I have a confession to make: I don’t have any souvenirs from my first date with Karis. I mean, we do have a handful of selfies (as any self-respecting aspiring new couple would), but it’s doubtful that a piece of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory would’ve lasted this long anyhow. But I digress. It’s no secret that I am a sentimental fellow; and it’s also no secret that my wife pretty much organizes every aspect of our lives together (I literally just show up to things – lucky me!). And in that way, Mikhail has much better sense than that, which therefore makes him a far better man than me. I mean – keeping all the ticket stubs from your first date and framing all those goodies together for the wedding day? Way to raise the bar, bud :).
The longer I’ve been a wedding photographer and getting to know the couples whom I serve, the less I believe in random chance encounters between two potential soulmates. Case in point: Ksenia & Mikhail were always meant for each other; and the universe made sure of it. I knew this the moment I met them, and I’m pretty sure everyone else knew it too. What’s the likelihood that two medical students would meet somewhere far away from home, build homes together for the needy, share the same language & culture (one’s Russian, and one’s Ukrainian, but close enough!), and would share the same penchant for corny dad jokes compliments of their trusty wedding photographer? It’s a match made in Heaven, I’m pretty sure of it :).
It was a beautiful day when in Jersey City when Ksenia & Mikhail tied the knot at the Maritime Parc. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect celebration for a more perfect couple. I was thrilled and honored to help them document this day, and I hope these images will make it to the framed gift on their 50th wedding anniversary :).
Venue & Catering: Maritime Parc // Ceremony/Officiant: Rabbi Uri Goren // Hair: Kristen Okaly // Make-up: Natalie Dresher // Dress: Pronovias // Shoes: Badgley Mishka // Groom’s attire: The Black Tux // Floral/Décor: Oleander Flowers // Entertainment: DJ Alex Edge and Irina Marks (MC)
