sarah tew photography

On May 21st after about a week and a half of nonstop rain, Deena and Joe tied the knot in a beautiful two-part ceremony (the first part being outside, the 2nd part being inside after a sudden rainfall surprised us in the middle of what was shaping up to be a surprisingly gorgeous day out!  Everyone ran inside giggling and holding programs over their heads– the wedding party was prepared with adorable matching umbrellas thanks to Deena’s careful planning, and they definitely made use of them!  A group of thoughtful gentlemen carried the cloth from the Hupa inside and held it for the remainder of the ceremony– I can’t even imagine how tired their arms must have been!  It was so moving to see this generosity and love, and the grace with which Deena and Joe rolled with the punches.  I can’t say enough good things about the Palm House staff– the ceremony was switched indoors almost SEAMLESSLY!  Almost no sooner had I walked indoors was everyone seated and these two were walking down Aisle Number 2! Thankfully we had already done a batch of nice portraits and family shots out in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden earlier.  We were there in a brief window where the bluebells are in full bloom, so of course we did their “First Look” out in the middle of this beautiful field of bluebells… check out some more of my favorites below.  I will have to do a 2nd blog post featuring their photobooth shots, which were lots of fun… more to come!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8XCCUpvc3c&hl=en&fs=1]

Great first look shot from across the bluebells by Dmitry, my excellent 2nd shooter!

I love the shot above… one of my favorites from the whole wedding!

I love this shot above, it’s right in front of the Koi Pond… (you wouldn’t know it from these portraits but the Garden was super crowded– everyone in NYC wanted to be outside enjoying the sunshine that Saturday– it had been raining here for LITERALLY a WEEK!)

Another sweet shot from Dmitry, shot from across the lilypads while I walked with them for some portraits around the gardens.

last minute preparations before the ceremony!  Ketubah signing below…

Weather looks great so far, right?

but then we felt some drops…

These guys above were the heroes of the wedding.  Great thinking, guys!  I swear within 5-6 minutes we were getting back to business inside The Palm House– such incredible work by their staff!

The above is from right after sweet toast from the mutual friend who introduced them:  Joe’s high school prom date and Deena’s good friend and bridesmaid!