Prospect Park, New York
It is always a little daunting shooting for another photographer, no matter who it is. Of course, it’s a compliment that they like your work, but it comes with pressure to really perform. Especially when your client is this guy – a celebrity portrait photographer based in New York. Eeek!
I was so nervous throughout the whole lead-up to this wedding. So, basically for a whole year of my life. Firstly, shooting it for a Pat. Secondly, shooting it alone, halfway across the world. And thirdly, I was giving him the RAW files. (It was an exception, I don’t usually do that.)
Pat and Liz, luckily, turned out to be that couple that you just can’t believe are that good-looking and that sincere and that uncomplicated and that kind. Not once did Pat direct me or even hint at where he thought I should shoot. He never questioned anything and he let me take complete control, which was amazing and made me feel confident on the day. They went out of their way to always make sure I was okay and had food and was happy.
Liz got ready at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn and Pat came and met her there, before the three of us caught a cab to Prospect Park to meet their guests. One of my favourite images is of Liz hiding in the shower (made of one-way glass) and looking at Pat with childlike excitement, with him completely unaware that she could see him. She stayed in this general mood from the second she saw him until the end of the night. After a very civilised ceremony by the lake, a civilised dinner and speeches, the dance floor opened. The music was gangsta rap (Yes, GANGSTA rap) and the guests delivered on the dance moves.
Three of my favourite things about their wedding:
- Pat crying as he watched Liz walking down the aisle – even though he had just spent the last two hours with her.
- The many sweet moments I saw between Pat and his gran.
- The dancing, of course. My tummy hurt from laughing.
If there was a number four, it would be the three flavoured cake from Momofuku.
I would basically marry this cake if I could.