The Sirens - Coastal Bridal Inspiration

The Hybrid Conference ended on such a high note! I attended an epic and oceanic styled shoot called "The Sirens" put on by @jannabrowndesignco, @ashleyraephotography and their amazing team of vendors, assistants and models. I felt transported right into The Little Mermaid as soon as I stepped down onto the beach!


The story of the shoot was to evoke the magical siren song of the sea and the whole creative team poured their hearts and talents into making an unforgettable experience for us attendees. The shoot was so well organized and I was so grateful for the care and thought put into every detail. The team made it a calm, energizing and stress-free experience for all of us 25 photographers shooting at the same time, which is no small feat! I was blown away and my inner Pisces was doing a happy dance the whole time. Thank you thank you thank you!! Vendor list below.

Vendor List:
Creative Direction / Styling / Florals: @jannabrowndesignco
Photographer Educator: @ashleyraephotography
Coordinator: @sarahparkevents
Hair and MUA: @beautybespoken
Calligraphy + Paper Details: @bohoink
Video @Dearloversfilm
Gowns: @carolhannahbridal
Surfaces: @jrd_artshop
Ribbon: @silkandwilllow
Sponsor: @Photovision
Workshop Host: @thehybridco
Model 1: @kattyukhanova
Model 2: @klaudiareidy
Model 3: @olgazhukova.1

Estancia La Jolla Wedding Inspiration

At the lush styled shoot I attended at Estancia La Jolla Hotel in San Diego, we got to photograph a real life couple, which was an absolute dream. I mean, how insanely beautiful are these two together?!? I love how they could always get each other to smile so easily. The whole design and planning team did an incredible job! I was blown away by their attention to detail. Full vendor list below. Thank you so much for the opportunity photograph such beauty!

Styling + Design: @stylishdetails
Host Educator / Photographer: @paulvonrieter
Videography: @currentfilms
Floral: @bloombabes
Rentals: @catalogatelier
Linens: @latavolalinen
Pergola: @morerentals
Stationery Design: @dominiquealba_
Hair + Makeup: @bridesbyjlo
Venue: @estancialajolla
Cake: @cakesbycristin
Gowns: @adamzoharbridal
Engagement Jewels: @trumpetandhorn
Shoes: @dior and @jimmychoo
Models: @t.sarff @posso @paigeluna
Conference: @thehybridco
Film scanning: @richardphotolab

Mission Beach Elopement Inspiration

If you’re looking for inspiration for an intimate and ethereal beach elopement, this styled shoot held in San Diego has it all! Thank you to the Hybrid Co for putting on an amazing conference and giving us the chance to photograph such stunning wedding details and models. See full design credits below the images.

Educator/Host: @alishacrossleyphotography
Creative direction & styling: @jade.magnolia
Florist: @mintdesignca
Gown: @jennypackhambridal from @carriage_house
Ring: @trumpetandhorn
Hair & Makeup: @beautybespoken
Tabletop: @borrowedblu
Paper goods: @margauxpaperie
Backdrop & Mats: @jrd_artshop
Linens: @latavolalinen
Suit: @shoppatrickjames
Welcome gift: @asignaturewelcome
Shoes: @bellabelleshoes
Female Model: @jaydahrobinett
Male Model: @benschreen
Cake: @jade.magnolia
Chairs: @brighteventrentals
Painted bottle: @ruthoneya.illistrations
Etched bottle: @gracecalligraphy
Accessories: @carriage_house
Film scanning: @richardphotolab

Kitsilano Beach Bridal Portraits

Who: Lovely models Sydney and Myra (who also did the hair and make-up)

What: Soft and romantic summer bridal portrait session at the beach

Where: Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver, BC

Ever since we arrived in Vancouver at the beginning of July, I’ve been chomping at the bit to photograph bridal portraits at one of Vancouver’s many beautiful beaches. I’ve joined a few meet-up groups for local photographers and just my luck Ronald Lee, who moderates one of the online groups, posted about the possibility of producing a bridal portrait session with professional models and hair/make-up. Perfect! Ronald kindly booked the models and the MUA, provided the wedding dresses and transported us to the beach for a lovely golden-hour shoot. Since I knew I had an ethereal/summery look in mind, I also styled a bouquet with florals from Jem Florist, a flower shop just around the corner from the apartment where I’ve been staying in East Vancouver. The minute we stepped out of the car at Kitsilano Beach I took a look around at the sparkling water and blue-green mountains and said to myself, “Wow, I really live in such a beautiful place now!”. It’s finally sinking in that I’m a West Coaster! I had a great time working with Ronald, Sydney and Myra - thanks so much for the great opportunity to work together! For a little extra styling practice, at home I photographed my bubbah’s vintage rose quartz engagement ring with the bouquet. (I wear her ring every day and always receive compliments on it!). I love how the color palette all came together. My summer boho bridal dreams came true!


