Tag Archives: Nikon D4
Destination Wedding in Antigua, Guatemala: Andrea + Andrew
I’m dreaming that my last wedding of 2014 was an incredible destination wedding in Central America with a beautiful couple that I photographed in collaboration with my very good friend from Mexico Daniel Diaz who is like a brother to me (click his name to see his blog post of the same wedding). In particular I was in Antigua, Guatemala which appeared to be frozen in time as it retained its cobblestone streets, its Spanish Baroque architecture, and its beautifully maintained historical ruins. Intertwined with much of its beauty, Antigua has a tragic past. The former capital of Guatemala was nearly destroyed by two major earthquakes in the 1700’s and another as recently as 1976. Antigua is also flanked by three volcanoes one of which remains active (Volcán de Fuego). There’s almost a beautiful yet fatalistic zeitgeist among the locals here that any day could be their last so they live everyday like it is their last – familiar words to live by yet such an alien concept to us New Yorkers. Our beautiful and generous couple Andrea and Andrew treated us like family and gave us their complete trust in capturing their dream wedding. They worked hard and had fun in the process of helping us nail the shots. They saw what we were willing to do just to get different perspectives. Climb a boulder? Not a problem. Scale a roof? Sure. Get our backs against the wall with a nest filled with angry wasps? Piece of cake. Lie down in a field of fire ants? What else you got for me? There was no doubt in Andrea’s mind that Antigua was the place where she wanted to get married. Antigua had a deep personal significance to her as both her parents were born in Guatemala. The most inspiring experience of this trip for me was witnessing Andrea’s strength and determination as this dream wedding almost fell short of happening due to a serious illness that occurred a few weeks before. Thankfully she made a quick recovery in time but she was still in a lot of pain. You almost couldn’t tell how much pain she was in as she intrepidly climbed boulders at the ruins (with a little help of course) and walked down cobblestone streets in heels. We started the first day with portraits at the beautiful ruins of La Recolección followed by a Trash-the-Dress session at our hotel’s swimming pool (Porta Hotel Antigua). The rehearsal dinner took place that night at the beautiful Casa Rosal villa. The wedding ceremony was held at the breathtaking ruins of San José El Viejo and the reception followed at the Porta Hotel Antigua. The hardest part was leaving, saying goodbye to both the city and the couple I fell in love with. When do we do this again?
Published on Junebug Weddings (June 23, 2015)
Destination Wedding Photographer | Antigua Wedding Photographer | New York City Wedding Photographer
All Photos by Dave Paek ©
Both Jessica and Kevin live in Colorado but decided to have their wedding in New York at Bear Mountain Inn. This intimate sized wedding was complete with a vintage style carousel that was sure to create an enchanting wedding night. As beautiful as the carousel pavilion is, the venue itself was fraught with tall dark ceilings which is fine during the day but is always a challenge for most photographers during the evening. Direct flash is almost never an option for me and neither was several strategically placed studio lights as it was critical for me to capture the almost theatrical mood as Jessica and Kevin not only remembered it but how they felt it. I’m a firm believer in lighting that helps preserve the mood but doesn’t set the mood – thus a continuous and dynamic light source was in order. Helping me with the light stick (and second shoot) that night was Stephen Tang, who had great instinct of knowing exactly where to be relative to where I was positioned. It was indeed a great pleasure to document both Jessica and Kevin’s special day. Jessica is a speech pathologist who works with kids and Kevin is a gifted musician who is now serving in the prestigious United States Air Force Band – look out for Kevin to perform at the next Presidential Inauguration.
Special thanks to Kevin Ferguson
Brittainy and Lawrence both grew up in New York City but never crossed paths until much later in their adult lives. I got to know a glimpse of their story by doing a slideshow of their childhood which was presented at their reception. The wedding was at The Vineyards in Riverhead, Long Island which is quite a trek from New York City but no obstacle for their friends and family who showed up in droves. Congratulations Brittainy and Lawrence, it was such a pleasure to capture your most special day. A special thank you to the wonderful Natasha Singh for assisting and second shooting.
What an amazing afternoon I spent with both Megan and Sean yesterday! Our goal was to shoot a few shots downtown and in Central Park and perhaps Megan and Sean would walk away with a photo for their “save-the-date” card. The great thing about shooting engagements (and weddings) in New York City is that there are so many options – and sometimes I do get carried away. We hit up neighborhoods such as SoHo, The Flatiron District, and Central Park – not to mention we got a few shots in the subway as well. When I presented Megan and Sean the photos today (yes, all the photos today), I’m happy to say that I made their decision in choosing an image for their “save-the-date” card a little bit more difficult. I’m really looking forward to documenting their wedding next year! Many thanks to Stephen Tang who did a fantastic job assisting me with lighting.
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Equipment: Nikon D4, Nikkor 85mm f/1.4, Nikkor 35mm f/1.4, Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8, Nikkor 45mm f/2.8
Coney Island is a true NYC landmark but an engagement portrait session at the historic amusement park during one of the busiest weekends can be quite a challenge. A great assistant, remote lighting, a little patience (especially with the would-be photo-bombers), and most importantly having fun, are key!
[…] My brother from NYC Dave Paek second shoot with me and couldn’t have asked for a better shooter than him. Thanks Dave for sharing this experience with me. Check out Dave’s blog post here. […]
After viewing these images, I’ve decided that I’ll be getting married at the same location! …no idea to whom and when but I’m hiring YOU!
You’re too kind Natasha!
WOWZA!
Thanks David Pun.
I love that city. Shot my very first destination wedding there. Oh how I wish I could do it all over again. Gorgeous pics, man. You killed it.
Beautiful!
Can’t wait to go back and shoot another wedding there with you amigo. Dave + Daniel team!
I still cannot believe the pictures you took. Still the highlight of our wedding! You guys are incredible! You and Daniel both!! Maybe we’ll renew our vows already next year just so we can do round 2 asap.
[…] you Junebug Weddings for featuring Andrea and Andrew’s Antigua, Guatemala Wedding on your Blog! We are beyond excited and honored to be featured alongside with the super talented […]