So this New York wedding moment is actually a glorious proposal at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Andwele, the groom-to-be gets major kudos for pulling off this unique and personal proposal. Allison expected Andwele would propose at home or over dinner, as most grooms do, and did not expect to be surprised. Let’s see what Andwele did instead.
Clients always ask me what to wear for their Get to Know You session, aka engagement session. Simple, fashionable but not to trendy because we want these to be timeless and have some interest. Wearing all black, though typical New York City attire, makes for a boring photo. We need at least some color or a funky necklace to give it some pop.
So here are some suggestions to be on trend and add some visual interest. Plus, I am loving all the stripes!
Photo from Wendy’s Look Book
Love the fab red shoes and striped top
Very simple
Milan Fashion Week © Coke Bartrina
Why are you getting married? Why are you having a wedding?
These are two very different questions with very different answers.
I want to know both. If you call me about photographing your wedding, these are the questions I want answers to before we even talk about how many hours and how much is it.
Why are you getting married?
Are you getting married because it’s the thing to do? You have found your best friend? You want to have kids? You want to share this journey called life? You have finally found your home?
Who is this person you are marrying? How did you meet? What are they like? How did that person win out over all the others?
Why do I want to know this?
I want to know who you are. I want to know what kind of relationship you have. What you like to do for fun. I want to know if our personalities are going to mesh. Do we see the world in a similar way? If I know this then I can relate to you better. I can build trust with you. I can build confidence in you. I can make you comfortable. It enables me to get you and create a story of images that reflect who you are. If I know who and what is important to you then I will see those things. I will seek those things out.
Why are you having a wedding?
Do you want to have a big party? Is this what your parents want? Do you want everyone to have a great time? Did you want a small wedding but having a big one? Is dad inviting his clients and you will only know half the people? Is this a way to gather everyone most important to you and celebrate your marriage?
Why do I want to know this?
Again, so I understand who you are. I understand the dynamics of your relationship with friends and family. I know what questions to ask when we are checking in with each other. I know what other vendors might be a great match. I’ll know that you really need a planner who can handle mom or a band that will get even uncle Joe on the dance floor. I’ll also know where to spend my time during the wedding. Yes, everyone is important but what if table 5 are full of people you barely know? I will understand how to approach the day so you can have everything captured that you want in the best way possible.
Sheesh, we are getting personal, aren’t we?
Why not?!?
Your relationship, your marriage is the beginning of a new chapter in your long family history. This is a personal moment. This will be full of people who have molded you, shaped you, will be celebrating with you. During many ceremonies, the officiant always asks if anyone objects and if everyone present is willing to help this couple. If not, speak now. It’s one of the most personal things you can do. It’s huge. I am documenting this huge moment. All the elements, all the little stories, moments, and emotions. I am documenting it not just for you but for everyone at the wedding, everyone in your life now and in the future.
If I get you, if we trust each other, if we understand each other, help each other, can you imagine what that will be like? Can you imagine the story that will be told?
Those are the stories I want to tell.
What story do you want to tell?
Pre-wedding jitters for this bride? I don’t think so! Another favorite moment of mine, this photograph comes from Sarah and Al’s Philadelphia wedding:
The moments leading up to your wedding can sometimes be chock full of nervous anticipation and last-minute concerns. However, they don’t have to be. Embracing the day’s fun and excitement will help you find an inner calm and relieve you of those pre-wedding jitters and persistent “what-ifs?”. Take a cue from Sarah, here, in this captured moment! Surrounded by the people she loves, and with the finishing touches nearly complete, she throws her arms up in an early celebration of the day–a day that celebrates the love that she and Al share, and THE day in which they finally exchange their “I do-s.” Victory.
A few dance photographs from Rioult dance company from dress rehearsal at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. The intricacy of the shapes and movement are so fascinating. It amazes me that I am actually able to capture the energy of the dancers in a 2-d format like photography. Anticipation at it’s best. It also helps that I danced for 20 years.
Gearing up for their season at the Joyce Theater in June, Rioult has been posting a facebook campaign about each dancer with photos I have taken during rehearsal. It’s quite fun to find out more about the dancers.
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