They had an intimate ceremony performed by Reverend Will in the hotel’s Petite Salon. Afterward, we took a quick ride to get some photos in Times Square.

We hit a couple of more spots near the hotel and made it back in time for the newlyweds to join the fun at their cocktail hour. We were just in time to catch the impromptu sing-along with the pianist.

The Essexs House is a NYC landmark. We had to get photos of Callan & Bryan in the hotel’s beautiful art deco lobby and hallways.

Jason Kwintner from the Essex House was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly. He even arranged for the town car to take us on our quick photo shoot. If you want more information about their destination wedding packages you should call Jason at 212-484-5140.

You’ve seen this one before (it was considered ”best-in-show” at the WPPA Q2 competition)…

and this one (awarded Accolade of Excellence by the renowned WPPI).

Both of the above photos were taken at a pre-wedding “Trash-The-Dress” session.  Just in case you’ve never heard of the term, a “Trash-The-Dress” is a fun photo session where we do cool shots without worrying about getting the dress dirty.  We like it because it’s a relaxing time where we can have fun with the bride and groom without all the stresses of the wedding day.  We like to call it a date plus 2, the 2 being us tagging along as the third-wheel photographers.  And, you end up with one-of-a-kind wedding photos afterwards!

Maari got a dress specifically for the Trash-The-Dress.  On the wedding day itself, she had another beautiful gown.  That’s why she can walk into the dazzling waters of St. John without worrying about getting the dress wet.

James actually took this photo from beneath the water at Maari & Mark’s pool.  How does he do that?  No, James does not have fish-like gills to breathe for long periods of time underwater.  What we do have is lots of snorkeling gear and an underwater camera.  We love this shot because of the water’s dramatic effect on the photo.

Of course, we have to share some photos from the wedding itself.  This is one of Mark from before the ceremony.  Maari & Mark wrote their own very touching vows and Mark was practicing them right before the ceremony.  His ardor and diligence shows how much he cares for his lovely bride-to-be.

The couple rented a magnificent villa for their reception.  Maari is an art director and had great ideas about how to decorate the house for their wedding.  The blue and white lanterns added just the right splash of color to the festivities.  As for the blue shirt and white pants of the musician in the background, now that’s what we call coordination!  Not sure if he got lucky or just had supernatural foresight.

We had a great time photographing Maari & Mark’s wedding.  St. John is a photographer’s dream.  Hands down, this island has the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen.  The water is so clear - you can actually see your feet when you’re in the ocean (we’re used to the Jersey Shore and Long Island beaches where the water is far from clear)!

We are really happy with how Maari & Mark’s photos turned out and are even more happy to hear that they like them as well.  In Maari’s words, “I can’t stop looking at the pictures. They are so amazing!”

To Maari & Mark – thanks again for inviting us to go down to St. John with you!

To see more of Maari & Mark’s photos, click below.

A kiss on the magnificent beaches of St. John…romantic and absolutely beautiful.  It’s no wonder that WPPI likes it.

But again, we have to thank Maari & Mark for being such great subjects!

Thank you, Maari & Mark, for being such great models!

This is one of our favorite photos of the couple.  They look extremely happy together.

And, we love how Roy was looking at Ali when she put the ring on his finger.  Pure affection. 

As you can see, Punta Cana’s beaches are beautiful.  The picturesque palm trees make for a beautiful photo.  Just looking at the photo relaxes you – can’t you just feel the warm island breezes?   

Ali & Roy decided to do a “trash the dress” session the day after their wedding.  For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s a shoot where you have fun doing funky photos in your wedding gown (e.g., jump into a pool and lie on the beach).  It’s usually done after the wedding so that you don’t have to worry about getting your gown dirty; hence, the name “trash the dress.”  While we’re on the subject of jumping into a pool…

and lying on the beach…  This picture is great since it shows all 4 of us, Ali, Roy, James & Alice.  We’re sure that you can easily find Ali & Roy.  Having trouble finding the 2 of us though?  James is the head bobbing in the water.  He wore his snorkeling gear so that he can still take a picture as the waves crashed over him!  And, Alice is the shadow in the sand (lower right of the photo). 

Thank you, Ali & Roy, for a wonderful time in Punta Cana!!