding was held at FEAST at Round Hill in Washingtonville NY, a venue I’ve always wanted to photograph. FEAST has a beautiful museum like aesthetic, featuring antique styling with elaborate grounds and gardens. Natalie matched the look perfectly with her deco jewelry and accessories plus her bouquet made of seeded eucalyptus. Despite the classic charm, Natalie managed to make her look a touch badass with her black leather jacket. Justin was suited up very nicely but kept it real with his Doc Martens. They were authentic to themselves and it was perfect.

Aside from photographing at a bucket-list venue, I hit the jackpot in a way I never would’ve expected. As a former teenage ska kid, this was my first ever wedding where there was skanking on the dance floor. At this point, I’d photographed 150+ weddings during my career and this was a first. As the wedding band started playing Reel Big Fish’s song “Beer” Natalie and Justin’s friends brought it. It took every piece of restraint from me to keep photographing and not just put my cameras down to join in. I’ll never forget it. If you’re not in the know, skanking is a form of dancing where you’re kicking your feet up along to the music — it’s unmistakable and if you know you know you know.

Thank you Natalie and Justin for trusting me to document your day. It was such a pleasure and I’ll never forget it.

Vendor credits

Wedding venue, FEAST at Round Hill, Washingtonville NY
Planner, Gina Jurlando of Jane & Jasper (highly, highly, highly recommended!)
Videographer, D White Visuals (love him!)
Hair and makeup, Miss Harlequin Makeup and Hair
Dress, Maggie Sottero Designs
Florals, Flowers by Joann
Wedding band, The Last Nites
Cake, Pastry Garden Bakery
Natalie’s engagement ring, Macy’s and customized at Casale Jewelers
Justin’s wedding ring, Casale Jewelers
Natalie’s wedding ring, ReindeerCo
Custom socks, Divvy Up
Justin’s wedding shoes, Dr. Martens
Natalie’s wedding shoes, But Another Innocent Tale
Natalie’s reception shoes, Vans
Natalie’s leather jacket, ASOS

My First West Coast Wedding!

In April 2021 my husband and I were traveling to Southern California to attend my brother-in-law Luke’s wedding to his awesome fiancé Kimi. Josh was of course in the wedding party, so I figured I’d just bring my 35mm film camera along for fun.

Well, the day before the wedding, Josh and I were out to breakfast in Huntington Beach when we got a phone call from Luke. As it turned out, their original photographer tested positive for COVID. Obviously, I volunteered to step in, and quickly figured out a game plan. Luckily being close to LA was in our favor and I was able to grab a quick rental from Fullerton Cameras with everything I needed and it was game on.

Unfortunately, Kimi and Luke originally planned an October 2020 wedding which obviously needed to be rescheduled. Their original venue was no longer an option, but it all worked out for the absolute best. Our aunt works at the beautiful Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church and secured it for their ceremony location. The outside is stunning; they were married along the blooming wisteria which was particularly suiting because Kimi is a huge plant lover. One of Luke’s Marine Corps buddies officiated and it was a lovely ceremony.

Afterwards, we took family photos in the back court yard and Kimi surprised Luke by having their two Great Pyrenees pups Leia and Brady show up for a quick kiss and photo opportunity. Next we walked a few blocks west to grab some epic beach photos.

Their reception was held at a private estate in Laguna Beach and featured delicious Mexican catering from a family member. Everything was held outdoors with the backdrop of the canyon, tall cacti and string lights. All of the decor was handmade by Kimi and her mother; and Kimi even grew all of the plants decorating the space! (She’s awesome.)

It was an incredible day celebrating two people I love dearly, and I’m so glad that things turned out as they did because these are some of my favorite images from 2021.

Vendor credits
Ceremony location - Laguna Beach Presbyterian
Reception location - a private estate in Laguna Canyon
Hair and makeup - Makeup by Paru
Bridal dress - Davids Bridal
Florals - Freesia Lillies
DJ - DJ Old Head
Camera rentals - Fullerton Cameras

Mount Tremper Wedding

As a former bride, I love when I get to go back and revisit my own wedding venue; Mount Tremper.

When Ellie and Rich’s amazing planner, Crystal, initially reached out to me about their date, I had a good feeling that anyone who would choose the same venue as I did would be a great fit for me. I was definitely not mistaken.

I got to meet Ellie and Rich in the winter of 2020 when we did their adorable engagement session on their property. Think warming up by a campfire, sipping hot cocoa, Pendleton blankets — you get the vibe. I loved them right away.

