PHILOSOPHY

My approach to wedding photography is dictated by the belief that the most important thing about your wedding is you. Everything else is secondary, including my photography and films. My job as your wedding photographer / cinematographer is to artistically document the day as events unfold, to tell the true story of how beautiful and emotional your wedding day was, so when you receive your photos, you’ll relive things that you remember like it was yesterday and see parts of your wedding that you didn’t get a chance to experience due to the busy schedule of the day.

STYLE

My style is a creative blend of documentary photojournalism and beautiful portraiture.

During moments when events are happening, I stay out of the way and capture the moments as they unfold. I may ask you to step into better lighting, but I will never stage a photo of an event that I believe would otherwise never happen.

During down times, I love capturing beautiful portraits of my couples and the bridal party. Before shooting weddings, I began by shooting studio and commercial portraits. Shooting portraits outside of weddings has taught me to really know how to pose people to make them look naturally amazing. It has also taught me to create and control light to create mood and atmosphere.

When it comes to lighting, I don’t have a preference between using natural light or flash. It all depends on what is available and what looks best. To me, my on-location lights are my paintbrushes and light my paint. I get excited about creating images using flash that transform any location to something magical. I’m a bit geeky like that.

But I know it’s hard to get a good sense of a photographer’s style through words, so I’ve gathered some images that showcase my shooting style. I’ve grouped them into the three main types of photography that encompass a full wedding day – details, photojournalism, and portraiture.

DETAILS

Ask any married couple and they’ll tell you that the wedding day goes by so quickly that it’s hard remember much of it. That’s why I believe photography and films are two of the essential parts of your wedding day. I’m here to capture all of the details so you can remember each aspect of your wedding that you took such care to put together.  When it comes to shooting details, I strive to make each shot a part of the story by using the surroundings to give context and texture. For example, the first ring shot below was created on top of the mother-of-the-bride’s beaded purse. 

epic dress detail shot at village club of sands point
bokeh ring detail shot by hanel
jewelry and fan detail shot
stunning ring detail shot through wedding shoes by hanel
manolo blahnik wedding shoes detail shot by hanel
detail ring shot on top of a beautiful head piece
wedding dress tilt shift detail shot at W hotel in hoboken
wedding cake detail shot from village club of sands point by weddings by hanel
wedding floral flower bouquet detail shot at village club of sands point by hanel
detail shot of name cards at the village club of sands club by hanel
detail shot of calla lilies from reception decor
detail shot of flowers on books
badly mischka wedding shoes detail shot at w hotel in hoboken

PHOTOJOURNALISM

Telling stories is at the heart of what I do. When I’m not creating detail shots or portraits, I’m always looking to capture the story unfolding around me.  As a photojournalist, I unobtrusively document the moments throughout the day. From laughter and silliness to tears of overflowing emotions to moments of celebration, I’m here to document all of the moments that make up the story of your wedding day.

fun photojournalism shot from harold pratt house wedding
photojournalism shot laughing while taking selfies during a destination wedding in aruba
photojournalism shot of bride walking down stairs and mother taking photos

PORTRAITURE

During times set apart for formal portraits, I take a very different approach from that of photojournalism. Unless you’re experienced models or just born with that gift, like most people, you’re probably not too confident about posing for photos. That’s why I get into each detail when posing – everything from body posture to the placement of hands – all while making you look amazingly natural. From individual portraits to couples to bridal parties large and small, I take joy in creating portraits that are simply magazine-worthy. Unless pointed out, you’d probably never think about the poses in the photos below. That’s the magic of posing correctly – it looks more natural than unposed photos! But each of these poses were crafted with attention to detail.

posing a bride by weddings by hanel
posing bridal party at bethesda terrace
posing groom and groomsmen at village club of sands point
posing bride and bridesmaids at a fountain at Lambert Castle
posing bridal party on the steps at bourne mansion
posing bride and bridesmaids in robes on an antique bed
posing groom and groomsmen in the billiards room
posing at large bridal party at village club of sands point

GET TO KNOW MY STYLE THROUGH MY WORK

sundown Wildwood state park + Prosser Pines engagement session by Weddings by Hanel

PROSSER PINES ENGAGEMENT SESSION

From the moment I met Katherine and Gary for their engagement session, I knew we'd have a wonderful shoot. They're both super friendly and laugh easily, which is the key to having a fun and picture perfect engagement session!  Add to that the gem of a location (especially for winter shoots) that Katherine found, Prosser Pines, and it's easy to see how we got so many great photos that day.

