[Engagement] Kristen & Martin – New York, NY

If there were a scale to measure one’s bravery and fearlessness, with 1 being a skittish kitten and 10 being the combined cast of Expendables 1, 2 & 3, Kristen would rank somewhere around…1 million. Why? Not only did she want to shoot her NYC engagement session outdoors in this crazy wintry weather, she did it while wearing a beautiful dress more befitting climates that are typically 60° warmer. The cherry on top? Our shoot locations that morning were all right next to the frigid Hudson River. Take that, Chuck Norris!

Not to mention, Martin’s a pretty good stand-in for Clark Kent too. Just say’n :).

Kristen & Martin's NYC engagement session captured by NYC wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Thank you

There are probably more exciting ways to spend an evening than reading a few thousand words about a wedding venue.

But since you're here anyway, and now know more about this venue than some of the people getting married there next weekend, I figure we should probably say hello.

If you're looking for a photographer, I'd love to hear what you're planning.

— Ben

Coverage with Ben starts at $6200
Coverage with Karis starts at $5300

Coverage with Ben's team starts at $3500

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Northern NJ, NYC documentary Wedding Photographer, Educator & All-Around Nice Guy

#benlauphoto #momentsovermountains #loveislove

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Photographing another wedding professional’s wedding is a different kind of pressure. Especially when that person has seen hundreds of photographers come through her doors and somehow decided that YOU were the one she wanted. No pressure, right? 😂

I’ve known Casey for years through her work at @libertyhousejc . We’ve worked countless weddings together, and she’s sent so many wonderful couples my way. She’s never asked for anything in return, other than for me to take good care of them.

So when she got engaged and told me she’d be reaching out, I figured she was just being nice. You know how wedding people are. “When I get married, you’re going to be my photographer!” Sure, sure. I’ve heard THAT one before.

Except Casey actually meant it 😳.

Casey and Paul finally tied the knot on a Thursday (because wedding people don’t get weekends off) at @thefarmhousenj , and what a beautiful celebration it was.

Their little guy even made his grand appearance in a wagon, their dogs showed up to surprise Paul, and there was a band, a DJ, and plenty of cookies. What more could you seriously ask for?

And Paul? Don’t let the rugged exterior fool you. The guy is a giant teddy bear. One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Now, there’s something nerve-wracking about photographing someone who knows how the sausage gets made. Casey got a peek behind the curtain, saw all the ridiculous things I do to make these photos happen, and thankfully, she still seemed to enjoy herself.

But my favorite part was celebrating someone who’s quietly supported my career for so many years.

Casey, thank you for trusting me with your clients all these years, and especially with your own wedding. It’s been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a colleague and now celebrating you as a friend.

Congrats, Casey and Paul! Wishing you both a million years of happiness.

💍 @caseytowns
📍 @thefarmhousenj @landmark.weddings
📸 @benlauphoto
🎸 @newpowersoulband
🎧 @blurredlinesentertainment
💐 @jrfloraldesigns01
💄 @ashleymariechristine
✨ @casey_creative_co
🎨 @hannahpaintsevents
🗓️ @mood_goddesss
📱 @momentsbymellen by @jessmellenberkenkamp

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About a week before their wedding, Brittany sent me her inspo boards; ones that involve cute props, three bottles of champagne, and an airborne groom.

But here’s a tiny detail that was possibly overlooked: her future husband is built like an NFL linebacker.

And to give you an idea of the kinda guy we’re dealing with here, on the wedding morning, while in full tux, our man of honor hits the hotel gym for dumbbell presses - because Thursday’s chest day, obvs.

And whether through hubris, sheer determination, or pure tomfoolery, possessed only by men who’ve been told something’s impossible, they managed to get this groom up in the air.

Like waaaaay up in the air, lol.

Color me impressed!

Not too bad for a Thursday wedding. Let’s do this again next Thursday, yeah?

Planning: @lsc_eventplanning
Venue: @parkavenueclub
Photo: @benlauphoto
Hair: @salonbrugatto
Makeup: @jaimielatorremakeup
Florals: @atoeevents
Music: @elegantmusicgroup
Mozzarella: @vinnymozz
Hotel: @archerhotels

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Some couples want a wedding that looks like everyone else’s. Nina and Eli was not that couple.

From the beautiful ballet performance during their processional to all the DIY florals and personal touches throughout the day, everything about this wedding had Nina and Eli written all over it.

Towards the end of the night, I was literally packing up my cameras when a drag queen just showed up. I had no idea this was even on the schedule. But when a drag queen walks into the reception, you don’t go home. You put your cameras back on and get your ass back on the dance floor. 😂

Those extra minutes? Absolutely worth it.

The only casualty of the evening was a shattered UV filter on my 35mm lens. Thankfully, no cameras or lenses were harmed in the making of these photos.

I’ve photographed a LOT of weddings at Maritime Parc over the years, but I can confidently say I’ve never photographed one quite like this.

Nina and Eli, thank you for reminding me that the best weddings aren’t necessarily the ones that follow all the traditions. They’re the ones where you look around and think, “Yup. This is SO them.”

Venue: @maritimeparc
Photo: @benlauphoto
Video: @livepicturestudios
Florals & decor: @ninazoraida
Entertainment: @djchenzo
Drag Performance: @misspusspussrondajambe

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Have camera, will travel. Just in case you were curious.

@jerricamli @edabbene⁠
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#thomasjeffersonmemorial #dcengagementsession #dcweddingphotographer #washingtondcweddingphotographer

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Casey + Paul tied the knot yesterday... previews are incoming. But until then, enjoy the garden vibes and their adorable little boy.

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The big day has arrived for Kelly and Justin. Can't wait to get this show on the road - I know we're going to have a blast at Skylands Manor. ⁠
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#njweddingphotographer #nyweddingphotographer #newjerseyweddingphotographer #newyorkweddingphotographer #nycweddingphotographer

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There’s a feline family member who won’t be able to make it to the wedding. So in its honor, there will be a drink waiting for esteemed guests at Colleen and Nick’s wedding - called the Meow-Scow Mule.

Yes I made it up. But it’s definitely happening. You heard it here first.

When the idea of shooting their engagement session at a popular photo location in NJ, which featured gardens, fountains, and a castle, these two were all over it.

But when I told them I had a secret spot nearby, it was game on :). Congrats again Colleen and Nick, wait to share Meow-scow mules with you on your wedding day!

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When the kids+dogs outnumber the adults, those are my favorite kinds of family sessions, lol.

@tjeorni @lauryneliz

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At 46, I’m realizing that success isn’t just about how much money you make, how many weddings you book, or how much you’ve accomplished.

It’s about waking up healthy. Having a family that loves you. Friends who are genuinely there for you when you need them. A wife who’s been by your side through the highs, lows, and all the ridiculous ideas in between. Two kids who give me a reason to keep trying to be a better human being. And a life where I get to do something I genuinely love for a living.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life chasing the next milestone. The next goal. The next big thing. And while I don’t think I’ll ever stop being ambitious, I’m learning to appreciate the view along the way.

So here’s to 46. A little lighter, a little wiser, a lot healthier, and hopefully a little less concerned about things that don’t deserve my energy.

Now, if the plumbing, insurance companies, and tax people could kindly leave me the hell alone for the next 12 months, that would be a wonderful birthday present. ❤️

📸 @jamesliufilms

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This wedding combines some of my favorite things: castles, good light, and secret doors that are perfect for quick getaways (or grand entrances, for that matter!).

Congrats again Amanda and Kevin. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter!

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