From the day I had my initial call with these two, I knew they were special. I could tell that there was something extra between the two of them… something deeper than the normal kind of love and excitement.
As we talked and got to know each other, they opened up about their story, and shared how Jessica’s breast cancer diagnosis brought them closer together and made their love stronger than they could have ever imagined. It was emotional and such an incredible perspective to listen to on such a steadfast, sustaining love that continued to grow and flourish even under such a trying time. They practiced their wedding vows, in sickness and in health, before even saying “I do”, and I was just so blown away by their inspirational dedication to one another. She got through it alongside Dustin, and her precious family and friends… stronger than ever and ready to take on her future with her brand new husband.
The way Dustin looks at Jessica is straight out of a story book. And she is just so beautiful, strong and courageous, loving him back so fearlessly and endlessly. While they’re very much independent individuals, they are so unified, one in the same, and it’s just so sweet to witness… I just love these two. To say they were “meant to be” is the understatement of the century.
It was a cozy day in January at the Gramercy Mansion, with a bit of an overcast sky and a little chill in the air. Jess was getting ready with her beautiful mom and sister, and friends while Dustin and his dad, brothers, and friends were sharing a few drinks and hanging out.
Alisha of ANA Trio Solutions (planner for the day) was styling special details and getting the Cocktail Hour and Ceremony spaces ready before checking in with Jessica before she stepped into her dress.
Her gown was her grandmother’s… also worn by her mom and aunt on their wedding days. How amazing is that… As I photographed the gown, in this moment seen below, Jess said she could literally feel her grandmother’s presence there with her in the room. It gave us all goosebumps and was such a sweet and special moment.
Her father is French! I loved hearing his accent and spending time with his family later on in the day, who came from France to experience these memories with Jessica and Dustin. Many of them did not speak English, so Jessica’s family would help translate for them. :)
Meanwhile, Dustin was getting his bow tie on and just so happy and excited to see his bride… He and the guys were sweet and fun to hang out with while they shared a drink and gave Dustin a bit of a roast. :)
Jessica looked like an angel… She was absolutely glowing and over the moon happy to be Dustin’s bride. He looked so handsome and equally as happy as he waited for her to meet him in the backyard garden of the mansion. We spent time walking around the grounds and taking pictures as they laughed and flirted and held hands as they walked…
Their happiness is just infectious! And I loved Jess’s bouquet that Heather from Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm put together. It was the perfect combination of winter and whimsy, still with an elegant feel.
Their bridal party and family were all so sweet and fun to take pictures of… We finished up portraits just in time before it began to drizzle a bit!
The ceremony space looked so pretty with the hanging cafe lights and greenery… Jessica and Dustin each wrote their own vows which of course made us all tear up!
And after the ceremony, it was time for drinks and mingling! It was fun to see and hear these two families meeting for the first time and seeing family members they hadn’t seen in a while. I loved hearing all of the French being spoken! What a beautiful language!
Delicious apps were being passed by the Gramercy staff and they even had a Champagne tower. They had frames staged with photos of Jess’s grandmother and mom wearing the wedding gown too, which was cool to see…
Jessica’s grandfather gave a speech with a well-wish to the happy couple, which Jessica’s mom translated for us, ending with sharing that Dustin is the 57th (I think that was the number!!) addition to their family, and even had it on record in his little family book. It was so sweet. I love his cheery face!
Their reception was full of so much love, laughter, and life… I loved watching everyone enjoying each moment as each of Jessica and Dustin’s parents gave special speeches, as well as Dustin’s best man Kevin and Jess's sister Solena. Each speech was typed in French for their family so they could understand what was being spoken. And Jessica’s family from France wrote her and Dustin a song, performing it for everyone! It was awesome… So special and fun to see!
After dinner, there was dancing in the other room, cake and croquembouche, a French dessert of puffed pastries filled with cream and drizzled with spun sugar… delicious! Coffee and hot chocolate were also served with homemade marshmallows!
I loved watching everyone dance and have a great time…
It was such a joy to be part of this special day and witness not just Jess and Dustin becoming one, but their families as well, sharing their love for this special couple in so many creative and unique ways that I’d never seen before. What a special privilege it was to capture for them… And I wish these two nothing but the absolute best!
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Hair + Makeup: Heather Rea Style Studio
Planning: ANA Trio Solutions
Florist: Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm