“I was suppose to be in the city at six to meet Luis for a pre-event dinner. Ironically we were meeting at the same restaurant that Luis asked me to be his girlfriend two years prior. He picked this place because he said it was close to the art gallery that the work event was at (I had yet to catch on).
Once I arrived to the restaurant I noticed it was PACKED and Luis was not there. After questioning the waitress if we had a reservation, she preceded to ask me my name and when I told it to her instead of telling me the wait time she handed me an envelope with my name on it. I thought this was Luis’ idea of being spontaneous. I was highly annoyed that the clue told me to go all the way across town to meet him. Just a week before Luis got really upset that I told him I did not think he was spontaneous and I was sure he was trying to prove a point here.
The note told me to go to Bloomies where I assumed Luis would be waiting. I was so shocked to see Alissa and Katie there instead of Luis. Now I started catching on to what was going on. Alissa and Katie handed me a box with yet another clue. This time the clue was a poem leading me to the corner where Luis asked me to move in with him. In the box was one lime green Stuart Weitzman pump, and the poem said that I could find its mate at the next location. I have always said that I wanted to wear lime green shoes to my wedding, so Luis had these made for me. I was now so excited and jumped in a cab to get to 86th and 1st. When I arrive Luis was there with three dozen yellow roses and asked what was in the box. He asked to see the shoe and got down on one knee to try the shoe on my foot. He then pulled out the other shoe and said that he and I are perfect mates just like these shoes. While still down on one knee he pulled out the ring and proposed!! I said YES in between my sea of tears .. and the rest is history!”
~Joanna, Bride
More of Jeff Wojtaszek Photography ON WTR
couple: Brieanne & Aaron
proposal: Sparkling HIll Resort – Kelowna, British Columbia
shoot location: Canada, Alberta; Sturgeon County
images by: Carey Nash Photography |
wedding date: November 3rd, 2012
venue: The Oasis Centre
colors: black ivory and purple |
“Aaron proposed to me in Kelowna, British Columbia on the terrace at Sparkling Hill Resort. It is an amazing hotel that was designed by Swarovski and his crystals are throughout the entire hotel; it’s just beautiful! … Aaron wanted to take a look at the view on the terrace, as it overlooked lake Okanagan. …just as it started to rain Aaron gave me a big hug and said ‘you know how much I love you right?’ and I said ‘yes I do’ and then he got on one knee and asked me to marry him!”
~Brieanne, Bride to be
wedding ring | His: gold band & Hers: silver band with diamond
exchanged: United States, Arizona; Scottsdale – St. Maria Goretti
images by: Desert Ridge Photography
“These two ring shots were captured just after the ceremony and before the reception. We went to the Scottsdale Civic center to take some fun bridal party photos. I spotted an old rusted printing press and thought the patina would make for a great backdrop. The image was lit with a video light and shot with a Nikon D700 using the Nikkor 105mm F2.8G lens.”
~Corey, Photographer
“Where do I even begin? Once upon a time there was a painting. And I fell in love with so many aspects of it, that I just couldn’t shake it from my soul. It’s funny because only recently have I started to delve into my obsession with Ophelia inspired art. Hands down my favorite is Millais’ Ophelia painting that I had the thrill of seeing in person this spring on a recent trip to London’s Tate Britain. I was stunned into uncharacteristic silence as I stood back and took it all in. It was… perfect. Breathtaking and moody. That in the din of the crowd I could feel myself transported into that cold river with her, and was mesmerized by her lifeless expression was just amazing to me. See, these days we are absolutely inundated with imagery. Battered by it, really. Nothing wows us anymore. We have collectively ‘seen it all.’ But not this. This was something overwhelming for me, and it left a mark.
Flash forward to two conversations with two of my favorite creatives come friends, Tony and DD. When I met Tony years back we had a conversation about doing an Ophelia inspired shoot in my river. We were animated and excited, and couldn’t wait to get it on the books. Years passed, and then here I am standing with Miss DD in London looking at this painting. DD agreed. We had to just do it.
I can’t explain how I felt yesterday as I shot this. Overwhelmed in a way I haven’t been in years. Elated. Crazy. Almost undone. I was supported and inspired in a way that was made to be all about my vision, yet a completely collaborative experience at the same time. It felt surreal and amazing.
I think I experienced the ‘runner’s high’ of shooting and man, I can’t wait to feel this way again.
What this solidified to me was the need to make time for my personal projects again. Projects that are about what no one else wants but me. Sounds totally selfish, yes. But freeing. No expectations. No limits to what I can try. No where to go but up, in my mind.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my vision and encouraged it. Thank you to Elisabeth, who I have not even met, for making this amazing dress for our shoot, your vision was perfect! Miss Lena. What can I say? You knocked this shoot out of the park!! JImmmaaaayyyyy I can’t wait to see how you saw this shoot, your vision never ceases to amaze me!
DD, Tony. There are no words. XO”
~Carla, Photographer
images by: Carla Ten Eyck Photography
floral: Tony Palmieri of Datura: A Modern Garden
beauty: DD Nickel
fashion: Elisabeth Palatiello
talent: Miss Lena
video: Jim Altieri’s Vintage Cinema
engagement ring | Hers: white gold band with polar ice diamond; Polar Ice, Boulevard Diamonds
Proposal: “He proposed at a park by carving ‘will you marry me’ into a tree!”
exchanged: Canada, Edmonton, AB
“Shawn had my ring for over 4 years before he actually proposed. My best friend and I were browsing a jewelry store and we came across this ring. I instantly feel in love with it and would not stop talking about it (with everyone besides Shawn). My best friend thought I should tell Shawn about it but I didn’t want to because it was a very VERY expensive ring so I did not want him spending that much on a ring for me. My friend knew that this was the only ring I would ever have this feeling for and that I would never tell Shawn about it so she told him all about our visit and the ring. Well after that he went out and bought it right away. Even though it was so pricey I am happy that he got it since I know I would have been very sad to have gotten anything else.”
wedding ring | His: white gold band with diamond; Jewellery Boutique
“He is one of those guys that does not like wearing things that others wear so I knew I wouldn’t be able to get him a regular old ring. I looked around for probably 2 years to find something and there was features that I liked about certain rings but they just did not stand out enough. They just weren’t special enough. I had heard about the owner of Jewellery Boutique from a girl at work and I decided to go in and talk to him to see if there was anything he could do for me. I took all my pictures and research and showed him what parts of what rings I liked. I also told him that I wanted Shawn’s initials on the ring. He made a model out of wax for me first to make sure it was exactly as I wanted it and did not actually make the ring until I was completely happy with it. When I saw it for the first time I was blown away by how good it had turned out. I don’t think I would change anything on it. It’s all Shawn’s and only his alone and that’s a great feeling.”
Wedding ring | Hers: white gold band with polar ice diamond; Polar Ice, Boulevard Diamonds
exchanged: Canada, Edmonton, AB
“The band had to be specially designed for me because my finger is soooo tiny that they did not have any bands that they could size for my finger without actually screwing up the band. Shawn was almost not able to get my ring for that very reason. I’m not a typical girl meaning I’m really not into flashy things like diamonds but this ring made my heart melt. Plus they were Canadian diamonds which was a big deal for me because I did not want a blood/conflict diamond. I seriously find myself staring at my ring at least once a day. There is no other ring I would want more.”
~Rupa, Bride
image by: Shandro Photo
[ View Rupa & Shawn’s Fijian Wedding ]
couple: Rebecca & David
location: Dominican Republic, Punta Cana - Riu Palace Bavaro
image by: Calculated Style Photography
engagement ring | Hers: white gold band with diamond; family heirloom
wedding ring | His: Tungsten band; Triton, Robbins Brothers
exchanged: United States, Texas; Arlington - St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church / Arlington High School
images by: Jonathan Ivy Photo
“John and I met our freshman year of high school at Arlington High. We starting dating quickly after school started and walked the stage as a couple. 8 years later, John proposed to me by the Orchestra Hall where we first met.”
~Magen, Bride
engagement & Wedding ring | Hers: platinum band with diamond
exchanged: United States, Texas
wedding ring | His: white and yellow band & Hers: platinum band with diamond
exchanged: United States, Texas; McKinney – Surrey House
rings: Anschar Diamonds
images by: Jonathan Ivy Photo
“Dan proposed a few weeks before Christmas, as we were putting ornaments on the Christmas tree. He was putting hooks on the ornaments and passing them to me to hang up. He said he had just one more and then held out the ring dangling on an ornament hook. I was so surprised that the first thing I said was “are you serious?!” Of course that was followed by “YES!” but he will never let me live down my first reaction.”
~Jackie, Bride
engagement ring | Hers: silver band with diamond
exchanged: United States, Texas; Dallas - Off the Grid
flower: hand created paper flower made by a bridemaids
ring: De Beers
image by: Jonathan Ivy Photo
engagement ring | Hers: platinum band with diamond solitaire; Blue Nile
exchanged: United States, Oregon; Portland – during vacation trip
wedding ring | His: white gold band & Hers: platinum band with diamond – both; Custom Jewelers of Richardson, TX
exchanged: United States, Texas; Plano – Resurrection Lutheran Church
images by: Jonathan Ivy Photo
couple: Tânia & Carlos
shoot location: Lisbon, Portugal
to be married: Madeira Island
images by: Piteira Photography
engagement ring | Hers: yellow gold band with diamond & topaz; local jewelry shop in Abu Dhabi, UAE
wedding ring | His: 4mm wide atlas gold band & Hers: 3mm wide atlas gold band with brilliant cut diamond – both; Tiffany & Co.
exchanged: Philippines, Makati City – Santuario de San Antonio Church
images by: Noel Salazar of Imagine Nation Photography
“Albert proposed to Stephanie on the eve of her 27th birthday. It was a weekday and so she wasn’t expecting him to stay for long. However, they went about the evening as they normally would, watching television and chatting about how their day went. As the clock struck midnight, he fumbled for her right hand and nervously slipped a ring into her finger, and asked her if she would marry him.
Shot with a Nikkor 105mm f2.8 macro lens”
~Noel, Photographer
couple: Jana & Ivo
location: Estonia, Tallinn - Estonian Open Air Museum
images by: Mait Jüriado
engagement ring | Hers: white gold band with diamond
wedding ring | His: white gold band & Hers: white gold band with diamond
exchanged: United States, Washington; DC – St. Peters Catholic Church
images by: Stephen Gosling Photography
location: Poland, Gdansk Bay
shoot type: post wedding
images by: Darek Szubinski Photography | fotoszubi.pl
location: San Antonio, Texas
image by: Anahi Navarro Wedding Photography
engagement ring | Hers: gold band with diamond solitaire; Root Jewelers in Washington, DC (bought in 1970)
wedding ring | His: gold band & Hers: gold band; Tiny Jewel Box in Washington, DC
exchanged: United States
images by: Silver Thumb Photography
“The engagement ring was the ring David’s dad originally gave to his mom. Monica and David share the same initials as David’s parents, so the ring went from a DK to an MT twice. [The] bands are engraved just like their [parents]… the inscription on Monica’s band says DK to MT 6-23-12 and David’s band says MT to DK 6-23-12″
~Tamara, Photographer
engagement ring | Hers: platinum band with princess cut solitaire diamond; Tiffany & Co. Melbourne, Australia
exchanged: Philippines, Olongapo; Subic Bay
wedding ring | His & Hers: both white gold band with diamond, Baguette channel setting; Gift from godmother
exchanged: Philippines, Green Hills; Santuario de San Jose
image by: Metrophoto
“It was November 2001 when I first met Kath during one of the activities sponsored by our college. I couldn’t believe that this was the first time I was able to meet her. Maybe it was fate or it was destiny, as some may call it. Nevertheless, I grabbed the opportunity to get to know her. At first, I was so nervous that I wasn’t able to talk to her because she had the impression of being a snob. Luckily enough, it was different. In one of the social activities of our college, we were paired together. She was very friendly and very charming.
Even for a short period of time each day, I seized the opportunity to meet her. Eventually, we were able to sync our schedules so that we would be able to attend the same classes. As the months went on, day by day, I was falling in love with her. On the night of February 2002, we attended a concert by a foreign musical artist. At around 10pm, she finally said ‘Yes!’ This is probably one of the happiest days of my life.
As the years passed, we were still together through the good and bad times. We were able to grow individually and as a couple. Year 2010, I felt that it was already time for us to take the next step. We’ve already been together for 9 years and I can’t see my future without her. I wanted to give her a ring that is simple yet timeless and elegant. During one of my business trips to Australia, I found the one and I didn’t think twice.
With the help of friends, I was able to plot my proposal. It was one of our weekend vacation trips that I decided to pop the question. At around 9pm on November 2010, kneeling on one knee, I asked her: “Will you marry me and be my wife?” I was very happy and delighted when she said: ‘Yes, I’m going to marry you!’
Choosing the wedding rings were the easiest, our dear godmother and aunt gave it to us as her wedding gift.“
~Mark, Groom
wedding ring | His: two-tone yellow & white gold band & Hers: two-tone yellow & white gold band with diamond
exchanged: Philippines, Cebu City – Fort San Pedro
rings: Just Jewels, Ayala Center
images by: RAINBOWFISH
[ view Rhea & Luigi’s vintage inspired wedding ]
wedding ring | His: white gold band & Hers: white gold band
exchanged: Indonesia, Bali – Tirtha Uluwatu
images by: Adiwarna & Victor of THEUPPERMOST Photography
“Barry and Natalya choose Tirta Uluwatu – Bali, “The Island of Gods” a very beautiful place for a wedding vows. A small wedding with only relatives and closest friends witnesses their blessing. The atmosphere was more intimate, the weather was excellent, we were very lucky to have such a beautiful sunset. The party continued with dinner, cutting cake and first dance, very romantic and memorable moments!”
~THEUPPERMOST Photography
wedding ring | His: gold band; engraved by Julius Cohen & Hers: gold band with diamond; designed by Julius Cohen
exchanged: United States, Illinois; Rockford
coasters by: artist Jhenai Mootz
image by: Jeremy Lawson Photography
“[My] ring was purchased in 1964, designed by Julius Cohen. It was resized and engraved in 2012 by Julius Cohen as well. This was originally Christian’s moms ring from her marriage to Christian’s dad in 1965. On one side it says ‘Christian to Patricia, July 17, 1965′ and on the other side it says ‘Christian to Lydia, June 9, 2012′. Christian is named after his father so thus, the same name.” To Match Lydia’s ring, Christian’s ring says ”Lydia to Christian, June 9 2012″
Story about the ring
“Christian and I were dating for 4 years when we began to talk about getting married. We went looking for rings in December of 2010 and I gave Christian a choice of 4 rings that I loved. Mostly they were white gold with round diamonds, bezel set, with a halo and an open band. Later as I was telling his sister about our shopping adventure, she said, ‘I don’t know why he just doesn’t give you mom’s ring from her marriage to dad.’ I said, ‘What?’ Christian’s mother had saved her Emerald engagement ring… commissioned by his father back in 1964… with accompanying wedding band for Christian to one day use. She had put it in a safe after she and Christian’s father had divorced several years ago and bequeathed it to Christian. Christian hadn’t thought of this ring as it had been so long, so he asked his sister to bring the rings over New Years so that he could see if I liked them. They weren’t at all what I had been looking for. But they were perfect. I loved them instantly. Christian hid the rings in our home, and FIVE months later, on his Birthday, he finally proposed.”
Proposal Story:
“The proposal was lovely and quiet and simple. It was his 42nd birthday. I could tell he was very nervous about something and actually called up my best friend and said, ‘I think Christian is going to try to propose today.’ His nervousness was charming and for some reason, I was calm. Perhaps because I was 5 months ready, but he wanted it to be on this day, his birthday, and I was just relieved it was finally here. But when? I took him to a dinner at Gejas in Chicago, a romantic fondue restaurant, and thought through the whole meal that at any time he might propose. He didn’t. We went home and I asked him if he wanted to open his birthday present. He did. He opened it and loved it. And then… he reached into his pocket and walked around to where I was sitting, got down on his knee, and asked me if I would be his wife. He almost slipped the ring on to the right hand… I quickly gave him my left… I said ‘Yes’ and he slipped on the ring. We hugged and laughed and cried and sat there for about a half hour till we decided we should call our parents who had waited 5 years to hear the good news.”
Wedding Day Story
“On the wedding day, at the reception, the Best Man turned to me and asked if the ring went on okay. I said yes. He said he was relieved. He had been wearing the wedding band on his pinky finger during the first part of the ceremony so he wouldn’t have to fish it out of his pocket and his hands had gotten warm and sweaty.”
~Lydia, Bride
[ view Lydia & Christian's wedding day photos ]
engagement ring: 1920′s platinum band with round diamond; The Jeweler’s Eye Charlottesville, VA
“It’s a hole-in-the-wall jewelry store that specializes in antique and estate jewelry. The owner is fantastic, very nice and extremely knowledgeable. We don’t know much about the ring except that it is probably from the 1920s. We chose it because of the octagon-shaped diamond surround, the beautiful filigree around the gallery and the tiny flowers on the side. This ring won out over a couple of other beautiful vintage rings because the gallery is raised to allow for a straight wedding band to sit right up against it. I didn’t want a contoured band or a gap between the two when worn together.”
wedding ring | His: rose gold (comfort fit) band; Keller and George Jewelry Charlottesville, VA
“We FINALLY got this ring the afternoon before our wedding. It was shockingly difficult to find a men’s wedding band in rose gold, especially in a size shape and finish that wasn’t fussy or way over-sized. We wanted a simple ring that was also a little bit out of the ordinary to match my rings”
wedding ring | Hers: rose gold band cast from original 1920′s platinum band; The Jeweler’s Eye Charlottesville, VA
“I went to the Jeweler’s Eye in Charlottesville, VA to have my engagement ring repaired after an unfortunate accident involving a Christmas tree and a roof rack on a car. While I was in the shop, I was looking through their current stock of wedding bands and came across a platinum band that had the same tiny flower pattern that is on the sides of my 1920s engagement ring. I asked the jeweler if that pattern was common and he said that he had honestly never seen it before, and here it was on TWO rings. It was apparently destiny that I would damage my engagement ring for the sake of finding its perfect match. I had the jeweler take a mold of the original platinum band in order to cast it in rose gold because I really liked the look of wearing two different metals and it was a popular combination in the 20s and 30s, thus fitting the era of the rings themselves. I love that my set is unique and that I probably won’t ever see rings like these in a magazine or store”
~Chrissy, Bride
[ view Chrissy & Wilson's Film ]
engagement ring | Hers: silver band with diamond; Cobweb Antiques
wedding ring | His: silver band; vintage – grandfathers & Hers: silver band; Blue Bird Antiques
exchanged: United States, New Hampshire; Antrim - Doug’s family farm
images by: Dreamlove Photography
“Kelsie and Doug had one of the most thoroughly styled rustic barn weddings in New England that we’ve ever documented, with antique furnishings, custom seed packet escort cards, and DIY details that overwhelmed our lenses. They also unfortunately got stuck with the most challenging weather situation that faces an outdoor ceremony… rain. And not just rain, but thunderstorms that refused to let up! Yep, our streak of rain-free weddings has officially ended… but in all honesty, this couple really took lemons and made lemonade. Guests pitched in and carried chairs to the 100-year-old barn that Kelsie and Doug had set up for dancing, and “I do’s” were spoken in an intimate setting while the rain continued to pour outside.”
~Katie, Photographer
[ Click here to view Kelsie & Doug's Antique Barn Wedding ]
engagement ring | Hers: white gold band with topaz and diamond
exchanged: Hong Kong
wedding ring | His: white gold band & Hers: white gold band with topaz and diamond
exchanged: Philippines, Laguna; Calamba – Ayala Greenfields
ring: Kat Velayo of Ding Velayo, Inc.
images by: Noel Salazar of Imagine Nation Photography
“So, what’s Mikko and Jo’s story? “Love Never Fails” was their theme because they’ve known each other since high school (if I remember correctly) via youth camp, and when Mikko asked Jo’s mom if he could court her, he got asked if he was ready to marry Jo. At that time, he wasn’t, so he said no, and Jo’s mom told him that the next time he asked that question, it would be because he was ready to marry her, or wanted to marry her. And so years after years they were not together, but still sorta kinda… finally, this wedding happened and I’m just really happy for them because they’re finally together. It’s really different when God tells you to wait, and you just obey. It will be hard but the end is so worth it. Ask them, they know.”
~Noel, Photographer
Preparation Venue: B Hotel
Wedding Venue: Ayala Greenfields
Gown: Didit Reyes
Make-up: Carmen Reyes
Video: Haraya Studios
Coordinator: Best Case Scenario
Caterer: K by Kaye Cunanan
“Earlier this month, we headed to Panorama Farms in Earlysville, VA for Chrissy & Wilson’s incredible wedding.The location was stunning, with a very rustic barn, and a lot of open fields to explore. I was so glad to be capturing the awesomeness with my sweet friends Jodi & Kurt from Jodi Miller Photography. We always have such a great time collaborating. While the weather was a bit unpredictable throughout the day, Chrissy & Wilson were still able to have their heartfelt ceremony outside before the rain moved in. It was incredibly touching, and the readings were perfect. After the ceremony guests were treated to some delicious food, and s’mores + cake for dessert. The whole event felt personal, and I swear Chrissy & Wilson have the best taste in music ever. I mean when I saw “Chromeo” on the questionnaire; I knew we would be best friends.“
~Josh, Filmmaker
[ view Chrissy & Wilson's Photographs ]
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