Fast forward to August of 2021 — it’s my first wedding back from maternity leave and I get to have the most fabulously glowing 8 months pregnant Ellie as my first client.

The anticipation of their day was palatable. Every person was so excited to celebrate these two and their nearly complete family. To top off the adorableness of the day, Ellie wore an altered version of a family heirloom wedding dress. Everything felt sentimental and heartfelt and exuberantly happy. What a great day to document.

Vendor credits:

Coordinator, Crystal Ortiz
Catering, Honey’n Schmaltz
DJ, Stylus DJ Entertainment (DJ Sarah)
MUA, Emily Elle Makeup
Hair, Kyra Hair
Florals, Stars of the Meadow
Wedding dress, Betsy Wise Bridal

A Brooklyn Brunch Wedding

When planning a wedding, most people would say that their biggest fear is rain on their wedding day. If there’s one lesson I can bestow upon a couple, it would be to run with the punches, even if it includes a down pour. Luckily, Rachel and Sam were the exact right couple to own this concept.

Both Rachel and Sam work in the demanding theater world; they are highly creative, and detail oriented by nature. They are very in tune with one another, and share a connection that is palatable; they nearly move in unison together if you observe them long enough. It’s pretty spectacular. In their spare time, they love to relax by baking in their apartment and share a love of botany. When planning their wedding, they knew that they wanted it to hit close to home - in both location and in interests. They chose to have their ceremony at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, just down the street from their Prospect Heights apartment. Afterward, they invited their guests to their favorite brunch spot, Faun on Vanderbilt Avenue. Sounds perfect, right?

Well, as Sam and his wedding party began setting up the chuppah in the rose garden, a sudden torrential downpour ensued. Luckily, everyone was prepared and umbrellas emerged.

This rainstorm was intense. And when I say intense, that is an understatement. The rain was coming down in sheets. It was the wettest I’ve ever been, to put it lightly. As I moved my camera, covering the crowd, I noticed their reactions, and every single person was smiling or laughing. No one seemed inconvenienced by the weather. Not Sam. Not Rachel. Not a single one of their guests. Everybody was as happy as can be, huddled close in a canopy of umbrellas. The moment was completely embraced by everyone in attendance. It was memorable and beautiful and set the mood for the rest of the day.

Ironically, right as the ceremony concluded, the rain was over as well. I photographed their family photos, everyone drenched, and again, everyone as happy as can be.

Next Rachel, Sam and I went to the indoor gardens for couples photos. The joy on their faces said it all; nothing could ruin their day. The majestic backdrop of fauna was only rivaled by the glow emanating from them both.

Finally, for their reception at Faun, the sun was out and people spilled from the restaurant out on to the lush backyard patio. Guests enjoyed a beautiful spread complete with all of the best brunch drinks. Heart felt speeches, a surprise cake for Rachel’s mom (it read “Savor your big day!”) and a quiet first dance in the restaurant rounded out a perfect wedding day, rain and all.

Be like Rachel and Sam; run with whatever comes your way, own it, love it, embrace it. After all, you can’t enjoy the warmth of the sunshine without the contrasting wet of the rain.

Vendors
Rachel’s dress, Carol Hannah Bridal
Rachel’s headband, Lizzie Fortunato
Rachel’s wedding ring, Trinity ring by Cartier
Sam’s suit, Mason & Sons
Sam’s accessories, Todd Synder
Sam’s wedding ring, Mr. O.K.
Ceremony venue, the rose garden at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Reception venue and catering, Faun Brooklyn
Wedding invitations, hand painted by the groom

Sarah and Kate's Central Park Elopement

I love photographing elopements in Central Park. There is nothing like the energy that happens when a couple decides to get married in public. A wedding is such an intimate moment, folded in to the groove of a shared space, it creates a truly unique experience to behold. I have had weddings at Strawberry Fields and near Bow Bridge, but never at Cop Cot, the coveted rustic pavilion along Central Park South.

When Sarah and Kate first emailed me with their plans, I was super excited. Like I said, I love shooting in Central Park, and on top of that, these two brides were flying in from the United Kingdom to elope in Manhattan. I knew it was going to be awesome! Once we FaceTimed, I learned the story of their engagement and it’s a good and sneaky one.

