2020 WEDDINGS WRAPPED

Put a finger down if to you this year felt simultaneously like the longest & shortest year ever.

If you’re reading this, you made it. And honestly? Thats enough.

I haven’t been able to help but think…what kind of millennial would I be if I didn’t emulate Spotify’s 2020 Wrapped but make it wedding-related to fit my own niche? And how could I properly thank each and every couple we worked with this year without effectively making an internet-shrine of all of their images? With that being said, I’d like to use this post as a way to reflect on this year. And, of course, to thank everyone who put their trust in us this year.

Let’s get started.

A TUKAHOE/HOBOKEN WEDDING

Dindi, Kris and I hit it off when we met back in very early March to discuss wedding plans. They held a small ceremony in Tuckahoe, NY, with 7 family members & friends.

After the ceremony, we traveled to Twin Lakes County Park for our (1st) photo session. There, Dindi & Kris cut their wedding cake and toasted to their new chapter with 2 glasses of champagne.

Dindi & Kris, thank you for having me at your very intimate wedding day. It has been such a pleasure to know you two, and I think I’ve finally recovered from our 8 mile hike.

<3 More Dindi & Kris here.

A BACKYARD WEDDING IN CLIFTON, NJ

Autumn is a very close friend of a very close friend; therefor, she is now a very close friend. She & Mark had their closest family members and friends in the backyard of their home for a ceremony and reception. It was roughly one hundred million degrees in mid-July, and it was perfect.

Autumn’s gown left everyone — most definitely including Mark — speechless, both of their vows were personal and heartfelt and I’m 80% sure I shed a tear at least twice.

I’m so happy for you two, and even more excited for your NEWEST next chapter as parents next year. You’re the cutest.

<3 More Autumn & Mark here.

A HOBOKEN WEDDING AT MAXWELL PLACE PARK

When I arrived at Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken for Tanvi & Sarvesh’s wedding, I was greeted by Rima (Tanvi’s sister) and a whole slew of their friends setting up for the ceremony. There was a beautiful table with decor, a tiered cake, and balloons; they truly pulled out all the stops.

The ceremony was officiated by their close friend and everyone had a part in a dance. Two little girls even stumbled across the ceremony, and they asked me “is this a wedding?? can we watch??” I grabbed video clips of the day, too; their coordinated dance was too good to not get in-motion. It was a really beautiful day.

Tanvi & Sarvesh, thank you for having me and being the sweetest, most fun-loving people.

<3 More Tanvi & Sarvesh here.

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK ELOPEMENT

Lois & Michael called me a few days before our session in Washington Square park. We talked about our plan for the day, and I reassured them that having a photographer follow them around for 2 hours was super not awkward. They put their faith in me to see that through.

I hadn’t been to the city since before quarantine began, but wandering around the park with these two was the perfect first day back. They showed me where they first met, we very carefully walked on the cobblestone streets, and then we just chilled on a picnic blanket. I miss summer just talking about it.

You guys crack me up on instagram, btw. You’re the most precious couple, and I’m so happy I had the privilege of working with you and getting to know you.

<3 More Lois & Michael here.

BACKYARD WEDDING IN WAYNE, NJ

Bianca & Sean had to reimagine their wedding day from a 100+ person party at the Park Chateau to a <15 person backyard ceremony and dinner. We’re all anxiously awaiting for the big(ger) day next year, but this little at-home soiree was perfect.

Bianca’s dress had the most beautiful big bow, Sean cried when she walked down the aisle, and I re-assembled my camera at lightning speed when I was scheduled to leave but heard a sweet toast by the FOTB happening outside.

Bianca & Sean, I can’t wait to do this all again (but on a larger scale) next year.

<3 More Bianca & Sean here.

A CATSKILLS BACKYARD WEDDING

Close family & friends gathered in upstate NY for Amber & Ryan’s wedding, part 1.

Amber had a first look with her dad that made me cry (surprise surprise), their close friend officiated the ceremony, and they had some killer BBQ. It was such a relaxing, sweet day for them, and I’m so excited for part 2 next summer.

Amber & Ryan, I’m counting down the days until we get to party at Oz Farm. Thank you for being the sweetest.

<3 More Amber & Ryan here.

MYSTIC, CT WEDDING: PARENTS’ BACKYARD EDITION

Thad & Lily won our engagement session giveaway back in March — we took to Prospect Park and had 2 hours of unadulterated photo fun, exactly 1 week pre-quarantine. After that, we got right to work on booking a wedding day package for them. Then, the countdown to The Big Day ™ was on.

In the backyard of Lily’s parents’ home, she & Thad hosted their VIPs on the most beautiful early fall day. There was plenty of BBQ to go around (I think I had 8 boneless wings), so much dancing to R&B/hip hop classics, and cheesin’ for days.

NYC already misses you two, but the west coast is lucky to have you. Thank you for trusting us with your precious wedding day memories — hopefully soon I can roadtrip out to Denver??

<3 More Thad & Lily here.

AN ELOPEMENT IN CENTRAL PARK

Xiaoye messaged me over the summer asking about my availability for her (most likely) October elopement in NYC. I was so excited from the moment she approached me, because from the looks of her instagram, she was a super cool + sweet person. I was in no matter what.

On October 1st surrounded by less than 10 fam members + friends, Rocky and Xiaoye tied the knot and hit the streets (sidewalks) of Central Park for an ultra chic sunset photo sesh. I honestly barely had to direct, because they were so darn cute that every single thing they did was photo-op worthy. It was a really lovely night.

Xiaoye & Rocky, I truly loved working with you and having the privilege of being one of the few people by your side that day.

