As a photographer, there’s no greater affirmation of your craft than when clients return to you, entrusting you with their precious memories once again. Such was the case when I received a call from a couple whose love story I had the honor of documenting last year. Their journey, which began with a breathtaking proposal on their West Village rooftop, had now led them to the threshold of their wedding rehearsal dinner at Electric Lemon in the Equinox Hotel.
From Proposal to Rehearsal: A Year in the Making
A year prior, I stood perched on a rooftop, discreetly capturing the raw emotions and excitement as Jordan popped the question to Casey. Fast forward to the present, and I found myself back behind the lens, this time at the enchanting Electric Lemon in Hudson Yards with their friends and family. It was a whirlwind year, one filled with anticipation and planning, culminating in a beautiful rehearsal dinner celebration.
Honoring Tradition: A Ketubah Signing Ceremony
This particular event held an extra layer of significance. Jordan and Casey are Jewish and sought to include their extended Orthodox family in the festivities the day before the rehearsal dinner. They requested my presence to capture their Ketubah signing ceremony at Bonito, a kosher restaurant in Chelsea. Technically, this is when they actually got “married.” Although it was my first experience with this unique ceremony, I felt deeply honored to be entrusted with photographing the essence of the moment.
Building Lifelong Relationships
The heart of my work as a photographer lies in the connections I forge with my clients. It’s not merely about taking pictures; it’s about building relationships. When clients return to you, it speaks volumes about the trust they place in your ability to weave their stories through your lens. This trust isn’t just the foundation for repeat business; it also opens doors to referrals and new opportunities.
Weaving Stories Through Photography
Every event is a chapter in a larger narrative. During the rehearsal dinner, my focus was on candid shots that revealed the couple’s personalities and the profound love they shared. These unscripted moments, the stolen glances, hearty laughter, and heartfelt interactions with friends and family, are the building blocks of an engaging and emotionally resonant blog post.
Photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about documenting emotions, preserving traditions, and telling stories that transcend time. From rooftop proposals to wedding rehearsal dinners, each click of the shutter is a testament to the enduring power of love and the artistry of photography. As I looked through my lens that evening, I was not just a photographer; I was a storyteller, weaving the beautiful tale of a couple whose love story continued to evolve.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.