More Details From the Bride…

Tommy and I are both free spirits and wanted our wedding day to be a special event for everyone – something sophisticated, but a laid back party for us, family and friends. While we both come from traditional Italian families, we wanted to put our own stamp on a lot of the wedding details – for instance, our selection of venue. We decided to get married at the Sun & Surf Beach Club in Long Beach, NY. The boathouse-style raw space was the perfect canvas for us to create our own aesthetic and theme. Situated right on the water, you would have thought we were at a venue in California (where we met) and not a half an hour from New York City.

We first saw each other for photos on the boardwalk along the beach. I will never forget that moment. Tommy and I were experiencing pure bliss. Later, our families joined for group photos thanks to Marcie at UpStudios. My bridal party chose their favorite dress under the color scheme I suggested to them. The groomsmen dressed in classic black tuxedos with gold accents to match the decor. Even our little pup Diego was dressed and ready for the big day! Then it was off to the venue where the magical night all took place. The ceremony was held in the back of the venue where the floral arch awaited us to say our vows underneath. We had so much fun choosing our flowers.

I run an event furniture and prop rental company called RentQuest, so with my team we were able to bring my hippie chic vision to life. We created an array of eclectic seating outside of the venue with a mix of vintage sofas, bright colored accent chairs, clear acrylic coffee tables filled with flowers and tied all of them with multicolored Persian rugs. Each table had a different center piece. Gold bases holding a wide variety of white and blush florals to complement the gold chandeliers above the dance floor.

Our love for music was an overarching theme of the event as well. For the ceremony, we had hired a piano that played a selection of our favorite songs. Tommy walked down the aisle with his parents our favorite Beatles song: in my life. The bridal party walked down to “Stand by Me” and me the Bride walked down to “Your So Cool” by Hans Zimmer, the theme song from our favorite Movie True Romance. For the reception, we had a live 10-piece band that totally rocked and got our guests up on the dance floor. It was not just the band that entertained; my mom, who is a professional singer, helped me surprise my new hubby after the cake cutting by singing a song from his favorite movie as a kid “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” Later on, me the bride, who loves to entertain also surprised not only her groom but, the entire wedding by getting up on stage and rocking out to Green Day’s, “Basket Case.” Finally, paying tribute to our Italian heritage and the two cities coming together, my very own brother serenaded Tommy and I with a beautiful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s, “New York and Chicago.”

Photographer: UP STUDIOS / Floral Designer: Stefan’s Florist / Dress Store: RK Bridal / Furniture Rentals: RentQuest / Reception Venue: Sun and Surf Club / Bakery: The Sweet Peace / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Photographer: The Light + Color / Dress Designer: Fiori Bridal Boutique / Makeup Artist: Jennifer Perellie Makeup / Floral Designer: Village Green Florist / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Photographer: Birke Photography / Ceremony: Rock Point Chapel / Venue: The Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort / Wedding Planner: Enchanted Events (violet vendor)/ Caterer: Vermont Culinary Institute / Dress: Monique Lhuiller / Makeup and Hair: Salon Elixir / Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew / Groom’s Suit: JCrew / Groomsmen’s Suit: JCrew / Florist: Creative Muse (violet vendor) / Rental Company: Vermont Tent / Band: Polka Brothers / Ceremony musician: Bob Wagnar Trio

Photographer: Shelly Taylor Photography / Signage: K Dunks Creative / Makeup Artist: Kimberly Cutler Professional Makeup / Hair Stylist: LaBella Salon / Venue + Floral Design: Vintage Oaks / Design and Decor: Vintage Oaks Ranch Design / Bakery: Wedding Cakes by Esther / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Photographer: Heirloom Collective / Fashion Designer: Angela’s Design and Sewing Studio / Equipment Rentals: Chatham Portables / Favors and Gifts: Lo and Behold / Equipment Rentals: Party in A Tent / Caterer: Personal Home Cuisine / Event Venue: Shakori Hills / Dress Store: Tre Bella Bridal / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

From Wilton Photography:

We believe every bride can have a unique wedding simply by looking to their landscape for inspiration. In imagining the wedding of a poet and a botanist, we pictured a woodland celebration with lush spring blossoms and a relaxed, bohemian style. Details were inspired by the rich botanical imagery of the poem, The Two Trees, by W. B. Yeats. Our color inspiration came from a vintage Reid’s Seed Catalog with its blush pinks and deep berry crimsons and purples. For the perfect poetic gown we turned to designer Lizz Jones, who instantly connected with the concept and agreed to design a bespoke dress for our shoot. The dress she ultimately created is a vision of textured lace and subtle blush hues. Lizz juxtaposed the softness of the dress with a crown of antlers and mixed metal jewelry. The high-low hemline highlighted Emily Skay’s delicate Henna art.

