Natty & Morgan | Central Park Micro Wedding | New York, NY

Natty and Morgan first found my work on Offbeat Bride. It was easy to tell right away they were my kind of couple. I was immediately hooked at the mention of a fun, intimate ceremony, and a sequin dress! One of my favorite things about photographing such important moments is getting to know my couples and their love stories. As we emailed more and more, I saw how special and silly the love they share is.

On a bright and warm Monday morning, I met these two, their pastor, and six of their closest friends at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. We walked around the fountain enjoying the sunshine, and they shared a classic NYC soft pretzel for breakfast. Once the ceremony began, everyone (including Olivia and me) started crying! No other couple has made me as emotional while reading their vows. It was the most heartfelt and loving union I’ve ever witnessed.

After the promises were made and rings exchanged, they shared their first dance as a married couple, followed by a champagne toast and group dance party. We strolled through Central Park, took the subway to Mom’s Kitchen & Bar for some “Bigmouth shakes”!

Congrats to Natty & Morgan on their new home, their marriage, and start of the rest of their lives together. Wishing you all the glittery, tattooed happiness in the world!

Their elopement was later featured on Offbeat Bride! Full circle!

Sami-Beth & Miles | City Hall Elopement | New York, NY

It was a Saturday afternoon when I received an email from Miles, wanting to know if I was available to capture his wedding at City Hall in Manhattan — just six days later! He and his fiancée, Sami-Beth, were willing to take a gamble with my schedule, and on a rainy Friday morning just after 7:30 am, we were waiting in line at the marriage bureau! We didn’t have to wait long, as they ended up being the second couple for a ceremony.

These two are an effortlessly cool and laid back couple. They are very go-with-the-flow, taking in the rain, the old ladies flagging cabs behind them, bird accidents, and all the onlookers in lower Manhattan. Sami-Beth’s spectacular DIY bouquet featured gorgeous orange and white flowers (matching her manicure), greenery, and cabbage, wrapped beautifully with strings of pearls.

Thank you to Kristen, of Kristen Kiraly Films, for referring me to her amazing friends and being a pleasure to work with! Check out their video!

Miles & Sami-Beth, wishing you both all the love, happiness, and “first time as newlyweds” milestones in the world! Congrats!

Theresa & Chassitty | LGBTQ Engagement Session | Queens, NY

A year ago, Theresa and Chassitty contacted me about booking an engagement session. They openly shared their story with me right away. The couple wanted me to know that they were doing things "out of order" and had privately eloped six months earlier, but never had photos taken. "Since we're a queer couple," they said, "we decided to get married before [the most recent] inauguration." Doing things non-traditionally is my favorite and while I was very happy for them and the start of their new life together, my heart also broke a little for all the queer couples who feel as though their love is less than.

As a queer photographer with an offbeat vibe I was able to make "out of order" work perfectly for these two. Our session took place in Astoria Park in Queens, New York, where the couple often jogs and watches the sun set together. 

Theresa and Chassitty met in 2015 at a BBQ hosted by a mutual friend around the time they both started their PhD programs. The party guests were enjoying a bonfire and playing Psychopoly (psychology-themed Monopoly) when it turned in to a drinking game involving fireball. During the game, several friends ventured off to the snack table and eventually these two were the only players left. Theresa realized she was interested in Chassitty, who was oblivious to the flirtation. Their friendship grew deeper and they bonded over shared interests in psychology, volleyball, hiking. It took a couple of years of Theresa dropping subtle and not-so-subtle hints before she finally sat Chassitty down directly to share her feelings. Everything immediately clicked. The couple just so happened to be planning a week-long hiking and meditation trip together and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. It was like they were in love from the very start and felt right in a way that no other relationship ever had for either one.  

Wishing you both the happiest year and a half anniversary!

Laura & Doug | Loreley Beer Garden Wedding | New York, NY

Laura and Doug are easily one of the most down-to-earth and fun couples I've ever photographed. On the Fourth of July they came in to have a drink at the dive bar I work at part time. We clicked almost instantly, and as our casual conversation turned to wedding planning, I learned they were searching for a photographer! 

On the day of their wedding, the groom dropped off the sweetest present for the bride made up of items from a dollar store. He included a card which read, "Morning Beautiful" (the first text he sent her the day after their first date) and explained how much he was looking forward to showering her with cheap gifts on this day for the rest of their lives. It was perfectly thoughtful and had us all in tears. From that point, I knew this day was going to be filled with so much love, laughter, and personality. 

All the men in their families grew out beards, at the groom's request, and took a trip over to the local barbershop for trims, just across the street. This place had serious pizazz and all the guys came out looking so fresh. The bride and her ladies sipped champagne while having their hair and makeup done. Once everyone was ready, we all took a stroll around the Lower East Side for portraits before their ceremony. 

Loreley Beer Garden was the perfect place for Laura & Doug to host their intimate wedding. There were many highlights of the day, including a best man speech inspired by The Fast and the Furious series that had everyone laughing, three delicious food bars (Bavarian, Tacos, Sliders), all the beer inspired details, and the deep love and affection shared by this awesome couple.

Congrats to Laura & Doug! Wishing you many years of happiness, softball, and pints of beer!

Vendors:

Getting Ready Venues: Off Soho Suites / Freeman's Sporting Club

Wedding Venue & Catering: Loreley Beer Garden 

Styling & Coordination : Jack and Grace Events

Hair Styling: Appease Inc.

Dress: Adrianna Papell

Suit: Men's Warehouse

Officiant: Judges for Love