sarah tew photography

I loved shooting Chrissy & Tom’s sweet bookstore wedding this past Saturday– Housing Works Bookstore continues to be one of my favorite best-kept-secret wedding venues! And what a treat to shoot getting ready and first look / couple portraits with the couple at the stylish Mondrian Hotel just down Crosby Street. Chrissy was stunning– I didn’t even recognize her at first as I peered into the room expecting to see her on a chair with a makeup or hair artist working on her but it turned out they had finished early (unusual!) and she herself was opening the door for me! The emotion of the day finally hit her as we went to make a portrait of her by the window’s light and you could feel just how much love and excitement there was for this couple to wed. Ryan went outside to meet Tom and prepare him for the first look, which we did outside. I am quite taken with the courtyard they have there– check out the pretty shots of Chrissy & Tom under the lights they have strung up outside in front of the hotel– some of my favorites were shot right there. After a quick round of shots with them in the fabulous lobby area we did a portrait walk through some surrounding blocks on the way up to the Bookstore where we met their family for group shots before the ceremony. I love getting these out of the way before the ceremony so as to free the couple up to enjoy their cocktail hour with their guests right afterwards, rather than being whisked off and posed in a series of groups while everyone is wishing they could hug and congratulate them… Housing Works is such a warm and unique atmosphere for a wedding– officiant Stephen Dym did a lovely job with their ceremony and I love the way the florist’s work added elegance to the tables yet maintained the personality of the space with simple burlap runners on the long tables. After some sweet toasts the couple made their way to the dance floor where strings of edison lights hanging between the balconies (bonus shooting angles!) added a twinkly air of celebration. We concluded the evening with a quick night portrait outside on the cobblestones of Crosby Street. I was so honored to be a part of this wedding and I hope Chrissy & Tom will enjoy their photos as much as I enjoyed making them.

Vendor Credits:

Catering/Venue: The Works at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

Officiant:  Stephen Dym

Dress: Vera Wang

Shoes: Repetto

Hair: Stacy Pitt of Styles on B

Makeup: Nicole Sievers

Rings:  Lauria Jewelers in Philadelphia

Flowers:  Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design

Favors/Escort Cards: Elizabeth Manjarrez

Suit: Jones NY