PHILLY ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Annie and Morgan are one of the most laid back couples I've had the pleasure of photographing. Whether it's reading at a cafe over some coffee, strolling around town, or sitting at the edge of a roof together, they make it look so relaxing.

Engagement Session photos at Liberty State Park taken by Weddings by Hanel

LIBERTY STATE PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Rachel and Phil are one of those special couples who are just meant for the camera. They laugh easily, are super photogenic, and (unlike me) are completely comfortable in front of the camera. We went to the Liberty State Park in Jersey City for their engagement session, which is always a beautiful spot. The slightly cloudy sky was the icing on the already wonderful cake!

620 LOFT & GARDEN WEDDING

There are few venues with views comparable to the one 620 Loft & Garden at the Rockefeller Center presents. It's definitely one of my favorite venues to shoot at. But as great as the venue is, it just wouldn't be the same being there for any other event. It's the meaning and story of two wonderful people, like Maggie & Karl, coming together that really brings out the magic of 620 Loft and Garden.

THE MARIGOLD WEDDING

Serenity & Ethan are the kind of clients you feel like you’ve known for a while even after a couple of interactions. They’re the super friendly and easy going kind of couple that makes you wish they could have another wedding soon just so you can have the pleasure of working with them again. I think you’ll be able see exactly what I mean from all the laughter and joy in their Highlight Film.

THE ROCKLEIGH WEDDING

Jenni & Joe are a super special couple to me. To start with, they're simply wonderful people. I know you may think I'm just saying that because they're my clients and they'll probably see this post, but I'm not. I'm pretty sure you'll agree with me after watching their wedding highlight film below. Another reason they're so special to me is because they're my first clients as a wedding videographer.

BROOKLYN ANNIVERSARY SESSION

Ansley & Evan found me all the way from Georgia for a one-hour portrait session in DUMBO, Brooklyn during their visit to NYC. They're a super hip couple that fit right into the whole Brooklyn vibe. 

Jane & Neil at the Conservatory Garden for their elopement ceremony

CONSERVATORY GARDEN ELOPEMENT

From my first video call with Jane, I knew their elopement was going to be special. It's not because of all of the wonderful plans and the gorgeous location they chose. It's because you can just tell when someone's simply excited to marry the person they truly love. And those are the kinds of weddings that I absolutely love being a part of.

spiral staircase portrait of bride and groom at the James Burden Kahn Mansion by Weddings by Hanel

JAMES BURDEN KAHN MANSION WEDDING

This was the second wedding I shot that day (my first and only double-hitter), but with the lovely couple, the emotional highs, and the energy of the entire place, I'm pretty sure I could have shot another one afterwards!

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WEDDING

Like many couples, Lara and Francisco are having two wedding ceremonies – one in New York and one in Argentina. For their NYC wedding, they decided to have an intimate wedding at the City Clerk's Office in Manhattan, and I had the honor of being their witness :)

THE HERITAGE CLUB AT BETHPAGE SANGEET

Monica & Rishi's story is near and dear to my heart, not only because they're truly warm and wonderful people that remind me of how blessed I am to do what I do, but also because I had the honor of photographing the moment they chose to be together for the rest of their lives. 

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN WEDDING

Although it's every couple's dream to have a perfect wedding, it's actually quite rare to see everything come together perfectly – especially the weather and schedule. Linjia & Peter's wedding at the New York Botanical Garden - Stone Mill was one of those rare prefect weddings.

CENTRAL PARK PROPOSAL

As a wedding photographer in this beautiful city of New York, I get to meet a wonderfully diverse group of couples from many different places in this world. Once in a while, I have couples book a "photo session" during their visit, which is actually a surprise proposal. It's the perfect surprise, since having a photo shoot while in NYC is totally an awesome idea, and the proposee is already expecting a photographer.

ST. CASIMIR & BASKING RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING

My blog posts are usually not as large as this one, but there were just too many beautiful photos from this wonderful couple's wedding. That's what you get when you start with the wonderful couple, add in a lovely bridal party, the beautiful St. Casimir's RC Church, and the perfect Spring bloom to match!

HAROLD PRATT HOUSE WEDDING

One of the things I love most about shooting weddings is meeting amazing people. Alexis and Taylor are the kind of couple who you instantly open up to and then just adore with each passing hour. Which makes sense, as their wedding was literally packed with guests who truly loved them.

KOREAN UNITED CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA WEDDING

John and Elisa are one of those couples who makes you want to go an extra mile just for being so warm and wonderful. Even from my first meeting with John, the conversation felt more like meeting an old friend rather than a new client. 

