Now that we’re drawing ever so close to the end of 2012 and my inevitable move to NC, I find myself reflecting on the past year more and more. I am still in awe of how utterly amazing it was. The places I got to go, the people I was lucky enough to meet, and the memories I was honored to capture were all so special. October was especially poignant because for 2 weeks I traveled, shot, traveled, and shot and I’m still wondering how I even survived! Yet, while I was in it, I was having the time of my life!!
The same day that I shot the Rock the Dress shoot with Amanda and Art, I flew into NYC. After a delayed flight and some cabby negotiations, I made it to Long Island right around 12am Saturday morning. I then woke up a few hours later to shoot Michelle and Scott’s Love Story. Now you may think that I would be exhausted, but to be honest it was quite the opposite. I was WIRED that day and so so so so excited to see Michelle and Scott again! If you haven’t read their Proposal Story then you need to make sure to ready Michelle’s comments below!! It was special, Scott did VERY well! 🙂
The day went as smooth as silk too, the weather held up, we had plenty of time for gorgeous pictures of Michelle and Scott, and all of their family formals were done prior to the ceremony. I lam in love with Jewish weddings! Especially how the family surrounds the bride and groom whilst they sign the Ketubah! There’s something so powerful about that symbolism. Not only were Michelle and Scott making a commitment to love one another forever, but they had their families there with them. Their candle lit ceremony and their decadent reception to follow were simply out of a fairytale! I felt like I was at Cinderella’s ball! Everywhere you turned people were smiling and laughing! Oh and speaking of smiles, Michelle’s was the biggest and most beautiful of them all! When you look up “Glowing Bride ” on Wikipedia there should be a picture of Michelle and her stunning smile! It was literally there ALL DAY and after reliving their wedding day again whilst I edited, I don’t blame her! 😉
Thank you so much Michelle and Scott for trusting me with all of the craziness to still capture your day! It speaks volumes to me and I truly love and cherish you both!
xoxoxoxo,
Mabyn
Photo by Amy Semple
Photo by Tim Hunt
How did your fiance propose? Scott and I met our Freshman year at Syracuse University and have been together ever since. After graduation, we both moved home and I went to work in Manhattan and Scott started law school in Long Island. Once he was done with his first year of law school in May, he surprised me with a weekend trip up to Syracuse. Our first stop on the trip was to the SU campus where we walked around and took pictures at our favorite spots in the quad. His parents called us and said that as a belated graduation present, they got us an engraved brick in the Orange Grove. When we went around to look for it, I found a brick that said “Scott and Michelle. Engaged May 27th 2011. Let’s Go Orange!” When I turned around, Scott was on one knee with the ring and I said yes, (actually I said “obviously!!!”) After that, we spent the weekend doing all of the things that we loved during our time in college. But Scott had one more trick up his sleeve. He wanted to surprise me by getting a photographer to take pictures around campus and at my favorite place in the world, Skaneateles. He searched the web and found the wonderful Mabyn Ludke. Obviously, we fell in love and had to have her shoot our wedding too!
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding (how did you pick the venue, colors, funny stories, etc..):
Let’s just say that I have been planning my wedding long before I even met Scott (probably since around 5 years old). So once we were engaged and I could plan my actual wedding, I had a lot of fun. I stayed organized with my wedding binder (that, although I was made fun of by Scott and my family, was SO helpful) and reading blogs like Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart Weddings. Our vendors mainly included people we had used in the past that we knew and trusted which made the planning process much easier. Yes, wedding planning is stressful, but I loved doing it!
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?
The most memorable moment was our ceremony. Scott and I recited our own vows, and being so open in front of the people we love the most, with the flickering candles and flowers, it was like we were in a dream. I don’t know how I didn’t cry but I definitely heard my dad crying during the ceremony.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
It wasn’t so funny at the time, but probably when Scott killed a spider on my dress while we were taking pictures on the golf course and it stained my dress. I would have normally freaked out, but after a minute, I was like, “oh well, let’s party!”
If you had to do it all over again would you change anything?
Scott and I are so happy with everything! At the end of the day, you can scrutinize every detail, but what’s the point? We were married which is the most important part 🙂
Any advice for future bride & grooms?
Plan as much as you want before the wedding, but once your wedding comes, enjoy it! We made sure that we had the best time, ate our food, and danced the night away! Also, get all of your posed family pictures done before the reception. We started early in the day, but it was so worth it! Scott and I and our families were able to totally relax and enjoy our cocktail hour and reception without getting pulled out for pictures.
What was your favorite part about working with Mabyn Ludke Photography?
Her positive calming energy, her creativity and her passion for photography. She is just a joy to work with! I hope we can get her to some more weddings in the NY Metro area so she can visit 🙂 Also, Amy and Tim were awesome!
Hair: Christi Rizos//Makeup Artist: Fern Farley//Dress Designer & Store Location: Christos from Amsale Flagship store on Madison Ave.//Jewelry: Was my “something borrowed” from my grandma and mom//Veil or Hair accessories: Christos//Shoes: Bridal by Butter//Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo//Grooms Attire: Burberry from Bloomingdales//Ceremony Venue: Fresh Meadow Country Club//Reception Venue: Fresh Meadow Country Club//Florist: Atlas Floral//DJ: Vincent James Band//Caterer: Fresh Meadow Country Club//Cake: Canelle Patisserie (Amazing bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens!)//Lighting: Fresh Meadow Country Club//Invitations & Stationary: William Arthur
