Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
A few Saturdays back I had the honor of photographing two weddings for long time gay couples. First up, Bill and Steve’s intimate wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park!
After 15 years together, Bill and Steve were officially married in November 2011 in a very small ceremony at their home. But they also wanted to have a larger reception for 40 of their friends and family. After searching all over New York for just the right venue, Bill found a suite at the Ritz-Carlton which would be perfect for the ceremony and a seated dinner. As it turns out, it was also the first gay wedding held there!
Cocktail hour included music, hors d’oeuvres and a slideshow from their November wedding by friend Ira Block. It was a very moving ceremony meant to complete the one begun in November. There were not many dry eyes. Bill and Steve’s love and commitment to each other was clear to everyone there. Following the ceremony, dinner was held in a room perfectly appointed for an elegant, candlelit dinner. In a change from the usual wedding traditions, toasts were give by Bill and Steve for each of their 40 guests! Their closest friends and family were honored with stories and given a chocolate picture frame with an image of the couple with them.
Bill and Steve’s cake reflected their passion for spinning at Fly Wheel. And there were also groom sugar cookies! (Shame I had to leave and didn’t get to try them, but it was on to wedding #2 for me!)
Vendors
Ceremony and Reception: Ritz-Carlton Central Park
Cake, Favors: Ritz-Carlton Central Park
Florist: Perriwater
Invitation, Menu, Table Numbers: Arlene Boehm, Graphic Design
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Carnival themes often plays a role in New Orleans weddings, but Andrea and Brian’s actually took place during Mardi Gras! Having attended Loyola University New Orleans (my alma mater too!), Brian knew how much fun their guests would have. Latrobes, such a quintessential New Orleans venue, was the prefect background for the festivities. Candles by Luminous Events glowed everywhere and the Groovy 7 rocked the halls of the one time bank building. We ran a photo studio in the carriage way for guests to don beautiful masks and boas Andrea thoughtfully selected. The late night secondline was the prefect ending to the night. Escorted by the police, the wedding party was able to cross Bourbon Street twice, no easy task -especially during carnival!
Ceremony and Reception: Latrobe’s, New Orleans
Florist: Meade Wenzel
Videography: Studio Vieux Carre
Cake: Royal Cakery
Ceremony Music: New Orleans Finest Musicians
Band: Groovy 7
Dress: Francesca Pitera for Jim Hjelm
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Headpiece: Maria Elena Headpieces
Make-up: Kessel Artistry
Candles: Luminous Events
Second Photographer and Photo Studio: Victoria Pisarello
Mardi Gras Masks: Mardi Gras Outlet
Invitations: Elizabeth Grace Paperie Chicago (Bella Figura)
Second Line Band: New Orleans Finest Musicians (The Pinstripes)
Welcome Bags: Lagniappe for your Event
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Friday, January 6th, 2012
When I found out back in March that we’d be expecting in December, I knew that there were some weddings I’d be unable to photograph. Luckily, my good friend and fellow wedding photographer Tory Williams agreed to fly to New Orleans and photograph Lizzie and Alex’s wedding! I had a blast editing and processing the whole day, so many good ones to choose from. I’m still bummed I couldn’t make it, I mean, check out all the pretty details and general loveliness below! Tory and Victoria, who also ran the photo booth, did a great job and I’m so happy everything worked out. Lizzie and Alex, I wish you both all the best!
Ceremony and Reception – Terrell House
Florist – Linda O’Brien (Terrell House)
Music – Brent Rose Trio, Young Pinstripes Brass Band & Mardi Gras Indians
Cake – Linda O’Brien (Terrell House)
Dress – Jenny Packham
Shoes – Seychelles
Bridesmaids Dresses – individually selected
Photographer – Tory Williams
Second Photographer, Photo Booth – Victoria Pisarello
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Kristi and Cale have a flair for the dramatic, as seen in their fun engagement shoot awhile back. Looking to make a dramatic entrance to the wedding, Kristi decided to hitch a ride in on a street car. Unluckily, the RTA is not one for sticking to a schedule! After waiting awhile, she had to abort that mission, but I totally give her props for trying it! (Might I suggest to the bride looking to do this, I’d rent one to guarantee on time arrival.) But she and Cale took things in stride, laughing as not one, but 3 street cars passed during the ceremony! All in all, everyone had a fantastic time, and it was great to see some of my Gamma Phi Beta sisters. And thanks for the two fleur de lis wine glass favors, they somehow made it back to NY intact!
Ceremony and Reception – Columns Hotel
Planner – Forescene Events, Reagan Sidney
Cake – Haydel’s
Shoes – Christian Louboutin
Second Photographer – Victoria Pisarello
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
I’ve known Shelley since she was, well, a baby! I first met her older sister Robin when I was 4 and we lived in the same neighborhood. Many living room plays, family vacations, and other milestones later, it is wonderful to see her grown-up and find such a great guy. It was such an honor to be there behind the scenes for their wonderful wedding. Todd is a lucky guy for sure!
Ceremony and Reception – Audubon Tea Room
Getting Ready – Westin, Canal Place
Florist -The Plant Gallery
Band -Mojeaux
Cake – The Little Pastry Shoppe
Dress – Paloma Blanca
Shoes – Kate Spade
Bridesmaids Dresses – Alvina Valenta
Second Photographer – Victoria Pisarello
Tags: Central Park, Gay Wedding, Intimate Wedding, New York, Ritz-Carlton
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