sarah tew photography

Joanna & Daniel were married on a summer Saturday at the beautiful venue Tribeca Rooftop, overlooking downtown Manhattan. All week the weather had been making this couple nervous as Saturday they were expecting thunderstorms, but we got wonderfully lucky and instead of being stormy it ended up being sunny and hot– a much easier problem to have! I arrived at Joanna’s hotel suite to find her bridesmaids in the cutest robes, hanging out and playing Bananagrams on the floor between turns getting hair and makeup done. Joanna had also gotten them sweet matching socks to remember the occasion. Once she put her gown on I was able to take a few portraits with her and her big group of bridesmaids out on the large terrace, and then we were off to the first look. Joanna had found this wonderful little alley she liked that has a skybridge, so we coordinated with the groom and my assistant photographer to have us arrive shortly after Daniel was in place. These two were so happy to be together again, I just love first looks! We took advantage of the lack of rain and walked to a few spots I had scouted earlier for portrait locations and then hopped in a cab to get to the venue to meet our wedding party for group pictures. The streets around Tribeca Rooftop had a few nice spots to offer for groups this large so I was able to get some variety in backgrounds, and then we all headed upstairs for family pictures in the air conditioning. Joanna put on her veil and we captured them signing the gorgeous floral Ketubah while guests were directed to the roof for the ceremony. The view was incredible– the freedom tower just off in the distance behind the amazing Chuppah covered in white orchids and roses and more. Joanna took everyone’s breath away when she was escorted down the aisle by her parents. The couple exchanged their own vows and the Rabbi did a fantastic job– after breaking the glass cheers of “Mazel Tov!” erupted from the crowd and Joanna & Daniel shared their first kiss a married couple. I followed them around the corner of the roof and we shot a few “just married” portraits with the sunset sky before they were whisked off for some alone time. Guests were treated to a cocktail hour on the roof as the sky darkened, and then were led down the incredible staircase into the reception space, impeccably decorated and ready for the fabulous party to come. Joanna and Daniel made their entrance on the same staircase and shared a beautiful first dance followed by a Hora. Highlights of the evening included the incredible toasts full of sweet stories from the both Joanna and Daniel’s parents and siblings, as well as an energetic dance floor, a “donut wall” (!) the likes of which I’ve never seen or imagined, and a lovely moment with sparklers down on the cobblestone street below. It was an honor and a pleasure capturing this wedding and I couldn’t be happier for this amazing couple– cheers to Joanna & Daniel!

Getting Ready Location: The Smyth Hotel

Ceremony Location: Tribeca Rooftop

Reception Venue: Tribeca Rooftop

Bridal Attendant: Brianne Coccaro

Wedding gown: Monique Lhuillier

Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo

Hair: Halli Bivona

Makeup: Tanya Rae

Officiant: Rabbi Jonathan Malamy

Invitation Design: Lion in the Sun Park Slope

Floral Design: Stonekelly Events

Music: Kenny Ford Bank at Hank Lane

Ketubah: Rebecca Novick

Videographer: Michael Joseph Films

Wedding Cake: Milk Bar