Jase Kim

You know what they say: You’re not a New Yorker unless you’re friends with a guy in a band in Williamsburg.  I’ve known Sean for about ten years now and besides being one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, I’ve been fortunate to have seen his band Blip Blip Bleep evolve so much in those years.  Sean is a truly talented, creative individual.

Sean met the beautiful Anna a few years ago, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.  They’ve each got these unique personalities that happen to fit so well with each other.  Even if you didn’t know them, I think you’d see their chemistry in the images below.

But on to the day.

Nerves abounded during the getting ready.  Not so much because Anna was about to marry the man of her dreams, but because every weather forecast was calling for rain throughout the entire day.  Which would’ve put a huge damper on photos because the ceremony and reception was being held at a restaurant, which offers a whole lot less options when it comes to bridal photos than a venue that caters mostly towards weddings.

But it was the strangest thing.  As we’re finishing the getting ready shots, the dark rainclouds disappeared and the sun even peeked out at times.  Which was perfect timing for the “First Look” taking place at Sean’s friend, Helder’s rooftop.

We definitely took advantage of the weather and the fantastic rooftop, taking our fair share of shots. Before we headed over to the ceremony locale, we took some more photos in the lounge, which also provided a lot of options for creative pictures.

Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin, and what a beautiful ceremony it was, at My Moon Restaurant.  Right after our photo shoot wrapped up, the rain began to come down.  But fortunately the tent was all set up and not a beat was skipped.  I think the rain actually added to the ambiance a little bit.  But considering the weather everyone was predicting leading up to that day, I think we were all relieved with what we got.

The rest of the night flew on by.  Their first dance opened up traditionally then broke out into “Gangnam Style,” which was… interesting to say the least.  Speeches were flowing, along with tears and more importantly, drinks.  It became a pretty crazy reception and eventually I had to put my camera down and join in on my friends’ celebration.  I just remember thinking at one point, “This is the first time in my life I’m shooting with one hand and holding a martini glass in the other… Hell yeah!”  I probably at that point, stuck out my tongue and did the ‘rock n roll’ symbol with my hand.  I don’t remember, it was hazy at that point.

Anyways, before I got a little tipsy, I did manage to snag a few shots here and there.  Which is a great way to end this blog entry.  Here are a few teasers from Anna and Sean’s wedding.  It was a sheer joy capturing these two and working with them on their big day… it was a pleasure to be a part of it!

~Jase

I think we’re in the middle of Hurricane Sandy right now, and quite frankly, here in Hell’s Kitchen, it’s been nothing but a disappointment.  It’s barely raining right now.  The garden out back is getting a nice watering.  It’s even crazier when I divert my attention to the news and places in Jersey and Long Island are getting blasted.  I’m sure it’ll get worse soon.  Weather forecasters all over the east coast are loving this, I bet.  I always get this image of Al Roker with his rain coat off camera thinking these storms are his Emmy moment or something.  I don’t know.

Anyways, a couple weeks back, there were also threats of heavy rain but they ended up being pretty empty for Johanna and Graham’s big day.  Rain or shine, it would’ve been a beautiful day regardless.  But as luck would have it, it was a lot more shine and barely any rain.

I have to say, I had a great time getting to know Johanna and Graham.  It turns out we’re all from Westchester and Johanna actually attended the girl’s school five minutes away from my high school.  Graham attended one of my high school’s arch rivals.  It’s crazy how small this world is, and Westchester is even tinier.

Even funnier was I drove right by one of my high school ex-girlfriend’s house while getting to Johanna’s getting ready, and drove right by my high school on the way to the wedding venue.  Talk about a completely random trip down memory lane.

Getting to know the couple and their families is one of the joys of being a wedding photographer.  Johanna and Graham were no exception.  There were so many lovely aspects to the relationship along with some random twists and turns.  It was also such a pleasure working with them.  They couldn’t have been more gracious and kind.

Congratulations to Johanna and Graham.  And I hope everyone stays safe out there during Hurricane Sandy.  Hey, at least you get a couple free days from work, no?

~Jase