part one of three posts
Friday was the start of one of the most incredible events I have photographed to date: a three day Pakistani + Irish wedding at the Oak Hill estate in the Hudson River Valley. Do I honestly need to elaborate?? Oh but I will!! There was COLOR to spare, emotional, wonderful, loving people- and details like I have never seen before.
The first event we shot I brought along Mike, my steady second shooter and Katie and Graham, my associate photographers to cover Samar and Shane’s wedding(s). Yes, it was big enough to warrant FOUR photographers!! I can’t say enough about the awesome team that I am apart of: they hustled, they shot, we laughed our selves silly and shared in such an amazing experience together!! I couldn’t have asked for better people to be with me. As such- I am showcasing not only my work but a sampling of our collective vision from the day- and am pointing out who shot what- it’s important for me to know how everyone sees. I also wanted to show everyone that reads this, how wonderfully all of our work fits together!!
We started off in the evening in the barn, where Mehndi was taking place. This was where there would be singing and dancing and lots and lots of wonderful traditions taking place. Let me illustrate with some images:
This is what we walked in to! We all had to basically pick our jaws up off the floor we were so overwhelmed with color. And fabric! Yards and yards of it!! I wanted to wrap myself up in it, or eat it it was so pretty. Mike caught a cool angle of the tapestry hanging from the bannister of the barn and I rocked my 14-24 to show what the upper floor of the whole barn looked like, pre-party
Here is the barn area of the fabulous Oak Hill estate on the Hudson River in New York.
Textures, and color and ambiance to spare… now this is what I am TALKING about!!
Tammy Baldwin of Charmed Places was the event planner for the Friday and Saturday events- she is known for her super cool signs. She was absolutely awesome to work with!
Maybe I should have done a post just on the details!! There were just so many awesome ones, I can’t leave any out! This was my shot on the left and Mike’s on the right
Just when you think it can’t get any better? The food rolls in!! These were all shot by Katie and Graham, who were on full detail alert!
And so the ladies arrive, and hide from view in one of the carriage houses on the property, but they can’t resist checking out what’s going on
I stayed with Samar and Mike was with Shane, and these were the portraits we got right before the Friday ceremony began. They both have such a timeless look to them, it’s like they stepped right out of 1945
Right down to her tippy toes, Samar rocked my world with color and sparkles
One of the highlights for us, especially Mr. Dog Man, Mike- was meeting their gentle soul of a dog, Cyrus. I LOVED HIM. Like, I want a pup just like him. And I don’t want any animals!! But I would totally take Cyrus, any day of the week! Look at his little upside down smile!! And he is wearing a scarf. I have a bizarre soft spot for dogs in clothes. This is Mike’s shot
Samar’s Aunt helps her get ready
Samar’s bridesmaids were like, professional brides maids. They should teach a class on HOW to be a bridesmaid! They were so lovely to work with all weekend, and so sweet to Samar and to each other.
Mike grabbed this shot of the cloth that would be held over Shane’s head as he made his way to the barn, escorted by his family and groomsmen.
Another Mike shot: Shane was led by a drummer, which was very dramatic and I loved every minute of it!
Samar’s parents were elated watching Shane arrive
I loved the drummer!! Here they lit their candles…
Samar’s Mom and Shane’s Mom
Shane being escorted in by his family
Once Shane was in the barn, Samar made her way over. Katie grabbed this shot of Samar being escorted in by her maid of honor and family
Another Katie Slater shot: I love the motion in this shot, it really gives you a feel for how it felt to be there, engulfed in color, and people
Samar and Shane sat in this swing for a few hours and had blessing upon blessing bestowed upon them by family and friends.
Here Samar’s Mom chooses something to feed Shane and wish him well in his marriage
This is the tray that everyone who blesses them chooses from, it is filled with all kinds of goodies
Teasing plays a big part in this particular ritual- here a family member teases Shane with her treat- gives it to him and then takes it away like 5 times- it was funny to watch!
Another very cool tradition was Shane being held for ransom of sorts by his pinky by one of Samar’s brides maids- she was trying to get the most amount of money out of Shane’s groomsmen so that he would be released… Here is a succession of shots- his pinky being grabbed: then it was dipped in something, and finally- Graham’s shot of the cash being handed over!!
Downstairs there was henna- Graham caught this moment
Graham also caught this awesome detail in the swing
Mike caught the glitter right in mid air after the bridesmaids finished their dance performance
Samar danced for Shane
Not to be left out: there was an Irish step dance!!
Graham came with me while I stepped out and did some low light tripod shots of the barn in full swing
And this was just DAY ONE!!!!
Check back for the Saturday and Monday events!
Be sure to check out:
and Graham
for their take on Friday!
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