I first met Josette back in July 2010 when she ALMOST decided to book me for her July 16, 2011 wedding. Unfortunately, a small last-minute detail came in the way of us working together for the date. At that point, I had spent a ton of time getting to know her, and even James too, so I can’t even begin to express the disappointment I felt that things did not work out between us. We got along so perfectly, and I could definitely envision her as the type of bride I absolutely love working with.

About six months later she contacted me with interest in possibly doing a separate portrait session. It wouldn’t be the lavish wedding that I had originally hoped for, but I would at least get to work with this awesome bride! We were at the contract signing phase yet again, and could you believe there was not ONE date that either of us both had available for the session? Ugh, I started calling her, “the white rabbit,” and it was a little joke between us. We continued to talk and I started getting vibes that she might actually be looking at switching from the photographer she had hired several months ago for her wedding. At first I thought she was just joking, asking if I still had her date available, but then out of nowhere, she was DEAD serious. I can’t believe it finally panned out, and I could not feel more strongly that I was meant to be her photographer and vice versa!

So that is my little emotional story about how this wonderful long-standing relationship of ours has come to pass and we both had fun going “overboard” planning her New York City Engagement session this weekend, which included not one, but THREE iconic locations in the city: The Guggenheim Museum, Central Park and High Line Park!

Our first stop was the Guggenheim, where we actually paid admission only to be immediately kicked out of the exhibit area. We were, however, permitted to shoot in the lobby, and New York City surprised us by refunding our admission, since we were unable to use that part of the museum and were there for less than 15 minutes.

We walked across the street to Central Park, and right off the bat the walking path had some nice shot opportunities to offer us.

Josette originally planned to do her engagement session out in the Poconos, using Historic Bethlehem to get the city feel she wanted, but a change in James’ schedule meant there wouldn’t be time to make the drive from New York City after all. Having grown up in Manhattan, she said, “You can take the girl out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” You would never guess it, though, as she hoofed a long way in some pretty pointy shoes and was even climbing rocks in them for me!

Staying on a strict timeline in order to get to all three locations on our agenda was difficult, but thankfully Danielle Pasternak had joined us to assist both the bride and myself, as well as keep us on schedule. If it weren’t for her, we probably would have gotten sucked into spending all day at the park, so thanks Danielle! We cabbed our way over to Highline park for a last few daytime photos there, as well as some night shots. James actually worked on construction of the Highline, so it was really neat to have the opportunity to use it as one of our locations!

To Josette and James: when I think about the journey that led me to the ultimate privilege of being your wedding photographer, I believe even more that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that my gut is never wrong and I will always somehow end up with the brides I feel that “click” with. Couples like you and James, not only laugh at my stupid jokes, but keep me laughing too, all of which is what makes it possible for me to capture the style of photos that I do. So thank you for recognizing our real connection, and for all the sacrifices you’ve made to have me photograph your wedding. I am so happy to finally be able to give something in return, and I hope these photos are everything you were envisioning and more!