In my experience, couples consider the selection of a wedding photographer to be among the most important decisions to be made during the wedding planning. Likewise, brides and grooms will often commence the engagement period with a photo shoot of casual and artistically interesting keepsake photos. Often these shots are used as decorative objects at the wedding. However, it is a rare couple that actually has the proposal of marriage captured on film!
Several years ago, I came to know Laura Pennace, a photographer based in the City. Laura and I have worked together on two local weddings. Our first collaboration was for Karina and Nick’s wedding during the holiday season a couple of years ago. The Ohio couple chose to have their elopement in front of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The bride looked like a dream, as did Laura’s photos. Shortly thereafter, we did a private, “backyard” wedding at a brownstone on the Upper East Side. The young, hip couple had a Valentine’s Day ceremony—a snowy ceremony bathed in candlelight.
As I have followed Laura’s photography, I recently noticed that her work was focused on the Bridal Guide. It was such a nifty story, I had to share….. Laura was hired by a clever and very thoughtful groom who asked that she “hide” during his proposal of marriage in a local park. Laura describes her assignment as one that drew on her “crouching tiger, hidden dragon” skills. Months later, at the wedding, the groom presented his bride with Laura’s picture, as a truly exceptional present, captured in this photo by Alyse French. Brilliant! Laura’s terrific work intersected with an inspired gift giving idea. I hope some of my readers will steal a page from this fantastic wedding playbook. Bravo!
