Coney Island, the famous peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn, still evokes all the fun charm and nostalgic innocence of its heyday inc. candied apples, boardwalks, and Nathan’s hot dogs. The new Luna Park, which opened in May 2010, still boats its two most famous staples – the Wonder Wheel, a ferris wheel that has been swinging its cars since 1920 and the historic roller-coaster, the Cyclone. Of course, carefree amusement parks have always been the perfect backdrop for first dates and romance, so I was really excited to shoot Katie and Dans’ engagement photos there.
We drove out of the city together and it was great spending time with them, getting to know them, and sharing popcorn. Dan’s father is an Israeli and his mom lived in Israel for awhile as well. His father’s friends, by coincidence, are a family in Israel I know and I can’t wait for the wedding to meet everyone and speak some Hebrew.
When we arrived, it was a bit frustrating because Will Smith was unexpectedly in Coney Island shooting a scene from Men In Black 3, and the park was closed because of the filming. It complicated a bit where we could shoot, but we worked around him and the smorgasbord of aliens. We made use of all the attractions around the park and when the film was done, we begged the guards to let us sneak in for a few moments. It was cool to see the special antique cars that they brought to the shoot. Also,by chance, there was a guy on the boardwalk rail singing the first song that will be sung at Katie and Dan’s wedding. It was extremely romantic to listen to it and see Katie’s excitement.
As Katie relates about how they met: “Dan and I met when we were eight years old taking tennis lessons together, but Dan was more focused on winning matches than on me back then. In high school we became close friends and in our junior year, while both on vacation with our
families at the same hotel in Puerto Rico, he kissed me on the golf course overlooking the ocean. Two proms and three and a half years later, Dan graduated early from University of Michigan, moved into my studio dorm room at Barnard, and we’ve been inseparable since. This past November he proposed at the top of the Empire State building with the lights of the whole city surrounding us, and it was absolutely perfect.”
Kate and Dan are getting married at Capitale in October. Here is a sneak peak of the happy couple, forever captured in the beautiful spring before they exchange vows in the fall.
by admin