Because we live a bit of a distance from each other, I had only had a phone conversation with Carlyn and Kwok before their wedding at One Atlantic in Atlantic City. Usually by the time a couples wedding arrives, we've met, had coffee, talked a good amount about things both wedding related and non wedding related, and basically have gotten to know each other a bit.
Add on time spent with an engagement session and that just makes us even more comfortable together. So entering into these kind of situations where we haven't seen each other let alone had time to get to know each other is always a bit of a guessing game for both the couple and myself. Will they be easy going? Will they take direction well? Will they be fun?
Well, my mind was put at ease as soon as I walked into Carlyn's suite at the Tropicana Hotel and met a few of her bridesmaids. I knew we were going to be in for a fun day, these girls weren't going to have it any other way! Then I met Carlyn! We've all heard the saying..."The eyes are the window to the soul". As you'll see in the photos, her eyes are what every photographer hopes for in their subjects. They draw you in to the image. Once she got into her dress from Castle Couture, I knew that it was definitely going to be a great day, she was stunning!
Once we finished getting ready, we went out to the boardwalk to make some images and worked our way down to the venue for the ceremony and reception. Carlyn and Kwok decided on keeping it traditional and didn't see each other beforehand. It was an emotional ceremony that included our Bride and Groom reading letters to each other while the sun streamed in off the beach and Atlantic Ocean behind them. It was a beautiful backdrop!
Afterwards, we went back out for Bridal Party photos and images of Carlyn and Kwok as the sun was setting. I have to say that this Bride and Groom were wonderful to photograph! They took direction well and just simply had a great time being together, very much in love. By the way, Kwok is the man!! This is a guy that knows how to have a great time and enjoy life. He was one of those rare people that you had to ask to stop smiling once in a while so he wasn't smiling in every photo!
Many thanks to Danielle Cordisco at One Atlantic and her team. They were great to work with and took very good care of us! Also, thanks to Carlyn's father Russ for the surprise fireworks at the end of the evening! It was the perfect way to send off Carlyn and Kwok...thanks guys!!
