“They say that your wedding day goes by in such a flash that you’re lucky if you even get a piece of your own cake. I say that’s crazy. I say let them eat cake.

– Michael Scott

Alex and Gabrielle met on the campus of Oneonta a few years back, and we are so glad they did. I drove up to their favorite campus for their engagement session and immediately I was impressed with them both. Driven, organized, and above all…madly in love. Their wedding day  at Marina Del Rey was full of big emotions (more about that later) I wish I could articulate the tangible adoration between Alex and Gabrielle. I have said it once and ill say it again, I am fortunate that I am a photographer and not a writer.

A Marina Del Rey Wedding

Alex and Gabrielle set the bar HIGH in terms of relationship standards. From the first hello call I had with them their excitement practically burst through the phone for their upcoming knot-tying. Alex is truly the guy women want to marry. He can barely keep his eyes off of Gabby and while she is physically beautiful (she’s a prettier Nelly Furtado) Alex bragged about the Doctorate that Gabby was getting while planning their wedding. Alex is her ultimate hype man, but he also is an incredibly hard worker and the life of the party. Gabby is one of the strongest people I have met. She struck me as formidable (while being gentle somehow) the day I met her. Unfortunately this wedding planning journey put the ” for better or worse” part of their vows to the test.

Gabby’s sweet dad who was SO excited for his daughters wedding passed away in January. This family is a tight knit family and seeing the way that everyone supported Gab during this tragedy showed me how fortunate we are to not do life alone. It is heart breaking to photograph a wedding day when a parent isnt there, they should be. I wish that before we utter our vows our married lives would flash on some type of screen before us. Oh to see the richer for poorer, the sickness and health, the better or worse until death we part. I just celebrated 13 years of marriage and we have seen so much of that, its why I cry when a couple is saying their vows. Alex and Gabrielle meant it, and they have already lived much of it.

Onto the wedding…

The weather man literally described June 1st weather as ” the ideal spring day. Having Gab get dressed in her parents room, with her parents wedding photo right above her head was a gift. At the Church and Alex stood grateful as he welcomed his new bride up to the altar. There was not a dry eye in the house. We celebrated a dramatic first kiss as husband and wife and headed to Bartow-Pell mansion for some STELLAR portraits of these two and their besties. Alex and Gab are IN LOVE for real, it was not hard to showcase their love for one another. It feels like I cheated.

Marina Del Rey’s  ballroom was decked out floor to ceiling and after some very emotional dances we moved to a highlight of the night, fireworks. Alex and Gabby stood there surrounded by their friends and family and soaked in the moment, I imagine that very moment will sit in their memories forever. This wedding and this couple is certainly going to be a highlight of my photographic career. Alex and Gab are couple goals, with a high respect and admiration for one another. With 228 weddings as of June 11th 2024 under my belt I can tell you that couples who hold each other in high esteem (separate from physical appearance) go the distance. Alex and Gab are doubly lucky, they are physically beautiful and emotionally matched. Ill say it again, what a gift they are. 14 hour days are not so bad while witnessing love like this, between people like this on days like this. Thank you both for choosing me!

Wedding Portraits at Bartow-Pell Mansion

Because of time constraints we took a 10 minute detour and grabbed some beautiful portraits at Bartow-Pell Mansion. This added some lush greenery to their full wedding gallery, and Bartow- Pell is BEAUTIFUL to take formal portraits at.

Portraits at Marina Del Rey Caterers

This next dance was a tribute to Gabs handsome Dad Fernando, not a dry eye in the house! Full disclosure, I do not hyper photograph these moments, there are some moments that are sacred and need to be respected.

Marina Del Rey Wedding Vendors

Because planning a wedding is no small feat. Finding wedding vendors who are in charge of helping you pull that feat off is another job in and of itself! Do me a favor and be sure to support these New York City Wedding Vendors, they deserve it!

Wedding Venue in the Bronx : Marina Del Rey Caterers book here!

New York City Wedding Photographer: Nidya Lloyd Photography book here!

Bridal Gown: Virginias Bridal shop here!

Hair and Makeup: Beleza Salon and Monica Duarte Makeup hair  

Grooms Suit: San Marko Formal shop here!

Floral Design:  West Sayville Flowers book here!

Wedding DJ: Eduardo Alves Events book here!

Videographer: Armondo View book here!

Wedding Decorator: Enchanted Events in Mahopac learn more!

Custom Floor Wrapping: Royal Backdrops book here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My name is Nidya Lloyd and I specialize in belly laughs, classic and bright imagery with a high end twist! In almost 8 years I have capture over 270 weddings, and if you play your cards right you can land on my blog next! Lets chat!

I want to chat!