CHRISTINE + PATRICK WEDDING

I am fortunate enough to work with many amazing clients. One recent wedding couple that I had the honor of photographing was Christine and Patrick…the bride…Chinese…the groom…Irish. Although their wedding was two months ago, I wanted to share the differences, yet traditions, that make this a “small” world.

I love it when I’m afforded the opportunity to encounter a new experience that leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy all over. This particular wedding was such an experience. Unlike many weddings, this couple made sure to incorporate special nuances, which embraced both of their cultures.

The day began with pre-ceremony photos at the couple’s home, where a Chinese tradition of the bride eating a special sweet soup to wish the newlyweds a hundred years of togetherness was served first by the bride’s grandmother, then the mother, to the bride. Another tradition…the bride was covered by a red umbrella, which is used to shield the bride, as the opening of the umbrella symbolizes the bride bringing many children to the groom's family.  Also in Chinese traditions, flowers and floral arrangements are symbols of happiness, joy, life and fertility. Again, the symbolism of red in Chinese culture is powerful, joyous and deep, so adding as many red flowers to the floral decorations of a Chinese wedding is important.  The only white-colored flowers that are accepted for use in Chinese wedding bouquets are white roses, as long as they are tied together with red or other colored ribbons or silks.

The ceremony was held at a gorgeous church in Rye Brook, NY, with magnificent stained glass windows, and ended with an Irish bag piper, who led the recessional out of the church.

Then on to the reception in Norwalk, CT, where a caricature of the couple with the traditional “double happiness” [Shuang Xi] symbol, which was drawn by a family member of the bride, was displayed…to a silk cloth used as the guestbook…to the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, which pays homage, and demonstrates respect and honor for family. All in all, it was a beautiful day and a wonderful evening!

Please enjoy some of their wedding photos:

Ciao, until next time...time...

MY FAIR WEDDING WITH DAVID TUTERA | "SWAMP BRIDE"

Courtney & Kenneth, “Swamp Bride”, were married at the Liberty House in Jersey City, NJ, located in Liberty State Park, with unsurpassed views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and Lady Liberty.

This too was a first for me, because the bride was allergic to flowers, so there weren’t any flowers used for the décor, nor the bride, and bridesmaids’ bouquets.

Unfazed, David worked his magic once again, providing unique non-floral bouquets…transforming the reception space from an overcast outdoor ceremony with the Manhattan skyline in full view, to a cozy forest-like haven, complete with gorgeous table scapes, a “tree” cake, dripping lights glowing from the ceiling trestles, fog machine, and fireworks. A magical combination!

Below are some images I’d like to share:

Click the below link to see The Extraordinary Moments on WEtv:

http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/vendor-lists/courtney-swamp-bride

Ciao, until next time...

MY FAIR WEDDING WITH DAVID TUTERA | "ZEN BRIDE"

I am fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to work with one of the premiere celebrity wedding/event planners in the industry, David Tutera. I was hired to photograph some weddings for his reality show, My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, which airs on WEtv.

Jessica & Namid, “Zen Bride”, were married at Studio Square in Astoria, NY, a unique event space with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.

This wedding experience was a first for me, in that it was a Buddhist ceremony, complete with chanting, bells, and total Zen ambience.

David worked his magic…completely transforming the space from a serene and peaceful ceremony, into a trendy oasis lounge of beautiful dogwood, glass, multi-colored water tile dance floor, candles…completed by a laser show projected on tsunami water screens. Quite unique!

I have to say that it was very enlightening to work on the set of a TV show…learning the ins and outs of what transpires behind the scenes to put a TV show. The days were long, but very rewarding!

The unfortunate thing about this wedding is that we were unable to take frontal shots of the bride and groom due to the type of ceremony it was. Below are some images I’d like to share with you:

Click the below link to see The Extraordinary Moments on WEtv: 

http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/vendor-lists/jessica-zen-bride

Ciao, until next time...