Alex + Mark // Wedding Portraits
/Meet Alex and Mark.
Their gorgeous bride and groom portraits were taken at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Manhattan, about two years ago. Recently, Alex and Mark reflect on the lessons they’ve learned about love and each other.
Looking back on this day, what was going through your head when you first saw your partner?
Alex: I had butterflies all morning. It sounds so silly, but even after 10 years together, Mark still gives me butterflies. But the minute I saw him at the end of the aisle, I felt safe and ready and so excited for our future together. I also had the thought, "It's about damn time we did this...
Mark: My thoughts were "Holy sh*t, it's finally happening. I can't believe I get to marry this amazing, beautiful woman." Alex and I had put so much planning into our wedding celebrations and this wedding was the first of two. I had not experienced anything like it in my life, all I could do was smile the most genuine smile I've ever had.
What is your favorite thing about being married so far?
Alex: Knowing that I have a partner for life. This time has been tough for all of us and I cannot imagine going through all of the emotions and experiences without Mark. He has been my shoulder to cry on, my friend to have a mid-day dance party or go on a walk with, and the person I can share whatever I am feeling with. I am so grateful for that. I never get sick of calling him my husband. There is something so cool about knowing this is it. He is my husband and we are in this thing together for life.
Mark: Finally getting to call Alex "my wife" and wearing a wedding ring. I'd never worn a ring for more than a few minutes or for a costume so this was new to me and now I forget it is even there.
What advice would you give to other couples who are planning a wedding or thinking about getting married?
Alex: I'm sure they have heard this one before, but don't sweat the small stuff. It is so easy to get caught up in all of the details, other's opinions, etc., but at the end of the day it is about the two of you. And after all the fuss settles, it's only the two of you. If you are able to, take a quiet moment together that day to just process everything that is happening - take a walk, sit down for a moment. Take in all the love that is being shared that day and how this may be the only time in your life that everyone you care about is in the same room - mingling, dancing, celebrating! There is so much joy all around you.
Mark: I think the personalization of your wedding is incredibly important and enhances your own wedding experience more than you think. Alex and I were not the type to do a wedding where the venue dictates what vendors you can use, your menu, your DJ, etc. We personalized every little detail of the day. While it took a hell of a lot of work, it was even better than we could have imagined.
What are you most looking forward to in the future together?
Alex: Continuing to adventure. During these uncertain times all we can think about are the trips and things we want to do together. Creating the life we want to live. We are now thinking about where we want to live, what we want to do and who we want to be. The amazing thing is we get to do all of this together.
Mark: I am most looking forward to the unknown. Not knowing the next stage in life is scary, but exciting and adventurous. Sure, we plan to "settle" down and hopefully have children, but saying it out loud is not the way I imagine it in my head. I know it's going to be so much more than what words can describe.
Alex and Mark, thank you for sharing these special lessons! Your wedding was elegant, joyful, and so special to witness. Time has flies by so quickly these days, and reflecting back on your photos has reminded me of how important it is to document special moments so we can enjoy it again and again.
