After college, Tim moved to New York City to pursue his career. Being in his early twenties in Manhattan, he and his friends discovered that there was one thing that was especially hard to find, even in the city that seemed to have everything: girls that were smart, funny and down-to-earth. The kind of girls that you would be proud to introduce to your family. That particular request was as hard to find as a cab on a rainy night. So when Tim's friend and roommate just so happened to find one of those girls he couldn't believe his luck. And when he met that girl's friends, he felt like he had hit the jackpot. Not only was the girl he was seeing smart, funny and down-to-earth, she had a group of friends just as great as she was. He told Tim that he had to meet these girls.
But the timing never quite worked out. Until one night, with several other friends visiting the city, Tim's friend finally managed to bring these two groups together at a party. At first, they say it was like a high school dance, with the girls all gathered together in one spot and the guys in another. Rather than mingle right away, the guys headed over to the bar for a drink. They looked around and realized that they were suddenly one man short. Tim had not made it to the bar. Instead, he was outside right in the center of that cluster of girls. One in particular had caught his eye right away and he wasn't going to waste any time, he need to get to know her. Her name was Molly, exactly the smart, funny and down-to-earth girl he would be proud to introduce to his parents. Not only was she gorgeous, but she was easy to talk to and fun to be around - that much was clear from even their first moments together. They talked well into the evening, and when they left that night each of them knew that in one another they had found something rare, even in the city that seemed to have everything: good friends who saw that they would be perfect together. And they were exactly right.
* * *
We started the morning at the adorable Steamboat Inn in Mystic where Molly and her girls were getting ready. When we arrived Molly was already looking gorgeous, having the finishing touches on her hair done by the super-talented Angela Dubreuil from Naomi Martinez Salon. Once her hair was complete, Molly showed us her stunning Ines di Santo gown and her sky-high Miu Miu heels. (Good thing Molly is a professional Yoga Instructor, her perfect balance definitely came in handy walking around in the five-inch heels all day, especially in the grass.) Her bridesmaids were ready early, each of them decked out in their own style of the beautiful lavender Amsale gowns Molly picked out. The girls all gathered around as Molly was having her make-up done by Javier Rosa who was entertaining everyone with his music and stories while he was working, getting everyone ready for the celebration to come.
Once Molly was ready, we all headed over to the Eolia Mansion at Hakness Memorial State Park where the events of the day would be taking place. The ceremony was held in the garden of the mansion, a beautiful backdrop with the water in the distance and flowers in bloom everywhere you looked. Molly and Tim made sure to make the ceremony personal and emotional, having a friend sing "All My Life" from the Beatles and incorporating personal readings that were significant to them. After the ceremony, everyone headed over to the tent behind the mansion where Grand Gourmet Catering had set up cocktail hour. Molly & Tim's planner Josh Chalmers had everything not only looking perfect but flowing smoothly as well, ensuring that the happy couple didn't have to worry about a thing.
The party was officially kicked off with Molly & Tim's first dance. It was a surprise for their guests - a mix of dance styles that offered a nod to Molly's parents and the chance to show off Molly & Tim's fun personalities. They started off with a slow dance to her parent's wedding song, "I Only Have Eyes for You" and then switched gears about half way through with the song "Say Hey (I Love You)" and a salsa routine that Molly had choreographed. A dancer all her life, it was natural that Molly would do something special for the first dance and that fact that Tim not only learned the dance but had fun with it is a true testament to just how crazy he is about Molly. After dinner inside the mansion, the guests spent the rest of the evening under the tent dancing the night away with Brick Park Entertainment keeping the dance floor packed and Molly and Tim in each other's arms well into the night.
Molly and Tim and their wedding party chose to get ready for their wedding day at the adorable Steamboat Inn in Mystic, just a short drive from Hakness Memorial State Park.
Molly has impeccable taste so it was no surprise that her jewelry and accessories were classic and elegant.
Of course, Molly had a bit of added sparkle in her outfit provided by her sky-high Miu Miu heels.
