Central Park Engagement Session

Alex and Leslie first met in Washington D.C. but it wasn't until years later when their paths crossed again in NYC that sparks flew.  Since Leslie lives in Manhattan, Bethesda Terrace in Central Park was the natural choice for their engagement session.
To really understand what Central Park means to the City, pick up a copy of Central Park: An American Masterpiece, by my friend, photographer and official park historian, Sara Cedar Miller.  It's filled with fascinating facts and images of the park.

Arriving at 72nd Street on the afternoon of the photo shoot, I asked a dignified-looking gentleman to point me in the direction of Bethesda Fountain and he kindly offered to walk me to my destination.  In conversation, I discovered that he was related to Frederick Law Olmstead the landscape architect who designed Central Park along with his senior partner, Calvert Vaux!  I considered this to be a good luck omen.
Alex and Leslie were a delight to work with. Here are a few of my favorites from our one-hour photo session before they had to rush off to an engagement party for close friends at The Central Park Boathouse.

Color is lovely but I think black and white is timeless.  What do you think?

In case you're wondering what other engaged couples are putting on their gift registries, here's the latest Wall Street Journal Article on Gift registry.

Beach Wedding in Ocean City, Maryland

Julie used to ride the bus to elementary school with the "red haired little boy".  In high school, they just happened to sign up for the same trip to Greece and when they returned, Cody (the red haired boy) asked her out on a date.  They've been together ever since.  Cody graduated college with a degree in environmental studies and Julie is an art teacher/artist who created the hairpieces and jewelry and has an online Etsy shop.
The Ocean City beach was a favorite family vacation spot and holds special meaning for Julie's family.

During a pre wedding photo shoot, our attempt at finding a secluded spot on the beach was first interrupted by rookie lifeguards who were in training and then by a Washington DC news reporter covering the beach beat! At least Julie and Cody got their minute of fame on the 11 o'clock news that night.

Cody carries one of his two adorable nieces who served as flower girls.

Their reception was held a day later in Phillipsburg.

DJ: John Tone 

Flowers: Bloomies

Hair Accessories and Jewelry by Julie McConnell at Etsy

Hair: Maureen Meier of Signature Salon Spa

Cake: Lauren Principato

Reception Venue: Flynn's on the Hill
Amusement Park: Trimper's

Real rapture on May 21st at Bear Creek Mountain Resort

I saw authentic rapture in Matthew's eyes on his wedding day and it was exclusively reserved for Sara.  It's the kind of "heaven on earth" feeling you get when you've found the other half of your heart.  It was very clear that these two felt the same way about each other. They not only had found true love for themselves but also for Matt's sister, Lisa, and his best man, Jesse.   Matt and Sara introduced Jesse and Lisa to each other. They soon married and now have an adorable, red haired little girl.
Here are a few photos from Sara and Matthew's absolutely beautiful wedding:

Sara is the third generation to be married at Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church.

Matthew with Jesse (his Best Man) and sister, Lisa.

May 21st has come and gone and, yes, we're all still here....stuck on the sweet flypaper of life ( borrowed from the poet, Langston Hughes).

Professionals:

DJ: Steve Mittman Entertainment (yes, the B104 guy!)

Hair: Artisan Salon & Day Spa

Flowers: The Garden of Eden Flowers

Venue: Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Limo: J&J Luxury Transportation (Thank you, Mike, for keeping me hydrated)