NYC Wedding Photography and Photojournalism

5 Beekman Fashion Shoot featured in Eco Beautiful Magazine

Thursday, December 15, 2011

I’m SUPER EXCITED to be featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings! They featured the 5 Beekman fashion shoot that was styled and planned by Merci NY. :)

I am so happy that I got to shoot in such an inspiring location. Thank you again to all the amazing, talented vendors I worked with on this shoot. For more photos and detailed styling information from Merci, take a look at my blog post from the day.

Vendor List
Production & Styling: The very talented Jacqueline Weppner
Stylist Assistant: Christine Opitz
Photographer: Shira Weinberger
Photographer’s Assistant: William Dunleavy
Model: Anelisa Durham
Hair: Michelle Lo Conte (Recommended to all my brides)
Make Up: Lauren Iavarone (Recommended to all my brides)
Flowers: Lori Meigel (Recommended to all my brides)
Prop Rental: Props for Today
Dresses: Pnina Tornai, Sarah Jassir, Douglas Hannant, Ivy & Aster, Matthew Williamson, Claire Pettibone

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December 16, 2011 - 7:59 am

Veronika - It’s awesome, the pictures look amazing, so happy for the feature!!!

1920s Style Wedding Dress Inspiration

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

I LOVE wedding gowns in the 1920s style.

It was the decade that fashion entered the modern era and art-deco became a popular style. Art Deco was a lavish and ornamental style; Attributed as a reaction to the austerity experienced during World War I. In fashion and art, it represented elegance, glamour, function and modernity. Art Deco featured linear symmetry and decoration, it embraced beauty and glamour – a departure from previous generations.

Here are a few of my favorite 1920s and Art Deco inspired dress designers. The delicate cap sleeves and intricate beading add romance and offset the long geometric lines of these beautiful and classic art deco gowns. They make beautiful use of a sleek aesthetic, symmetry, shapes and beautiful vintage decorations that result in some stunningly beautiful creations.

The 1920′s saw Prohibition and the rise of the “roaring 20′s ” ladies of fashion went from the high button tight collared show no leg fashions to daring scandalous women in short fringed and beaded “Flapper: dresses and “Bobbed ” hair dos. (via A Reflection on Brides of Fashion and their Bouquets… from Victorian to Today)

I hope you enjoy this video of vintage 1920s wedding photos:

Lexluxe

Website – Blog – Facebook – Twitter

Johanna Johnson Luxor Collection

Johanna Johnson Store – Facebook – Twitter

via Polkadotbride

Jenny Packham

Website – Twitter – Facebook

Yolan Chris

(This designer is based in Europe, but brides in North America can buy his dresses from Lelite)
Website – 2012 Collection – Facebook – Twitter

Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone, a bridal designer from Los Angeles, creates silhouettes inspired by fashions from Paris in the 1920’s. Her gowns are often formed from Victorian laces, and the idealized icon of feminine style from the era. Claire Pettibone also creates a stunning 1920’s inspired lingerie line, as seen on the bottom right.

Website – Blog – Facebook – Twitter

If you like this dress, you should enjoy watching the Claire Pettibone Spring 2011 Runway Show:

Sue Wong

Website – Facebook – Twitter

Net-a-Porter

Website – One Vintage 1920s Flapper Dress – Facebook – Twitter

Blue Velvet Vintage

Website

The Vintage Wedding Dress Company

Vintage Wedding Dress Company – Facebook
Renowned Stylist Charlie Brear has brought together her years of experience in fashion to create The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, showcasing to her customers a unique and enviable collection of wedding dresses and accessories.

Delphine Manivet

Website – Facebook

Antik Batik

After traveling the world for inspiration and settling in fashion capital Paris, Italian-born designer Gabriella Cortese started Antik Batik in 1992. With an eclectic mix of European and Indonesian influences, the label’s fabulously romantic designs combine colorful prints with eye-catching embellishments. Choose from beautifully beaded shoulder bags, tribal-print cocktail dresses and luxe coverups.

Antik Batik Website – Facebook

Buy from Net-a-Porter £162.50

1920s Style Flapper Dress from Jigsaw

Buy it from Jigsaw $287

At her wedding, Kate Moss wore a beautiful 20s-style vintage dress looks by John Galliano. She looks simply dazzling in the picture surrounded by sixteen bridesmaids and flower girls.

