It is a huge honor to be asked to photograph someone’s wedding – even more so when the couple flies you across the country to be a part of their special day. We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to photograph weddings for couples all over the United States, and every time we are contacted by a new out of area couple, we feel pretty special to have had our style picked out from the crowd.
Mark and Sonja were no exception. Of course, going out of their way is something they were used to. Take their first date…they lived two hours apart, so they agreed to meet for drinks and dinner halfway between their homes. As Sonja waited patiently for Mark to show up for dinner (much later than she expected to wait alone), she started to question whether or not that had been such a good idea. That is, until Mark called to say that his car had broken down and he was wondering if she’d mind giving him a ride. Sonja agreed, but since she didn’t feel like driving all the way back to Mark’s house late at night, she just decided to take him back to her house, which just so happened to also be her parents house! Long story short, her dad met his future son-in-law in his own kitchen over breakfast the next morning. Talk about meeting the parents! I guess they must have liked him well enough, because just a few years later, they gave Mark permission to marry their daughter. 🙂
We had a wonderful time traveling to Oyster Bay on Long Island’s famed North Shore for Sonja & Mark’s fall wedding. In her simple yet elegant wedding gown by designer Yoo Lee, Sonja exuded a quiet confidence, a testament to her inner kindness and beauty. Mark was, at the same time, often both excited and relaxed – he wears his heart on his sleeve and was completely caught up in the range of emotions and moments of their day. And of course, their three pups had to make an appearance, both for the “family photos” and to stand up at witnesses to the wedding vows. All in all, it was a pretty awesome day, and I get a big smile on my face whenever I think of them and the great time we had at their wedding.
Venue: Crescent Beach Club, Bayville, NY | Officiant: Rev. Dr. John Sims | Cake Artist: Baked to Perfection | Wedding Gown: Saja Wedding by Yoo Lee | Photography: The Popes Wedding Band: Silver Arrow Band | Wedding Venue: Crescent Beach Club | Hair & Makeup: Metamorphosis New York | Bridesmaid Dresses: Eliza J | Flower Girl Dresses: David’s Bridal | Floral & Decor: Damselfly Designs