The sparkle of her heels picked up the delicate crystals detail in Molly's stunning Ines di Santo gown.
Once Molly's make-up was complete and her veil was in, her mother couldn't stop smiling once she saw her.
Finally it was time for Molly to put on her gown with the help of her sister Jen.
I loved Molly's hair - an elegant take on a bun styled by Angela Dubreuil from Naomi Martinez Salon.
Molly and Tim decided to do a "First Look," seeing each other before the ceremony. We had tons of locations to chose from since their wedding and reception took place at the Eolia Mansion in Hakness Memorial State Park.
Molly and Tim were absolutely thrilled once they saw each other for the first time that day. I don't think either of them stop smiling after this moment.
Of course, after seeing each other - they held each other tight....
... and Tim spun Molly around so he could see all of her gorgeous dress.
As always, we made sure to get some solid, straight-forward portraits of Molly & Tim - perfect for a frame on their parent's mantel.
Going along with Molly's great style, she selected beautiful Amsale gowns for her bridesmaids and bouquets in shades of purple and lavender.
The Eolia Mansion has a classic, Great Gatsby feel which we decided to play up with this wedding party shot.
Since Molly and Tim had scheduled quite a bit of time for photos, we were able to spend even more time with them on the extensive grounds of Hakness Memorial State Park.
This tree on the grounds of the park was the inspiration for some of the details from Molly & Tim's day, they incorporated it into their ceremony programs and the favors for their guests.
Harkness also has a bunch of hidden little garden areas, impeccably manicured by the park staff and local volunteers.
All of the flowers from Molly & Tim's day were gorgeous, especially the floral archway - all made by Ganims Garden Center and Florist .
This might be one of my favorite shots of the day. While everyone else headed to the ceremony site, Molly walked in from the back navigating her way through one of the garden areas. I captured this as she made he way through.
And Rob was in the front of the ceremony area, getting this adorable shot of Molly's niece walking down the aisle.
Then Molly's two brothers escorted her down the aisle to Tim who couldn't wait to see her once again.
I love the smiles on both of their faces. That's thing with "First Looks," we firmly believe they don't take anything at all away from this moment - in fact, we think they make them that much stronger because the couple have gotten rid of any nerves and can instead just focus on the fact that they are about to be married.
The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, with Molly and Tim holding each other's hands tight and staring into each other's eyes the whole time.
Maybe another one of my favorites. I just love the huge smile on Molly's face. It reminds me of a face you might see her niece make.
A few more big smiles and then...
...the first kiss as husband and wife.
With the help of Ganims Garden Center and Florist and their planner Josh Chalmers, Molly and Tim totally decked out the mansion - especially their head table.
A nod to her profession, Molly decided to have the tables "named" after yoga poses.
Their cake was much like Molly's gorgeous gown - elegant and simple with just a touch of sparke. It was made by Felicia's Sweetface Pastry Shoppe.
Just another example of the beautiful architecture at the Eolia Mansion. The whole place is gorgeous.
And the view isn't so bad either. :)
Ok, so maybe I have a lot of favorites! This one is up there too. This is Molly & Tim taking one more look at each other before they walked into their reception.
For their first dance, Molly and Tim decided to do something special. A dancer herself, Molly choreographed the whole thing. They started off with a tribute to her mother and late father, a slow dance to her parent's wedding song, "I Only Have Eyes for You."
Then they switched gears and kicked into a salsa routine to "Say Hay (I Love You)." Everyone loved it! All of the guests started to cheer....
... and Tim really started to ham it up.
Once the dance was complete and the clapping subsided, Molly's sister Jen got up to offer a heartfelt and tear-inducing toast about her little sister.
Then Tim's two closest friends had the honors of toasting the happy couple, sharing with all of us the story of the night Molly and Tim met.
As the guests found their tables, we took advantage of the setting sun and headed back to the gardens for a few more pictures of Molly and Tim.
