As you all might have figured out by now, I am not a writer.  I am a photographer.  Therefore, I communicate much better with imagery than my words. However, the experience I encountered with this amazing couple in New York City deserves to be told.  Now, if your like me, when I go to my favorite photographers blogs, I skip right over the words and look at the images.  Feel free to scroll down, take a peek, but come back and read about this special day. Then, look at them again.  {{insert big grin here}}

When Euree contacted me back in January to discuss the potential of flying me out to document her August NYC wedding, I pretty much wet myself.  ME??  She wants ME to shoot her wedding?  WHY?  LOL  There are hundreds of phenomenal artists in NY!  The first thing I read on her questionnaire was how she found me.

” I saw in a wedding blog (Style Me Pretty) your engagement photo shoot for Eric and Danielle. It captured everything that I wanted. The lighting, the softness, the natural background, the love between them, the attire, their poses. It was very romantic, elegant, simple, and just full of so much love.”

Wow.  I was humbled and frankly, stunned that she felt a connection with me.  She went on to share what her vision was for her wedding day, and I could not have been more excited. My family celebrated with me when we signed the contract, and I popped open my favorite bottle of Almond Champagne. (you can’t celebrate without champagne!)

Fast forward to Wednesday, August 25th.  As I was starting to pack for my flight to NYC, I am very disturbed to hear that hurricane Irene was heading inland on the ONE WEEKEND OF THE YEAR that I am flying in.  {{insert PANIC stricken face here}}.  I had already encountered a pretty horrendous travel experience the previous MAY, covering a wedding in Puerto Vallarta!  Shouldn’t that count for SOMETHING?!? Seriously?!? I couldn’t believe it.  Should I still go?? Would I be trapped in NYC for day’s?? I called my second shooter Elizabeth to make sure she was still in, then I called Euree.  She calmed my fears, and I was set to go.

Euree and Daniel met me at the Newark Airport Thursday night with a huge slice of authentic NYC pizza. {{they wanted to make sure I wasn’t kidnapped or worse}} How thoughtful of them huh!  I settle into my hotel room, and woke up Friday to the most gorgeous day!  I met up with Elizabeth and her friend Jill and we walked and walked and walked the city. I fell in love that day with NYC.

As we finished our day with a fabulous meal, we started hearing about the subways being shut down in preparation for the flooding that Irene was supposed to bring.  New Jersey was being evacuated, and all the airlines were canceling flights in and out of every major airport near the city.  I received a call that evening from Daniel.  They might have to CANCEL the wedding!!  I felt HORRIBlE for them!  The hurricane was supposed to hit by the next evening ON THERE WEDDING DAY.  Daniel called all the vendors and miraculously everyone was able and willing to move everything up 4 hours.  This would ensure that their guests and vendors would make it home before the city wide curfew that was established.  They were going for it!

The early morning of August 27th looked VERY different than the morning prior.  It was eerily dark and windy.  There were hardly any people around.  Elizabeth and I arrived to the venue feeling excited and nervous at the same time.  The Metropolitan Building was like no other venue I have ever shot in.  It was a photographers dream.

Now, as most seasoned photographers know, it’s all about being inspired.  It’s amazing how many ideas can start swirling around in your head when you are faced with an amazing location, a stunning bride, and an atmosphere of love and joy.  It was phenomenal. As soon as the festivities began, no one was aware of the looming storms outside.  Euree, Daniel, their families and their guests were in a world of their own that day.  God’s favor was ever present upon them.

My favorite moments of the day:

Euree’s first look with her Dad.

Seeing Euree transform into a goddess of a bride. (TWO designer dresses)

Listening to them read their vows. Wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Witnessing Euree, her brother, and her parents have an impromptu last “family hug”.  It was so heart warming.

Needless to say, I was inspired in every way.  I am forever grateful to this special couple for allowing me the great honor of documenting their life and love.  I didn’t feel worthy of this privilege, I will never forget this amazing adventure.

Obviously, I made it home safe and sound. (1 day later than scheduled) Euree and Daniel were still able to fly out for their honeymoon and reception in San Diego, Ca. God is good.

Feel free to check out their wedding video by Kiss The Bride Films. It’s awesome.

Euree & Daniel

A Divine Romance

August 27, 2011

New York City