Windows on the Water at Frogbridge Wedding :: Alyssa + Ernest

Weddings

July 20, 2017

If you have been following the blog closely this season you will probably notice a trend on 2017 weddings- rain. The rain used to worry us, as photographers, but now we throw on a raincoat and embrace what God has given us! We arrived in Staten Island early in the morning as the rain was crashing against the two story home that was filled with the sweetest people. The large custom bronze door opened and we were welcomed by the kindest family. We fell in love with the Yarusinsky family when we shot a race car engagement session with Alyssa and Ernest. It was a family affair celebrating the happy couple’s engagement and love for fast cars. The welcome was warm, the house was buzzing, and we were so excited to be celebrating with these lovely families. The hair and makeup team were hard upstairs getting all the girls picture perfect. The guys were in the basement right below the girls. This was a first for us- having the bride and groom in the same place getting ready without seeing each other! It worked out great though! Tinkerbell, the cutest dog in the world, was making her rounds from one person’s arms to the next. I also found myself curled up in the cat condominium a few times getting a creative shot and also celebrating that there was a cat in the house. There was a feeling of excitement in the air as Alyssa put on her gorgeous gown and prepared for the epic stairway down to her daddy. Let me preface by saying that we already loved this family so much and when the moment came for her to walk down the stairs, I had to dry my eyes to just to see what I was shooting! A perfectly timed gift was also given to her parents immediately afterward…a custom handkerchief to dry their tears. Whew, it was epic and was the perfect way to get ready to go get married. The rain was still coming down as she said goodbye to her family home as a single woman and jumped into her Rolls Royce to head to the church. Miraculously when we arrived at the church the rain stopped! We love the Greek ceremonies because they churches are so colorful and they have beautiful symbolic traditions. Their love was sealed with a kiss and everyone cheered them on with floating bubbles and loud applause. It was time to make the drive to New Jersey where the celebration would take place. The tent was absolutely one of the most gorgeous we have ever seen. The chandeliers gave a nice glow and the florals were out of this world! Giant, round floral wreaths were hung from the highest point of the tent and literally made our jaw drop! And don’t even get me started on that custom floor- holy moly! The rain didn’t want to cooperate most of the day, but during cocktail, a tiny rainbow made its way into the sky and we took full advantage of the moment! We are so grateful for Alyssa, Ernest, and the wedding party was so flexible and willing to run outside and take advantage of the views. The party was one for the record books. The Nerds are a popular band here in New Jersey and really put on an epic show. Alyssa’s parents are huge fans of them and it was like a personal concert for the wedding. And Ernest debuted his hidden rock star by playing the cowbell with some serious perfection! Alyssa and Ernest left it all on the dance floor. Their friends and family danced till their feet hurt and the bar closed. In true Greek style, the traditional dances were at the end of the evening. Money was flying through the air, shots were in abundance, and “Opa!” was heard as everyone celebrated the joining of these two amazing families. I could live at a Greek wedding every single weekend. Epic for sure! Sparklers ended the night as everyone lined the sidewalk to with the happy couple all the love and luck in the world.

Whew, what a fantastic day. Sometimes we leave a wedding and we feel like family. This was one of those weddings. We are so very grateful for everyone welcoming us in as their own and so very excited that Alyssa and Ernest have started their marriage. Cheers to both families and we look foward to making more memories with you all.

Leaha + Jeffrey

Thank you to Ben Tso for assisting and shooting with us.