Honestly, how adorable are they?
Molly and Tim actually had no idea we were taking this shot, as they walked hand-in-hand back to the reception.
Before heading back inside ourselves, we went around to the front of the mansion to grab this shot. We always think it's important to get an overall shot of the reception venue since it's clearly an important place to the couple and they definitely want to remember just how beautiful it was on the day they got married.
The last big thing to do before the dancing really begins - cutting the cake.
After that, the party was on! Brick Park Entertainment had the dance floor packed, with Molly at the center of it all.
And although he may not be as big a dancer as Molly, Tim was clearly having a great time on the dance floor as well - with a little help from his friends.
Molly & Tim, we can't say enough how much fun we had photographing your wedding. Thank you so much for choosing us to be there to capture it all. Congratulations!!
I grew up in Connecticut. It was the place I was born, the place I went to grade school, high school and even college. It's the only state that I had ever lived in, the only place I really ever knew. Naturally since we were always so close, starting as a young kid we had often come into New York City. I remember coming in to see Broadway Shows, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Christmas Tree, going to Central Park, among many other things. I especially loved taking the train in and coming up the stairs in Grand Central Station. There is such a magic and energy about that place that I still love to this day. There is really no place like it in the world.
I always knew that I would find my way to the city and eventually live here. That dream was only multiplied when Kathleen and I found each other. We had a very similar desire to be in the city and become part of that energy that we grew to love. Since getting married we had always talked about moving here and the conversation always would finish by one of us saying "when the time is right we will know".
Almost a year ago in October, the time was more then right. One of our big reasons (other than the obvious benefits for our business and of course our personal dreams) was to be closer to Kathleen's family in New Jersey. When we lived in Connecticut, being so far away from Kathleen's parents, brothers, best friend and our nieces really took a toll on us. Especially with our family continually growing.
Since moving here we are now a short 40 minute drive and are able to do things that we were not able to do so before we made this jump. A few weeks ago we jumped on on an opportunity that being closer allowed us do. We spent the night babysitting our niece Julie (and their lovable Boxer Malcolm.) (Babysitting also gave us some practice for our little guy coming in less than 7 weeks!) Of course it goes without saying that we brought our cameras because both Julie as well as Malcolm are so much fun to photograph. Here are just a few!
As I greeted Carly at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT I noticed immediately a calmness and ease that is surprising for most brides on their wedding day. Like many summer brides, Carly had spent the last year worrying about rain or extreme heat and she was thrilled when the day ended up being perfectly gorgeous - blue skies and a gentle breeze to ease the heat.
Carly kept expecting a wave of nervousness to hit her before the ceremony, but it never came. She was totally calm and happy throughout the morning, and then even more so when the afternoon came and she finally saw Matt during their beautiful outdoor ceremony at Jonathan Edwards Winery. Knowing the unique way that Carly and Matt met, I knew their reception was going to be a lot of fun. And it definitely was - with Carly and Matt surrounded by all their friends and family, some of whom had traveled as far as California and England just to be there to celebrate with the happy couple.
* * *
I started the morning with Carly and her girls at the Mystic Marriott hotel in Groton where they were getting ready. They had already had their hair done at the Marriott's Red Door Spa and were relaxing in the room when I arrived. I took some time photographing Carly's beautiful details - her elegant JCrew bridal gown, her simple jewelry and her bouquet made by nearby Montville Florist.
Once Carly was all dressed and ready to go, we all headed over to Jonathan Edwards Winery where the rest of the days events would take place. We started with a "First Look," when Carly and Matt saw each other for the first time that day sharing a special moment in the vineyard before the ceremony began. Carly and Matt exchanged vows in the midst of lush grape vines and wine barrels as excited guests watched on. From the moment Matt saw Carly coming down the aisle he could not take his eyes off her. He grinned ear to ear and Carly’s smile shined through her veil.