The couple knew they were going to get engaged and decided they would get rings designed by a local jeweler. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Kate picked the rings up early. When Sarah stopped by to check on their status, the jeweler claimed they weren’t ready yet, which of course bummed Sarah out as she had plans to propose. Well, Kate was ahead of her. When they traveled to Jones Beach Long Island for a family vacation (Sarah was raised on Long Island despite having Irish roots) Kate had a plan in place. Once morning at 4am she woke Sarah up to say that she wasn’t able to sleep and would she like to go for a walk on the beach with her. Sarah obliged, and the two went for a walk in the sand as the sun rose. To Sarah’s surprise, Kate dropped down on her knee in the wet sand and proposed. Sarah cried out “you had them all along!” while crying and kissing Kate. Then, when they went back to the house, Sarah’s family (who were in on the surprise) had a lovely brunch ready for them to celebrate. How wonderful is that?!

For their wedding day, Sarah and Kate got ready in Long Island and took a party bus into Manhattan with their families. Kate’s mom, dad, and best friend flew in from England to be present. Sarah’s parents, sisters, brother, brother-in-law and adorable niece attended as well. Everyone rode the bus in and met me along Central Park South to walk over to Cop Cot.

Their ceremony was short and sweet, filled with perfect sentiments. A family friend officiated. Afterwards the newlyweds kicked off their green heels (a nod to Sarah’s familial heritage) and changed into their comfy white converse. We took family portraits at Cop Cot, and then meandered around the southern area of Central Park and neighboring Fifth Avenue for couples portraits. It was so much fun capturing these two and observing them from behind my camera. At one point as I was taking Kate’s portrait, I told her to take a look at her new wife, and I watched as her eyes lit up. I then instructed her to look back at me and I captured the most genuine smile I’ve seen in a long time. It warmed my heart.

After we wrapped up, the ladies hailed a cab and went off to dinner at Toro restaurant in Chelsea. They then went back to Long Island to celebrate with their friends in the evening.

Thank you Sarah and Kate for having me capture your day. It was so much fun exploring and watching your elopement unfold. I wish you both a lifetime of traveling the world together, sharing smiles as true and genuine as the ones I saw you radiate on your wedding day.

Vendors:

Venue, Cop Cot, Central Park South
Kate’s tea length wedding dress, Blue Bow Bridal UK
Sarah’s floor length wedding dress, Wed2Be Newcastle UK
Hair and makeup, Victoria Lyn Schade, Long Island NY
Custom leather jackets, BespokeChick UK
Rings, Gavin Shelley Jewelry Design, Durham UK
Florals, Petit Florist, Bellmore NY
Officiant, Michael Mascitti, friend of the family

Fall Catskills Elopement at Emerson Resort

What a beautiful face
I have found in this place
That is circling all round the sun
What a beautiful dream
That could flash on the screen
In a blink of an eye and be gone from me
Soft and sweet
Let me hold it close and keep it here with me

This is a personal one for me. On a rainy afternoon on a Sunday in October, I captured an enchanting Catskills elopement. Jared and Erica have always marched to the beat of their own drum. I’ve known these two for years and years. Jared is a friend of mine, we were even in a wedding together, and I grew up knowing Erica because she was my best friend’s neighbor (and the little sister of one of my friends!) When these two met and fell in love, everything made sense. It’s actually amazing to me that their paths didn’t cross sooner in life, considering all of the people they knew in the periphery of each other. My favorite memory I shared with these two was going to a Neutral Milk Hotel concert with them on a hot summer night in Brooklyn, it was the first time I hung out with them together and I had a feeling that night that this was going to last. I’ve included the lyrics to In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel above, because as I write this and reminisce about their day, it feels particularly poignant.

Back to the wedding. I love that they did things exactly as they wanted, which was as beautiful as it was simple. They let their love and the nature do the talking. Erica actually said this in regards of her gallery to me, “The best part of our wedding was the simplicity of it all...but you’d never know it based on the beautiful and elegant photos!”

The guests were composed of their immediate families, who witnessed the ceremony along the banks of the Esopus River. After the ceremony, their families went back to the restaurant of the resort and waited to welcome them to their dinner as we finished up our photos. It was drizzling, and the terrain was wet, so Erica opted to take off her heels to get to some of the awesome locations along the water. I love when a couple is willing to explore - it was totally worth it.

Thank you friends for trusting me to capture your intimate elopement. It was such an honor.

