Alyssa + Gustavo: Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Session

A BROOKLYN BRIDGE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

My only trip to New York this year was to photograph Alyssa and Gustavo’s engagement on the Brooklyn Bridge and their civil ceremony at New York City Hall. We met early on the Brooklyn Bridge to avoid any crowds, but man that wind!! It was so so cold the day we did their engagement photos - all of our hands were frozen!! They were such troopers though. I’m shocked they were down to take their hats and scarves off for a few shots. We cut the engagement session a little short because we were all so cold and got breakfast instead. I loved hanging with these two and hope our paths cross again soon!

Tips To Have Your Wedding During COVID 19

A WAY TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING EVEN DURING CORONAVIRUS

The world is in panic mode. We are all more aware, but fear and worry are alive and well. I’m not going to get too deep into the effects of social media, BUT social media has the world stressed out. Couples are canceling or postponing their weddings, events, etc left and right because many of their guests and family are immunocompromised. I had a couple have to postpone their wedding due to their family flying in from Korea, as well as had a maternity session canceled because the wedding they were supposed to attend in CA was canceled. I was even supposed to second shoot a wedding yesterday and the couple decided it was best to cancel their reception and have an intimate ceremony with their immediate families on Friday night. This post doesn’t come lightly because I know things can change at the drop of a hat and this is unchartered territory for a lot of us.

In light of the current situation, I want all of my couples (past, current and future), I’m here for them to make sure their day or photo shoot is exactly what they envision it to be, which is why I want to provide a few tips that will allow couples to still move forward with their wedding day!

You and your family/friends’ safety is top priority, so I completely understand if you need to postpone due to COVID 19. You won’t be required to pay a new retainer and instead your original retainer will transfer to a new date. Before you completely cancel, consider a few of these options/tips below!

Consider Live streaming Your Wedding: This morning, I watched my church service from the comfort of my own home. I’m not immunocompromised, but people in my church are, so they gave an option for everyone. For those family members who can’t make the trip, give them the option to see it all live from the comfort of their own home.

Consider Hiring a Videographer: Photos really are worth a million words, but there are so many times I hear vows or toasts at weddings and I think, man I wish they had video of this. Now is your chance - again for those family or friends who can’t fly or be around that many people. When things calm down, throw a viewing party with those people!

Consider Getting Outside: People are already cooped up inside, so any chance to get outside and have some breathing room is key! I know rentals can get expensive, but bring in more tables if possible, so people can be spaced out.

Consider Serviced Dinner: Again, I know you probably are saving money with a buffet (just like less rentals), but the less people touching or even just breathing over the food, the better. Your caterers will take the precautions necessary to ensure you and your guests are safe.

Consider an intimate crowd: Invite your closest family and friends to celebrate you two! It’s a safe bet and you’re more likely to be able to interact with each and every person.

Ask those sick guests to stay home: If you’re still set on inviting every single person on your guest list, make sure to ask anyone who feels sick (even if it’s just a slight cough) to stay home. This is where live streaming and/or a videographer come in handy as well!

Consider a day of coordinator: If you don’t already have a planner, definitely consider a day of coordinator to help alleviate any stress so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day. A day of coordinator will make sure any questions go directly to their team instead of you as a couple, which will allow you to have the most fun on your wedding day!

Consider a big reception later: Hit the courthouse or even stick with your original venue, but with a smaller crew. It can be as small as you two, an officiant, and a photographer or as big as 30-50 people then invite everyone for a big reception later on! Make sure to let your vendors know and see what options they have for you in this case.

Consider your vendors: We’re all willing to work with you and understand why you may need to postpone, but please consider for a lot of us this is our full time job. Many of us don’t have another source of income and it’s also tax season, which means we are sending big checks to government while the average person is waiting on a tax refund. We’re here for YOU!! We can’t serve you unless you talk to us, so please ask questions and talk through the options with us.