Anne Moore’s expert floral design built on elements from the environment. Her lush creations featured horsetail reeds, peonies, leucadendron and bleeding hearts. Our talented friend, Raiah Granchukoff, was part of the design conversation from the start and helped us put together a sweetheart table complete with antique flatware, Anthropologie dishes and mini ferns as favors. Amy Vixie highlighted our model, Sarah Corley’s, glowing skin and gave her berry-kissed lips and luscious curls. The woodland cake was created by Sally Davis and featured fairy-sized floral arrangements. It was such a thrill to see each contributor catch our vision and make it better than we ever imagined. It was a true collaboration, and we couldn’t have found a better team of creative professionals. Additional thanks to Rachel Miller, Brandon Jones and Roman Plaszewski for their assistance.

Photographer: Wilton Photography / Floral Designer: Amoré Floral Designs / Beauty: Four Feathered Sparrow / Apparel: Lizz Dot Kay / Bakery: Phil & Sally’s Bakery / Other Location: Rooks Park / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

From Nina & Wes Photography… This bridal session was born out of our time spent in Nepal. We wanted people to be able to experience Nepal through the different elements of the session. We had a spread of spices that are found throughout Nepal and used in many of their cuisines. Bits of copper and brass can be seen with those elements, which were found and purchased in the streets of Kathmandu. Marigolds were central to the shoot, as you can see marigolds on any given street in Nepal. We loved seeing them draped over the bride who is wearing a stunning Carol Hannah dress that seemed to sparkle in the Nepali sunlight.

Just before Wes and I married, I lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for four months, doing volunteer work with street children and elderly women. I grew to love Nepal greatly, and have ached to return ever since. As a wedding photographer, it is easy to get swept away into all the pretty details and amazing people we meet as we capture one of the most special days of their lives on film. But my heart has always been happiest when working to make a difference in the lives of others, which always seems to do the same in my own life when I work towards that goal.

About 20 months ago, I woke up with an idea about a special kind of photography workshop. I wanted to do something more with our business. I wanted to go beyond business, and do something more in the world…something that would have lasting impact. Most photography workshops focus mainly on building your portfolio and growing your business, which is great and needed. But it can get competitive, and can cause you to lose focus on what is really important in this world…loving others, and giving back what we have been given. The Beyond Workshop focuses not only on encouraging photographers to be successful in their businesses, but to take their success and give back to those in need. We are asking the question…What is the meaning of success? Is it more money, bookings, and bigger houses? Or is it doing your absolute best in what you do, and taking that and giving back to the world that has given so much to you.

100% of the profits from this workshop go to orphan care and human trafficking interception in Nepal. None of the vendors take any pay, and this year we were able to give almost $8,000 to those in need in Nepal! The first half of the workshop is spent in classroom sessions revolving around business, and the second half of the workshop is spent doing volunteer work in Nepal. We had an amazing group of people this year, that gave everything they could to help this workshop succeed. Each attendee had their own part to play, and as the days unfolded, it was a joy to see each one of them fall in love with the country of Nepal.

The earthquake that occurred on April 25th in Nepal has shaken all of us. So many of the beautiful places we visited, and historical landmarks that we marveled at, are now piles of rubble. As far as we can tell, though, our loved ones and the people at the organizations we volunteered at, are all safe. Some of them have lost homes, but they have escaped the earthquake without injury. For that we are thankful. 

This workshop is meant to inspire photographers to go beyond themselves and give back to the world in need. And through sharing images of this beautiful bridal session, we hope to remind people of the beauty of Nepal, not the poverty. Nepal is a country rich in history, and the people of Nepal are full of warmth and kindness. Walk down any given street in this enchanting country and have a conversation with someone…you may just find that you are invited in for some milk tea.

