Ruth and Blake definitely wanted everyone to have a great time at their wedding. From have the bar serving their signature mixed drink to their personalized cozies, it was clear that a party was in tow. Another great love of theirs is their dogs, which they included into the wedding! I got to meet their little puppies and photograph them as part of their bridal party. The wedding venue was a gorgeous castle out in Philly- very different from my usual New York City Weddings- and about an hour prior to their wedding, it was raining like crazy- however RIGHT when it was time to begin their outdoor ceremony-- the skies cleared and their ceremony was beautiful! It was definitely a miraculous occurrence and a blessing for their beautiful day! Here are some of my favorite shots:
A beautiful New York Wedding with Chinese and Western Traditions Intertwined
Yun and Edison are such a beautiful couple! They decided to have their wedding at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. Yun got ready in the suite with her bridesmaids and started with her traditional Chinese Qipao (Traditional Chinese Dress)
In the first stage of events, they had door games- in which the groom and his buddies have to pass a series of tests (made by the bridesmaids) in order to receive the bride. (Oh and also…they have to pay money…..good money). After the bridesmaids are satisfied with the results, then the bride may be “released” to the groom.
After we finished that up, Yun, in her beautiful traditional Qi Pao and Edison and I headed to the Chinese Scholar Garden. (Which by the way is GORGEOUS and has a beautiful bamboo garden and pond! Truly one of the best-kept secrets in NYC!) They had their first look. Yun had a Chinese red veil over her head and Edison had to remove it to see his bride! In Chinese history, the groom never sees their bride until AFTER they are married and will see her for the first time after he takes off the veil. (Talk about a surprise….) Apparently, the removal of the veil symbolizes the “vow” that they will cherish and take care of each other for the rest of their lives. A lot of chinese brides today keep the veil as a keepsake item to remember their special day.
After seeing each other and getting some portraits in her traditional Qi Pao, Yun then changed into her white wedding dress! They had their wedding ceremony in the Scholar Garden and then partied the night away with friends and family! Honestly, it was like I was transported into some fantasy universe… and it did not feel like I was in a Staten Island Park in New York City….. at all.
It was SUCH a pleasure to be able to work with them and capture such a unique and special wedding day!
Venue: Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Ceremony and cocktail hour at the Chinese Scholar Garden, Reception at the Great Hall
Photographer: Cynthia Chung Weddings
Videographer: DP Studios
Florist: Flowers by Gbella
Entertainment: Silver Arrow Band
Make up and Hair: VickyC5
Wedding Dress: Eddy K
Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Groom's Suit: Alan David Custom Suits NYC
Groom Shoes: Ace Marks
Bridesmaid Dresses and Shoes: Lulus and Betsey Johnson matching with Bride
Groomsmen Attire and Shoes: Macy's
Wedding Bands: Debeers
A Classic Singapore Love Story in New York City at the Plaza Hotel
The timeless aura of the classic concrete jungle, is where these charming Singaporean lovers tied the knot. Ness & Denis met in the heart of the new york city, making it the perfect place to declare their love to the world. It can't get more New York City than the elegance of the Plaza Hotel, becoming one at New York City Hall, rings from Tiffany & Co, hotdogs stands, sweet cherry blossoms in Central Park, and strolling around Times Square. It was such a gorgeous day and it was amazing to be able to capture these two in such iconic spaces all over new york city! I was so honored they chose me to be their new york city wedding photographer. Keep scrolling to witness their picture-perfect love story unfold!
New York City Wedding on the Upper West Side
Alice and Hanfei were the most sweet and funny couple ever! I also photographed their engagement session! Alice and I got along instantly and have bonded over coffee and cupcakes. CUPCAKKKKESSS!! Their wedding day was just a sweet.... and delicious. Alice is from the South and is of Korean decent, so she wanted to combine some of that southern and Korean cuisine. So her compromise was to get catering from MokBar... so good. The day was overflowing with love from friends and family. Family from overseas, family from down south. Everyone came to witness and celebrate with these two. My favorite parts were the little videos that their friends made that really highlighted the personalities of Alice and Hanfei... and it really showed how much they loved and cared for their friendships. I loved their families and their multicultural traditions and was able to capture all of that goodness. I love being a New York City wedding and engagement photographer!
