Thursday, January 5, 2012

BRIDAL PORTRAITS + NYC ROOFTOP + FRIENDSHIP


I never realized bridal portraits were more of a southern thing...until I moved up north.  In New York and New Jersey, it seems more and more brides are opting to forgo this pre-wedding tradition.  Originally a southern girl myself, I can't help but think the idea of bridal portraits is simply beautiful.  What girl doesn't want to put on one of the most stunning dresses she will ever own and get glammed up for a photo shoot at the location of her choice?  Think of the possibilities!  Pictures of you in your dress walking beside a brilliant blue ocean, in an open field with mountains all around, or on a rooftop in New York City.  Whatever you decide, your bridal portraits are a chance for you to be photographed in a place that truly reflects who you are, looking absolutely beautiful.

When I was looking through my portfolio this fall, I couldn't help but yearn for a few bridal portraits to add to my collection.  My second shooter (and good friend) Mekina suggested putting together a stylized shoot.  I quickly agreed that it was a fabulous idea!  Now all we needed was a bride and an amazing location.  Hmmmmm.....  I looked up at Mekina with hope in my eyes and a big smile.  I didn't even have to ask before she graciously agreed to be my bride.  What an incredible friend right?!  It didn't stop there.  Mekina called our friend Kelsey and asked if she would like to participate in our shoot.  We are almost exactly the same size and I was sure she would fit into my wedding gown!  Much to my delight she agreed and the next morning we climbed up the eight flights of stairs to Mekina's rooftop for the stylized bridal shoot I had been longing for.  

We started out the bridal shoot at 5:30am.  The light was GORGEOUS!!  
Kelsey looked absolutely stunning in a cream colored Amsale ball gown and a totally unique (and totally her) handmade hairpiece.   

Mekina's smile is contagious. It is impossible to be anything but happy around her. 
This girl has the entire city at her feet.
Kelsey is the type of girl that is totally confident being herself. 

I am SO in love with this one.  

Mekina is so...well AMAZING!  She put together this entire look in one night.  Hair...make-up...dress...EVERYTHING!  Who knew a tiny no name boutique would hold such a stunning gown?
Youthful and full of hope.

Mekina walks into a room and instantly lights it up with her smile.
I couldn't resist snapping a few shots of my two beautiful friends together.  


"The gift of friendship among women is a treasure not to be taken lightly.  Women friends become the face of God to one another - the face of grace, of delight, of mercy." -Stasi Eldredge.  I was so encouraged by the fact that Mekina and Kelsey were willing to invest their time to help me grow as a photographer.  I was even more amazed at their willingness to get up so early in the morning!  You can only imagine what time their alarms went off...it takes a special kind of friend to sacrifice their beauty sleep for lil ole me!

3 comments:

  1. I love these! They are all so beautiful (and you have beautiful subjects to photograph)!!!

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  2. A plus post...you have beautiful friends!

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  3. Hmm. I wouldn’t blame these lovely women for having a photo shoot on the rooftops. I think if you are aiming for a dramatic and striking photo, roofs are just the ideal place. The sky is always a fine background, and the city skyline can definitely make these women feel and look like they’re on top of the world.

    Rolf Matchen

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