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Photo Essay | Coming of Age in Las Vegas

AK — Sat, 29 May 2010 04:59:14 +0000

Our first family vacation was sometime around 1990 to visit Las Vegas.Â To the city that offers no windows or clocks while participating in it’s most popular activity. We flew Southwest and we stayed at the Excalibur. My brother and I played arcades at Circus Circus, and my mother drove us all out to the desert to visit a Marshmallow Factory. Today, any mention of that Marshmallow Factory brings rounds of laughter to my entire family.Â Why would anyone ever want to eat pink flavored marshmallows?!

Over the years, we made a couple other trips out to Vegas, including many New Year’s Eves and my week long 21st birthday celebration, but none would prove to be as memorable or impactful as the first, the first plane ride and the first unknown city.

My last trip to Vegas was a couple weeks ago. I spent those days reconciling what the city had become to my family and I. Two of my brothers graduated from UNLV. Las Vegas is where they found their voices and figured out what they wanted out of life. Las Vegas is also where they learned to appreciate the ups, and fight through the downs of life. And during that trip, Las Vegas is where I began to open my heart and find the courage to understand what it means to love the way that God loves, and forgive the way that God forgives.

This is what I saw while walking through the familiarity of The Strip.

~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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Lindsay + Brice, Engagement in the Military

AK — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:32:07 +0000

Love finds you when you least expect it. Lindsay & Brice met in Pismo Beach, CA. Brice, originally from Missouri, was working there at the time and Lindsay happened to be visiting.Â She lived in Phoenix, AZ. After not being satisfied with long distance, he moved to be with her. And just a couple months ago, they were engaged.

Lindsay contacted me because at the last minute Brice was given an unexpected 4 day pass, which they planned to spend together in NYC. Brice is in the Military Police in the United States Army. A couple weeks ago, he deployed to Iraq, beginning a one year tour of duty.

I am honored that they chose me to capture their love at this time in their relationship. My gratitude is enormous for the men and women whose hearts lead them to serve. Thank you Brice for your courage and passion, and to your family for their strength.

Our session started in the heart of NYC, Times Square, and we walked to Central Park. Although, by the time we reached the park, it started to rain. It was a light rain but consistent, so we still got wet, and decided to end at the Columbus Circle Mall. Lindsay trooped it out and threw her hair into a ponytail. I love a girl who rolls with the punches.

~AK

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Amanda + Rory, A Pier-side Wedding in CT

AK — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:47:21 +0000

Amanda & Rory were married in Greenwich, CT. at the Belle Haven Yacht Club. This turned out to be one of those perfect fall days, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, it’s just right. And yes, while typing that, I found myself saying it out loud. The way that Goldilocks would have. “Juuuust Right!” I know, sometimes, I’m a dork, get over it.

Back to Amanda & Rory… I shot this wedding for Jennifer Davis. The style seemed to fall right out of yacht club heaven. The backdrop of the pier with the water and boats was absolutely gorgeous. It’s a scene I rarely get to see living in NYC. And those navy bridesmaids dresses really are super cute. What you can’t see is that they have pockets! I am in deep love with dresses with pockets. It’s the perfect effortless mix of chic and cool.

~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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Nicole + Damien, the Wedding of Champions in Queens, NY

AK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:35:20 +0000

In the spirit of updates, I am posting my images from one of the most inspirational couples from Brooklyn. Nicole & Damien were contestants on the Biggest Loser: Couples. Through their dedication to lead healthier lives and good old fashioned hard work they lost a combined weight of over 250lbs.Â Nicole showed off her sexy, slender figure in a mermaid silhouette wedding dress. I worked with Parris Whittingham on this wedding.

Mermaid silhouette- Just exercising my new wedding vocabulary. Since I began my business, I have immersed myself in all things weddings. What began as “research” turned into one of my guilty pleasures: Say Yes to the Dress. My mini confession today is that to my roommate’s horror, I figured out how to dvr it to watch multiple episodes consecutively.

~AK

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Jenny + Andrew, a Central Park Engagement

AK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:06:07 +0000

I am sure someone out there is ready to report me to the general counsel of the world wide web for neglecting my blog for so long.Â My excuse is that I have been working on getting a new website and blog up for so long that I neglected to post. But on the positive side I am learning to make executive decisions!

This is just the beginning of a whole batch of new posts. To start with all my updates, I am introducing Jenny & Andrew’s engagement session at Central Park. Jenny’s green sweater is gorgeous against the backdrop of the the park. Many couples ask me about what to wear for their engagement session. Well, it’s up to you whether you would like to be dressy or casual, but either way make sure you dress like yourself. I really think Jenny & Andrew got it right. Oh and that’s Saddie, their Collie.

Stay tuned for the launch of my newly designed website.

~AK

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Meghana & Jacob, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Wedding with a chuppah and a mandap

AK — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:34:52 +0000

meghana and jacob were married at the brooklyn botanical gardens with an interfaith ceremony that was led by both a rabbi and priest. i was breathless watching these two extraordinary cultures unite.

~AK

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