The celebration continued on the grounds in an elegant white tent with delicious food provided by Russell Morin Catering. It was the unique details that distinguished this wedding, the personal touches that Carly and Matt had added, from the place cards, to the centerpieces and candy bar. Each piece linked backed to Carly and Matt’s relationship. The night ended on a memorable note with Carly and Matt and all of their guests having a heartfelt sing along to “With A Little Help From My Friends”. Good wine, great friends, a beautiful wedding, what more could you ask for?
Of all the places you think you might meet your future husband, it's doubtful that Emily thought she would meet him at Spring Break in Puerto Rico. But sometimes fate gives you exactly what you need when you least expect it. When Emily and Justin both ended up in Senor Frogs that day, neither of them could have had any clue what was in store for them. But thankfully for Emily, she happened to have a very talkative roommate who happened upon a large group of guys at the bar. A group of guys that happened to be most of the hockey team from Middelbury College. With her own boyfriend at home, she knew when she spotted Justin that he had to meet her friend Emily. Letting the group of guys know that she was traveling with fourteen other girls from Tufts University, it didn't take much convincing to bring Justin and his guys over to where Emily and the rest of the girls were sitting.
Emily and Justin hit it off right away talking the whole night and making plans to see each other again while they were both in Puerto Rico that week. A bit of an obstacle since Justin and his friends were staying four hours away, on a completely different part of the island. Somehow, Justin managed to convince his friends that they should rent a car and drive across the island just so he could see Emily again. And it was totally worth it. Even his friends couldn't deny that there was something different about Justin when he was with Emily. They could tell, even that early on, that what he felt about her was strong. So how could they deny him a road trip just to see her?
In the years that followed, Justin took several more road trips to see Emily - from Vermont to Boston as they finished college. Eventually they both ended up in Boston together, finally living in the same place at the same time. And that spark that started so many years before at a crowded bar on Spring Break just got stronger. When Justin proposed it was the confirmation of what everyone had seen for years - that these two were meant to find one other - wherever it happened to be.
* * *
Emily and Justin had selected Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington for their wedding because Emily had many fond memories spending time on that part of the Connecticut shoreline with her family as a child. In keeping with the destination feel of the vineyard, they opted to have both their ceremony and reception there, making it easy for the guests to truly take advantage of the beautiful setting. Planning from Boston, Emily and Justin entrusted Sarah True of True Events to make their vision a reality.
Emily and her girls had their hair and make-up done by Jennie Fresa and her team who did amazing work as always. The romantic following curls and soft, natural make-up Emily had selected were the perfect compliment to her unique Vera Wang gown. The look was topped off with her silver Manolo Blahnik shoes and brightly colored bouquets made by Hana Floral Design.
Emily and Justin had their first look in the middle of the vineyard, a quiet few moments between the two of them before their guests arrived. The ceremony took place facing the rows of vineyard with an elaborate and gorgeous chuppah built by Hana Floral Design as the focal point under which Emily and Justin exchanged vows. After Emily and Justin walked down the aisle as husband and wife, they joined their guests for cocktail hour complete with lounge furniture and table cards laid out among wine corks that had been supplied by friends and family.
For the reception, everyone headed inside the main building of the Saltwater Farm Vineyard. It's a unique room, a converted airplane hanger that makes for a dramatic location for dinner and dancing. After a delicious dinner made by Gourmet Galley caterers, the party was offIcially ready to begin. Emily and Justin love to dance and they hired an amazing band, the Hudson Project, to make sure the dance floor would be packed all night long. And it totally was - with Emily and Justin surrounded by their friends and family, as deliriously happy as they were on that first night back in Puerto Rico so long ago.
Emily has an incredible personal style which she carried throughout her wedding - starting with her beautiful Manolo Blahnik shoes.
Emily & Justin's invitation suite was made by Papermoss.
Jennie Fresa and her crew did hair and make-up for Emily and her girls.
With so many fond memories of spending time on the Connecticut shoreline, it's no surprise that Emily selected Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington for her wedding day. It has the perfect mix of classic Connecticut shore town vibe with the elegance of a California vineyard.
