I've said this a bunch but I'll say it again! One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to reconnect with friends from high school and people I haven't seen in ages! Although I see Anna and Zach out and about all the time, its also exciting to see their wedding guests too. Having mutual friends with your bride and groom is always so much fun because you get to photograph people you know and it makes editing the late night dancing photos that much more entertaining!
So this day was filled with many familiar faces and Anna and Zach were in great spirits despite the hurricane that showed up uninvited to their big day.. Thankfully these two chose to embrace the storm and said their “I do’s” in one of the most beautiful venues around. The Atlantic Hotel was the perfect setting for this Victorian themed wedding and even though the storm caused a handful of last minute changes, this day was absolutely breathtaking and I have never seen the Hotel look so perfect. It was dripping in crystal beads and everywhere you looked was another beautiful flower creation by Encore Events.
Anna got dressed in the Anna Suite (how fitting!) and had the sweetest first look with Zach on the second floor of the hotel in my favorite room. This little room has the perfect victorian feel. I love the floral wallpaper and it never fails to give me the most beautiful light through the balcony doors. One of the best little moments of this day was watching Zach admire his bride. I just love a groom who isn’t afraid to share his feelings. I think I heard him 10 different times that day, telling Anna and others how incredibly beautiful she was.
Although I have shot a bunch of weddings at the Atlantic Hotel, this was my first Jewish wedding! I have never attended nor documented one before, so I was really excited to be a part of this day. Before the traditional ceremony, Anna and Zach had a very private and intimate ceremony, or as they call it, the signing of the contract. This took place in the Anna Suite and then directly after we headed downstairs where all their guests were waiting in the ballroom. Anna and Zach then said their personal vows, exchanged rings in front of all their family and friends, and Zach smashed the glass that was then followed by one big "Mazel Tov!" (Also, you know you have an awesome bride when her last promise in her vows is “to always stay weird.”)
Once the ceremony was over, the party started and never stopped. I think hurricane weather makes people even more fun and wild at weddings than usual! I loved the acoustic duo that Anna and Zach had playing for their reception. I never thought the Whip and Nae Nae would sound so awesome on acoustic guitar... but it did, and it was perfect! Overall this night was one big celebration and I think it's safe to say that the best part of the night was when Grandma went flying into the air for their Hora dance... Im pretty sure this traditional Jewish chair dance needs to be a part of ALL weddings!
Anna and Zach, it was obvious that no amount of rain or wind was going to make your wedding any less perfect. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of it!