Some of the industry vendors that donated time or goods to help make our not-for-profit workshop succeed include: Magnolia Rouge, Jose Villa, Wildgrace Workshop, Paper Birch Designs, Julie Song Ink, Brown Linen Design, Kraft & Jute, Mrs. Box, Frou Frou Chic, Type A Society, Richard Photo Lab, State Film Lab, Goodman Film Lab, Carol Hannah, Gossamer Vintage, and Jacob Cecil.

A special thanks to Gautam Rai, our Nepali brother who made this workshop truly possible by arranging all of our lodging, meals, and volunteer opportunities. He was our translator throughout our time there, and he also helped our attendees see the importance of documenting the joy and warmth of the people of Nepal, over the poverty of Nepal. He and his wife, Rekha, along with 3 biological children, have adopted 11 beautiful girls, and have devoted their lives to orphan care, and are daily meeting the needs of others with what little they have. Since the earthquake, Gautam has been out in the streets from morning til night helping others. He and his family are a beautiful example of love in action.

If you are interested in helping the relief efforts that are occurring on the ground in Nepal, there are many amazing organizations that work tirelessly with the people there, not only providing aid right now, but long-term care after many other relief groups have returned back home. 

 

HOW TO HELP

• American Red Cross
• Charity Water
• CARE
• International Medical Corps
• Save the Children
• Tiny Hands International
• 3 Seams

PS: Info on next year’s Nina & Wes Photography Nepal workshop, March 15-27, 2016 right here.

Photography: Nina & Wes Photography | Cinematography: Colletta Films | Event Design: Abany Bauer | Floral Design: Type A Society | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Jewelry: Mickey Lynn | Hair & Makeup:Heather Smith | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Shoot Location: The Fort Resort | Styling & Design: Abany Bauer

Photographer: Newbury Photographs / Other: Amanda Ortiz / Makeup Artist: Bebe Simone Makeup Artist / Bakery: Cake That! / Apparel: Dream Shoot Rentals / Model: Gulnara Gross / Calligrapher: Hazel and Gray / Other: Jenna Gallo / Location: Stevens Coolidge Place / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

The elegant country theme carried through to the classic menu made with farm fresh foods created for L’Apero (cocktail hour)in the library, with Beeting Hearts, English Pea Soup Sippers, A Smoked Salmon Fish Board, Rustic Antipasto, and Salmon Napolean served alongside delicious Sweetheart Serenade champagne cocktails.

From Stylist Melissa Paul:

“Captivated by the secluded venue, we designed a romantic outdoor ceremony that could have happened just as easily in Europe. The intimate ceremony could take place in front of a raging fire in the stone hearth where guests can cozy up under vintage throws. Our bride and groom kept each other warm as they toured the gardens and pastures, sharing some love with the sheep and chicken. The family dinner table was imagined under the pergola in the Cottage Garden. Paired with French gray linens, antique white vases, polished silver candlesticks under glass hurricanes, vintage white Lenox china, red cut crystal goblets and the family silverware, the table is a dream come true.”

Photographer: by millie b photography / Venue: The Inn at Fernbrook Farms / Coordination + Styling: Melissa Paul / Gown: Helios by Maggio Ramatti from L’fay Bridal in Chatham, NJ / Makeup Artist: magda’s designs inc / Caterer: Max Hansen Caterer / Furniture & Props (Benches, Table, china, glassware, vases, flatware): Inn at Fernbrook Farms / Invitation Designer: Two Paper Dolls / Floral Designer: Weddings & Parties by Janet / Submitted via Two Bright Lights / Models: Lauren & Paul Nonni

Photography: Melanie Bennett Photography / Concept + Styling: Melanie Bennett Photography & Rhonda Mayer / Bouquet + Centerpiece + Table Runner: Valley House of Flowers / Veil: Michal Designs / Makeup: Morgan Bailey / Hair: Camille Weston / Linens + Candelabras + Wood Chargers: The Flower Farm / Stationary: AJ’s Craft Creations / Dessert Table & Sign: The Peppermint Hen / Cake: Lindsey’s Cupcakes and Cakes / Bakery: Rocky Mountain Chocolates / Dining Table: The Country Barn / Assistants: Greg Bennett and Brandon Mayer / Models: Kayla and Mitch Boucher