Wedding on Fire Island: Congratulations Faye & David

Faye and David were married on Fire Island, right off the south coast of Long Island.

The bride’s dress hung with the three flower girls dresses while everyone was getting their hair and makeup done.

This day was particularly special for me because two of my favorite people were at the center of the wedding. Jennie, the maid of honor, is one of my very best friends, and her amazing sister, Faye, was the bride. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Here, Jennie helps Faye into her wedding dress.

Faye’s cousin, Emery, made this gorgeous necklace for this gorgeous bride.

David stands anxious and excited for the ceremony to begin, next to the Chuppah.

The bride’s three nieces walked down the aisle as the adorable flower girls.

I asked Faye what her favorite moment was from the day. She answered, “I think the part of my wedding day that I will always remember is when I walked out onto the sand and noticed everyone lining the aisle. I was overwhelmed by all those smiling faces, filled with love, shining on me. Our ceremony was so beautifully realized by my amazing friend, Ernest!”

Faye is a prop designer on Broadway and David is a photographer. They are truly one of a kind, creative, wild and free spirits. Their personalities were reflected in the island they chose for their wedding day, full of sun, crashing waves and unique sights.

One sight, in particular, I will never forget. Just as David and Faye prepared to see each other for their first look before the ceremony, I noticed a very large woman walking along the beach…TOPLESS. Apparently, Fire Island allows nudity. Afraid that this woman would appear in the shots and ruin the special moment, I started shouting to Faye, “WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!” Luckily, Faye was able to wait, while cracking up with laughter, and we got some great shots. Something you must always know as a wedding photographer, you better be prepared for anything!

David also shared his favorite moments, “It was very touching to see everything come together, realizing that every person present was responsible for the success and beauty of the ritual and circumstance.”

He found it hard to choose one moment, but gave special recognition to the Friday before the wedding as people were arriving for the festivities. “There was mischief in those faces as they recognized each other as part of a common plot, reunited under the same sun on a small speck of land, virtually away from everything. It was a delicate moment, never to be repeated.”

David’s daughter, Sofia, is an amazing singer, working on a classical vocal performance degree at Northwestern University. She sang Ave Maria during the wedding ceremony processional and Joana Francesa for Faye and David’s first dance.

David went on to say, “I do have to give a special mention to Mario Rodriguez and his band. Musicians at weddings are not treated always with the respect that they deserve because everyone is busy with something. But having Mario, my dearest and oldest friend, present at my wedding was a great honor. It goes without mentioning that Mario has two or three Grammys under his belt.”

David even joined them on the drums for a song!

Congratulations Faye & David!

Special thanks to the team:
Photography by Jessica Schmitt and Eric Swartz
Wedding Coordinator: Michelle Bossey
Band: Mario Rodriguez & His Band
Restaurant: Top of the Bay, Fire Island
Dress Designer: Galina; Bride’s Shoes: Matisse
Makeup: Leora Edut
Wedding Officiant & Bride’s Hair: Ernest Mavis
Bride’s Ring: Marian Maurer, Clay Pot, Brooklyn
Suit Designer: Duchamp London; Groom’s Shirt: Calvin Klein
Groom’s Shoes: Camper; Groom’s Ring: Nicole Laemmle
Cake: Cakes By Phillomena, Phil Stoehr; Cake Topper: LIweddings.com
Invitation Printer: Met Photo, Designed by the Bride
Chuppah: Paul Smithyman
Bride’s Necklace: Emery Spanglemaker Levine