A New York City Engagement Photography Session

We wanted to try something a little different.  This was a really fun shoot, we tried to find a good mixture for using my stop-motion animations to create an editorial photoshoot that told the story of Ester & Stephen's relationship.  They're a very relaxed couple who really love being together, whether its studying, napping, having picnics or eating together.. when they're together- things are happy :)

So when we designed this shoot, we wanted to give it somewhat of a story of "A day with Stephen & Ester". Enjoy! (I also added a new trick, after a previous client sent me this link: http://mashable.com/2014/02/24/3d-gifs/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link - which are gifs that are made "3D" by just adding two extra white lines.. so I wanted to give it a go)

We had a lot of fun at a local park in Queens, and were able to get some amazing photos and gifs that encapsulate this couple and their time in New York City!

A beautiful New York Wedding with Chinese and Western Traditions Intertwined

Yun and Edison are such a beautiful couple! They decided to have their wedding at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. Yun got ready in the suite with her bridesmaids and started with her traditional Chinese Qipao (Traditional Chinese Dress)

In the first stage of events, they had door games- in which the groom and his buddies have to pass a series of tests (made by the bridesmaids) in order to receive the bride. (Oh and also…they have to pay money…..good money). After the bridesmaids are satisfied with the results, then the bride may be “released” to the groom.

After we finished that up, Yun, in her beautiful traditional Qi Pao and Edison and I headed to the Chinese Scholar Garden. (Which by the way is GORGEOUS and has a beautiful bamboo garden and pond! Truly one of the best-kept secrets in NYC!) They had their first look. Yun had a Chinese red veil over her head and Edison had to remove it to see his bride! In Chinese history, the groom never sees their bride until AFTER they are married and will see her for the first time after he takes off the veil. (Talk about a surprise….) Apparently, the removal of the veil symbolizes the “vow” that they will cherish and take care of each other for the rest of their lives. A lot of chinese brides today keep the veil as a keepsake item to remember their special day.

After seeing each other and getting some portraits in her traditional Qi Pao, Yun then changed into her white wedding dress! They had their wedding ceremony in the Scholar Garden and then partied the night away with friends and family! Honestly, it was like I was transported into some fantasy universe… and it did not feel like I was in a Staten Island Park in New York City….. at all.

It was SUCH a pleasure to be able to work with them and capture such a unique and special wedding day!

Venue: Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Ceremony and cocktail hour at the Chinese Scholar Garden, Reception at the Great Hall
Photographer: Cynthia Chung Weddings
Videographer: DP Studios
Florist: Flowers by Gbella
Entertainment: Silver Arrow Band
Make up and Hair: VickyC5
Wedding Dress: Eddy K
Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Groom's Suit: Alan David Custom Suits NYC
Groom Shoes: Ace Marks
Bridesmaid Dresses and Shoes: Lulus and Betsey Johnson matching with Bride
Groomsmen Attire and Shoes: Macy's
Wedding Bands: Debeers

Engagement Session at Duke farms, New Jersey

Mary had this amazing idea to check out a farm in New Jersey where we could ride bikes to maneuver around and really explore. They were both from New York City but wanted to get their session at this gorgeous farm.  I was all in! The weather was beautiful, the whole farm was gorgeous... and I got to show off some one-handed biking skills ;)  We went around from open fields, forest hidden nooks and biking paths.   I should probably invest in a bike rack.. biking in the city is way too scary for me.  It was a nice time to get out of New York City !! Here are some highlights from this awesome sesh:

A Classic Singapore Love Story in New York City at the Plaza Hotel

The timeless aura of the classic concrete jungle, is where these charming Singaporean lovers tied the knot. Ness & Denis met in the heart of the new york city, making it the perfect place to declare their love to the world. It can't get more New York City than the elegance of the Plaza Hotel, becoming one at New York City Hall, rings from Tiffany & Co, hotdogs stands, sweet cherry blossoms in Central Park, and strolling around Times Square. It was such a gorgeous day and it was amazing to be able to capture these two in such iconic spaces all over new york city! I was so honored they chose me to be their new york city wedding photographer. Keep scrolling to witness their picture-perfect love story unfold!