The Grandview | Poughkeepsie NY | Karissa and John Wedding | Jay Zhang Photography
2nd Photographer: Lynne Petruska Cable of Lynne & Jim Photography
DJ: Your Event Matters Entertainment and Photo Booth Rentals - DJ Donnie Lewis
Venue + Catering: Grandview Events
Florists: Flowers by Angel
Make up + Hair: Salon 52 Hair Studio Inc.
Videographer + Photobooth: Anthony + Kevin of Ebabil Photo & Video
Karissa is this super chill, down to party, excellent planner and visionary who is extraordinarily smart and compassionate - did I mention she was a teacher? I love all my teachers! They are always the most organized and prepared ;-) John is this kind, soft spoken, means what he says, dutiful and super considerate man who would do ANYTHING for Karissa. He’s such a nice guy, he’s the type of guy who wants the best for everyone, especially for Karissa on her day. Part of his considerateness is that he got White Claws and had it delivered to her room in an ice bucket to keep cool, like... come on how much nicer than to be thinking of making sure you’re soon to be spouse to properly hydrated AM I RIGHT?!
Technically I was going to start the day with John, but I started early for these two amazing people and wanted to get some details done before starting my day with John and his boys. When I got to John, you could tell he was just a little nervous, his mind was racing and he DOES NOT have a good poker face, good thing his best man was cool calm and collected, the three C’s to your Best Man and Maid of Honor duties - you can quote me.
His best man was killing it, putting on boutineers after I taught him how and all the other boys were just on the ball getting dress and ready for a big day and before moving right over to the venue. When I got to Karissa, she was READY to be in her dress, chill and calm and always but super excited and ready to fricken party. When she was in her dress, she was excited to show me that SHE HAD POCKETS. If I wore a dress, it would be one with Pockets FOR SURE and pockets are definitely on brand for Karissa. Everyone was in admiring Karissa’s whole attire.
Come time for first look at the promenade at The Grandview and the tension and anxiety is rising for John! We place him, and then got Karissa to come to the meeting spot on the promenade and we give the instructions before time just slowed down for the moment. Karissa walks up to John and places her hand on his shoulder, I give the count to turn and John slowly turns around and everything just melts away. You can tell he BURNS for her, the tension and anxiety lifted from his face and his body eased out while they both had the biggest smiles on their faces. “Look pockets!” Karissa says as she laughs and tears up a little. Soon enough, it was time for their portraits.
The rest of the day was brilliantly chill and amazing and all sorts of shenanigans occurred. The day was beautiful and full of happy faces and excited guests who know that this was going to be a PARTY.
