Allaya & Damany - Union Square - New York City Wedding

So Allaya and Damany's wedding day finally came! We started the day at the Conrad Hotel in New York City out on the west side of downtown Manhattan, then made our way over to the SGI Culture Center in Union Square . Allaya and Damany are devout Buddhist. This was my first time witnessing a Buddhist wedding. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm for early March. The event was full of close friends, heart-felt speeches and loving family. We did their portraits in Union Square amongst the seas of people. Their reception was at the Blue Water Grill also right by Union Square. What an amazing true New York City wedding!

P.S: Check out their outfits! Damany has probably the coolest grooms outfit I have ever witnessed in my life.

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And of course, if you've seen and read the story about how they met you would know we HAD to do a shot in front of Starbucks to commemorate it. Cute!

Yes, I photographed my own Engagement Shoot

So ever since I got engaged in October 2011, I've been getting a lot of inquiries. "So who's going to shoot your wedding? Are you going to do it yourself!? What about engagement photos? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT!?". Many people suggested that I bring my camera down the aisle with me during my bridal procession... I thought about it-- but I think in this case, it's an exception to let go of my little SLR baby for just one little day. BUT, I did decide that I wanted to take a shot at shooting my own engagement photos! I knew it was definitely going to be a bit of a challenge-- and it was- but honestly, I have the best fiance in the whole world, Jeddy <3 and I knew we just both needed to extend a little bit of patience and it would all be worth it! It ended up being a ton of fun, craziness and also super tiring.. but armed with my cameras, my lenses, a tripod and my new friend-- a remote-- we were all set! And so here we are on the road... Our first plan was to go to Chelsea to take some photos by the High Line.. but I got sidetracked and was strangely attracted to all the warehouses before the entrance to the Queensborough bridge. I really love these rusted old buildings! I found a cute little one with two doors that I had fun doing some jump-steps with Jeddy. Who knew that running back and forth, readjusting the camera and trying to get the remote to sync would be so tiring? After those shoots, we headed back to queens to go to a local park instead to shoot a few more. On the way back, I said, "hey Jeddy... wouldn't it be cool to shoot on the highway.. all the moving cars..." Next thing we knew, we were risking our lives on the 678 trying to get a decent shot. All while cars were honking away at us. Life threatening, but a really awesome shot came from it! I definitely know I have a keeper-- if he's willing to brave standing in the middle of a highway with me just for a picture! Finally, went back to the park to shoot a few cute shots that were a little safer. Then we got a little creative and did some little stop motion-action. Fight scenes included for your entertainment. (Images need to be loaded!) And so that was my day spent! It was definitely a great time, and I'm so blessed to have such a patient and loving husband-to-be that can be excited for all the crazy ideas I have (and vice-versa). Thanks <3

I really love these rusted old buildings! I found a cute little one with two doors that I had fun doing some jump-steps with Jeddy.

Who knew that running back and forth, readjusting the camera and trying to get the remote to sync would be so tiring? After those shoots, we headed back to queens to go to a local park instead to shoot a few more. On the way back, I said, "hey Jeddy... wouldn't it be cool to shoot on the highway.. all the moving cars..." Next thing we knew, we were risking our lives on the 678 trying to get a decent shot. All while cars were honking away at us. Life threatening, but a really awesome shot came from it! I definitely know I have a keeper-- if he's willing to brave standing in the middle of a highway with me just for a picture!

Finally, went back to the park to shoot a few cute shots that were a little safer.

Then we got a little creative and did some little stop motion-action. Fight scenes included for your entertainment. (Images need to be loaded!)

And so that was my day spent! It was definitely a great time, and I'm so blessed to have such a patient and loving husband-to-be that can be excited for all the crazy ideas I have (and vice-versa). Thanks

A Dumbo Brooklyn Snow Storm Engagement Session in New York City with Allaya & Damany

This couple probably has one of the coolest "destiny" type stories. In short, Allaya worked as a barista in Starbucks, and one day, Damany went in with his buddy, and his buddy dares him to hit on Allaya. Allaya at the time had a boyfriend and completely disregards all of Damany's advances, and even ignores his phone calls. Fast forward a few years later at a DIFFERENT Starbucks, New York City location, Damany applies for a job, and guess who his coworker is!!! Now here they are, engaged and getting married! What a sweet story-- revolving Starbucks. Also, the best is that Allaya and Damany were super cool with shooting their engagement session during a snow storm in dumbo brooklyn, new york city!!

So of COURSE we had to do a few photographs inside Starbucks.. By the way, these two are pretty huge gamers :B so I thought this was pretty funny. Haha

I give so much props to these two. It was literally the day after our Big NEMO snow storm in New York City-- and they were being such super troopers by being able to stand still in such cold weather! I loved working with these two fun-loving and hospitable people. I can't wait for their wedding in a week!! :)

A Snowy New York City Wedding Proposal in Long Island City Gantry State Park

Andrew had been planning his proposal to Stella for a few weeks. He had chosen the location, had the ring, had the plan and was ready to go! But never would he had thought that it would snow the day before the proposal. The ground was full of fresh snow and another storm was rolling in soon... so he knew he had to move quick. Andrew put together the final touches on the scrapbook he made for Stella and practiced the song that he would sing to accompany her as she looked through the book. He was going to sing about their 12 dates, but to the tune of "The 12 Days of Christmas". It was really a sweet!! We all huddled together, a group of his friends and I, hiding in the bathroom nearby the spot where he would propose overlooking the New York City Skyline at Gantry State Park. His friends cracked jokes, calmed him down and encouraged him about his exciting future with Stella. It was a lot of fun!! Then Andrew got the call, Stella was on her way to meet him! So Andrew hurried over and the show began...

It was so touching to see them get engaged and also have their backdrop with friends, family and New York City! Afterwards they went to go celebrate :D