Vendors
Venue, Emerson Resort and Spa, Phoenicia NY
Erica’s dress, DB Studio for Davids Bridal
Erica’s shoes, Nine West
Hair and makeup, Christina at the spa at Emerson Resort
Bouquet and boutonnière, The Dancing Tulip, Saugerties.
Floral crown, KarinaWedding
Floral arrangements on alter, HandyMadeTs
Officiant, Chris Facicchio
Jared’s vest, custom made by Men’s Wearhouse in Kingston NY
Jared’s boots, Montano’s shoes in Saugerties.
Wedding bands and engagement ring, custom made by Kaitlin at Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz NY

Beautiful DIY Catskills Summer Wedding

On the hottest Friday in July I went to Hobart New York, located in the heart of the Catskills to capture the dreamy backyard estate wedding of Hannah and John. I was particularly excited to be capturing this wedding because this is the third wedding I’ve photographed for the bride’s family; first I shot her cousin Rebecca’s wedding, followed by her sister Rachel’s, and finally, Hannah’s. To be the documentarian of an entire family is an honor I don’t take lightly - I was so excited to be there for this momentous day.

The property Hannah and John chose to marry at is a private estate owned by a family friend on the top of a beautiful mountain with fantastic views. A perfect little tree house is perched in the woods overlooking their ceremony location. A large tent was set up out in the field, with panoramic views of the valley below. It is stunning. John grew up vacationing down the road at his family’s summer home which is where Hannah and John first fell in love over eight years ago, a particularly sentimental location for them both.

Hannah and John went all out and DIYed so many aspects of their day, with deeply personal touches throughout. Hannah hand stitched the table numbers, made infused syrups for their bar, put together her own bouquets, charcuterie boards…everything! She even baked her own cutting cake the night before. On that experience, Hannah explained that she found a recipe, test drove it about a week ahead of time, and then baked the cake and mixed the frosting the day before her wedding. On the morning of, she decorated it! I love her commitment to doing things herself - she is an amazing and talented force!

To top off the perfect details, Hannah wore her mother’s wedding dress, altered simply to fit her body, and in her hair she wore accessories designed by her sister. The result was akin to a Grecian goddess, composed of pieces of the women in her life that love her. Talk about amazing style and sentiment.

To paint the scene, the respite of the shady woods was a beautiful setting for their ceremony. In between the trees, the sun peeked through directly over their chuppah (which has been in Hannah’s family for over a 100 years!) and shined down on them below. At cocktail hour, I found their friends doing cartwheels and making pyramids - the fun energy was contagious. Under the tent the party continued, with beautiful toasts, a hopping dance floor, and even live music by their friend’s awesome band. Since I have photographed three different weddings within this family, I can attest that they are always vibrant, intimate, and full of love. Hannah and John did not disappoint.

Thank you John and Hannah for trusting me to capture your day, it was pleasure.

Wedding vendors
Venue, a private estate in Hobart NY.
Wedding dress, family heirloom, designed by the mother of the bride, 1979
Bride’s hairpieces, Epona Valley
Groom’s suit, Century 21
Wedding rings, Ronda Kass
Floral arrangements, DIYed using Trader Joes blooms and wildflowers found onsite.
Rentals, Big Top Tent Rentals, Cairo NY
Catering, Brooks BBQ, Oneonta NY
Charcuteries boards, DIYed using Harpersfield Cheese and Trader Joes
Band/emcee, Cranston Dean Band
Videographer, Addy Vázquez
Coordinator, Carine Bray
Officiant, Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein

Creative and Quirky Wedding at Spillian

Have you ever been to a location and fallen in love with it immediately? That’s what happened to me when I arrived at Spillian in the Catskills. I photograph a lot of Catskills weddings, and they are always wonderful. The nature backdrop is stunning - you really can’t go wrong. But at Spillian, there is an extra layer of magic in the atmosphere that is hard to describe. It has a Renaissance style, that is like being in your favorite antique book store that has an electrifying energy. Does that even exist? Well it does here.

And to top it off, my couple, Camila and Peter were the perfect match for this special place. They are both very passionate about whatever it is they are doing, sharing fandoms and interests. Peter is even a Kung Fu master, I kid you not. These two are just an incredibly interesting, purely themselves couple. Camila wore a floral crown and wedding Keds to top off her beautiful gown; she was a perfect woodland fairy. And Peter had on a velveteen smoking jacket that fit the styling of this mansion perfectly. Perfect style execution.

One of my favorite details upon entering the venue was seeing all of the beautiful table scapes laid out with the funniest alternative to a table number ever. They didn’t use numbers to guide their guests, these two used Kurt Russell images from various characters lead the way. How hilarious and creative is that? I laughed out loud and I’m sure most of their guests did too.

Here’s a list of some of the awesome vendors they utilized to complete their day.

Brides’s dress: Watters
Flower crown: Kotchetova
Flowers: Flower Moxie
Groom’s suit: Bespoke by Magnoli Clothier
Snake rings: Xidni and Douglas Randall Designs
Cupcakes: Bite Me Bakery
Venue and catering: Spillian