New York City pedestrians passing Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on July 16, 2011, stopped dead in their tracks as Josette rolled up in her stark-white, Classic Packard 180. The driver stepped out to roll out the red carpet and all eyes were fixated on Josette, looking absolutely breathtaking in her Casablanca 1985 wedding gown.

True story… this past Saturday Josette and James had their very own “Royal Wedding” New-York-City-style, and one of the most lavish events that I will probably be privileged to shoot this year. The reception was at the prestigious Roosevelt Hotel, and the details were as classy and beautiful as our gorgeous young couple.

Josette got ready in her NYC apartment building. Upon arriving, I immediately made the most of all the antique-ish collectables I found lying around.

Meet Josette… Meet Josette’s fabulous long, dark hair.

Enter James, even arriving at the hotel in his casual white T-Shirt to get ready, the man is just downright sexy. As usual, my husband did an amazing job second shooting this wedding with me and these next few photos are his, as well as a few others on the blog!

Arrive at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral; the only place where it’s completely normal to show up and take pictures of weddings of people you don’t even know. Yep, that’s how cool it is.

Bride and Groom/Bridal Party photos were originally scheduled to take place at Grand Central Station, but due to an impossibly short time-slot for photos, the couple made a last-minute decision to switch the location to the slightly-closer Rockefeller Center. It being a Saturday afternoon, Rockefeller Center was extremely crowded, but New Yorkers must have been feeling unusually courteous that day because when they saw us setting up shots, most moved without even having to be asked. Shock and Awe!

After Rockefeller Center we squeezed in a couple of quick shots by the Packard, which turned out to be some of my favorites of the day!

The reception hall at the Roosevelt Hotel looked extremely classy with high centerpieces and just little splashes of Royal blue throughout.

The spotlight was on Josette and James as they held each other through an emotional first dance.

Barefoot and fading, Josette still allowed me pull her away during the reception for some shots of her and James on the rooftop of the hotel. Looking at how the pictures came out, I’m going to guess that she’s really glad she did!

Upon our return, the father/daughter, mother/son dances ensued, followed by lots and lots of dancing!

To Josette & James: I can’t believe your day has come and gone… I can honestly say I think I have looked forward to it almost as much as you have, and I’m actually sad that it’s over! From day one it has been a pleasure getting to know you both, and we’ve been so lucky to have our working relationship develop into more than that. I consider you both friends, and wish you both all the best in life and marriage!

Second Shooter: Sean Brimhall
Hair: Noelle Nicolaou
Makeup: Kerry-Lou Brehm
Ceremony Site: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Reception Venue: The Roosevelt Hotel
Dress: Casablanca 1985
New York City Engagement Session
DJ: Platinum Entertainment
Florist: Langdon Florist
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock, New York NY
Transportation: Silver Star Limo