new york wedding photography ~ heather and mark

This past Saturday, we flew back from Arizona to New York for the wedding of a former bride’s sister, we did back in June of 2005, who goes by the name of Wendy. Wendy and Jay were married at the now defunct Atlantica out in Westhampton Beach. Their wedding was one of my all time favorites! Well, I am glad to report that Wendy and Jay now have a one year old adorable baby boy, who goes by the name of Owen. Wendy and Heather’s mom, Judy, who is a sweetheart and I bonded first over having daughters who were getting married and now being a grandmother, which we both adore. When Judy called to inform us of Heather’s impending nuptials, we were so thrilled! If you recall, we had done Heather and Mark’s engagement series a few months back during the blizzard of 2010 in Brooklyn, where they reside. Heather is a nursery school teacher and such a kind and sweet hearted girl. She fits that part like it was made for her. I can see her thin frame, blonde hair perfectly pulled back in a pony with not a stitch of make up on, perfectly seated cross legged on the floor amongst all these 3 and 4 year old’s who are glued to her every word. Mark, is the perfect compliment to Heather. Good looking and strong, he balances her and you can just tell he keeps the humor alive in their relationship. During the day, I would watch Heather as she would glance at him, and you could just see how much genuine affection, respect and love they truly have for one another. We met Heather and her mom and the girls at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park, New York. It had snowed again the Thursday before ALOT, like in the tune of 17″ in New York City. We held our breath that it wouldn’t create a bunch of problems. But by Saturday, the sun was out and it was one of those crisp, winter days.

Heather and Mark had informed us that they didn’t want to go walking outside in the snow and get all cold and dirty and that was fine. The Ritz has enough of those huge, glass windows to capture all the city skylines one could ever ask for. Emily Burley, of www.DETAILSAREEVERYTHING.com, Heather’s wedding coordinator, was in Room #709 when we arrived. Heather was busy getting her hair done and the girls were sitting around chatting.

Atlas Floral had delivered all the bouquets, which were gorgeous I might add, along with a really big display of daisies from Mark!

After Heather slipped into her La Sposa gown, we along with Heather and the girls went down the elevator to meet Mark for their “reveal”. It was one of my all time favorites as they both were laughing and filled with such happiness. It was written all over both of their faces.

We then did their portraits and then met up with the bridal party who was now all done and waiting to take some shots.

Once completed, we headed out to the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers where Bob McSweeney along with Atlas Florals were busy putting the finishing touches on the beautiful space. Long, white, sheer, drapes hung from the ceiling and a chuppah filled with dangling orchids made the ceremony scene breathtaking. The space overlooks the New Jersey skyline, which was all lit up and reflecting in the Hudson River. Simply, in a word, gorgeous.

After the Ketubah was signed, we were ready to begin the wedding ceremony, which was touching and sweet and performed by the delightful Rabbi Jen Krause.

A tender moment came during the ceremony when Heather tried to put on Mark’s ring. It didn’t go on without a fight, to which Mark replied to the guests, “sorry I appear to be bloated!” which was met with laughter from all who attended.

Towards the end, I thought I was doing a double take and imagining things, when I noticed that I wasn’t alone trying to suppress my laughter. Together, wrapped in the Tallit, Heather was almost hysterical and with Mark, who had this precious expression on his face, as they kept looking at Rabbi Krause who was singing the Prayer of the Seven Blessings to the tune of “I Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, which if I am not mistaken, is also one of the theme songs for the Sandals Resort chain on the island of Jamaica, coincidentally where Heather and Mark were going for their honeymoon and where Mark had asked Heather for her hand! It was too funny…..and hey Rabbi Krause had SUCH a nice voice, if she wants a side career, she can apply for American Idol and try out as a singer!!!!

Another neat little personalization is that Heather, not Mark, broke the glass at the end of the ceremony!

Cocktails and sushi, among other things, were served overlooking the evening skyline.

Then the drapes were flung wide open and our band for the night, Manhattan Swing Orchestra, began a fabulous night of music and dancing. They had so many singers and musicians performing that night, that every time I looked up, I saw someone different and equally fabulous, singing.

The challah bread was prayed over and cut by Heather’s dad, Leonard and step-dad, Jeff. Then both dads gave equally touching remembrances of Heather as a child and what it has meant to have her in their lives, as well as, the welcome addition of what Mark has meant to Heather. Both Heather’s sister, Wendy, the Matron of Honor and Mark’s sister, Amy, the Best Person, gave funny and humorous toasts.

But one of the real special moments of the night for them and their guests, came from one of Heather’s talented and very close friends. I am sorry I didn’t get his name because his voice was simply wonderful and the song he wrote for the both of them, was so cute and funny and personal all at the same time. What a special gift to be able to give a couple on their wedding! I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from this guy as he was one very talented artist!

By the end of the night, when the cake had been cut and the specialty dessert had been served, it was time to say goodnight.

but that was not before Mark and Heather took the microphone. They thanked all their guests for coming and braving the snowy weather and then Mark turned to Heather and said to her among other things, that he really hadn’t expected to find someone and get married. When he met Heather he said, it was like seeing a little piece of heaven and now he couldn’t imagine his life without having her in it. She looked at him all the while he spoke, and her eyes shown with a love that only a bride can have for her groom. It such signified to me, that this is a couple who are meant to last. As we left, trays of hot chocolate were on silver trays all set for our tired guests to imbibe. It really was a magical night and lived up to and succeeded everyone’s expectations. Best of luck to you both and we hope to continue our friendship and to be blessed to photograph your children one day. To see more of Heather and Mark’s fabulous wedding, please click here and don’t forget, they and us would love to hear from you all with regard to their wedding and the photos!

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Judith Hoffman: Your photographs of Heather and Mark are so wonderful and really captured the magic of Heather and Mark's wedding. It was a spectacular night - I'm happy that you photographed it. March 7, 2010 2:04 am

Heather Sayles: We love these pictures. Thank you so much for capturing the magic of our most special day! love Heather and Mark March 8, 2010 8:15 am

New York City Weddng from Photograpy by Verdi via OneWed.com | The Modern Jewish Wedding: [...] whole story. I’ll tell you one tidbit you’ll miss if you don’t head over to the Photography by Verdi blog. (Heather broke the [...] December 14, 2011 2:48 pm

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new york wedding photography ~ heather and mark