Emily & Justin had their place cards displayed on a bed of wine corks, all collected by their friends and family - just a hint of the many details Sarah True from True Events brought together for their day. Emily's Vera Wang gown was absolutely stunning.
We have been big fans of Hana Floral Design's work for years and were thrilled to get the chance to work with them finally. As you can see, their work speaks for itself.
To avoid having to drive over in her gown, Emily opted to get dressed at the Vineyard.
Emily and Justin decided to do a "First Look." We thought the vineyard would be the perfect place for that.
The minute Justin heard Emily's footsteps as she came up behind him, he couldn't stop smiling.
"First Looks" are always so emotional (even for us as we photograph them). It's such a sweet way to get to see one another and have a few private moments before the day really begins.
Just look at how happy they are...
Justin couldn't wait to pull Emily in close.
Since their wedding ceremony and reception we both taking place at the Vineyard, Emily and Justin decided to take as many pictures as possible before the ceremony so they could join their guests for cocktail hour.
The rows of vines at Saltwater Farm are gorgeous all spring and summer long, giving us some stunning backdrops for photos of Emily and Justin. This is Rob's angle....
... and this is my shot from a few minutes later.
We really pride ourselves on creating images that capture the true essence of the place you have decided to get married. It's important to us to get wide shots like these (that feel almost like a postcard) and really help you remember the setting you chose for your day.
Honestly, Emily and Justin couldn't be any cuter together. You can't deny how crazy they are about one another.
Justin and his groomsmen all wore suits instead of tuxedos - more in keeping with their personal style and they were much more comfortable on the very hot July afternoon.
I absolutely loved the belt the Emily chose to pair with her gown. It complimented the dress perfectly and showed off her super-tiny waist.
The purple and ivory bouquets by Hana Floral Design really popped against the bright blue Thread bridesmaids dresses.
Justin's adorable nieces were the flower girls. The older of the two was all over the dance floor once the reception began, she was having the time of her life.
As part of Jewish tradition, Emily and Justin signed a Ketubah before the ceremony. The Ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract and the contract itself can be quite beautiful (like theirs) to made to hang in their home after their wedding day.
At the Ketubah ceremony, immediate family surround the couple and act as witnesses.
The ceremony ends with both Emily and Justin signing the form.
You can see why we were excited to work with Hana Floral Design and True Events. This is probably one of the most gorgeous Chuppah's we have ever seen.
And yet another thoughtful touch - these beautiful bouquets wrapped in burlap sacks that decorated the aisle.
The ceremony began when Justin was escorted down the aisle by both of his parents.
Justin's niece took her role as flower girl very seriously, concentrating as she walked down the aisle. It was so cute.
And, of course, the moment everyone had been waiting for... Emily walking down the aisle on the arm of her mother and father.
In the beginning of the ceremony, Emily circled Justin three times - walking around him as he stood still, another Jewish tradition.
The day was absolutely perfect for an outdoor ceremony - the sky was bright blue with wispy clouds.
As they read their vows to one another, Justin smiled at Emily the whole time.
The ceremony ended with the breaking of the glass, a little celebration by Emily and Justin - and, of course, the kiss.
And some big smiles as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
Emily and Justin took a few quiet minutes alone after the ceremony, walking off together to the edge of the vineyard.
A converted airplane hanger, Saltwater Farm Vineyard main building still has that feel from the outside with an elegant reception room inside.
For cocktail hour, guests were able to snack on delicious hor d'oeuvres Gourmet Galley while resting comfortably in the lounge set-up brought together by Sarah True.
The room looked amazing - from the uplighting on the walls to the beautiful centerpieces and decor, Emily and Justin had thought of everything.
I'm a big sucker for menu boards and Emily & Justin's was especially eye-catching in the dramatic ivory frame.
Emily and Justin had a dessert table for their guests, the centerpiece of which was their simple cake topped off with the mini replicas of the mascots from their respective colleges.
The Hudson Project just might be one of the best wedding bands we have ever seen. There were several times during the night we actually thought they had taken a break and put on a CD, but they hadn't. They sounded that close to the original versions of songs but also brought so many energy to the room they had the floor packed all night.
Of course, their first big number of the night was for Emily and Justin's first dance - a very sweet dance during which they couldn't seem to get close enough to one another.
Once the first dance was over, they launched immediately into the hora which was especially lively since Emily and Justin's guests clearly loved to dance.
Emily's father started off the toasts, speaking not only of how much he loves his daughter but how happy he is to have Justin as part of the family.
Then it was time for Emily's college roommate (who introduced Emily and Justin back in Puerto Rico) to make her speech - making Emily and Justin laugh, and cry.
Keeping everyone laughing, Justin's best man offered a toast for the happy couple as well.
Before dinner was served, we grabbed Emily and Justin to head back out to the vineyard for a few more shots as they sun was setting.
They were very happy to actually steal away a few moments just the two of them.
I just love how much Emily's eyes are popping in this picture - she has the brightest blue eyes.
Shortly after we came back inside it was time for Emily and Justin to cut the cake...
... and dance with their parents.
Emily and Justin, thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day. We had such a great time with both of you and your families. We're so happy for you!
There are three things that Jackie and Rob have to thank for bringing them together: Kristin & Mark, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. It's probably hard to imagine how they could possibly thank rival teams for bringing them together, but it was that rivalry that actually sparked the connection between the two of them. It would take several years from the time they met before they would finally become a couple, but if you ask them today they would surely tell you that they would not have had it any other way.
It was a fall weekend, back when they were all undergrads. Rob's roommate Mark wanted to visit his girlfriend Kristin up at Iona during a fall weekend but had no car to get him there. Rob, being the particularly generous guy that he is, volunteered to make the trek from Pennsylvania to New York so that Mark and Kristin could see one another. Safe to say that Rob felt like he was paid back for that favor ten-fold the moment he spotted a girl with a smile that could light up a room. Her name was Jackie, she was a roommate of Kristin's, and Rob knew instantly that he wanted to get to know her. On the ride back to Pennsylvania, Rob mentioned to Mark that he was interested in Jackie. Mark was stunned. Not because Mark didn't like Jackie, but for one simple reason. "But she's a Yankee fan!" Mark exclaimed, thinking of the dorm room they shared that was filled, floor-to-ceiling, with Red Sox memorabilia on Rob's side of the room. But the ultimate sports rivalry was no deterrence for Rob. It didn't matter that she was a Yankees fan. In fact, their opposing views became the catalyst for their relationship. It started off really slow - they would chat over the Internet, as you did in college, exchanging occasional messages that usually involved making fun of one another's respective baseball teams. When the Red Sox would win, Jackie knew she would hear about it from Rob. And as much as she wanted to be annoyed that his team won, she couldn't help but smile when she would hear from him even if he was listing stats to defend his position that the Red Sox were a better team. For quite a while, that was the extent of their relationship. After they each graduated, they ended up with just as much distance between them - she working in New York City, he up in Boston and without their respective roommates to bring them together they had little reason to cross paths on their own.
But Kristin and Mark would in fact bring the two together once again. This time it was for Kristin & Mark's engagement party. Six years after that initial meeting, Rob and Jackie could no longer deny that there was definitely something more between them. After a few drinks during the party, they finally had the conversation that was years in the making. Rob laid it all out on the table, letting Jackie know exactly how he felt about her. Jackie couldn't deny that she felt the same way, but she was hesitant. She wasn't sure she was up for a long-distance relationship. After all these years, Rob wasn't going to let a little distance prevent him from being with Jackie. So he made a bet with her, relying on the one thing he had always believed in: the Red Sox. The Yankees and Red Sox had a game coming up, he told her. If the Red Sox won that game, she would go on a date with him. Unable to resist a deal like that, Jackie agreed. Of all the times when the Red Sox won, including winning the World Series, it was this single win that made Rob the happiest. Because he won so much more than a game, he knew that first date would turn into many, many more. He had known that since the moment he saw Jackie. And know he finally had the chance to show he what he had known all along. Who'd have thought he'd have the Red Sox to thank for bringing him together with a Yankee fan?
