Silk City Photo

Karina & Andrew

Rule of Thirds, Brooklyn, NY

Saturday, June 10, 2023

The week of Karina and Andrew's wedding, a thick plume of smoke choked the air in New York City with an otherworldly orange-gray hue. Eastward winds pushed smoke from the hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada toward the East Coast. Flights were delayed, schools were closed, and people packed hospitals with respiratory issues. 

One hundred twenty-six guests planned to celebrate with Andrew and Karina in Brooklyn on Saturday, including members from Karina's side who were traveling from the Dominican Republic. 

Thankfully, the skies had begun to clear by Friday, and there were no signs of the unsettling gloom on Saturday. 

What ensued was a day full of expressive emotion. Karina, who was quiet and reserved when we met last September, cried often on her wedding day, then would erupt with laughter. She cried as she got ready, then at Marsha P. Johnson Park during the bridal party portraits, as we left the park, then at the venue before, during, and after the ceremony. She cried throughout the reception. She cried a lot. You get the picture, plus I've included a few examples above :) 

Andrew sang Karina a song after the parent dances. It was a surprise to her and everyone there. He hadn't even told me he was doing this. For me, the "not knowing what's about to happen" is part of the thrill of picture-making. On wedding days, a day full of timelines and details, and knowing what is coming next, I still hope for the unexpected. It is a gift not to know everything. It keeps me curious and constantly observing. 

 Earlier that day, when the wedding party climbed onto the bus and it became evident that the New York City traffic would put us behind schedule, Andrew, Karina, and the others decided to save time by walking to the Marsha P. Johnson Park waterfront. The congested streets and sidewalks made for great and unexpected experiences. There is an unpredictability of a wedding that can feel unsettling for many. I'm most interested in the unscripted moments I can't plan for. 

Karina and Andrew, thank you for allowing me in and sharing a sliver of your life. Congratulations, and much love. 

If you'd like to know more about these two, please see the Mini Vows Column that ran in The New York Times two weeks after their wedding. 

Location: Rule of Thirds
Floral: ROSEHIP
Bride Makeup: Felicia Graham Beauty
Entertainment: Non-Traditional Wedding DJ's
Lighting: Universal Light & Sound NYC
Cupcakes: Molly's Cupcakes
Bakery: Bakeri
Bridal Portraits at Marsha P. Johnson Park