JERSEY CITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Sometimes, my couples come up with the best ideas for engagement session locations. Take for example this lovely couple who chose Barcade in Jersey City as one of their main spots. Beer, arcade games, and photos in a warm bar during a cold December day? My kind of couple.

COP COT, CENTRAL PARK WEDDING

Samantha and CJ came to New York with their entire wedding party from out of state. That's when you know you already have a special wedding in the works.

CITY HALL ELOPEMENT

I get to meet many beautiful couples throughout the year. But Laurie & Ricky are extra special, and I think it's their absolute tenderness towards each other. Every time I see the featured image, it reminds me what it's like to be truly, deeply in love with someone.

ACE HOTEL NEW YORK ELOPEMENT

Sarah and Andrew's elopement will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the elopement that changed the way I view intimate weddings. 

LAURITA WINERY WEDDING

From my first meeting with Mia and Stewart, they felt like old friends and we chatted for a while about everything from traveling to quirky photos, and of course, wedding photography.

LADIES PAVILION ELOPEMENT

The U.K. must be full of amazing couples. Tyne and James are another couple who came all the way from the United Kingdom to tie the knot in New York City. They came with their family members to celebrate an intimate and emotional wedding at the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park.

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Kimmy and Tim had their engagement session at South Street Seaport in New York City. It's a place that's been quickly becoming the place to go in downtown, NYC. 

VILLA WEDDING IN IRVINGTON, NY

No matter how many times I shoot at this villa, it seems both familiar and fresh thanks to each individual couple's take on decor and design. Speaking of design, that's what Blanche does for a living, so it makes sense that her and Shaun's wedding turned out to be stunning.

DUMBO, BROOKLYN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Caitlin and Alain are getting married in a year and decided to have their engagement session in DUMBO, Brooklyn. As I'm sure you can tell from their e-session photos, they're the kind of beautiful couple whose love you can see in their expressions. My kind of couple.

epic portrait from 620 loft and garden wedding

620 LOFT & GARDEN WEDDING

I love how weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, I get to photograph ones that are grand and stunning, yet give off the intimate vibe that I cherish in weddings. Sophia and Jason's wedding was one of those. 

JERICHO TERRACE WEDDING

What can I say about Sahera and Charlie? They're one cool couple. Sahera is an amazing DJ (google DJ Lady S) and Charlie is a business genius who's also one of the nicest guys I've met. Seriously.

creative portrait of bride and groom at the Estate at Florentine Gardens by Weddings by Hanel

ESTATE AT FLORENTINE GARDENS WEDDING

You know those couples who just look like they belong together? Liana and Omar and one of those. They just look meant to be. And that's made more wonderful by the fact that they're both super laid back and warm hearted.

BOURNE MANSION WEDDING

Rachel and Michael are the kind of warm and thoughtful couple who email after a chilly engagement shoot to make sure I didn't get a cold. That's when you know you're truly a blessed wedding photographer.

portrait of kasia and ben sitting in central park during their elopement shoot

CENTRAL PARK ELOPEMENT

Shooting elopements in NYC really opens up the world to me without the need to travel. Take for example Kasia and Ben, who found me all the way from the U.K. Having gotten married at City Hall in New York City right beforehand, they arrived in Central Park as newlyweds for their one hour portrait session, which turned out beautifully thanks to their photogenic personalities. 

WESTIN MOUNT LAUREL WEDDING

Indian weddings are some of the most celebratory weddings that are full of colors, texture, and dancing. That's why I absolutely love photographing them!

long exposure engagement shot from grand central terminal in manhattan

MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Taemin and Katie came from North Carolina for a "vacation". Little did Katie know that Tae was secretly planning on proposing to her in New York City. 

ARUBA WEDDING & TRASH THE DRESS

Joanne and Keith are one of those couples were have incredible passion for life. When she asked me to photograph her destination wedding in Aruba, I had no reservations in mind. Amazing couple + stunning location = I'm there.

victory cigar shot taken at the historic mansion in irvington ny

HISTORIC MANSION IN IRVINGTON WEDDING

It's hard to find a bride that has a very specific vision for her wedding while not letting herself become too serious or forceful. Jenny is one of those special people. That's probably why she's now working on becoming a wedding planner (and a darn good one, too!)

GRACE MAYFLOWER INN WEDDING

Venue: Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa  |  Makeup: Ombre by EJ   |  Cake: Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa Dress: Jaehee Bridal  |  Flowers: Huntington Vi

ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA WEDDING

This wedding here is one that is near and dear to my heart. It isn't because it was at the gorgeous venue, One if by Land, Two if by Sea. It isn't because the photos came out beautifully. It's because of the simple fact that it's my sister's wedding.

THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE

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