* * *
We started the morning up in Florida, NY at Jackie's parent's house. It was really important to Jackie to get ready in the place where she grew up, surrounded by her childhood knickknacks, in the very same place where she had prepared for all the previous big days in her life. While Jackie was finishing up having her make-up done, we spent some time photographing her beautiful Cosmobella gown and Capparos shoes. It was a gorgeous day, so when it came time for Jackie to put on her gown we actually headed outside to have it laced up, an honor tackled by her older sister and bridesmaids who were already decked out in their classic Ann Taylor bridesmaids dresses.
We then headed back to the city for the ceremony and reception which were taking place downtown at Battery Gardens. Once there, we were greeted by their wedding planner, Lydia Ross of Lydia Ross Events who was overseeing the ceremony set-up overlooking the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The crew from FloraNY had already started making the set-up beautiful with their stunning floral designs. Soon it was time for Jackie & Rob to do their "First Look," opting to see each other before the ceremony right in the center of Battery Gardens - a sweet intimate moment that even resulted in a few tears (from Rob, which made it doubly sweet). We could have spent the whole rest of the afternoon just photographing Jackie and Rob because they were absolutely adorable together and we couldn't get enough of being in the middle of such a beautiful part of the city. They decided to take care of all the formal photos of the day before the ceremony, getting shots with their wedding party and family before it came time for them to sign the ketubah. As the guests found their seats for the ceremony, classical music was played by Nina's Musicbook. Jackie and Rob exchanged vows right on the edge of the water in the heart of the Gardens with the energy between them making the ceremony incredibly intimate even though it took place in the middle of the public park.
The reception took place on the second floor of the Battery Gardens restaurant, overlooking the Hudson with floor-to-ceiling windows that made sure the guests were never without a view. The party kicked off with the vintage jazz and swing band, Lapis Luna, who played throughout dinner and for the first hour of the reception before the DJ's from Eclipse Entertainment took over to give the guests the best of both worlds. Of course, Jackie and Rob made sure to provide their guests with a sweet fix, having not just one but two cakes from Brooklyn Cake (one of which was a Red Sox cake, a surprise to Rob from Jackie) but also milkshake shooters and mini s'mores. The party went well into the night, with Jackie and Rob in the center of the floor nearly the whole time, grinning ear to ear and loving soaking in every last minute of the night that seemed to be made just for them.
We always think it's important to capture all the little details that go into a wedding day - starting with the bride's jewelry. Jackie had chosen pearls, a classic look, to go with her wedding gown.
To compliment her pearls, Jackie selected a delicate flower to wear in her hair.
Jackie's parent backyard was the perfect spot to photograph her Cosmobella gown and Capparos shoes.
Since it was such a beautiful day, we headed outside for Jackie's sister and her bridesmaids to lace up the back of her gown....
...which they did an excellent job on. Not always so easy, but they rocked it!
Jackie's sister helped her with the finishing touch - her necklace.
Then, she was all set and ready for some portraits. Doesn't she look gorgeous?
Jackie wanted to run down the hill in her parent's backyard with her bridesmaids. Thankfully, their knee-legnth Ann Taylor bridesmaid dresses made it easy for them to make the run.
Before heading out to the city for the ceremony, Jackie went back up to her childhood bedroom for one last look in the mirror. It was especially meaningful for her to surrounded by her childhood knick-nacks, like her well-worn ballet slippers hanging on one side of the room.
Jackie selected a beautiful mix of flowers for the bouquets made by FloraNY.
Battery Gardens overlooks the Hudson River with some stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.
