new york bridal week

Manhattan Engagement Session | New York City Photographer | Matt + Kara

Manhattan Engagement Session | New York City Photographer | Matt + Kara

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I first met Kara eight years ago. We became friends our freshman year at Virginia Tech in a little group of 4 girls who chose to make ridiculous crafts on Friday nights and stay up way too late laughing at absolutely nothing. She knew me before I met Nathan, and I knew her before she met Matt, her soon-to-be husband. In fact, when I visited New York City (click here to see that post!) last week, it was the first time I met him or had seen her in years!

When Kara saw that I was coming to the Big Apple she sent me a message asking for a coffee date...and it soon snowballed into an engagement session in the place she now calls home. Even though we woke up to a rainy day we made it work, stopping at everywhere from the New York Public Library to Rockefeller Center and ending inside Grand Central Station with people everywhere. This was the iconic New York City engagement session - crowded streets, rain coming down, wind everywhere, and a couple truly and deeply in love...

My New York Bridal Fashion Week Adventure | Personal

My New York Bridal Fashion Week Adventure | Personal

At first I considered naming this blog "that one time I met Martha Stewart" but I figured since my trip encompassed several DAYS I would focus on the fact that I got to go to New York Bridal Fashion Week instead! More on that story later...

As the features editor for Tidewater and Tulle, a local wedding blog, I am often given amazing opportunities thanks to my boss and friend Chelsea. When she asked if I wanted to explore New York as the whole city transformed to host bridal fashion week, I immediately said yes! We made travel arrangements, nailed down final details, and I was ready to go.

My trip started right after the hurricane wedding weekend in Maymont. Nathan dropped me off at the bus station that night and I took the overnight Greyhound to the city. I was freezing and barely slept, so when I got to New York at 5:30am with severe exhaustion and rain pounding my face, all I could think about was a nice warm bed! Add in an hour trek and I fell into the comfort at the Omni Berkshire for as long as I could before my first appointment...

The New York City Mug | Mug Series Monday

The New York City Mug | Mug Series Monday

The first time I saw this mug, I immediately started laughing. It's a pretty big joke within the wedding world how popular mason jugs are - at weddings, for centerpieces, and even in our homes. I can't tell you how many mason jars I have owned, donated, and were given to me throughout the years. I guess it's just a creative's favorite way to drink!

Strangely enough, this mug is both a funny reminder of the industry I work in and a memory about an amazing impromptu trip I took with my best friend Chelsea. Last fall (I can't believe this was almost a year ago!) she texted me and asked if I wanted to visit New York City with her. There was no hesitation as I answered a big, "YES!" and our trip was planned.