Courtney + Eddie–New York City Fall Wedding–Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn

Courtney and Eddie celebrated their one year anniversary last week! They were the most adorable and kind couple to work with–from our very first meeting to our follow up coffee to plan their wedding album, they were so thoughtful and nice. I always love getting to know the story of my couples before the wedding, as I consider that I am recording the next chapter in their love story. Courtney and Eddie met in college. And not just any college, but WILLIAMS College. As an alumna of their forever rival, Amherst, I had to swallow my pride as I carried their huge college banner around the reception to gather all of their Purple Cow friends for a photo. 🙂 I love photographing college sweethearts…probably because I can relate to the good friend turns boyfriend turns husband story! Courtney’s mom also happens to be my cousin, so it helped to know many of the wedding party in advance!

They lucked out with the perfect, sunny (if hot!), blue sky September day for their Brooklyn wedding. The whole event took place at the stunning, industrial chic Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. The duplex bridal suite at the top of the hotel was GORGEOUS–huge windows with postcard perfect NYC skyline views provided amazing natural light, and concrete floors, beautiful wallpaper, and reclaimed wood ceiling provided amazing textural backgrounds. Seriously, if you haven’t stayed or dined at this hotel, check it out sometime. The room also had a show stopping upper terrace where we later took bride and groom sunset photos with the Empire State Building aglow. Courtney was such a relaxed bride, it was fun to photograph her getting ready with her mom, Eddie’s mom, and her sisters.

The couple did their first look in the leafy hotel courtyard just below their ceremony site, then we headed out into the neighborhood for couples and wedding party photos with some cool urban backgrounds.

 

Courtney is the oldest of five children and Eddie has a younger brother–this was the first wedding that I’ve photographed where the entire wedding party consisted of siblings, which made it such a jovial, spirited group to photograph. It also meant the best man and maids of honor had about 20 years of material to work with for their toasts, which were simultaneously very sweet and quite funny. The ceremony and reception that followed were intimate and FUN. Candlelit tables, gorgeous flowers, heartfelt teary-eyed toasts, and then dancing, dancing, and more dancing (including Courtney’s 82 year old grandfather whose boogie down abilities left most in the room jealous) concluded the night. The vibe of the whole day was joyful and fun, and it was such a fabulous wedding to photograph and be a part of! Check out the dream team of vendors and the photography highlight reel below. Congrats C + E!

Dream Team
Venue: Wythe Hotel
Event Planning: Dawn Mauberret
Photographer: Sarah Greig, Second Shooter: Annie Wu
Hair: Kimberly Griffin
Makeup: Michaela Bosch
Florals: Rosewood Floral Co.
Music: Don Eaton Band
Invitations: Fete Collection
Bride’s Dress: BHLDNJenny Yoo
Bridesmaids: Kleinfeld–Jenny Yoo
Groom: Blank Label

Highlights (Be sure to click “View Full Post” at the bottom) Enjoy!

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Summer 2020 Portraits


WOW. What. A. Spring. I have so much to say about the last few months, but will save it for another (several?) future blog posts. But I am back behind my camera and ready to photograph. Summer sessions are best held about 1.5 hours before sunset, especially if you want to photograph at the beach, but other timing is possible. I am on Nantucket only until August 3rd this year, so please get in touch soon to schedule a session in the remaining few weeks.

FAQ’S

How do you pronounce your last name?
Thanks for asking—I get all sorts of versions but it’s pronounced just like the first name, Greg! There’s a reason I kept my awesome maiden name for five years after I got married 🙂

Do I get the digital files? 
Yes. The summer session price includes the digital download of your high resolution files. I spend hours after the session individually editing each photo that you will receive. You can expect about 50-80 images from an hour-long session, it all depends on how many people, groupings, etc. I believe in quality over quantity, and part of my service is that I do an extensive culling and editing of your photos. This way, you end up with the best of the best and don’t have to spend a long time sorting through your images.