Photos by Mario Testino.

If you like the 1920s style, I recommend you have a look at another post, 1920s Style Wedding Dress Inspiration

If you really liked the vintage style, I recommend you have a look at these blogs. They are fantastic resources for brides looking for vintage wedding inspiration, and ideas for weddings with a vintage feel.

You can read more about bridal fashion throughout the years here:
http://smsdes.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/a-reflection-on-brides-of-fashion-and-their-bouquets-from-victorian-to-today/

http://www.weddingsbylilly.com/wedding-dresses/weddings-dresse-through-the-ages/

http://www.squidoo.com/weddingtraditions

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5 Beekman Fashion Shoot

Saturday, December 10, 2011

It is not often one gets to infuse fashion with not only beauty but history. The Temple Court at Beekman 5 is not only inspiring, but grand and theatrical, which is quite appropriate for a building constructed over the ruins of a theater where Hamlet was first performed in America in 1751. It was built by Eugene Kelly, the famed Irish American banker in 1881-83, and a quintessential American immigrant. His obituary proclaimed as its title that he “Started as a Clerk With $500 — Never Sought Political Preferment” – a remarkable sentiment in the age with the Occupy Wall Street protests so close by. The building’s magnificent design and architecture and pyramidal shape, foreshadowed modern skyscrapers and its unusual mix of styles of Renaisssance to Queen Anne and neoclassicism, spoke to the heart of a burgeoning city that took pride in amalgamation. An early guidebook to NY proclaimed that “drama, art, literature and finance have all thrived on this spot.” It was very exciting to continue in that tradition, especially during the brief period while its sits in stunning ruin and awaits a make-over as a new and splendid hotel.

This was my second shoot at what I imagined was my abandoned Palace ;). I had a fabulous engagement session there with Suzanne and James and just had to go back and unlock the heavy padlock that concealed its inner splendor. I called up Jacqueline Weppner of Merci New York, who arranged and styled the shoot. She did an unbelievable job, exactly as I expected. There were a few unexpected last minute complications- fitting a couch through the small entrance available as well as carrying it up nine flights with all the gowns and equipment when the elevator decided not to cooperate that day. But one doesn’t get the opportunity everyday to shoot under a vaulted glass atrium and against walls left ruined by time that sit as canvases more beautiful than artists could have painted them.

Styling inspiration for the Five Beekman Shoot by the amazingly talented Jackie of Merci NY

Jackie of Merci NY wrote a few words about her process styling the shoot:

When Shira asked Merci New York to partner with her on creating a fashion editorial, I clearly jumped at the chance. (I’ve always adored Shira’s work and we’ve been wanted to collaborate for quite some time). But when she told us that the shoot would take place at the legendary Five Beekman (an abandoned “palace” located in downtown Manhattan), well needles to say, I was thrilled. An amazing photographer paired with a perfect backdrop = a stylist’s dream come true.

As a stylist, I adored the Harper’s BAZAAR shoot with Iman at the legendary locale, and I was inspired to work up something equally luxe, but focused solely on fashion for the chic New York City bride. I was right off the tails of previewing the runways of Fall Bridal Market, and inspired to showcase some of the trends that would hit ateliers in 2012.

The most prevalent trend I saw at market was the embracement of color – much more so than seasons’ past. From blush to grey, blue to black, every designer experimented with ample amounts of color in their collections. I envisioned the juxtaposition of a soft pastel palette against the dilapidated backdrop of the Beekman, and could not wait to begin developing the wardrobe, accessory and beauty details for our finished looks.

I decided to move forward with two palettes for the editorial: A warm and a cool – both pastel, but each accented with warm (gold and copper) or cool (silver) metallic accents. Rather than pull gowns from the Fall runway shows, I opted for dresses that were available for immediate order for any bride. My rationale was that brides who saw our editorial might fall in love with the gowns – and I wanted to showcase pieces that they could immediately touch, feel and order at several of Manhattan’s top bridal ateliers.

My friends at Kleinfeld, Gabriella Bridal Salon and Lovely Bridal Shop were all instrumental in the gown selection process. The gowns I pulled from them were not only editorially fascinating against the backdrop, but also wearable for city brides. Within the pastel color palette, I pulled gowns for the classic, romantic, whimsical, vintage and edgy brides – and accessorized them with jewelry and hair pieces from Merci New York’s softly launched Style Shop on NewlyWish.

We had an amazing hair, makeup and floral team who helped take our model’s look to the next level. I was particularly excited to toy with gold leaf make-up for the warm pastel looks, and Lauren Iavarone of Expert Makeup Artistry Studio totally rocked the concept. Paired with gorgeous hair from Pink Comb Salon, and floral designs from AvaFlora, we truly could not have asked for a better team.

Of course, the grand dame of the entire photoshoot experience was Shira Weinberger, who trusted Merci to create an editorial concept, but captured the scene with such talent and exquisite attention to detail that it was pretty than we ever imagined. Styling is one thing, but when a photographer looks at a vignette, they bring an entirely different perspective – and consider a slew of different variables – than a stylist. Shira’s photography, the finished product, was beyond beautiful. I can say we made our model pretty, but Shira made the entire editorial absolutely breathtaking.

Vendor List
Production & Styling: The very talented Jacqueline Weppner
Stylist Assistant: Christine Opitz
Photographer: Shira Weinberger
Photographer’s Assistant: William Dunleavy
Model: Anelisa Durham
Hair: Michelle Lo Conte (Recommended to all my brides)
Make Up: Lauren Iavarone (Recommended to all my brides)
Flowers: Lori Meigel (Recommended to all my brides)
Prop Rental: Props for Today
Dresses: Pnina Tornai, Sarah Jassir, Douglas Hannant, Ivy & Aster, Matthew Williamson, Claire Pettibone

Styled Looks
1. Blue Gown: Sarah Jassir’s “Maryla” Spring 2011 Collection available at Gabriella New York ($3,995) with Madame Mathilde blue crystal Catherine Earrings ($75) and Preston & Olivia vintage feather and veiling fascinator ($90).
Gown available at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

2. White gown with blue painted accents: Douglas Hannant “Fil Coupe Porcelain Blue Mermaid Gown” available at Gabriella New York ($7,865), with Deco necklace ($450) and Deco baguette earrings ($345) from Madame Mathilde, paired with oversize organza flower and birdcage veil from Preston and Olivia ($215).
Gown available at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

3. Pink gown (version 1): Ivy & Aster duchess gown with the prima jacket worn as skirt, both available at Lovely Bridal Shop. Paired with the Calista sash from Untamed Petals ($185) and light pink organza flower hair clip from Preston & Olivia ($80).
Gown available at Lovely Bridal Shop.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

4. Pink gown (version 2): Ivy & Aster duchess gown, available at Lovely Bridal Shop. Paired with peach Sissa necklace ($325) and rhinestone tiara necklace ($285) from Madame Mathilde and the light pink organza flower hair clip from Preston & Olivia ($80).
Gown available at Lovely Bridal Shop.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

5. Gold long sleeve gown: Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld ($13,000), earrings are vintage and stylist’s own.
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

6. Gray embellished gown: Matthew Williamson available at Kleinfeld ($4,200), paired with the vintage art deco headband from Preston & Olivia ($42.50).
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

7. White lace gown on Beekman rooftop: Claire Pettibone. With the Aimee rhinestone clasp belt worn as headband ($155).
Gown available at Kleinfeld.
Accessories available at the Merci New York Style Shop on NewlyWish

Finally I had the time to put this together! Here is Behind the Scenes from the Bridal Shoot I photographed at this amazing abandoned building, 5 Beekman in NYC.

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Alison & Jamie | New York Wedding

Thursday, December 1, 2011

When I first met Ali and Jamie, I could sense immediately that they were a delightful and relaxed couple. Ali was referred to me by Kate and Michael, and I was so excited to see them again at the wedding. The summer months came quickly, and it was not too long ago that I was with Ali and Jamie on their engagement session. We were dashing about Central Park without paying the strictest attention to the park ordinances that can interfere with getting good shots ;)

It was no surprise that they picked the Mamaroneck Beach as their venue. Taking a day off and going to a Yacht Club adjoining LI Sound, is almost synonymous with enjoying life- whether to go boating, eat by the water, or just to enjoy each other’s company as the sun casts its soft colors upon the horizon and the cool breezes caress. It is a great pleasure when a wedding can feel like the simple extension of just a lovely day spent together. There was nothing over the top – only unadorned romance at its finest – with a couple equally at ease whether formally walking down the aisle to wed or merely walking barefoot down the boat docks.

As a photographer, I really feel the nuances of my couple’s love. I try not to see just a hug or a kiss, but to truly sense its strength or passion. Ali and Jamie are deeply in love, of course, and no doubt on many levels. However, in my quest to understand and capture some fundamental and inevitably unique elements of that connection, I was most drawn perhaps to two things. The first was the way Jamie makes Alison laugh. She crumbles at his every remark, and he is equally enlivened by her appreciation of his humor. The second is the absolutely adoring way that she gazes up, in his protective arms, in admiration, paired with his dream-like downward gaze and the knowledge he is cradling something worth protecting.

Ali kindly sent their story, in her own words, below:

The Story of Jamie & Ali

It was Jamie’s birthday and they happened to be attending the same Halloween party. He was dressed as Goose, from Top Gun, and she was a doctor in big baggy scrubs.
The story of their first interaction was a short one. Jamie was passing by and overheard Ali saying, “I win the award for the least sexy costume”. She laughed and smiled, they locked eyes, and then he kept on walking. But, that was all it took for them to become mesmerized with each other.
Ali didn’t know why, but she knew she had to go talk to Jamie. So she finished her conversation and headed out to the porch, where he ended up. She didn’t really know what to say, so she simple introduced herself. They ended up talking for a while and found out they had a lot in common. They both thought that there might be something special about this person.
Alas, Jamie was headed to one party and Ali was headed to another. Jamie tried hard to convince her to go with him, but to no avail. However, he did ask for her number so they could meet up later that night, which they did. They eventually left their respective parties to meet up and ended up dancing the night away.
That was the start of Jamie & Ali living and dancing happily ever after…

The Proposal

Jamie had thought of a few different ways to propose to Ali, but all those thoughts went right out the window when he received the ring. It was Friday, November 4th and Jamie was at a work event when he received an email from his apartment building alerting him that he had received a package. He knew it was the ring. He immediately texted Ali to say he was going to swing by and pick her up to go to his place. Only one problem, how was he going to get the package without Ali asking what it was? He tried to play it cool when they got to his apartment and said he was hungry and was going to run and get a sandwich, but Ali said she’d go for the walk with him. Jamie was frustrated, but knew he couldn’t tell her no. After sandwiches, they went back upstairs and he tried another idea, he told her he needed cold pills (even though he didn’t) and that he was going to run down to CVS. Ali started to offer to go, but he told her to just sit back and relax, he’d be back in a minute. Ali agreed and didn’t think much of it. Jamie went downstairs, retrieved the package, and realized he couldn’t wait to propose and that he was going to ask that night. How? He wasn’t quite sure, but it was going to happen. Jamie’s roommate came home shortly after he decided he was going to propose and brought a bunch of friends with him. Again, Jamie was frustrated because loud music and a bunch of people in the apartment didn’t make for a romantic proposal. So he impatiently waited. Finally, Ali and Jamie crawled into bed and were having their nightly chat. Ali happened to put her left hand on his chest as they were talking. Jamie out of the blue asked Ali “Do you still want to keep me forever?” Ali simply replied “Yes, why?” At that point Jamie slowly slid the ring onto her finger and asked “Will you marry me?” Ali screamed “Really?! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Our love

We complete each other in every sense. We keep our love strong with honesty and openness and also by laughing, dancing, and smiling. We are feisty with each other and make most things into a competition. We are always ourselves and no matter how silly we get we laugh. We find a way to love and laugh every day. We are looking forward to our wedding with so much excitement and happiness. We can’t wait to celebrate our big day with our family and friends. Most of all we can’t wait to start our new journey together hand in hand as husband and wife.

I was so happy to receive an appreciative email from Alison after she watched the slideshow that I sent her. Her kind words really made me happy and made all the hard work worth it. :)

“Hi Shira, Thank you so much for being a part of our day capturing every moment. We just got back from our honeymoon and the slideshow was the best present to come home to! You are an amazing photographer and really captured every moment. I can’t wait to see all the photos, the slideshow is an amazing preview. xoxo, Ali”

Vendor List-
Venue: Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club
Florist: Laila’s Flowers
Band: 74 Events
Invitations: Christina D’Asaro Design
Cake: DiMare Pastry
Hair: Kristan Serafino
Make-Up: Robbie Minjarez from Bobby Brown
Dress: Anne Barge
Shoes: Jean-Michel Enzabat