When I launched this new website last year, I had grand intentions of blogging more frequently and even going back and re-doing all the blog posts I lost when I converted my previous blogsite over to this new one. Well, in between many hours of editing, meetings, shoots, and all the other business-y things, I found myself completely neglecting this little chunk of internet space that keeps people informed on what I do and what I've been up to. Now that things are slowly starting to wind down, I've made myself a goal to share some of the past weddings I've had tucked away, waiting to be shared!
First up, I wanted to share the incredibly fun and laid back – but super emotional – wedding celebration of Veronica and Joe.
I first met Veronica + Joe at a wedding I photographed for a long-time friend in Long Island last September. Veronica was in the wedding party, and was super camera shy but at the same time, such a spunky and fun personality. When she asked me if I was available to photograph her and Joe's wedding, I was over-the-moon excited to meet with them. The week before Veronica emailed me about availability for her wedding, I had actually made a list of who I picture my ideal client to be, and all the things that make them who they are. As I was sitting in this meeting with Veronica and Joe, my head was visually making checkboxes in every category of what my ideal client is like. Laid back, energetic, a love of coffee and practical shoes, adventuring, and most of all – not into the over-the-top wedding detail planning that takes away from the true meaning behind marriage: love and commitment to one another. I loved Veronica's attitude about wedding planning and appreciated her genuine honesty about the process. Even more in that moment of meeting them, I KNEW they were a perfect fit for one another and that their wedding day was one I'd be proud to photograph and always remember. And let me tell you, I don't think there was a single dry eye in the house during those moments they said their vows. And simultaneously, not a single pause on their dance floor as they celebrated that evening!
But enough of my own thoughts... here are a few reflections from the bride & groom on their wedding day, and then a handful of my favorite images to share their unique and laid back wedding day story!
Bride's favorite memories from the wedding: The donuts. My pizza shoes. Dancing to 90s jams.
Groom's favorite memories from the wedding: The vows. Dancing. Wedding party speeches.
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?: Don't do it. Ask for help. Sleep on major decisions. Don't sweat the small stuff. Use Dawn as a photographer!!
Special thanks to all the vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Lafayette's Courtyard Patio & Greenhouse Room
Officiant: Nichole Barrett
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Florist: Luke Calianno - Town and Country Florist
Cake & Favors: Paula's Donuts
DJ/Band/Entertainment: Scott Dirmyer - Ultimate Event
Invitations: Shutterfly
Makeup: Bride (she's the best!)
Bride's Attire: Victoria's Bridal dress & Pizza Vans shoes
Groom's Attire: Men's Warehouse suit & shoes
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: Handmade crafts with center pieces provided by the venue (Pearl Street Catering)
