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9/11.

AK — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:39:38 +0000

I wish I could say that I remember the World Trade Center twin towers as an indelible feature of the New York City skyline… but I don’t. When the planes hit them, having moved to the city just 2 weeks before, I was a freshman in my first week of classes at NYU.

My roommate (also a freshman from California) and I slept through the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center, only to be awakened by the blaring of both our phones (landlines) ringing and ringing over and over. I groggily answered, who could be calling both of us this early in the morning. My mother was frantically on the other end asking why we were sleeping through a terrorist attack. A terriorist attack? Huh? A plane crashed into the WTC and they are saying its a terriorist attack. It must be an accident. They are really tall you know… Awake now, my roommate and I began to get ready for class, glued to my the news on my television.

At some point, my roommate left our dorm for class only to return after the second plane hit and both towers had fallen. She left again to go give blood and I left with a group of friends and my disposable camera, of course, to go to campus. Having spent the morning watching it all on the news, not expecting the damage to be so destructive, we wanted to feel for ourselves what had happened. So we walked 10 blocks downtown on Broadway, against the hoard of people covered in soot walking uptown, away from the fallen towers.

As we walked, a massive cloud of dust was rising high above downtown Manhattan. My disposable camera could not quite capture the cloud for what it really was. And when I finally developed the photos, I was disappointed that the images just looked like a really foggy day.

So in 2007 when I found the photographs below, I couldn’t help but feel excited. They felt like the photos I failed to capture. I found them one day. I had been walking around Park Slope and I came across some books that someone had left on their stoop to share with the community. I chose to take The Alienist by Caleb Carr, even though I wasn’t completely interested but since it was free it looked good enough. Once at home, as I was adding the book to my shelf the prints fell out. Three of the images had been captured on September 11, 2001. I couldn’t believe it. On closer look at the photos, I noticed that they were taken at Washington Square Park and on West 4th Street. The photographer was on the NYU campus exactly where I was when they captured these images.

These photographs have become a gift to my memory. And I am so grateful for the photographer who forgot they were in that book. If you are reading, write and I will send them to you. (PS I remember the street I found them on, so no fakes!)

x AK

This shot taken from the Staten Island ferry was on the same roll of film.

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Published! Brooklyn Bride

AK — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:08:35 +0000

Brooklyn Bride featured Corey & Daniel’s wedding on their blog yesterday! Such exciting news. It was such perfect timing with the passage of the legal same sex marriage bill in New York this past weekend. Click here to see the feature!

Follow the blog @brooklynbride for modern stylish wedding tips. And follow me @msAKnowles and my journey in Texas!

x AK

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Becky + Jeff, A Wedding Celebration in Dumbo, Brooklyn

AK — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:10:29 +0000

Brunch lovin. Becky and Jeff’s friends and family joined them for a celebration of their City Hall marriage at Bubby’s with brunch, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Bloody Marys. I couldn’t resist the alliteration.

And I must note that these super edible (I mean Adorable…) Mini-Me‘s are following me! (RE: bright eyes, sweater vest & tie. See below.)

xoxo AK

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Bidisha + Jeff, Simply sophisticated and married in Brooklyn

AK — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:38:00 +0000

Meeting Bidisha, Jeff and their closest family and friends was such a delight. There could not have been a more gracious group to spend this intimate ceremony with. Their celebration is evidence that when it comes down to it, marriage is about love and commitment. And having family and friends to share your life makes it so much more special.

After sharing this celebration of love, life and commitment with Bidisha and Jeff, more than ever do I believe that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

~AK

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Starring… Pierre Downing

AK — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:10:35 +0000

You probably remember Pierre from the first season of BET’s Harlem Heights. In case you don’t, let me jog your memory. He was the tall, handsome young man working in community development. These days you can find him pursing his love of acting and modeling. And in general, leaving a lasting impression with his infectious smile.

~AK

Stylist: Marian Ingram | Art Direction: Betty Kim

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2009, An Exceptional Year

AK — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:07:38 +0000

With each day that we get closer to 2010, I can’t help but remember that this time one year ago, I could have never imagined all that 2009 would become. All my struggles and accomplishments, as cliche as that may sound. But seriously, I am thankful for the encouragement of my family and my friends. I am thankful for all the tough lessons that have helped me to grow and tackle life in a way that I never did before. And I am thankful for God’s love.

To celebrate 2009, I have included some of my favorite images from weddings this year.

May the good things in life be yours in abundance. Happy New Year!

~AK

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Abbie + Jamal, a Wedding in Brooklyn

AK — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:00:46 +0000

Abbie & Jamal were married at the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn Heights with a reception that followed at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. She wore an elegant, one-shouldered Vera Wang gown with flower details that was reminiscent of Michelle Obama’s inauguration gown.

I love to see how each couple makes their wedding their own. For Abbie and Jamal, it was their first dance. Jamal, a dancer, choreographed it. It definitely set the whole tone for the wedding. Their guests love to dance and worked it all night. Thanks to Jen Davis for letting me work with her on this wedding.

~AK

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“Say Hey, I Love You”

AK — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:18:19 +0000

Yup, this is my new favorite song. Jenny and Andrew introduced it to me on their wedding website. And like everything new that I fall in love with, I can’t seem to get enough. Yesterday, I had it on repeat all day and just had to share. It makes me want to get up and dance. Love it! (If you don’t see the video below, hit Refresh until it appears.)

Sarah + Vivek, a Grand Central proposal

AK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:54:16 +0000

Vivek sent Sarah on a scavenger hunt with dares she had to complete along the way, like yelling “In-N-Out is better” at Shake Shack. Sarah is a west coast native, like myself, so it’s only natural for her to believe so. Eventually, he led her to Grand Central where he was waiting to propose in front of 500,000 daily commuters and tourists. Okay fine, only a portion of those commuters happened to be there at the particularly moment, but it’s possible they could have all been there. Afterwards, we spent some time taking shots around Grand Central. There really is so much beauty in the uniqueness of the architecture at the terminal.

Vivek’s one of a kind proposal was so thoughtful. Not only did he make sure the event was photographed, but he also had a videographer on hand. Sim Butalia and I had a lot of fun running around town and dodging Sarah. And I can’t wait for the next proposal!

~AK

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