Sarah & Alessandro’s Wedding | Focus Photography at Crystal Fountain

When Sarah and Alessandro first conversed, it was an instant connection. The both of them knew that their conversations would have led them somewhere. And after so many years together, this was where their first meeting brought them… at their reception party in Crystal Fountain, feet sore from standing and cheeks strained from smiling all day. But after reviewing every photo I took that day, Sarah and Alessandro would have not had it any other way.

At last, Sarah was Mrs. Salpietro.

At 8:30 AM, I was already right outside the bride’s door. At first glance, Sarah was surrounded by her family. They still had yet to put on their dresses, but they were right on schedule with their hairs already made up and faces glammed naturally. Sarah didn’t have many requests when it came to documenting how her day went, but she did want it to be photographed as simply as possible.

While Sarah was getting dressed, I walked around the living room area where her family was going through a homemade scrapbook entitled “To My Daughter On Her Wedding Day”. In it, it had several pictures of Sarah from when she was a young kid to when she graduated. I thought it was so sweet, and so I asked her mom’s permission if I could quickly take some pictures of it.

I arranged it nearly to different pages with Sarah’s bouquet and her fan. There was one page that stuck to me. It said: “I wish we had known each other when I was a little girl… I think we’d have been really best friends.” That really got to my heart.

As a photographer, and to anyone who likes to take pictures, I think we can all agree how photos don’t just serve as a memento, but it is a reminder of how much people have grown. And through this, we are able to process change because we have tangible proof of that transition and transformation.

In essence, being a photographer has allowed me the opportunity for others to say goodbye to their past versions, and to say hello to their current selves.

Once they had sent Sarah on her way inside of the limousine, I went over to Alessandro’s. By the time I had gotten there, everybody was already dressed to the nines. I was able to capture the moment that they popped the cork and splashed the bubbly beverage into champagne flutes. Every one of his loved ones clinked their glasses and cheered to this new milestone that Alessandro had taken. 

After they had finished, I pulled Alessandro aside and photographed him by a window covered in white sheer curtains. It spanned from the ceiling to the floor, allowing for enough light to shine through. I instructed Alessandro to move comfortably, suggesting that he adjust his sleeves or clasp the buttons of his suit. Alessandro absolutely smashed it and delivered every pose exactly as I had envisioned.

Then, I sent him on his merry way to finally race his bride to the altar at St. Rose of Lima Parish. Immediately, the procession started, and each of their elegantly dressed companions made their entrance. Alessandro smiled so widely as he waited for his bride. And upon entry, Sarah moved and swayed everybody’s hearts, most especially Alessandro’s. He looked like he had fallen in love with her all over again.

While they sat through the ceremony, Sarah and Alessandro did not let go of each other. Their fingers were tightly wound together, even as they made a quick escapade to their limousine after sharing a kiss in front of their loved ones.

And right before they left for the reception, I snuck a few pictures of them kissing and showing off their rings.