Backlit photo of bride and groom dancing close with smoke in the background at a Terrace on the Park wedding
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Jasmine & John’s Terrace on the Park Wedding

ByKelly Williams, Photographer

Last week I shared Jasmine and John’s fun Astoria Park engagement photos.  So, for this week’s blog post, let’s see how it all turned out with photos of their amazing Terrace on the Park wedding.  Prepare yourself for equally fun and fantastic photos that include butterflies, a Buddhist ceremony, and of course, a beautiful bride.

Meet Jasmine and John

Bride and groom smiling and standing cheek to cheek in Astoria ParkIn last week’s blog post, I told you all about Jasmine and John.  They met in 2007 through a shared devotion to Buddhism, and have a very entertaining proposal story that you should definitely read.  Now, let’s jump forward to the wedding day.

The Butterfly Wedding Dress

Wedding dress with butterfly hanging on curtain rod in bedroomJasmine and John are not a ‘cookie cutter’ couple.  As such, they made sure that every detail of their Terrace on the Park wedding was as unique as their individual personalities.  From their attire to the events of the day, each moment of their wedding was personalized.  Take for instance, Jasmine’s gorgeous wedding dress and veil.  While the elegant dress was bought at BHLDN, Jasmine hired a talented seamstress to bring her vision of a butterfly wedding dress to life.  The dress and veil are decorated with airy, organza butterflies in memory of her dearly departed sister.

The Work-of-Art Bouquet

Close up of blue flower bouquet made of paper mache and white paper flowerLike her wedding dress, Jasmine’s bouquet was a true work of art.  Hand crafted out of papier-mâché, the bouquet is actually a set of molded hands by artist and friend Jessi.  The hands, when assembled together, look like flower petals.  At the center of the bouquet was a feather, to mark the passing of Jasmine‘s sister, and a portrait of John’s departed mother.  In case you are curious, the bouquet was sturdy, yet lightweight.

Getting Ready

Bride and two bridesmaids making funny faces before weddingWe started the day at the couple’s Astoria apartment, where I began by photographing Jasmine’s stress.  With all of the details photographed quickly, it was time to launch into the ‘getting ready’ photos.  It was quite an emotional moment as Jasmine zipped into her dress with her sister, Marilyn, and friend, Jessi.  That said – as I tell all my couples – never worry about letting the tears fall.  Waterworks are always great for photos.

But it wasn’t all tears.  We had some fun during the getting ready time as well.  The couple made sure not to see each other before their official ‘first look’ in Astoria Park.  However, they did sneak in a quick handholding moment in between door frames right before we left for their portrait session.  It was a cute, and completely spontaneous, event that I am so glad I captured.

The First Look & Portraits

Bride tapping groom on shoulder during first look along waterfront in Astoria ParkWhile I was originally worried that rain was going to put a damper on Jasmine and John’s wedding day, their first look went off without a hitch.  Of course, it helps that we had completed a dry run of their portrait session the night prior.  It was extremely hot and humid on their wedding day, so I cut my shot list down by half so we could return to air conditioning sooner.  As with their rehearsal dinner mini session, we took photos in Astoria Park along the waterfront, in front of the Hell Gate Bridge, and underneath the Hell Gate Bridge arches.  Jasmine and John had their bridal party join us for the end of the portrait session, and the photos we took together are some of my favorites.

The Butterfly Release

Bride catching butterfly in grass at a Terrace on the Park weddingIn order to accommodate Jasmine’s dress, the couple had rented a full bus to get the bridal party from Astoria Park to the venue.  Once we arrived at Terrace on the Park, the couple had a butterfly release with the immediate family.  This was a very intimate moment to celebrate the passing of loved ones. This was also my first butterfly release, and it was such a special event.

At the release, Jasmine and John explained the significance of the moment to the family members present.  They then opened the box together and woke up the butterflies.  Apparently, the little buggers had been taking a nap, and quite a few of them needed to be helped out of the box.  The ceremony ended with a magical, Snow White moment when a butterfly landed on Jasmine’s finger.

A Terrace on the Park Wedding – Family Portraits

Bride and groom with bridal party in lavish lobby at a Terrace on the Park weddingDue to the heat and humidity, everyone wanted to pile back inside the venue for family portraits.  We had originally scheduled to take photos on the penthouse roof, but another party was already underway.  This didn’t prove to be an issue at all, because Terrace of the Park has plenty of beautiful interior spaces for small and large group photos.  We ended up taking all the family portraits in the ballroom lobby.

A Terrace on the Park Wedding – The Buddhist Wedding Ceremony

Bride and groom chanting with two women during Buddhist wedding ceremony at a Terrace on the Park weddingNext up was the Buddhist wedding ceremony.  The ceremony began with chanting and the display of a scroll from the couple’s personal altar.  Photos of the scroll were not allowed, and I made sure to follow the couples wishes.  After the chanting portion of the ceremony, the event followed a traditional wedding schedule with the exchange of rings and a big kiss at the end.

One of the biggest highlights of the ceremony was John’s nephews, who served as the adorable ring security force.  They even had fake ear pieces to complete their bodyguard look.  Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the fantastic singers who performed during the ceremony.  Jasmine comes from a theatrical background, so she was able to call on friends and family to perform three songs.

