St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, Siena College, Loudonville, New York Elopement Photo Story Award

The wedding couple embraces and kisses in front of a barn door as they pose for a portrait with flowers by the side and a wedding bouquet on the ground in front of them.

Kara, a grade school teacher, and Kieran, an accountant, who live in Long Island City, Queens, rescheduled the large wedding of their dreams until next year. Happily, they were able to have the original ceremony date that they wanted on Saturday at Siena College’s St. Mary of the Angels Chapel with immediate family present to share in their joy. After the ceremony, Kara and Kieran were surprised by a celebratory car parade outside the chapel with family and friends who, for safety, could not be present. After the car parade, we went to the beautiful and historic Pruyn House for family and couple’s portraits.

As a documentary wedding photographer, the images flowed easily. It’s my goal at every wedding to show humans being humans. Kara’s effortless grace and style, reminiscent of a young Grace Kelly, is perfectly matched by Kieran’s intelligence and gallantry. Between the two of them and their families, the love and joy were evident with every click of the shutter. I love these words from Kara about some of the best things she and Kieran have learned from each other: “To stay flexible during this pandemic. Some of our best memories and funniest moments have been while in our NYC apartment. We got really creative in how to have fun and balanced working from home. Kieran basically became my co-teacher in online teaching! This reminded us of what is really important in life.” Congratulations Kara and Kieran!!! Wishing you many many years of happiness and I’m forever grateful that you trusted me to document your incredible wedding! I’m beyond excited to document the party next year!

Two marriers look at each other joyfully during their wedding ceremony in a Catholic chapel.

The photo is an overhead view from the balcony inside a the chapel as a member of the wedding party bows to the altar before performing a reading during a wedding ceremony.

The couple smiles joyfully from inside their car holding wedding teddy bears and with their car decorated for a wedding celebration parade.

The wedding couple and their family and wedding party wear COVID masks as they pose for a group portrait and cheer for the couple in front of the chapel.