A New York Kinda Love: Second "First Encounters"

*All photos courtesy of the amazing Angelica Glass, unless otherwise noted. Please note that the photos have only been color-corrected and not fully retouched.

Our fabulous party bus (from Double Diamond Limos) took us to Bryant Park Hotel in Midtown, where Mr. Canary and I both had to change into our Western wedding attire. Mr. Canary had to change and run out, so that Angelica could capture our actual "first look" moment (even though we had already seen each other) later.



We decided to stay at the Bryant Park Hotel because of the spare, minimalist rooms, filled with light that would be perfect for photo ops and it was also conveniently across the street from one of my favorite New York spots, Bryant Park. Book nerd that I am, I was psyched that we might get a chance to shoot near the New York Public Library, until I learned that we couldn't photograph anywhere near it unless we were having an event at the library. Oh well.

Back to the matter at hand... so while Mr. Canary waited in the lobby with the groomsmen, the bridesmaids tended to our beautiful bouquets (from Flowers by Emil), Christine helped me get into my dress. I have to admit, for a few weeks leading up to the wedding, I was majorly second-guessing my dress choice, but once I saw myself in the whole ensemble (veil, hairpiece, makeup, jewelery, and shoes) I knew I had made the right choice. My dear friend (and creator of my beloved bird hair clip), Lynn Kiracofe, had helped me alter the dress top to a sweetheart neckline and suggested that I nix the gold sash that I had originally intended to wear. I kept my lovely Alexis Bittar brooch and Lynn had helped me affix it to the side of the dress. Everything worked out perfect together and I felt like the most glamorous bride.

The dress in it's final transformation.

My beloved Gucci sandals.

Our rings in a custom Paloma's Nest ring bowl.

My bouquet.

Junior bridesmaid's pomander.

Christine helping me corset up my dress. Do not attempt to do this without help! I had tried and failed a few times in the past.

Pre-ceremony veil from Unveiled Bridal Designs. Hair by Stacy Pitt.

Quite happy to be a bride! Earrings and pendant necklace from Alexis Bittar. Makeup by Sally Duvall.

Indulging in more flower shots-- I seriously loved my bouquet!

After getting dressed and a few bridal portraits in the room, I was ready to head down and meet Mr. Canary. It was the greatest feeling of anticipation as I waited in the elevator for the girls to check if the coast was clear and usher all the boys outside. As I stepped off and made my way to through the entrance, all I could see was Mr. Canary anxiously beaming from ear-to-ear. I suddenly became quite bashful in front of Mr. Canary. It was as if we were on our first date except with about 15 people watching us! Needless to say, we were both bubbling with happiness and excitement.

Getting ready to greet Mr. Canary!

Woohoo!

And everyone watched...

I also had a surprise for Mr. Canary: a classic yellow checker cab (from Film Cars) for a few photos. Unfortunately, we could not ride around in it, but it made for some classic New York shots.

I love Mr. Canary's expression in this shot. It's his GQ look. ;)

Didn't you know that all New Yorkers lounge in cabs and try to steal kisses?

Then it was time for the requisite group photos. All would have gone off without a hitch had we not been accosted by a band of gypsies. Seriously! While we were taking pictures, three gypsies, dressed and looking like a stereotypical gypsies came up to the entire bridal party begging for coins. We tried to shoo them away but they stood around the fringes until an exasperated and agitated Mr. Canary asked them very firmly to leave and let us celebrate our wedding day and they finally wandered off. The incident was actually quite funny and helped everyone relax a little before formal pictures!

Everybody at once! As you can see, we had a pretty large bridal party!
Bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo
Junior bridesmaids dresses: Wai-Ching Designs (custom dyed and embroidered)

Me with the girls. Our happy shot!


The dashing gentelmen.


Who says you can't show you soon-to-be husband some kung-fu moves to scare away any wedding jitters?

The boutonnieres, which had been a huge point of contention (who knew?!) between me and Mr. Canary. We finally settled on a a dahlia for Mr. Canary and yellow roses for all the groomsmen.

A quick family portrait with Mama and Papa Canary and the Brothers Canary.

Our last shot in the park was taken on Bryant Park's carousel. It was a lot of fun, but a little difficult to climb onto a carousel rabbit in a wedding gown and then be gawked at by strangers as we went round and round, but worth it for the photos! And then, we were off to our ceremony and reception!

Trying not to fall off the carousel and laugh at the same time!

A keen observer. ;)

Next: Dum dum dum dum... the ceremony!

Previously:
1. A New York Kinda Love: A Sweetly Blended Tea Ceremony