The Journal
Documenting the soft and tender, the raw and real, and the perfectly imperfect. From NYC city chic to sprawling countrysides, our photography honors genuine moments regardless of story or setting.
Villa and Vine, Santa Barbara, CA Wedding - Casey & Rochelle
Casey and Rochelle decided to have an intimate destination wedding in Santa Barbara and I haven’t been as excited about a destination wedding in a long time:) First of all, I love the West Coast so much and travel to LA/Malibu area annually but this time I actually got to stay in sunny Santa Barbara and it was so relaxing! The light by the Pacific Ocean is seriously something else! Second of all, Rochelle found me on instagram and it was a perfect match! It’s always special when the couple loves your work for what it is without the need for pinterest boards and shot lists because as a creative documentary photographer I do my best work when I have your trust to capture the day naturally and in my own style.
Most importantly, Rochelle and Casey are just wonderful people so documenting their laid back celebration was joyful and emotional at times which is everything I hope for on a wedding day:) They exchanged their vows in the garden of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which is an architectural beauty, and finished the night with an intimate reception dinner at Villa and Vine.
Most importantly, Rochelle and Casey are just wonderful people so documenting their laid back celebration was joyful and emotional at times which is everything I hope for on a wedding day:)
Wagner Cove Elopement, Central Park NYC Elopement - Angela & Andy
Angela and Andy met at an '80's cover band performance. He asked her to dance to "Faithfully" and they’ve been together ever since. Andy arranged for a little dance right after their ceremony in Wagner cove so they swayed to the song that started it all before we went around NYC for some epic portraits! Angela and Andy told me that what they love most about each other is that they encourage each other's joyful sides and want to play, laugh, travel and just be with one another. Originally from NC, Andy surprised Angela with a proposal in their favorite city and they were back to elope in NYC!
Metropolitan Building, LIC, New York Wedding - Morgan & AJ
“We love each other because we are best friends, love to laugh together, enjoy how adventurous we can be with one another, and share common values that revolve around family and friends.“ - AJ and Morgan.
Oh these two sweethearts met back in 2013 through work but after a few Central Park runs, a fun Birthday party, High Line strolls and exploring NYC together over that Summer they fell in love and the rest is history:)
I was thrilled to be back at the finest Metropolitan Building. This time around Morgan and AJ had their reception and ceremony on the 2nd floor and I think the setup was perfect! Of course, we took advantage of the gorgeous 3rd floor with it’s antique decor and furniture display for a couple of epic portraits.
Most importantly, the celebration flowed beautifully and it was so fun to capture fun and all the emotional moments:)
Intimate City Hall and Freeman's Restaurant Wedding, NYC - Rebecca & Dave
It seems fitting to finally share Becca and Dave’s celebration on the blog right before New Year’s Eve because these two had their first kiss on New Year’s Eve back in 2010!
Becca and Dave’s wedding day felt like an adventure! These two decided to have an intimate ceremony at City Clerk’s office followed by an intimate dinner with family at one of my favorite places Freeman’s Restaurant in SOHO. We started our day in Brooklyn because this is where Rebecca and Dave have been living with their adorable pup Scout. Naturally, we did their first look in their backyard accompanied by Scout:) Walked through the gorgeous streets of Park Slope and stopped at Grand Army Plaza for photos. Next stop was City Hall and Becca’s father was let in right before they closed the doors for visitors! We were all anxiously waiting for him to arrive and I will never forget that moment and the couple of photos I shot of Becca breathing a sigh of relief that her dad was actually there to witness their ceremony. I knew then how important it was for Becca and Dave to have family there! After they said their I do’s we explored the neighborhood around City Clerk’s office which is actually very photogenic with its grand architecture. The celebration continued at the Freeman’s Restaurant in one of their private rooms on the second floor but we also did a couple of photos in the iconic Freeman’s Alley.
