• Weddings

Sometimes you just get super lucky and something amazing lands in your lap. In the case, it was the wedding of two great Broadway legends. Yes, I immediately googled their names, stalked their wikipedia and learned everything I could possibly learn about them. I hold a music degree myself, so this was like reading pages from the musical bible. The accolades were long and the history they had made individually in the music world blew my mind. I love that the music the rings are on in this first image are resting on the very song that was written from one groom to another. How incredible is that?

We were tucked in the Catskill Mountains in the home they had custom built to their tastes. You were immediately comfortable and welcomed as you walked over the music door mat, “Casa Forte Piano”. “D” last name is LOUD (forte) and “P” initials are P.P. or soft (piano)which equal= Forte Piano 🙂 Everyone was a friend. Everyone kissed your cheek. Everyone was full of joy. I really didn’t understand the importance and deep meaning that was behind all of this love. Weddings are always full of love, but something about this one was really pulling at my heart strings. “P” was a successful Broadway singer and performer. “D” was a very unique case in the stage world. He has been a part of every side of Broadway including performing, producing, conducting and every aspect of this musical world. These two are part of the GREATS!  The musician in me was imploding inside with joy. They were being married on the very steps of the home they built…where they would stay away from the city to be with one another.

I found them running around sweating as they pulled together the last of the set up. Guests were arriving, friends were helping, the 12 piece orchestra was setting up and the scene was being set for one of the most touching weddings I have ever attended. The pianist was warming up as I borrowed the piece of music for the wedding ring shot. Music is everything to “D” and “P”. This was going to be magical…I could feel it.

I loved that they decided to get ready together. This is where there story began to make sense to me. They have always been there for each other through good and dark times. Earlier in “P” career he was unable to perform and “D” was a huge support and guiding love for him. Later “D” would find out that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It would now be “P” turn to take care of “D”.  They are over comers, lovers, and inspirers. It was truly special to watch them help one another get dress and prepare for the day. They could finally say they were legally married.Their story is quite amazing and I was honored to be there to document this celebratory day.

On a funnier note, we spent about 10 minutes getting dressed in front of this big, bright window. From bare chested to fully dressed. I asked them to sit and have a moment to look out the window. They immediately burst out into laughter. We just realized that the entire wedding awaiting in their seats in the front yard were watching the guys get dressed. It was one of the funniest moments of the day.

Set in the middle of the mountains, there they sat as the string quartet and piano accompanied some of broadways greatest singers. We were all serenaded with some of the greatest love songs of all time. Some of the music performed was written by “D”. To watch his face and body move as his song was being played for the love of his life…emotionally moving. “P” swelled up with tears as they held hands and time seemed to stand still. There are not enough words to describe this wedding. There just isn’t.

This was hands down one of my favorite parts of the 45 minute ceremony. The flower girls carried watering cans as a potted tree was placed on the front porch. The tree was a symbol of starting a new chapter. It would need to be watered, taken care of and planted near their new home. Their families had traveled from all around the world. Each family member brought soil from where they live to add to the soil the tree would be planted in. Each family member wished their blessings and placed the soil in the tree’s pot.

The grooms have been wearing rings to celebrate their love for one another for many, many years. Their marriage will now be recognized by the state and they wanted to put away the old and celebrate the new. So, they buried their old rings in the soil and exchanged new rings. I think we all cried and then a roar of claps and cheers arose in celebration of equality.

The celebration continued under the tent with the 12 piece orchestra and a star lined stage of singers. Each dedicating love songs to the happy couple. We were serenaded for a solid hour by some of the best voices in the industry. They would grab the mic, ask the band to play a song of their choice and then just sing! It was incredible! And the grooms’ faces were priceless. My face was priceless! This was a dream come true for me, too!

Thank you to Zen Photography for allowing me to be the associate photographer for this brilliant couple and wedding. I haven’t cried, laughed and sang so much at a wedding. It was an honor to witness this union. Thank you to Alyssa Joy Photography for shooting and assisting me.

 

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