<3 More Xiaoye & Rocky here.

W LOFT ROOFTOP WEDDING

I couldn’t believe how well Jamie, Patrick, Nicole (my 2nd photog) & I all meshed; it was like we had known each other for months, even years before this. We arrived at their airbnb in Brooklyn, had some little breakfast-y foods, did some chatting, photo-taking, the usual. Also, we were super hype for the eventual arrival of their two dogs.

After all of the getting ready shenanigans, we traveled to Domino Park for their first look. A slew of compliments from fellow Brooklynites soon followed. The ceremony may have made me shed a tear or two, the NYC skyline was their first dance backdrop, and I ate the best salad of my life.

Jamie & Patrick, you’re always welcome in front of our cameras. Thank you for being you.

AN AIRBNB BACKYARD WEDDING

I know Nikita & Aditya through Tanvi & Sarvesh — my summer wedding cuties. N&A held a traditional ceremony in the morning and were throwing a small Americanized reception in the early evening, which is where I came in. Following a short first look & portrait sesh, the ceremony began. Friends watched proudly, and I was honored to be a part of that.

After the ceremony, Nikita & Aditya had their first dance, drank plenty of champagne, and even gave me a slice of cake for the road. I stitched together a small, short video as a surprise (much like I did for Tanvi & Sarvesh).

Nikita & Aditya, you were a joy to work with. I’m so thrilled for you two and this new chapter.

<3 More Nikita & Aditya here.

AN INTIMATE WEDDING AT THE ROUNDHOUSE

Let me start by saying, I’m convinced the Catskills have some sort of magical light. I don’t think it’s possible to take a photo that isn’t beautiful up here, especially at The Roundhouse in Beacon. Natural light everywhere.

Danielle & Daniel had a ceremony at a church around the corner from their venue, followed by a small lunch outside with their friends and family. The view overlooked the waterfall, the perfectly geometric hedges on the lawn, and Danielle & Daniel (along with their circle of close friends) made me feel like one of their own. It was a beautiful, surprisingly warm, fall day.

D&D, thank you for letting me be a part of your plan B. You’re the coolest, and I hope you’re hyped for 2021.

<3 More Danielle & Daniel here.

BRYANT PARK WEDDING PORTRAIT SESH

Maya & Jake, where do I begin?? You two have a permanent place in my heart as more than just past clients. I’m actually pretty sure we planned a pre-emptive post-pandemic pool party? But let’s circle back to that.

I started the day with Maya & her gals in a hotel room in New Brunswick, where I tried my hand at interior design/redecorated the entire suite to get the best shots. Then, Jake turned into a GQ model outside before the first look. We spent the rest of the evening wandering around 5th ave, Duffy Sq., and we even took turns singing our fav commercial jingles in the limo in between stops.

Maya & Jake, you’re two of the most genuine people I’ve met. You deserve all the lovely things life has to offer.

<3 More Maya & Jake here.

BRIARCLIFF MANOR WEDDING

Our last wedding of 2020, Maryam & Jeff. These two — along with everyone else, really — are another special pair of humans whom I would gladly have a brewski with on any regular day. Sweet, witty, considerate, the whole 9. And that all translated perfectly into their wedding day.

From prep, to ceremony, to the beautiful sunset that accompanied our portrait session, the whole day was a blast. They threw the perfect party to close out our 2020 wedding season. Here’s to more like it in the years to come.

M+J, it was such a pleasure to work alongside you two and get to know you. I also feel like I know more about beer now, thank you Jeff. I’m thrilled for what the future has in store for you guys.

<3 More Maryam & Jeff here.

THE WONDERFUL VENDORS WE WORKED WITH | YOU MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE

The title says it all; these beautiful weddings are so because of you, and that deserves recognition. Thank you for being amazing people to work with. May we cross paths again in the not-so-distant future.

VENUES
The W Loft
The Roundhouse
The Briarcliff Manor

HAIR/MAKEUP
Ilise Harris
Christopher Cianci Artistry
Styled by Christina
Gab’s Glam
Beauty Icon NYC
The Luminous Bride
Jenise Zayas
Essie Cohen Makeup
Britt Bridal Hair

PLANNING
Love & Lace Weddings
B’burg Events
Weddings by Debra

FLORALS
Ivie Joy Flowers
FDK Florals
Hana Floral
Fern Botanica
Floral Fantasies by Sara
Whispering Pines Florist

CATERING
The Brownstone
Big Dimps BBQ
Dino BBQ
Fig & Pig Catering
Roundhouse Catering
Briarcliff Manor Catering
La Tulipe Desserts

ENTERTAINMENT
Treble & Bass NJ
Nick Padron
Like Minds Trio
Stolen Moments

OFFICIANT
Once Upon A Vow

ATTIRE & JEWELRY
Catbird NYC
Rue De Seine Bridal
Allure Bridals
The Black Tux
Matisse Footwear
Opal Milk
Ninos Studio
Eton Shirts
Paisley Bridal
Memories Bridal by Reem
David’s Bridal
Alexandra Grecco
The Curvy Bride

SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS | ENGAGEMENT SESSION FAVS

I photographed so many amazing humans this year, but not everyone got married — some just got engaged! I’ll share some of my favs here.

TLDR; THANK YOU.

I can’t express how grateful I am to each and every person who has put their trust in our humble little studio. A year that was full of uncertainty, stress, and loss was also nonetheless a year filled with so much love.

I’m so excited (but with an appropriate amount of precaution/hesitation) to see what 2021 + beyond has in store.

xx

Melissa

Sava Studio