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“The plan of action is only as good as the hearts of the people who create them.” - Pema Chodron

About the film

This short film is a celebration of remarkable love stories and the people who make them possible. As a New York wedding photographer, my focus is to explore how these stories shape our personal and family legacies. Oftentimes this means being present even and especially when moments of vulnerability present themselves. We (the couples, creative team and myself) are all very happy with this project and our ability to honor the tradition of storytelling.

The Couples (In order of appearance)
Janet & Chip – Engagement story at the Museum of Natural History.
Lindsay & David – Engagement story at Madison Square Park and The West Village.
Jill & David -Engagement story in Central Park & wedding story in Riverdale, New York.
Jessica & Francois – Engagement story in the Meatpacking District & wedding story in Central Park.
Megan & George – Proposal story in Central Park
Nicolina & Luke – Proposal story in Grand Central Station.
Patty & Jamie – Engagement story at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Kisha & Eric – Wedding story in Brooklyn, NY.
Julie & Jonathan – Engagement story in Connecticut & Wedding Story at Blue Hill.

The Creative team
Director: Matthew Charof
Creative Director: Nicholas Hudson
Cinematography & Treatment: Jacqueline Iannacone
Soundtrack: “The Daydream” by Tycho of Ghostly International
Producer: Parris Whittingham

What’s Your Story?
If you are moved by this film, please share your feedback by leaving us a comment below. Thank you.

“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” - Yiddish Proverb

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY – I met Lindsay & David while hosting the Lovers Rock Celebration with fellow photographers Robert Wagner and Christopher Duggan. Since this time, I’ve had the pleasure of documenting an engagement session with the couple. Highlights from our adventure are now featured in Destination i DO magazine (See images below).

The above photograph is inspired by The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album cover. On most occasions, I would have said no to this “staged” engagement session idea. Editorial photography is not the focus of my studio. I specialize in documenting the personal and story-driven narrative of real couples (occasionally I document wedding fashion). That said, when Carolyn Gerin (Creator of Anti-Bride and Senior Editor for Destination i DO) suggested the idea, I was instantly reminded of Lindsay and David. To my surprise, Dave is a huge Bob Dylan fan (so is his father) and he knew the exact address where the original photograph was taken! Below are more of my favorite images from the day…

Dave exorcises his game face as the two wait for a taxicab just outside Hotel Gansevoort. The hotel was especially enjoyable because of its rooftop lounge & bar called Plunge. The lofty space features a steamy outdoor pool, glorious views of downtown Manhattan and many nooks to cuddle up and enjoy a quiet afternoon.

A peaceful moment in Saigon; one of the private dining rooms at Spice Market.

Lindsay and David inspire me with their passion for life and willingness to continually explore. Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of leaving New York for a vacation. With this engagement session, our focus was to visit relaxed, travel-inspired getaway spots or “mini-moons” (like a short honeymoon…get it) in New York City. From exotic eateries to hidden speakeasy-style bars and historic walking tours, the full article in Destination i Do Magazine is rich with fresh ideas for couples in New York City.

I am grateful for this experience because it has brought me closer to so many wonderful people. I am thankful for everyone who made this article possible (Lindsay, David, Carolyn, Jennifer, the hotel and restaurant staff…everyone!) The end result is truly a labor of love.

P.S. David is an amazing writer who produces an insightful food column with change.org.

“Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got. love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it” - Maya Angelou

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY – This past Fall, Dr.Kyra Gaunt and I shared a music/photography project with the attendees at TED x East. The day was especially fruitful because I had the opportunity to learn from people with a passion for self-exploration and social engagement. Suzi Welch was the first presenter to share at the event and she spoke about doing your “life’s work”. Towards the end of her presentation, Suzi asked each of us to consider the following: “Fifty years from now, what would make you so happy it would bring tears of joy to your eyes?”

I already experience so much pleasure and joy as a wedding photographer; documenting remarkable love stories and the people who make them possible. I already cry tears of joy because I feel really fortunate and grateful for this life. What more would make me happier 50 years from now? Then it hit me….

I know men in their 20′s, 30′s, 40′s and 50′s who have undeniable joie de vivre. Then sometime before 70, they seem to lose it (some of us lose it way before 70). I didn’t know any man in his 70′s that was still engaged with and passionate about living…until I met Bill Woodson. Bill is witty, engaging, world-traveled, well-read, compassionate, punctual and computer savvy (he responds to emails faster than most people I know). Over the course of several months (and several meals), we have become good friends.

In May, Bill celebrated his 80th birthday at Terrace in the Sky. For me, these images document the quality of engagement, passion and support that exist throughout Bill’s life. In the background, you can see him presenting a slideshow complete with photos from his childhood, world travels and brief career as a model (he’s like The Most Interesting Man in the World). Below are more images from the evening…

Overall, this experience reminded me of the old expression: “we are defined by the company we keep”. The people we choose to date, marry, work for, work with, serve (yes your clients too) are all reflections of who we are. How does the company you keep reflect the person you are becoming 50 years from now?

P.S. This story is dedicated to one of Bill’s close friends Denise Jefferson (Above left in the photo). Denise was the director of The Ailey School. She passed away about two months after this photo was taken. Her legacy as a dance educator and ambassador for the arts will continue to thrive in the students, friends and family that became her life.