A Terrace on the Park Wedding – Cocktail Hour & Reception

Couple dancing in front of guests during first dance at a Terrace on the Park weddingFinally, it was time to party.  The cocktail hour began with the usual exhaustive spread from the Terrace on the Park catering crew.  The lively atmosphere of the cocktail hour segued perfectly into the reception.  The party included several very touching speeches, a hilarious cake-cutting session, and even pyrotechnics.  What more do you need when you say ‘I do’?

Enjoy the images, and I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

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Are you planning a Terrace on the Park wedding soon?  Drop me a line if you have an event planned before December 10, 2023.  After that date I am headed to San Antonio and hope to work with you down south.  Looking for a few more Terrace on the Park wedding tips?  Check out this article here.

If you would like to see more images from my wedding portfolio, then please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com

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bride and groom hugging along waterfront with bridges in background in Astoria Park Bride and groom hugging along waterfront in Astoria ParkGroom kissing bride on cheek along waterfront with Hell Gate Bridge in background in Astoria Park Bride and groom hugging along waterfront with Hell Gate Bridge in background in Astoria Park Bride and groom holding hands under Hell Gate Bridge arches in Astoria Park Bride and groom holding hands and standing nose to nose in Astoria Park Bride and groom hugging in Astoria Park Groom kissing bride on cheek from behind in Astoria Park Groom hugging bride from behind in Astoria Park Bride and groom hugging in Astoria ParkBride and groom hugging under Hell Gate Bridge arches in Astoria Park Bride and groom walking hand in hand under Hell Gate Bridge arches in Astoria Park Bride and groom standing head to head under Hell Gate Bridge Bride holding blue flower bouquet under Hell Gate Bridge Bridesmaids throwing flowers in bride's face under Hell Gate 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a Terrace on the Park weddingTwo bridesmaids hugging while seated at a Terrace on the Park wedding Woman and little girl pouring tea for groom during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Tea being poured for bride during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom offering cup of tea to father in law during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom holding hands during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Woman holding folder and singing into microphone during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom responding to woman in red dress during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom sitting and holding hands during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park weddingBride holding microphone and paper saying vows to groom at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom holding microphone saying vows to bride at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom watching two little boys open box with wedding rings at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride putting ring on groom's finger and looking at groom during ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Close up of groom putting wedding ring on bride's finger at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom kissing bride and lifting her in the air after ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom embracing after ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom with arms raised excited after ceremony at a Terrace on the Park weddingBride and groom hugging forehead-to-forehead after ceremony at a Terrace on the Park wedding Man wearing fedora playing piano and woman in strapless dress singing into microphone at a Terrace on the Park wedding Close up of table set with salads at a Terrace on the Park wedding Close up of three tables set for reception at a Terrace on the Park wedding Four layer wedding cake with J+J wedding topper at a Terrace on the Park wedding Four-layer wedding cake viewed through glasses on a table at a Terrace on the Park wedding Reception room set with five tables and grand chandelier at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom entering room for reception at a Terrace on the Park weddingBride and groom dancing close during first dance at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing in front of guests during first dance at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing in front of shooting pyrotechnics at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing close at a Terrace on the Park wedding Woman holding little boy wearing blue suit at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom kissing in front of guests at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom kissing bride and lifting her up in the air on the dance floor at a Terrace on the Park weddingFemale guest wearing one-shoulder blue dress talking with guest at a Terrace on the Park wedding Little boy looking at his father while sitting at a table at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom looking to the left at a table at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bald Asian man raising glass of champagne while making speech at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests raising glasses after a speech at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests at a table clinking glasses after a speech at a Terrace on the Park wedding Man with beard holding paper giving speech into a microphone at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride wiping away tears beside groom at a table at a Terrace on the Park weddingFather of the bride holding hands with bride in front of groom at a Terrace on the Park wedding Father of the bride giving a speech in front of the bride and groom at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom giving father of the bride a glass of scotch at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and father dancing in front of guests at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and father dancing in front of groom sitting at a table at a Terrace on the Park wedding Groom speaking into microphone at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bald Asian man using yellow napkin to wipe tears at a Terrace on the Park wedding Woman in blue dress dancing in front of guests at a Terrace on the Park weddingTwo little boys dancing in front of guests at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests dancing in a line with arms raised at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests dancing with arms raised at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests dancing with arms raised at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests dancing with arms raised at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests dancing with arms raised at a Terrace on the Park wedding Three little boys dancing in front of bride and guests on dance floor at a Terrace on the Park wedding Guests piled up in front of gold background at a photo booth at a Terrace on the Park weddingTable displaying guest book with wooden hearts and white frames Bride and groom making speech with microphone at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride talking into microphone and looking at groom wearing blue vest at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride holding microphone with fist raised beside groom wearing blue vest Bride and groom laughing and hugging in front of cake at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom putting icing on their noses in front of cake at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom posing with icing on their noses in front of cake at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride pulling groom close on dance floor at a Terrace on the Park weddingBride and groom dancing forehead-to-forehead at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing close at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing close at a Terrace on the Park wedding Four men embracing on the dance floor at a Terrace on the Park wedding Gay couple dancing close at a Terrace on the Park wedding Couple dancing close at a Terrace on the Park wedding Bride and groom kissing on the dance floor at a Terrace on the Park wedding

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Hi! My name is Kelly Williams, and I am a San Antonio wedding and family photographer. I love telling the story of someone’s love, life, and happiness in one frame.

I proudly call San Antonio home, but I have lived in NYC for the past 21 years.

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