What about prints?
Summer sessions include one large matted print of an image of your choosing. You are welcome to order more archival prints from my professional lab (which you can easily do from your online gallery), and please do–nothing makes me sadder than imagining your photos only living on your computer. I also recommend my lab over a pharmacy for printing for many reasons such as quality of the paper used and quality of the printing. Photographs are made to be printed and enjoyed! I love the expression “off of your device and into your life”…so please please print your favorites (and send them to parents or grandparents!) I know it’s often one more thing that we don’t get around to, but technology is ever changing and digital files might not last forever. Archival prints and albums will stand the test of time.

What is Your Photography Style?
This is a lifestyle session–I want to capture your family’s personality in a natural way. We can get the formal group shot down at the beginning if you’d like one, and then we can have some fun. I try to make your children comfortable and let kids be kids…we run, we jump, we laugh. I try to avoid a lot of formally posed photographs. I aim for real smiles and fun! Visit my blog—www.sarahgreigblog.com—to see more examples of my style.

Are You Good With Kids?
Yes! My former jobs include nanny, swim and soccer coach, lifeguard, and dorm parent. I also teach architecture to 1st and 2nd graders in NYC and have three small children of my own. It’s safe to say; I’ve seen it all! I urge parents to not stress and go with the flow.

What should I wear?
Great question! Once you have booked your session, I will provide wardrobe tips and suggestions.

Can you Design a Holiday Card?
I am an affiliate with Minted, which has so many designs and great choices. Just let me know and I can upload your favorites to their site, you will receive an email with a link, and you can design away!

 

Sunset Family Portraits–Nantucket, MA

There is nothing quite like that perfect, early evening golden light that we captured in these images. The most beautiful light doesn’t hit at the most convenient time in the summer–one hour before sunset is ideal, which is usually around little kids’ bedtime and adult dinnertime. BUT,  if you can work around those hiccups,  is it totally worth it! My sister and her fam visited the island last August to swoop up my children and take them back to Rhode Island, so my husband and I could head to Scotland (his happy place) to celebrate his 40th bday. More to come on that amazing adventure, but it never could have happened without my sister’s help and my 25 spreadsheets and medical releases sent to various states and family members! The divide and conquer is major when you have three kids and want to go on a trip.

 

Needless to say, I tried to make a small dent in her generosity by doing a family portrait session while they were here. Our attempt to knock out her Christmas card photo by the end of August was successful–we merely had to send out her final card photo for some windy hair fixing–yes I work with a company who can work that magic! It’s SO nice when you aren’t scrambling for a holiday card photo in the fall! My daughter assisted with some background shenanigans to make them laugh, which is always helpful.

 

My niece and nephew have been in front of my camera since they were born, but I love photographing them every year as they are getting SO OLD. Boo hoo. Cheers to capturing these fleeting days in golden light. And thank you Team Wiggs for getting in front of my camera each year.

Summer Portrait Sessions–Nantucket, MA

Hooray! Summer is here! We are hitting the road this week for New England. I can’t wait to eat all the s’mores, dunk in a chilly pool, and of course, take photos in that gorgeous summer light! Summer portrait sessions are fun, relaxed, and customized to each family. Please see below for details and get in touch to book! Also, if a bunch of your friends would like photos of their children, please ask me about hosting a portrait party (you host, everyone gets photos, fun for all)!  XO

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HOW TO BOOK YOUR SESSION
1. Contact Sarah to secure a date and location.
2. You will be sent a link to fill out a client questionnaire and contract, and pay a 50% retainer fee– payable by check or credit card. Dates cannot be held without payment.
3. The remaining 50% is due 7 days before your session.
4. Get excited for some family fun!

NYC Bridal Shower at Majorelle, New York, NY

I photographed the most beautiful wedding shower this spring in the unique courtyard at Majorelle, a newish restaurant inside of the Lowell Hotel on the Upper East Side. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it for a special occasion!

It was one of the few sunny and warm days that we had this spring in NYC which provided great natural light through the glass enclosed courtyard.  Planned and designed by Nancy Harris Events, who always makes everything gorgeous, the event was a fun and intimate gathering of ladies under the courtyard’s orange trees, which complemented the blue and green decor perfectly. They kicked off the event with champagne cocktails in the library and followed with an intimate lunch and laughter filled toasts. Check out this beautiful color palette (my favorite!) The flowers were from the amazing Renny & Reed. I hope to photograph more events in this unique space!