Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A Star-Studded (Love) Affair: Next Stop -- Grand Central Station!

I had originally wanted to do our couple portraits on the steps of the main branch of the New York Public Library -- you know, the one with the lions out front (Ghostbusters, baby!):



I mean, it's iconic. It's gorgeous. It's classy. Buuuuut then my smarter-than-me photographer pointed out that by the time we finished up the ceremony, it would be dark outside already. Duh, Star.

So we decided to do portraits inside of Grand Central Station -- also iconic, gorgeous, and classy. It's my go-to recommendation for NYC brides who need to take portraits when the weather outside is frightful (or dark), if you know what I mean. But don't worry, we got some photos at the library a few weeks ago during our "day-after" session...oops, have I said too much? More on that later ;)

This is about as standard of a wedding portrait as we got, and I love that:


I love that this picture reminds me of classic Hollywood. And it just feels like it could be from a wedding that took place anytime (I'm tooting my own horn a little here, don't mind me).


But just like everywhere else in New York, we were surrounded by people. Drunk Giants fans at that, as a game had just let out. Most of our onlookers were very respectful and sweet. In fact, I heard one older lady stage whisper, "Ooh, who is she??" But I'm pretty sure an underage drunk Giants fan is the one who catcalled me and asked for my number. This was our response to that:



A little late, buddy.

We checked out the train schedules for good measure:


And we snuggled together as we thought up places to hop a train to and escape on our honeymoon early:



And there's a little sneak peek of my third "costume change" -- notice the birdcage is gone, and in its place is a blingy hair comb. Yeah, I love me some drama.


We also did some snuggling and reflecting on the momentous occasion.



And it wouldn't have really been a wedding day without some making out. I mean, come on.


 Hot, right?

And just for fun:


Then, since we knew we'd be going right into our first dance once we got to the loft, we decided to spend a couple of minutes practicing:



So romantic...


Except for the fact that there were still dozens of people staring at us and my still-unbustled train was getting in the way of our little "rehearsal." But you wouldn't know it from the way we were intently focused on each other:



Must be newlyweds ;)

Then we hopped into another cab, and were on our way to the partay! Who's up for some reception pictures??

Major props go out again to my lovely MOH, who was just outside of the frame of almost all of these shots holding my crap and helping with my costume changes:


She deserves a t-shirt that says, "I was Mrs. Star's b*tch and all I got to show for it was this lousy picture:"



That's what best friends are for, right?

How did weather (or darkness!) end up affecting where you took/will take wedding day pictures?

*All photos by John Martin Photography *

The Star Wedding Recaps:

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A Star-Studded (Love) Affair: Subway Saga

When we last left you, we were busy making a spectacle of ourselves by parading through the streets of New York.


We made it to the station and we were very careful to keep my dress from dragging down the dirty station steps:



Our wonderful DOC (have I said that enough yet?) ran ahead and got the station attendant to take the fully-loaded metrocards we had bought and open the emergency exit so everyone didn't have to squeeze through the turnstiles.

Yeah, we got the V.I.P. treatment on the subway, yo:


Then we stood on the platform surrounded by our loved ones and waited for an unsuspecting train full of civilians to arrive.


And posed for iPhone pictures for our guests. I thought it was kinda cool that pictures from the wedding were going up online before the party even really got started! (P.S. check out the wedding wand making a cameo!):


That is one hot couple right there...


The train finally pulled up and it was already quite full -- watch out, train, we're getting on! We've got a reception to get to!



After making sure everyone made it on the train, we relaxed into the fun of being celebrities, if only for a few moments! All of the strangers on the train thought we were very exciting, as you can see from this picture -- about half of those people are our guests and half aren't:


It was, without a doubt, the best subway ride of my life.


All too quickly (for me!), we reached the stop where all of our guests were to get off and follow our DOC to the loft for cocktail hour, while Mr. Star, my MOH, and I stayed on for one more stop so we could get to Grand Central Station for some couple portraits.

We lovingly watched our guests exit the train before us...


And soon it was time for us to exit, too...


And that magical subway ride where we were packed in with all of our nearest and dearest was over forever.

Don't worry, though, everyone in the station still thought we were rockstars:


I mean, I did just ride the subway in my couture wedding gown...



We love New York, what can we say?

How did you honor your love for your wedding locale on your big day?


*All photos by John Martin Photography *

The Star Wedding Recaps:

Sunday, February 7, 2010

A Star-Studded (Love) Affair: You Can't Rain On My Parade!

While we were inside finishing up our quick posed portraits, most of our guests were outside getting their wedding wands and awaiting our exit!


And I had to make a quick costume change, of course! 


Hello, birdcage veil! It's been so long!

Then it was time to make our first appearance as husband and wife!


We went in for a romantic kiss:



Took a moment to bask in being glamorous rock-stars:


And then it was time to get that parade going!

In case you couldn't tell, we weren't having any fun at all:


Our guests were really good sports about it, too, and seemed to be enjoying themselves!


So much so that someone started a rousing round of "Goin' To The Chapel," hence the incredibly goofy faces...


Yes, it was unconventional, unexpected, and maybe even a little uncouth (or slightly bridezilla?) to ask my guests to walk with us through the streets of New York...


...but that's how we roll here in NYC, and I don't think any of our guests look the worse for wear because of it!

So for those of you ladies out there busy planning your weddings right now, when someone tells you that a wedding choice you're making is "uncool," "unheard-of," "unacceptable," "too out there," "unbridal," or anything else...


...just think back to this post and remember how cool "different" can be. And tell them to shut it.


Because there are a lot of smiling, happy people in that picture up there, and the nay-sayers just don't know what they're talking about.

Oh, and big props to my fabulous MOH who carried my train through Manhattan. After what a huge help she was at our wedding, she's decided to open her own Wedding Coordination business in Huntsville, AL! I can't mention enough how lucky we were to have surrounded by such giving friends and family who made our big day so incredible.

What about your wedding planning has made people raise their eyebrows?


Monday, February 1, 2010

A Star-Studded (Love) Affair: Our Peeps

Take it away, Stevie Wonder!




We were married, yo!

We really wanted a picture with EVERYONE, so I had my stepdad ask everyone to come up onstage for a group picture right after we kissed. At the rehearsal the day before, we had practiced having family members and the bridal party lead the way to help with the confusion. Still, there were a few moments of fun and excited chaos:


And we only managed one "formal" shot before everyone started goofing off, which was A-okay with me:


It wouldn't have really been a group of theatre kids if the jazz hands hadn't gotten busted out:


It was fun to goof off with out wedding guests:


And I love how everyone looks like they're having such a great time in these pictures:


Then we kicked everyone out...er...politely asked most of our guests to leave for a few moments so we could do some quick portraits before the parade!



My Mom's side -- I don't remember what was so funny, but we were very amused, apparently!


My Dad's side!



The new members of my family!


Bridal Party hotties!


We didn't take too many pictures of just the two of us because we didn't want to keep people waiting and we knew we'd get the chance during cocktail hour, but I thought this candid was lovely. We were so happy all day, it was just magical.

We were ready to head outside and start our parade through New York!

Did you do a big group shot or are you planning on it? I'd totally recommend it, we love those pictures looking back!



*All photos by John Martin Photography *

The Star Wedding Recaps: