Jennifer & Manny | Coney Island Engagement Session | Brooklyn, NY

One morning, in Texas, Jennifer was scrolling Offbeat Bride when she happened upon a wedding I had photographed being featured that day. She and her new fiancé, Manny, had a trip to NYC planned and thought an engagement session in the city could be fun. When Jennifer reached out and told me they liked street art and bagels (two of my very favorite things), I knew we'd be friends.  

Their session ended up being on one of the hottest days of the summer during a week filled with thunderstorms. We got lucky with a lot sunshine! In order to beat the heat, we took a stroll down the pier to feel the breeze and obviously had to stop for ice cream! I loved their relaxed vibe, Jen's colorful engagement ring, and the way they had each other laughing the entire time.

Congrats to this super fun, very happy couple! 

Janelle & Clint | Bacchus Bistro Wedding | Brooklyn, NY

“Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.” -The Notorious B.I.G.

Janelle, Clint, and 55 of their nearest and dearest traveled from all over the globe for their July 5th wedding. Their guests came together in Brooklyn (many for the first time ever!) from England, Poland, Switzerland, South Africa, and the U.S. to celebrate this very important occasion.

Falling in love is like finding a home in the heart of a person that you have never known." -IN-Q

All weddings are special, but this one truly tugged at my heart strings. Their love was felt by all throughout the day, the constant smiling and laughter from both of their worlds was infectious. Janelle and Clint complement each other so perfectly, creating a balance, just like they were made for each other. They were married by Daniela, of Once Upon A Vow, who highlighted the couples hopes and dreams of growing old together, included a ring warming ceremony, and quoted lyrics from rap and spoken word artists (she also introduced us!)

Congratulations to this very happy couple!

Photographer: Kate Alison Photography

Venue & Catering: Bacchus Bistro & Wine Bar

Officiant: Once Upon A Vow

Flowers: Stems Brooklyn

Hair & Makeup: Bespoke Beauty & Bridal

Paper Goods: To the Moon & Back Paper & Laser Studio

Rings: Nichols Jewelers

Dress: Luella's Bridal

Accessories: BHLDN

Suit: Ted Baker from Moss Bros., Thomas Pink, Loake Shoemakers

Doughnuts: Dough

Theresa & Chassitty | LGBTQ Engagement Session | Queens, NY

A year ago, Theresa and Chassitty contacted me about booking an engagement session. They openly shared their story with me right away. The couple wanted me to know that they were doing things "out of order" and had privately eloped six months earlier, but never had photos taken. "Since we're a queer couple," they said, "we decided to get married before [the most recent] inauguration." Doing things non-traditionally is my favorite and while I was very happy for them and the start of their new life together, my heart also broke a little for all the queer couples who feel as though their love is less than.

As a queer photographer with an offbeat vibe I was able to make "out of order" work perfectly for these two. Our session took place in Astoria Park in Queens, New York, where the couple often jogs and watches the sun set together. 

Theresa and Chassitty met in 2015 at a BBQ hosted by a mutual friend around the time they both started their PhD programs. The party guests were enjoying a bonfire and playing Psychopoly (psychology-themed Monopoly) when it turned in to a drinking game involving fireball. During the game, several friends ventured off to the snack table and eventually these two were the only players left. Theresa realized she was interested in Chassitty, who was oblivious to the flirtation. Their friendship grew deeper and they bonded over shared interests in psychology, volleyball, hiking. It took a couple of years of Theresa dropping subtle and not-so-subtle hints before she finally sat Chassitty down directly to share her feelings. Everything immediately clicked. The couple just so happened to be planning a week-long hiking and meditation trip together and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. It was like they were in love from the very start and felt right in a way that no other relationship ever had for either one.  

Wishing you both the happiest year and a half anniversary!

2018 Mermaid Parade | Coney Island | Brooklyn, NY

One of my favorite things to do at the start of summer in NYC every year is attend the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. It's a magical, sparkly, colorful kick-off to the summer season that celebrates art, inclusivity, and creativity, combining all my favorite things in life.  

According to Coney Island USA's website, "The MERMAID PARADE specifically was founded in 1983 with 3 goals: it brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune ; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as 'entertainment'; and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public."

See some of my favorite "sea-quinned" moments below!