SUKIE AND MIKE: A MAISON-MAY WEDDING ON A BEAUTIFUL OCTOBER DAY

Sukie and Mike’s DIY wedding was everything a craft lover could dream of.

It was a collaborative effort of the couple’s loved ones, with a wedding dress designed by Sukie’s best friend at Seek Collective, stationary designed by the Mike’s sister, and flowers put together by Sukie’s mother. Both moms performed during the reception – a hula dance for Sukie’s, a song by Mike’s- and the groom even sang a beautiful Beatles song for his bride as a surprise.

It is truly an honor to be a part of such a unique day. Sukie and Mike’s wedding looked like them, and I hope the pictures will translate that.

Congrats to the newlyweds!

A DIY LOVE CELEBRATION IN MONROE, NY

Olivia and Camilo’s summer wedding at Arrow Park was full to the brim with love and emotion.

The whole wedding was a collaborative project where parents, cousins and sisters participated. Even half a dozen guests stood up during the ceremony to read poems and quotes inspired by Olivia and Camilo’s love story.

After the ceremony, officiated by the couple’s mothers, the day continued with many heartfelt toasts and dances. All throughout the day, Camilo, Olivia and their loved ones showcased so much love and appreciation for each other. There were lots of tears, hugs, and hands being held. It was moving to see so much support from everyone in the room.

Arrow Park was the perfect backdrop for Olivia and Camilo’s wedding. It is a beautiful stone building with lots of charming rooms, from a sun room to a huge library with windows overlooking the property. The place is full of original details like mosaic bathrooms and functioning fire places. The best thing about such a venue is that not a lot of decorating is necessary to make it look special, as it is already so unique and tastefully decorated.

We got to take pictures in and out of the house, as well as on the front porch overlooking the lake. The building sits on a massive property at the end of a very long, very dramatic tree-lined lane and truly feels like a secret gem in the middle of nature.

I invite you to take a look at the pictures to see just how lovely Arrow Park is, and how Olivia and Camilo’s love shone through all the images. Congrats to the both of them!

Vendors:

Venue: Arrow Park

Groom’s suit: J Crew

Bride’s dress: Kalita

Cake: the Cakery

Caterer: Love + Rosemary

Band: Gabriel Yonkler and Band

Flowers, makeup and hair were DIY. Yay for crafty friends and family members!

A FUN LOVE PARTY AT A COOL VENUE IN GOWANUS, BROOKLYN

Alison and Alex’s wedding story has a lot of coincidences in it. First of all, they live one block down from me. Secondly, they used to live across from each other (one block down from me, are you still following?) for YEARS and never met. There is even a photo of Alex on his rooftop with Alison’s living room in the background. In a city where 8 million people are priced out of their apartments on a very regular basis, these coincidences are almost miracles.

It’s only after Alex moved to Harlem that they were introduced by a mutual friend , and realized they had been to many parties without ever meeting. They continued this “long distance relationship”, as they described it to me, for years before Alex made his way to Alison’s place, across from his previous one. One block down from me. Back on the same zip code, and exactly where he belonged.

Their 501 Union wedding was filled with DIY projects and details that were carried out with such skill even I couldn’t tell (and I have a radar for DIY). Their flowers, bouquets and cakes were made by friends. The ceremony was officiated by the bride’s mother, and the day was beautifully orchestrated by one of Alison’s friends. The day went smoothly and the party looked beautiful; Alex and Alison managed to pull off a classy and original wedding at one of Brooklyn’s most sought after venue all the while keeping it personal and budget-friendly. It was truly a night to remember.

JENETTE AND LEANDRO: A LOVE PARTY AT BROOKLYN’S COOLEST HOTEL

Jenette and Leandro met in a cab and it was love at first sight. They never left each other’s side after that day, and a couple of years later they were tying the knot at Brooklyn newest hot spot, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

After getting ready in a very intimate setting with only her sister and mother with her, Jenette met Leandro on the 1 Hotel’s first floor balcony, overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. This scenic first look was followed by a fun stroll around Dumbo during which Jenette and Leandro needed very little directing on my part; they were so connected, so in tune, that the photos spoke for themselves. We then went back to the 1 Hotel for them to sign the ketubah, walk down the aisle, share a passionate kiss and be officially married. The night ended with lots of dancing and a really fun outfit change for Jenette: she shed her beautiful Delphine Manivet dress for a really cool short evening dress, showcasing her super design heels.

I was really looking forward to shooting my first wedding at the  1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, because I had heard great things about it. I knew it was an innovative place with the environment in mind, from its recycled water system, to the locally-grown good, to the reclaimed wood used throughout the hotel (even their door keys are made of reclaimed wood. I mean, how?!) . The rooms are also beautiful, allowing for some gorgeous detail shots and portraits filled with natural light.

I have been lucky enough to shoot a few more weddings at the One Hotel Brooklyn Bridge since, and the experience never disappoints. Here’s to more, and here’s to Jenette and Leandro!