Hudson Loft wedding

We knew we were in for something special with this day since we had seen Alexis and Danny's energy and passion for each other at her sister Taylor's wedding, but they surpassed even our high expectations. As soon as Alexis wrote to us, we did a little happy dance to be able to spend time with her family again … and now we got to meet Danny's fantastic family including his daughters. There is a special place in our hearts for weddings where the bride, groom, or both have children because it makes so clear what weddings are: the forging of a new family.

It doesn't hurt that Alexis and Danny both hit you in the face with their charisma, too. These are people ready to smile, laugh, and dance at any moment. They had an entirely new emotional spin on a first look. There was such a huge pent-up release of energy when they saw each other, and a culmination of countless in-jokes during their planning process, that they burst into uproarious, can't-catch-your-breath laughter.

This was matched only by the tears from Danny's daughters eager to make Alexis their step-mom, heartfelt testimonials in private moments before the ceremony, and exuberance from family and friends ready to party.

It gave us joy to document this story, and more joy to re-live it through the photos, and we hope it does the same for you.

Planner: Kerry Gittle at Awe by Kerry
Hair: Olivia Halpin Hair
Makeup: Elizabeth Lerman
Chuppah: Your Chuppah NY
Officiant: Weddings by Bettina
Caterers: On the Marc Events
DJ: DJ Vik Events
Videographers: Intrigue Wedding Films

The Roundhouse Beacon Falls wedding

We try always to go above and beyond the expectations clients have of us, sometimes to the edge of fanaticism. On December 26, 2016, we had the joy of finding out Tatiana was pregnant. Soon, we realized two fundamental truths at the exact same time: One, Tatiana would be 38 weeks pregnant at Lee and Chris's wedding. Two, The Roundhouse is beautiful and in pastoral Beacon, NY … and two hours away from Brooklyn. The first wasn't a problem … again, Tatiana is fanatical and would have done a great job swollen feet and all. But the second? We didn't even want to risk causing a scene at a wedding, particularly one that would also distract me like T going into labor far from home.

So we needed a replacement. And it had so be a great photographer. Or even better … two great photographers, and we would look anywhere for them. So Ryan was joined by Anna Nguyen of Zee Anna Photography from Fort Myers, FL, who we call the bride whisperer because she is so good at posing them and making them feel comfortable, and Ben Chrisman of Chrisman Studios in Charleston, SC. When it comes to Ben? Well if you don't know, now you know.

And I was glad that they were able to join be for a wedding that was filled with energy, humor, and affection. The friendship between Lee and Chris and their wedding party was palpable, as was their sheer enjoyment of the day. And anyone willing to get down on a bar floor before their ceremony is all right in my book (luckily the Roundhouse is very clean).

Lee's favorite moment was the first look. "The quiet moment that Chris and I got to share before the craziness of the day was really special. I was so excited, and Chris was so emotional and it was just perfect." But it was also a wedding defined by their love of family. The wedding was officiated by Lee's brother, and they kept their family's enjoyment at the forefront. "We wanted to make sure that it was a true celebration," Lee said, "We both love to dance! The Hora was sheer chaos, but what I loved was watching all of family join hands, dance, and celebrate our union."

And what a celebration it was…

Vendors:
Florist: Forever In Bloom
Band: 45 Riots
Hair: Amy Sardinsky at Beauty and Beyond Salon
Makeup: Dana Bosco Beauty
Dress designer: Limor Rosen
Videographer: Seth David Cohen