Every once in a while, the planets align themselves and the right people meet at the right time.  I’d like to think this happens for everyone all of the time, but let’s face it…finding true love is hard and finding the right person for you… even harder.  Sometimes finding the perfect match can happen, but before you are ready for it.  And then somehow, magically, it all falls into place.  This is what happened for Amanda and Joey.  Take some time to see their wedding story unfold in these images.

Amanda is a natural beauty, and she has this zest for life that should be contagious!  The people responsible for Amanda’s looks are her parents, grandparents in heaven, and we have to give a big shout out to the awesome Jill and crew of JKFlashy who helped to make her extra gorgeous on this day.  Our bride happens to love butterflies, so check out how she incorporated that as a personal touch on her MOH’s bouquet.  Cool side note: In the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss.  How perfect is that?!

Joey and Amanda met at his family’s summer restaurant. She was a waitress at the restaurant and Joey would always come by to help out in the kitchen. Her eyes lit up each and every time she saw his car pull into the parking lot.  They flirted a lot, and Joey’s stepmother always insisted that they go out, but both denied any attraction to one another – never going out or exchanging numbers.  The summer job ended and that was how things ended too.  It’s funny how timing is everything.

Two years later, Joey sent Amanda an email. They planned their first date at Carmine’s in NYC and immediately Amanda knew he was THE ONE!  It wasn’t until their August 2008 vacation to the Cayman Islands that Joey proposed while they were snorkeling under that amazingly blue water!!  But on this day, their wedding day, they stood under the blue sky as husband and wife.

Throughout the day, we try to spend some time with the families and give our brides and grooms some time to breathe.  (Enter champagne and other frosty bevs.)  After the emotional and exciting start of the day, we find a moment later on when the parents get to pause and reflect a bit.  During this time they are usually beaming, full of pride, and ready for the party to get started.  Pictured are a few examples of that.  Now on to the crazy, fun and fabulous bridal party – that never stopped!

You are probably wondering where all of these incredible portraits were taken. They were done at the utterly beautiful Untermyer Park in Yonkers, NY (permit required).  We absolutely love it when our clients schedule enough time in for photos so they are guaranteed to get plenty of creative shots and also so they don’t have to rush!  We had 2 hours of photography bliss in this gorgeous park to get these.

Welcome to the reception of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Oddo, that was held at the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor!  Let’s just begin by telling you what a fantastic job the staff and Vinny did over there.  You can tell that a vendor is good, not by just presentation or quality of food, or how they treat a couple and their families out in the open.  But instead, by how they treat their staff and the vendors that they work with (behind closed doors).  Everyone is treated with respect, and they go above and beyond for their clients!  Loved the professionalism we received, and it is always so refreshing to meet vendors who exceed your expectations.  Plus, they do have a super-fabulous dessert ending to the evening that only Willy Wonka himself could rival.  It was out of this world!!

Our wonderful bride and groom pulled out all of the stops for their guests, and part of the night’s festivities was this special presentation by the Police Emerald Society of Westchester, NY’s Pipes and Drums Band.  We were floored by their performance, it was incredible!!  Everyone was on their feet and it was not just a quick number, they really rocked and gave their hearts and souls in this performance.  They formed a circle around our bride and groom and the crowd and families just loved it!!!

Dancing the night away is one of our favorite past times.  We are so psyched when the guests are on their feet and shaking their thang’ all night long!  It makes our job even better as it provides the greatest laughs and candid photos along the way.  Kuddos to DJ Paul of Big Apple Entertainment for the non-stop dance floor action!

Amanda and Joey, we thank you for welcoming us into your family and for sharing the love!  You two are wonderful, and we are so lucky to have met you and to have shared this day and our photography with you.  We will be thrilled to hear the news of little bambinos in the future, and please keep in touch through all of your life events.  Wishing you many blessings for your families and lives ahead. xoxo