Beau + Sam's Wedding

Who: Beau and Sam

What: Fun, fabulous wedding in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Where: McCarren Hotel, the Williamsburg piers and Brooklyn Winery

I’ve been lucky enough to know Beau for many years through mutual friends in the NYC indie music scene (my husband’s band shared a practice space with Beau’s band Robot Princess for many years and I even photographed Beau’s band there!). Beau is an exceptionally talented and sweet guy and so when he and Sam approached me about photographing their wedding I knew it would be a fun and special day to capture! The couple lives in Greenpoint so it was a fitting choice for them to tie the knot on their home turf. They got ready at McCarren Hotel then we took some portraits in front of an amazing nearby mural of gummy bears (upon Sam’s request). Then we hopped in an uber to the piers at N 5th street for portraits with the NYC skyline and Williamsburg Bridge behind us. After that we headed to Brooklyn Winery for the ceremony and one of the most rockin’ dance parties I’ve witnessed at a wedding. It was incredibly clear throughout the day what a perfect match these two are. Biggest congrats!! And thanks so much to my 2nd shooter Karen for helping me capture the day.

Invitation and Ring Styling: New Goodies!

I recently purchased a bunch of new styling goodies for my wedding styling kit after reading this great post on Brklyn View Photography’s Tea With Jaine blog. I decided to do some styling practice using my own wedding invitation and engagement ring. Can’t wait to use my new goodies this wedding season!

Here’s my new kit ready to go! Doesn’t she look lovely?

Lee Ann + Ray's Wedding

Who: Lee Ann and Ray

What: Theatrical DIY downtown NYC summer wedding

Where: New York Theatre Workshop and Downtown Art

I met Lee Ann several years ago through working at Ars Nova Theater Company and New York Theatre Workshop so I was thrilled to photograph her wedding for her. I knew it would be a unique one! Ray got ready at The Standard Hotel East Village. Lee Ann got ready at Downtown Art and their first look was on the roof of the building. We then walked a few blocks for family portraits at First Street Community Garden. Their ceremony was held onstage at New York Theatre Workshop, featuring an incredible song by The Bengsons. Their reception was held across the street at Downtown Arts. What a fun day! Congrats!

Brian + Fabi's Wedding

Who: Brian and Fabi

What: March wedding in the Catskills

Where: Stroudsmoor Country Inn

These two were originally planning to get married in Puerto Rico, but Hurricane Maria forced them to quickly adjust their plans! Instead they were married at the lovely Stroudsmoor Country Inn in the Catskills. I’ve known Brian for almost ten years from working together at a non-profit in downtown NYC and so when they were scrambling to find a photographer for their new plans I knew it was destiny for me to capture their wedding for them. Congrats you two!

Jenna + Doug's Wedding

Who: Jenna and Doug

What: Winter wedding in Long Island City, Queens

Where: Paper Factory Hotel, Gantry Park, and Gantry Loft

I first met Jenna almost eight years ago when we both worked at the same non-profit in Tribeca. It was a true pleasure to capture her and Doug’s classy winter wedding. Jenna got ready at the Paper Factory Hotel, which is only a few mere blocks from my apartment in LIC! From there the bridal party headed to the LIC waterfront at Gantry Plaza for quick outdoor portraits (it was freezing!) and then onto Gantry Loft for the ceremony and party. During the reception it started to lightly snow, and we stepped outside for a snowy night portrait that ended up being my favorite image of the day. Congrats to this lovely couple!

