For about two years, I told myself I wanted to shoot New York Bridal Fashion Week. And every single season, I'd wait too long, convince myself it was more complicated than it was, and let the opportunity pass me by.

This year was different. I was reminded of it at exactly the right time — about four weeks out — and that was all it took.

I started researching designers whose work felt aligned with my brand and the kinds of brides I photograph. In total I probably reached out to five or six, and ended up getting invited to two shows. The first was Odylyne the Ceremony, whose romantic, nostalgic aesthetic felt like a natural fit — the kind of dresses that photograph beautifully in a cinematic, editorial style. The second was Jaclyn Whyte, whose work leaned more couture and editorial. I was also happy to discover she's part of a mother-daughter duo, which made the whole experience feel a little more personal before it even began.

Getting There

Once my invites were confirmed, I booked my hotel, planned my days, and decided to take the train down. Thursday morning I boarded, and a couple of hours later we pulled into Grand Central. It had been a while since I'd been to New York in any real capacity, so I let myself slow down and take it in — the zodiac ceiling, the light, the whole sweep of the place.

From there I walked to my hotel, which meant stopping at a food cart along the way because of course I did. I arrived a little early for check-in, so I dropped my bags and walked over to Central Park. I'd forgotten just how enormous it actually is. When I finally got to my room, I grabbed a cappuccino from the place right next door — smooth, necessary, perfect.

Show One: Odylyne the Ceremony

I got ready, threw on my oversized blazer, and filmed a quick video of myself on the way to the subway, of course. At the venue, I arrived early enough to chat with some of the other photographers before we were let in. Once inside, we were taken downstairs to photograph backstage — the getting-ready process, the quiet pre-show energy.

That's where I got what might be my favorite image from the entire trip: a completely candid shot of one of the models getting ready. Pure luck, right place, right time. The contrast works because of the backdrop behind her and the direct flash I was using — it's one of those frames you can't really plan for.

black & white w/ direct flash has a chokehold on me

When the show started, I was genuinely blown away. It wasn't a traditional runway format — the models were stationed around the room, which meant you could move, find your angles, and really work the space. That freedom made a huge difference. I came away with some shots I'm really proud of, including some that I think capture both the fun and the ethereal quality of the collection.

After the Show

That evening I met up with a group of photographers who had also been shooting fashion week. Most of them had been there since Tuesday and were wrapping up their week just as I was starting mine. A few I'd connected with through social media, a couple I'd met before, and a few were brand new faces. We sat together over wine talking, laughing and learning from each other - the perfect way to end the night.

the best group of wedding professionals!!

After that, I headed back to my hotel to edit. A couple hours in, hunger won, and I went out for late-night New York pizza. The people at that restaurant were so genuinely kind — teasing me in that warm, familiar way that makes you feel like you've been a regular for years. The pizza was exactly as good as it should be.

Show Two: Jaclyn Whyte at The Plaza

The next morning I got up, got ready, and walked to a café near The Plaza for breakfast — an almond croissant, fig toast, and coffee, eaten outside in the sun. It was exactly the kind of slow, quiet moment I needed before the day started.

The Plaza itself stopped me the moment I walked in. One of the prettiest buildings I've ever been inside.

This show was structured more as a private presentation. The models descended a staircase for the buyers, and we photographed the looks as they moved through the space. After the buyers left, we were able to take the models upstairs into other areas of the suite — directing them, posing them, getting close enough to really study the details of the dresses.

so beyond obsessed with how all the film scans from the week came out too.

It was a completely different experience from the first show, and honestly a wonderful one. More intimate, more hands-on, more time to actually connect — with the models, with the work, and with both Jaclyn and her mother. I got so many images that I absolutely love.

Before heading home, I got to have lunch with one of my college friends and his girlfriend at Katsu-Hama. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. There's something about catching up with an old friend in the middle of what was supposed to be a work trip that just makes everything feel a little warmer.

That lunch and the dinner the night before were honestly a big part of why the trip didn't feel like just work. Yes, I was there to shoot, to network, to learn — but I also got to wander Central Park, eat great food, laugh over wine with other photographers, and share a meal with someone I don't see nearly enough. It turned into a real little getaway, and I didn't even realize that's what I needed until I was already in it.

It was a short trip, but it was the right one. I kept thinking about how many seasons I'd let this pass me by because it felt too complicated. Turns out four weeks of research and a few emails is all it takes. I'll definitely be back next year — and I won't wait until the last minute.