Rori + Carmen // Wedding

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Meet Rori and Carmen.

Meeting these two brides was such a breath of fresh air. They are creative, unique, determined, and so welcoming. And not to mention, they are 100% cute af. For their epic wedding celebration, Rori and Carmen traveled from Michigan to New York for a City Hall elopement with family followed by larger celebration including pizza, civic engagement, and dancing in a Brooklyn brownstone. As a wedding photographer, it’s the ideal scenario when I’m working an event that I’d love to attend as a guest. Safe to say, Rori and Carmen made this true. See below for proof!

At City Hall, the environment was overwhelmingly positive. We were surrounded by couples of all ages, genders, and races. Some were dressed to the nines, while others waited contently in casual attire. Everyone wished each other well, sharing knowing glances and reassuring smiles. In a time where there is so much negativity in the world, being in love and making that legal commitment felt really powerful, especially for Rori and Carmen as a proud, lesbian couple.

After they were officially married, Rori and Carmen said a temporary goodbye to their amazing group of loved ones, and we set off for a few hours of exploring!

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After some champagne, we traveled to Brooklyn where the celebrations continued! Rori and Carmen shared vows that made everyone teary, standing under the most beautiful rainbow arch. Throughout the day, there was such a strong sense of community, as everyone in attendance really supported their loving union.

A particularly inspiring moment was when these badass brides encouraged everyone to take time to call their Congress members, providing helpful scripts that covered various issue areas. This is #goals.

The party continued on the brownstone roof, with everyone dancing the night away. For the grand finale, we planned for an instagram-ready wedding sparkler shot. Instead, the sparklers were lit in random order, the rooftop was surrounded by smoke, and in the beautiful chaos, the sense of glee was unmistakable. It was perfect.

It was an honor photographing this magical day. Carmen and Rori, congratulations on getting married in the best way possible. You stayed true to yourselves, shared so much love with everyone, and had an absolute blast! ❤️

Dani & Ayu // NYC Wedding in Central Park

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From the morning in Brooklyn, to an intimate Central Park ceremony, to the reception in New Jersey, Dani and Ayu's wedding was a wonderful and unforgettable affair. I feel honored to have participated in their special day.

While getting ready in Brooklyn, the room was filled with love. Friends were happily arranging flowers and styling the bride, the groomsmen cooked traditional Ethiopian dishes for the reception, and Dani sewed some last minute details on her groom's coat.

Upon arrival at Shakespeare's Garden, it was time for the ceremony. One of the most striking things about Dani and Ayu's wedding was how loving and supportive their family and friends were.

As Dani and Ayu exchanged heartfelt vows in English and Amharic, every face in the crowd wore a beaming smile. The ceremony included many personal touches, including endearing speeches from Dani's mother and father, and her cousin's moving rendition of Etta James' "At Last".  

Next up, it was party time! Dani's extended family graciously opened their home and hosted a reception, complete with a delicious home-cooked spread and festive tunes!

After changing into beautiful wedding attire straight from Ethiopia, Dani and Ayu enjoyed homemade cake, sparkling champagne, and thus, their married life was off to a very sweet start.