NYC Engagement Session: Amanda + Grady

It was an August evening in the Hamptons and they were hanging out with mutual friends.  And once introduced, their conversation flowed late into the evening and again the next day.  Their connection was instant, and Grady asked if he could take Amanda out for a date once they were back in the city.  But Amanda didn't expect to hear from him so soon - he called her up the day after they returned and asked her out for that evening.  Without hesitation she accepted.  He told her he was headed out for a run first, and she said she was going to do the same, but instead she ran out for a manicure.  She wanted to look her best for this handsome gentleman she had already fallen for.

In a whirlwind romance, they had already met each other's parents within 5 months of meeting each other.  And though they quickly fell for each other, they dated for about two and a half years before getting engaged.  Grady chose the perfect spot in Gramercy Park.  They had always talked about staying in a nice hotel in the city, and Gramercy Park Hotel was near where Amanda used to live, so the area was already special to her.  Grady found the perfect bench in this private park to propose, and turning to her he said, "I have something important I want to ask you."  Amanda was in tears before he could even pop the question.

And so we started Amanda and Grady's engagement session in Gramercy Park.  At the very bench where Grady proposed.  The park was quiet and beautiful, and the light was divine...

About half way through our session, we stopped by Amanda and Grady's beautiful apartment building and took more photos in their courtyard before they changed into something a little more casual...

In true New York style, Amanda hails us a cab to head down to Tribeca.  These two look like they belong in a movie!

And we ended our session down at the Piers, with beautiful light and an amazing skyline...

Amanda and Grady, I had SUCH and amazing time with you both in NYC!!  Thank you for having me there to document your love for each other in the place you call home (and for the delicious dinner at the end of our evening)!  SO excited for your wedding in September!!  xo...


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Strong Mansion Wedding: Amanda + Dave

They were HOT.  And I'm not just talking about Amanda and Dave and their chemistry together.  I'm talking about everyone.  Bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, children, guests....  The heat and humidity that has been suppressing Virginia was joined by a derecho (go ahead, look it up - I had to!) that came through Friday night and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the area, including the wedding venue.  Wait, what?!  Yes, the venue had no power, and the temperature was to reach near 100 that day, with high humidity, and somehow food also needed to be served.  But Amanda didn't put all her effort into planning and also design all her wedding florals to not have the show go on.  (Yes, she created all her own bouquets and arrangements - but more about that later!)  From her demeanor at the (thankfully air-conditioned) hotel, she didn't give away signs of stress at the current situation.  She was to marry her high school prom date, and nothing else mattered.

With 3 generators brought in to run the kitchen and power the tent lighting at Strong Mansion, the evening couldn't have been more beautiful and magical.  Somehow the weather felt a little cooler and the humidity felt a little lower, and Amanda and Dave and all of their guests celebrated with smiles and laughter all evening long.

This bouquet?  Yes, Amanda made it!  When she told me she created all the flowers for her wedding day (including the table arrangements), I was expecting, well...smaller.  Not these amazingly full and incredible pieces of art.  Amanda designs and creates wedding florals as a side job, and she decided she would make all of her own for her own wedding.  When she told me she hadn't been sleeping much the few days prior to her big day, I finally understood why!  How incredible is this bouquet?!

The look in Dave's eyes are that of a man truly in love...

(Yes, Amanda created this centerpiece for the escort card table too!)

The grounds of Strong Mansion made for some amazing portraits...

Amanda and Dave, you belong on the cover of a magazine!

Ohhh, you two....!

Amanda and Dave, thank you so much for having me share in your incredible day - I couldn't have spent it with a more amazing couple than you!  xo...

2nd Photographer: Maria Vicencio
Venue: Strong Mansion
Hair: Katie Dunn
Makeup: Lorie Ulloa
Florals: Amanda!!
Cake: Yia Yia's Bakery
Caterer: Better Events Catering
DJ: Maynard Edwards
Lighting: Perkins Productions


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