Two years ago I was privileged to be booked by the amazing Rebecca & Jon to shoot their upstate NY wedding. We quickly became friends and their wedding was one of my favorites of that season. The most incredible part of their day was how tight knit their large wedding felt. It was like everyone had been a big family forever and they included me right along. On top of that, Rebecca, Jon, & their friends are fantastically talented in all things music & rhythm (Those dance moves tho)! They were all part of an A Cappella group at Yale and still sing together to this day.
Fast forward to last year when I got an email from Danielle asking me to shoot her wedding in New York City. She and her fiancé had been part of that same A Cappella group and Zack had been a groomsman in their wedding as well. I was immediately beyond excited to capture their big day. After experiencing this incredible group of people once I couldn’t wait to do it again! FINALLY September rolled around and I was able to add Manhattan to my list of destinations for my 2014 wedding season. I walked into the gorgeous Yale Club of New York City and was greeting with a giant grin and a hug by Danielle, immediately back in the family!
Remember that feeling I talked about in the first paragraph? You know, the one where you have TONS of people at your wedding and yet they all somehow feel like one giant family? Yup, it happened again my friends and its no coincidence or fluke. This beautiful combination of people are just that wonderful and loving and it radiates to EVERYONE. So it will come as no surprise that Danielle & Zack’s wedding was just breathtaking. From the exceptional venue & band to the heart felt moments that just kept happening. When I say it was an honor to be the one to capture it all, I mean I am humbled and grateful to have found a group this unique and loving to photograph and I pray this isn’t the last wedding that I get to experience with them (please excuse the tear stained blog). Thank you, thank you, thank you to Danielle & Zack! You’re incredible!
XOXOXO,
Mabyn
Danielle’s Oscar de la Renta gown was just breathtaking. We lost a true visionary when he passed. Thanks to Amy Semple for this shot.
Danielle’s smile & laugh is contagious. Neither of us could stop!
Zack’s reaction is one of my favorites of this year. He was so excited to marry Danielle!
Zack stopped traffic for his bride! He’s a keeper! 😉
One of my favorite shots of this wedding season
The Yale Club is just incredible!
It’s official, they’re married!
I had to get that NYC skyline!
Can you tell why I love them all so very much?
Danielle & Zack each took turns serenading each other and their guests! What a fantastic idea!
Zack’s should be a rock star!
Again a serenade, but this time by the whole crew! I will never get tired of listening to them sing!
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding:
We basically always knew it was going to be the Yale Club — we knew they did weddings and it was one-stop shopping!
– What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?
Zack: Might sound corny, but without a doubt it was the minute Danielle emerged to begin her walk down the aisle.
Danielle: Probably when Zack jumped on the piano.
– Funniest memory from your wedding day?
While officiating our wedding, Jon Bittner mentioned something about getting to the “official bit” — and we told him, in unison, in front of everyone, that HE was the Official Bitt.
– If you had to do it all over again would you change anything?
No!
– Any advice for future bride & grooms?
Planning a wedding can be really stressful in ways that you can’t possibly anticipate, particularly if you’re like most people and have a crazy family. But when the day itself arrives, even the most difficult situations tend to melt away when everyone realizes it’s time to celebrate. And there’s really nothing better than having all your closest friends and family members there, in one place, watching you make an official commitment to your favorite person in the world.
– What was your biggest fear before hiring me? Did it come true, and if not, what happened instead?
Seriously, Mabyn was the least of our worries on our wedding day — more concerned about family drama that never happened, fortunately! — and simply not having to be concerned about the photographer was one of the best parts of having Mabyn there.
– What, specifically, was your favorite part of working with Mabyn Ludke Photography and why?
Mabyn is part of the family! Just like having another good friend around, who happens to be taking incredibly stunning photos.
– If you were to recommend Mabyn Ludke Photography to your best friend, what would you say?
“She was great at your wedding — so glad Rebecca & Jon recommended her for ours!”
Hair/Makeup Artist: Gloss and Glam // Dress Designer & Store Location: Oscar de la Renta, Marina Morrison Bridal in San Francisco // Jewelry: Gorjana // Veil or Hair accessories: I’m sorry, I don’t remember! // Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (heels), Matt Bernson (flats) // Grooms Attire: Tuxedo (Bill Blass) // Ceremony Venue: Yale Club // Reception Venue: Yale Club // Additional photo venue: Grand Central Station // Florist: Christina Cerciello // Transportation: Mass transit! // DJ/Band: Bud Maltin Band // Caterer: Yale Club // Cake: Yale Club // Event Designer/Wedding Coordinator: Christy McGill // Lighting: Yale Club // Invitations & Stationery: Paperless Post, Minted