I am so grateful to capture intimate love stories like this one because a great celebration is not about how big you make it but about having the people dearest to you to celebrate with you:)
Colorful 501 Union Wedding, Brooklyn NY - Jennifer & Cody
Jennifer and Cody met at a house party! Cody stood next to Jennifer as she was attempting to grill burgers in the rain and the rest is history:)
Oh this celebration was so full of color, so full of joy and just real! We did a few portraits around 501 Union and in the neighborhood and the rest was just beautiful unposed moments. And some crazy toilet paper gun kind of moments;) Scroll down for the epic shots!
Adventurous Elopement in Ladies Pavilion, Central Park - Caroline & Phil
Caroline and Phil met in Spain and fell in love at first sight! Phil was teaching music at an international school and had been living there for 6 years (he is from Liverpool, in the UK originally). Caroline was holidaying with a group of friends from Dublin and it was their last night on the island. It was love at first sight!:) Considering these two love travel and adventures it was an easy decision to bring the closest friends and family to NYC and have a ceremony in Central Park. Caroline and Phil made sure the day went smooth and FUN by hiring a whole squad of pedicabs and we ended up stopping by some of the iconic Central Park locations for photos after their ceremony in Ladies Pavillon. This was officially one of my most unique rides on a wedding day:)
Wishing these two more adventures exploring the world together and I really hope to return back to Dublin for a little visit and a glass of beer!
Darien Community Association Wedding, Darien CT - Emily & Jared
Forget everything you know about weddings and look at Emily’s dress haha! Emily and Jared did it right and they had so many beautiful custom touches:) When I first arrived at The Darien Community Association I knew Emily and Jared made the perfect choice for their super laid back intimate celebration. This place has so many hidden rooms and secret gardens for friends and family to hang out at! Most importantly we did all of their pre-ceremony photos around the property so these two didn’t have to travel far. I think what I loved most about Emily and Jared’s wedding celebration is how personal everything felt!
Handsome Hollow Wedding, Catskills, NY - Jessica and Steve
So excited to share this gorgeous wedding recently featured on Over The Moon blog!
If you know me you know that sometimes I like to escape the city and admire the beauty of the natural world! Sometimes I get really lucky and my couples lead me to some of the most magical spots outside of NYC. This time around I discovered my new Catskills favorite - Handsome Hollow.
But enough about the location, because what truly made the day so special was Jessica and Steve and their guests, of course! From the moment I met these two I was in love with their love! Seriously, they care so deeply about each other and it shows in everything they do together.
Brooklyn Winery Wedding, Brooklyn, NYC - Lisa & Andrew
From the moment I met Lisa and Andrew I could see these two have the most incredible loving supportive relationship. We met up in Fort Greene for their engagement photos which turned out so intimate and joyful (engagement blog) and seeing them again together during their first look on the wedding day was so special. Lisa and Andrew cannot help but glow in the presence of each other:)
I am going to leave these word here written by the couple about each other because they are the sweetest:
Lisa - “Andrew is always striving to do better, and to be a continually better version of himself. He is self aware, thoughtful, and compassionate in all areas of his life. His constant striving to be better makes him a hard worker, a great friend, and most of all, a dedicated partner. It is inspiring to be with someone who is continually pushing themselves to keep moving, and to never standstill. He also admittedly loves cats, and never complains about my obsession with corgis”
Andrew - “Kindness, dedication, love, true caring in all relationships only begin to describe what an amazing person Lisa is. She kindles livelong friendships that bear the test of time and distance. She is funny, sarcastic, and even laughs at my goofy humor. Her strength permeates everything that she does, which is evident in our relationship--she is the only reason we have made it this far and the person I am today. She puts others ahead of herself, devoting her time, emotion, and focus for them and their lives. Her devotion knows no bounds! This has made our relationship a true partnership; it guides our future and supports us in the difficult moments. Our families have been through a lot over these past few years, yet Lisa is right by my side giving her love and support. It was her alluring presence that entranced me the first time we met, with her beautiful eyes and striking look, yet her love and strength are her defining characteristics.”
Lisa and Andrew picked Brooklyn Winery for their winter celebration and although it was one of these cold NYC winters we were able to take a stroll down the block from their venue for a couple of photos outside!