Last year, my sister Rita came over my house with her uber cool fiance Ronald and asked me very politely if I’d photograph their wedding. A huge wave of fear came over me. Not because it was my sister’s big day, but more because my mom would be complaining afterwords that I wasn’t in any of the pictures. I told Rita if we could come up with a plan to get me in at least the portraits, she had a deal. Turned out our Uncle Manny was a photographer way back in the day, and had no problem taking over for me between shots of the bride and groom. Problem solved. Luckily, that was the only hiccup in what turned out to be a perfect day.
Ron and Rita met way back when Rita was dating his best friend. He pined in silence and eventually—years later—got his chance to take her out on a date (once his friend had left the picture). The two fell madly in love and bonded over golf, cats and the NY Jets. Rita is a free spirit and Ron decided to come along for the ride, which includes two cats, a dog and a handful of turtles.In the past few years, we’ve all grown to love Ron and he’s turned into the brother I never had.
The two settled on a traditional Greek wedding at St. George in Clifton, NJ. This was my first Greek Orthodox wedding (behind the lens) and I had a blast photographing the stunning colors. Rita was walked down the isle by my dad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy. The two said “I do,” and off we went to the Hanover Manor to an evening of Greek dancing, heavy ouzo consumption and a ton of food.