Bridget + Michael's Wedding

Who: Bridget and Michael

What: Summer wedding in Croton-on-Hudson

Where: Croton Point Park and Croton Resevoir

This was my 2nd wedding at Croton Point Park and it was such a pleasure to capture! Bridget and Michael’s summer wedding was chock full of adorable DIY details like the butterfly centerpieces that Michael made himself and rope-strung mason jars flower vases behind their ceremony trellis. The couple got ready in the park’s cabins, then we went to the New Croton Reservoir for their first look and portraits by the dam. Their ceremony and reception was held at Croton Point Park, which has beautiful trees and waterside views and is a perfect place for an outdoor summer wedding. After dinner and toasts, everyone went inside the lodge for partying and dancing. Bridget is from a family of dancers and she and all her siblings wowed everyone with a family dance routine! Congrats to this lovely and creative couple!

Darcy + Charlie's Wedding

Who: Darcy and Charlie

What: a fun, sweet, and rockin’ wedding in the Catskills

Where: Full Moon Resort

Darcy is best friends with one of my oldest childhood friends and I’ve had the pleasure to know her for the last eight years! I was ecstatic to capture her gorgeous wedding at the Full Moon Resort in New York’s Hudson Valley. Everything about the day was perfect–from the bridesmaids’ varied floral gowns, to their heartfelt and personal wedding vows, to their theatrical wedding reception which included the amazing talents of their actor and singer friends! Congrats!



Sarah + Jacob's Elopement

Who: Sarah and Jacob

What: Springtime Elopement

Where: NYC City Hall

Sarah and Jacob eloped in the company of their close family and friends on a pretty spring day in NYC. Sarah got ready at her apartment, then we hopped in a cab downtown to meet up at City Hall for a first look. After the ceremony, the families enjoyed an intimate luncheon together. Congrats!

Jen + Lawrence's Wedding

Who: Jen and Lawrence

What: an intimate winter wedding in Tribeca

Where: China Blue

I went to middle school and high school in Delaware with Jen and was thrilled to capture her and Lawrence’s beautiful and intimate wedding in Tribeca. They got ready at the Tribeca Hilton, then we went to the Hudson River Greenway for portraits of the couple and bridal party by the water. From there, the ceremony, tea ceremony and reception were held at China Blue restaurant. It was great seeing so many familiar faces from my hometown as guests and to celebrate this wonderful couple! Congratulations!

Helena + Paul's Wedding

Who: Helena and Paul

What: a summer wedding in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Where: Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture

I love the historic beauty of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture - it is such a unique venue perfectly located right across the street from Prospect Park. This couple’s summer wedding was a delight to capture. Congrats!




Christine + Rob's Wedding

Who: Christine and Rob

What: a highly theatrical NYC wedding

Where: Signature Theatre

The first job I ever had in New York City was for a non-profit theater company, so I am totally over the moon whenever I get to combine my two passions: theater and wedding photography! Christine got ready backstage in the theater’s dressing room and rehearsal studio. I loved incorporating the unique environment into her prep photos! The main stage was beautifully designed for their ceremony in true Midsummer Night’s Dream fashion. All the readings and speeches were heartfelt and hilarious. Congrats to this fun and theatrical couple!

Shu + Anthony's Wedding

Who: Shu and Anthony

What: a winter wedding in Battery Park City, NYC

Where: Battery Gardens

Shu and Anthony’s March wedding at Battery Gardens in lower Manhattan was absolutely beautiful! Shu got ready at Double Tree Financial District, then we met up at the pier for the couple’s first look and bridal party portraits. Anthony was a good sport even when a seagull on the pier got a little too close for comfort! The ceremony was held inside the venue and the couple was bathed in perfect late afternoon light. Congrats!

Doug + Alvin's Wedding

Who: Doug and Alvin

What: an intimate luncheon wedding in NYC

Where: couple’s home, Bethesda Terrace, Lincoln Center Fountain and Bar Boulud

This long-time couple tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends in an intimate luncheon. The grooms got ready at their apartment on the Upper West Side and then we headed to Central Park for portraits by Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. From there we walked to Lincoln Center for family portraits and then headed to Bar Boulud for their ceremony and luncheon.

Josie + Victoria's Wedding

Who: Josie and Victoria

What: a windy wedding in Cape Cod

Where: Sesuit Harbor Cafe

These two tied the knot on an extremely blustery day in Cape Cod, but they didn’t let gale force winds and hurricane warnings dampen their spirits or their love! The nautical elements of their decor tied in perfectly with the setting. Congrats you two cuties!