There is so much to say about this day. This couple. This friendship. So much that it makes me tear up a bit just thinking about it.
I've been noticing a pattern in my own life and in the love stories I've been hearing lately. A simple fact about us as humans, that has so much importance. And it is this. Your life is based on choices. And with every choice you make, the course of your future changes. If you really think about it, that is a heavy statement! In that moment, you may not be able to see the impact of your choices, but down the road you will. And in turn, be so incredibly grateful for some of the choices you made.
For me, one of those choices was when I was 19 years old. When I decided to get on a plane to Greece and study abroad with complete strangers. I didn't go with a friend and I didn't know anyone that would be there. I knew this experience would probably be fun and I'd learn a lot... but what I didn't know when I made this choice, was that it would bring me 6 lifelong friendships and an unbreakable bond between us. I never imagined this simple choice I made would send me all across the country, documenting my friends weddings over the years! If I had listened to the fear inside of me that said don't go, and chosen a different path, I would have never met these 6 amazing people. I truly cant imagine that. My future would have looked so different and way less awesome without them, that's for sure ; )
The first time I met Ali was our first day in Athens, Greece. I was pretty shy and I remember being a little intimidated by her outgoing and funny personality. But she was so welcoming and warm to everyone, that it helped me relax and become excited for what was to come in the next month. Little did I know in that moment, and even in that month, that I would one day document Ali's wedding in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York.
I hadn't had the chance to meet Justin until the wedding day. But as soon as I met him and watched him goof off with his friends that morning as he got ready, I knew right away that Ali and Justin were the perfect match. And then, to see them together right after their first look on the rooftop balcony, it became so clear how much love they have for each other. Their silly nature made my job easy and I couldn't have asked for a better pair to photograph over the NYC skyline that day.
If you have been following my posts on social media, then you know how obsessed I was over all the details from this day. The dress, the shoes, the Rolls Royce, Justin's electric blue suit, the venue, the view, the sunset!! I could go on and on. But one thing I didn't mention was the FOOD! Can I just say, I have never been fed so well in my entire life! Drew can also vouch for this. But when the groom is an amazing chef and together Ali and Justin are absolute foodies, you can expect nothing less!
So here I go...Cocktail hour was a full course meal in itself! I think there were 20 different appetizers being passed around and every single one was TO. DIE. FOR. I didn't even know what some of the food was, but I just trusted it was going to taste amazing, and it did! Side note: This is a photographers dream, wait let me rephrase, this is a pregnant photographers dream... normally I don't eat anything during cocktail hour, and sometimes not even during the reception so I was in absolute heaven! Not to mention, along with the passed hors d'oeuvre's there was a cheeseburger slider, french fry, and shrimp sandwich station set up... I mean. I just don't even know what else to say...
Oh yes I do! Because we then sat down to what felt like a 10 course meal of the most delicious food and desserts. I haven't even mentioned the creme brulee, lava cake, or DONUT BAR. You would think that would be it right? Nope. On top of it all, when the clock struck midnight, what else but a lobster food truck pulls up outside the door! Yes, lobster rolls at midnight. AMEN.
Ali and Justin, I love you guys so much and am SO incredibly honored that I was able to document this day for you. What a celebration it was! So looking forward to being reunited again with my Greece family soon, all the love!
