Central Park Engagement in New York City

Central Park Engagement New York in Autumn

During the last week of October, Lindsey and I flew out to New York for a week of birthday celebrations and to photograph a Central Park engagement. We had been planning the details of our trip and brainstorming ideas back and forth with the team of local artists we were collaborating with the month leading up to the trip.

The trees in Central Park were already changing their colors. Deep shades of orange and yellow the trees. Sprinkled throughout, you could find hints of greens.

Everyone met at the apartment we were staying at in the morning to get hair and makeup started. While glam was in full effect, I photographed the details of the day. One of my favorite parts of any styled shoot or wedding is by far the details. One of the most important characteristics that distinguish a shoot from others and make it truly unique. There were large windows in our living room, where I set up my little studio.

FLWR Studio created the most beautiful floral arrangements for us, and Scribbles & Swirls Calligraphy crafted the most elegant invitation suite. To top it off, Trumpet & Horn loaned us a handful of antique jewelry that I flew out.

Once hair and makeup concluded, the model slip into the first dress of the day, then we headed out. It was a brisk day in the middle of Fall, but the weather was perfect — and the crowds of New York were fortunately at a lull for the day. We were staying on the Upper West Side, just blocks from the park. We made our way over to the first location of the day we stopped to capture a few frames along the way.

The day before our shoot, I went on a bike ride with Lindsey around the park to find the best locations for us to shoot. There were a few iconic shots that were absolute must-haves for me, so we visited those spots first. Bethesda Fountain is by far one of the most popular places for tourists to go, but under the bridge just next to it is the most beautiful tile work and classic architecture.

I knew I had to get some shots there, and it turned out to be my favorite location, and I captured my favorite photo of the day there. Afterward, we walked over to the stairs overlooking the park. We were on a bustling path, so Lindsey and Emily from FLWR Studio positioned themselves as human roadblocks, which allowed us to capture unobstructed portraits.

Because skyscrapers surround the park, we were shooting in, “sunset” actually happens about an hour and a half earlier than everywhere else. We quickly hurried back to the apartment for an outfit change and then headed back for our last locations of the evening.

We walked down to the lake that had the most picturesque view of the multicolored trees. There was a great rock formation that we hopped and enjoyed the most beautiful view of the park. We wrapped up at dusk and quickly got back to the apartment to avoid the rapidly dropping temperatures.

The shoot was an absolute success, and I can’t wait to return for another Central Park bridal editorial!

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Lombardi House Wedding in Los Angeles

As spring approached, Ivory Birch and I were in the midst of putting together another bridal editorial featuring some of Los Angele’s most inspired wedding talent. The direction of the shoot was to incorporate clean white as a base palette and tie in Pantone’s highlighted hues of green – with a kick of gold. I immediately knew that the creative direction of the shoot would be beautifully executed at the Lombardi House. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this hidden gem set the scene for our bridal editorial.

Boasting vaulted ceilings, expansive white walls, and country French flair – the background was accented by a stunning tablescape, a floral wall installation, and the most pristine vintage Rolls Royce. Choosing a couple for a shoot is a particular task that can become daunting and overwhelming. We were fortunate to bring the model’s real-life boyfriend on set with us. Their chemistry was real, which allowed me to capture more genuine moments between the two. Not to mention, there’s a fun dynamic when working with your significant other. Kicking it into high gear, we had to work quickly to work within a tight timeframe. The amount of detail incorporated, and the flawless execution – was a testament to our creative team.

Lindsey (Ivory Birch) and I painted the scene where integral settings would take place. While Inessa’s team started unloading a van (yes, an entire van!) full of florals, Dianuh was preparing to do a live calligraphy session. Justin prepped the video camera, Mel pulled in the driveway with his beautifully polished car, and we were officially ‘a go’!. They say it takes a village, which couldn’t be more true. I am grateful to be a part of an industry that allows creative minds to come together. A huge thanks to everyone who made this Lombardi House wedding happen.

Featured in Style Me Pretty

Photography | Alex W Photography

Fine Art Desert Bridal Editorial

The close of wedding season called for a styled-shoot. I teamed up with an insanely talented group of Los Angeles wedding professionals to embark on a journey to a far-away location for a desert bridal editorial featuring Floravere gowns. There’s nothing better than collaborating with a team of creatives. This is where magical happens.

Having dreamt about the desert for months leading up to planning, we knew this would make the perfect location. Surrounded by miles of beautiful sand dunes, multi-colored mountains, and open-skies truly makes a dreamy environment. While it took several hours to travel to destination, it didn’t take long to spot its beauty. The desert can be so surreal. It’s beauty, and immensity of landscape, alone – is worth the drive.

Seat-belts were unbuckling right as we pulled up, and in unison, we hopped out of the car to feel the warm sun and cool breeze flowing off the mountain. I can’t describe how truly beautiful the day was.

Considering the long drive, and limited daylight, hair and makeup needed to start immediately. Dana (Cheek to Cheek Artistry and Britt Rafuson got down to business as we scouted the perfect location – not that it was difficult to find. Upon returning, we shuffled through the four Floravere gowns to determine the first look.

The gowns were complimented with vintage and gold accessories, which was inspired by the hues of the butter-soft sand. The ring and bouquet were perfectly complimented with deep and rich reds – the perfect reflection of autumn. One of my favorite floral designers, Inessa Nichols, crafted a whimsical and unique gold floral crown made of lunarias; and a bouquet filled with wild grasses, nigella pods, and ranunculus.

As the sun started to set behind purple and green speckled mountains we set up our tablescape. We kept the look cohesive with a minimalist approach. There was no shortage of warm candlelight, antique jewelry boxes, and gorgeous desert florals. We followed Britt across the sand, illuminating the darkening landscape with candle in-hand. We enjoyed the last few moments of cotton candy skies, thankful for the gorgeous landscape we were provided and for the incredible talent that collaborated to create such a beautiful story.