Kim+Hunter // Engagement

 So here is a fun little story!  Have you ever thought to yourself as you're getting ready to jump on a long flight, hmmmm??? Maybe I'll sit down next to a cute guy or girl, and we'll hit it off, and maybe they'll be my soul mate??  Well guess what!?  This is Kim and Hunter, and they met on an airplane sitting next to each other, and then it turned out, they lived only a few blocks from each other, and so began a romance that soon became an engagement!  They'll be getting married next year at the  Wythe Hotel!  There is is so much to say about this shoot!  First, this has been one of the best fall season's we have had in a long time!!  I wish that this weather and color palette could last forever, because as you can see, it has treated me well this!  Second, this was one of those drizzly overcast days, which I love, but it's not always how people picture their engagement photos, so I had to check in with them to make sure they were cool with that, as you can see, they were down!  Overcast days, just make the colors pop so much, and it's so easy on the skin!! I just love how much the colors come through, as well as how easy they were to work with!!  As I've said man times before, so much of photography is about trust, and you really have to surrender to get good shots!! If you are busy worrying about anything, it will come through in the photos, so you want to make sure you trust your photographer, and that you get to have a good time!  New York City is gritty, and you have to embrace it!   That's very much a part of my credo when it comes to shooting here, you have to work with it, and accept it, which did not come naturally to me at first, but now I love it!  I'm from California, where everything is beautiful, and here it's a concrete jungle and you have to learn to embrace it. Now, when I shoot here, it's like this fun little challenge every time to make it fresh, make it fun, and make it feel as alive as it is.  I love these photos so much because I really feel like it looks like Brooklyn, it looks like their neighborhood, it's their train line that sometimes gets shut down, and you just have to make the best of this life, and embrace it all!  The best part of this story his how they met!!

Congrats Kim and Hunter!

xo
amber

Styled Shoot at The Wythe Hotel

I can't begin to say how much I love this shoot!  Viva Max, of Viva Max Weddings and I came together to create this spring inspired shoot at The Wythe Hotel.  We wanted to showcase a story that incorporated vivid spring colors that really pop off the page so to speak.  I definitely had a strong a attachment to the aesthetic and feel, which I feel like we really pulled off!  The vibe is definitely meant to be joyous and celebratory for couples that want to feel like they get to enjoy the party as much as their guests. So many amazing people came together to make this look happen, and I can't thank everyone enough.  When we began to pull together for the shoot, we knew were taking a risk by going with such vibrant colors, but it seemed like something that would be really fun, and great if we could pull it off elegantly and creatively, while still maintaining a cohesive look.  In the end, I think all of the elements came together beautifully, and as DJ Gaza told me, he felt like the images feel fresh, which is exactly what we wanted!! Thank you everyone, and please check out all the fabulous vendors listed below to help create this look too!  A big thanks to 100 Layer Cake for the feature.   To see more, visit the link here.

xo
amber

Planning & Design: Viva Max Weddings / Design Assistant: Suz Reyes / Photography: Amber Gress / Venue: Wythe Hotel / Cake: Wythe Hotel / Florist: Blossom and Branch / Stationery: Katie Fischer Design / Makeup: NYC Faces / Hair:  Amber Morrow / Dress & Bride Styling: Winifred Bean / Suit & Groom Styling: By Robert James / Shoes: Chromatic Gallerie / Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals / Furniture Rentals: Patina Rentals / Music: 74 Events / Rings: David Alan Jewelry / Accessories: Hushed Commotion / Jewelry: Catbird / Other Accessories: Thistle & Clover

The Wythe Hotel and finding your people!

 If you have not had to chance to visit the Wythe Hotel yet, do yourself a favor, and check it out! The lovely ladies of Entwined are Thea from Hushed Commotion and Patricia of 1440NYC, who held this super amazing networking event there this month, and as you can see, we had too much fun! When they asked me to photograph the evenings festivities, naturally my answer was, yes, of course!  The only catch being that when I looked at the rsvp list, I couldn't believe that a large number of guests would be some of New York's finest wedding photographers.  I couldn't believe how nervous I got!  So weird, I rarely get that kind of nervous anymore, but when it's you photographing a room full of photographers, you really have to bring your A game!  Honestly, I love a challenge, and the opportunity to face my fears!  I really think that as an artist, and a business owner, you really have to push yourself all the time, to be better, stronger, and ever evolving.  I am definitely at a place where I am pushing myself to a different place then I have ever been, so a shout out to all the lovely people that were in attendance that night.  I love being a part of an amazing community of kick ass people that inspire me to push myself and be better every day.  If you want anything in this life, put yourself in a room full of amazing people, and strive to be the best every day!  Find your people!

Cheers!
amber