Jackie and Rob had an especially sweet First Look, seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony in the gardens of Battery Park.
Rob couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jackie for the first time.
He couldn't wait to wrap his arms around her.
And, for that matter, Jackie couldn't stop smiling either.
In fact, it got so emotional that Rob couldn't hold back his tears. So sweet.
Then it was time for Jackie and Rob to have a few minutes just the two of them. The perfect way to relax and connect before the ceremony.
Who would have thought that there would be such beautiful greenery right in the middle of downtown New York?
The wedding party joined us in the park for some more photos.
As a gift to Rob, Jackie got him special cufflinks made from Fenway stadium seats.
Since Jackie and Rob had scheduled so much time for pictures before the ceremony, we got to spend some more time with just the two of them over by the River.
And got to get some shots with their special method of transportation for their guests - a trolley!
Before heading inside for the ketubah signing, we walked out of Battery Park to get some shots on the cobblestone taxi-filled streets of the Financial District.
I just love that the woman in this cab is starring at the very happy couple. There are some things in NYC that can still catch your eye.
Especially when it's a couple this cute. How can you not stare at Jackie & Rob when they are this into each other?
Rob definitely has a way to make Jackie smile. You can see what caught his eye when he saw her for the first time.
One of my favorites from the day, it says classic NYC to me.
Then we headed back into Battery Park for the ceremony, Rob graciously helping Jackie with her dress.
The ceremony location at Battery Gardens was beautiful, overlooking the river and the Statue of Liberty.
The ceremony had music provided by the ladies from Nina's Musicbook.
The ceremony began with Rob being escorted down the aisle by his parents.
And once he was at the front of the aisle he was intently watching for Jackie to appear on her father's arm.
As they exchanged vows, Rob still couldn't keep the smile off his face. He was so happy.
And so were his parents.
They got married on an absolutely gorgeous day, a bright blue sky with only a handful of fluffy clouds.
They shared a few laughs as Jackie slipped the ring on Rob's finger.
At the very last part of the ceremony - the stomping of the glass and the very first kiss as husband and wife.
Ok, maybe this is my favorite shot from the day. Just love the flower petals cascading down around them and the huge smiles on both of their faces.
As their guests went over to cocktail hour, we spent just a few more minutes with Jackie and Rob as the sun was setting on the Hudson.
Cocktail hour was right on the patio of Battery Gardens with the classic green chairs and white lanterns strung from the trees.
Jackie and Rob had both a band and a DJ for their reception. The band, a vintage swing & jazz band named Lapis Luna played during cocktail hour and dinner.
The view during cocktail hour was gorgeous as the sun set over the Hudson.
The reception took place on the second floor of the Battery Gardens restaurant where the floor-to-celing windows and crisp, clean design were the perfect backdrop for their blue and green color scheme.
The simple elegant cake was made by Brooklyn Cake...
...who also happened to make Rob's surprise groom cake - a tribute to his beloved team.
After a few lively introductions, Jackie and Rob launched into their very sweet first dance.
A hora is always a guaranteed good time - the guests really get into it and it's a great way to really start off the celebration.
Before dinner, Rob's sister offered up a blessing, a special blessing that was a tradition in their family.
Then Jackie's sister and Rob's best friend Mark offered up toasts - which were what every toast should be, emotional and funny.
Lapis Luna played throughout dinner, bringing guests up out of their seats to dance to some of their renditions of the classic standards.
Then Jackie's parents took to the mic to offer up another toast for the very happy couple.
Both Jackie's Dad and Rob's mom were especially happy to dance with their children, holding onto them extra close.
Rob's reaction when he saw his groom's cake was absolutely priceless.
The guests were treated to another special treat as the evening came to an end - milkshake shooters and mini s'mores. Delicious!
Jackie & Rob, thank you SO much for inviting us to capture your day! It was absolutely gorgeous and we loved getting to know you both. Hope you had an amazing time on your honeymoon. You deserve it!
