Photographing family is always so special. For this wedding at The Surf Club in New Rochelle, I got to photograph my dear cousin’s special day. Being an integral part of any wedding day is an honor, but the honor hits differently when its family. It was also a bonus to see so many family members I haven’t seen in years!!

When we arrived at this New York wedding venue I grabbed the details and got to work. Susan wanted to re-create the iconic shot at this venue of her dress hanging from the grand staircase which I was all too happy to oblige! The only trouble was getting it done before the groom arrived so he wouldn’t see the dress. It was a close call but we got it! After that, we started photographing the guys getting ready before moving onto the ladies.

Wedding dress hanging up on grand staircase. Underneath it is a grand piano

Susan & Jafaar chose to do a first look. She wanted to come down the grand staircase for this so we positioned Jafaar with his back to the staircase so Susan could come down it and honestly it was like something straight out of a Disney princess movie. The Surf Club of New Rochelle not only has a movie-worthy staircase, it also has the most breathtaking fountain out front. So of course after we did the first look inside, we went outside for the rest of the couple portraits and wedding party and family photos.

The ceremony took place overlooking part of the Atlantic Ocean. There were so many emotions that played across the bride and groom’s face has they each said their vows. When the ‘I do’ moment came the groom & his groomsmen thought it would be funny to ‘consult’ in a huddle on if Jafaar should say those magic words. No one expected this so of course there was laughter all around. And when it came time for Susan to say those words, she decided it was only right to consult her ladies as well.

The reception consisted of so…much…DANCING!!! One thing we Kenyans know how to do is party! The only time the dance floor was empty was when the food was being served or speeches made. Otherwise that jawn was full and bumping! The day was a whirlwind, things happened of course a little (and sometimes a lot) off schedule. However, we finessed and Susan and Jafaar had the most fantastic New Rochelle wedding day.