YES!  The word escaped from my mouth so quickly it surprised me.  Sometimes you just feel in your heart that something is right. Sitting on that old wooden bench with Cassi Claire and Caroline Frost, I felt like I was exactly where God wanted me to be.  It was on that day, over a peach mango rice pudding, that Caroline proposed we start a Christian photographers small group.

I knew right away it was something I wanted to be involved in.  God had placed in my heart the desire to start my photography business over a year ago and his love and support is the reason I am where I am today. The thought of discussing how God plays a part in other photographers businesses and life was so exciting to me. Not only would I have a chance to fellowship with others who loved photography as much as I did, I would have a chance to grow with women who also loved their heavenly Father and made Him the center of their world.  Wohoo!

Yesterday we held our first official small group at Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC.  We met in a booth shaped like a cupcake and snacked on macaroons and fondue as we shared the ways God has played a roll in all of our businesses.  We discussed our current struggles, shared encouraging verses, and ended by praying for one another.

One verse Caroline shared that stood out to me was Jeremiah 17:7-8.  It reads:

 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

I left the meeting feeling happy, encouraged, and truly blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible group of girls.  We would love for YOU to join us!  We will be meeting every Tuesday at 1:30pm at a different location in NYC.  Next week we will be sipping hot chocolate out of “hug mugs” at Max Brenner’s in Union Square. Feel free to email me at amy@amyrizzutophotography.com if you would like to come, or reach out to any of the other girls currently involved (Caroline Frost, Cassi Claire, Angela Newton Roy, or Melissa Leigh Kruse Lahring).  We hope to see you there!

Central Park was filled with people that day.  It was one of the last Saturdays of the summer and the weather was perfect.  Charlie and James hadn’t seen each other all day.  They planned to meet on Bow Bridge at 4:30 pm sharp, where they would finally become husband and wife!  As Charlie walked across one of the most romantic bridges in all of New York, the crowd parted.  All eyes were on her, but she was only looking at him.  They vowed to spend their lives together in front of their four best friends as tears of happiness streamed down both their faces.  It was one moment in time, just about them and the love they shared…and it was beautiful.

Charlie and James, it was a true honor capturing your wedding day.  I know you are enjoying your honeymoon in Greece, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos from your gorgeous NYC ceremony.  Check out your SNEAK PEEK below!

Charlie got ready for her wedding day at the New York City Plaza.

Her classic Manolo Blahnik’s were her something blue!

On her wedding day, Charlie exuded the elegance and grace of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

There is nothing more fun than jumping on the bed with your closest girl friends!

 

A huge smile spread across James’ face as Charlie walked down the aisle, looking only at him.

Officially husband and wife!

After their ceremony in Central Park, we headed to Times Square for some fun photos!

All of Times Square was cheering for Charlie and James!

At the end of the evening, Charlie and James headed back to the Plaza to get ready for a celebaroty dinner at Eleven Madison Park.

Charlie and James, your entire day was a fairy tale!  Want to see more?  Check out your wedding day slideshow here: http://charlieandjames.amyrizzutophotography.com.  A big thanks goes out to Mekina Saylor and Caroline Frost for helping me capture their special day!  Stay tuned for James and Charlie’s full wedding post, coming to the blog soon!

I got the call while sitting on the beach in Charleston, SC.  Recognizing the NYC number, I quickly picked up the phone and started walking towards the ocean. “Hello”, I said, as I dug my toes in the sand.  “Hi Amy!  This is Mara from The Knot.  I am so excited to let you know you are going to be one of our FEATURED VENDORS!” Pure joy coursed through me as I ran back up to tell my friends!  After a few happy squeals, we rushed inside to pull up the website.  Sure enough, the little blue banner was there, reading “featured“, right on the first page.

A big thank you goes out to The Knot…you seriously are my favorite wedding website ever!  Feel free to cheek out the feature here!  HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

How much do I love NYC?  Let me count the ways…

I love the yellow taxis…that always seem to be in a rush.

I love the street lamps, illuminating the city in a romantic way.

I love the delicious bakeries, just waiting to be discovered.

I love the tall buildings, filled with people from all over the world.

I love the fall breeze, blowing colorful leaves through Central Park.

I love the sparkling lights, shining on a city that doesn’t sleep

I love the thousands of restaurants, especially the ones that serve brunch.

I love the old world beauty, found in the most unusual places.

I love NYC at Christmas time, sipping Dylan’s hot chocolate while watching it snow.

I love Broadway, each musical or play producing a feeling of true contentment in me.

I love the coffee shops, and the fact that a Starbucks can be found on every corner.

I love the energy…that seems to be impossibly contagious.

I love everything about NYC, mostly because it feels like home.

 

 

The gentle sound of soft rolling waves could be heard in the background.  As Katie and Matthew spoke their hand written vows to one another, they both promised each other forever.  Surrounded by their family and friends, Katie and Matthew’s beach side ceremony was intimate, heartfelt, and one of the most beautiful I have ever seen!

I was able to capture so many amazing photos from Katie and Matthew’s day, but for now, I am just revealing their SNEAK PEEK!  Stay tuned for more of this gorgeous Shoreham Country Club wedding, coming to the blog soon!

A big thanks to Betsi Ewing Studio for introducing me to Katie and Matthew and asking me to photograph their wedding.  It was a true honor to be a part of their incredible day!