Rachel is one classy girl.  She was so elegant and poised on her big day.  She & I, and her bridesmaids / friends / family all got together on New Year’s Eve to get them ready for the big event.  I really love the idea of getting married on New Year’s Eve.  New York City on that holiday can really be such a nightmare.  I love that they decided to spend it with friends and family, away from the slobbering drunken masses screaming in the streets.  Such a nice way to spend it!

Rachel & I did another practice run the day before her wedding, just to make sure we were still on the same page.  Thankfully, we were.  She didn’t want a ton of color, or a super made-up look.  Which is generally not my preference anyway.  She was just glowy perfection, without a lot of obvious products on her face.  Just soft and pretty.

And, doing the practice run at her home allowed me to meet and hang out with Zac, the groom, who was also there.  First of all, he is one of the funniest dudes I’ve ever met, and I actually had a hard time working, he was cracking me up so much.  And secondly, it was refreshing to meet and hang out with the groom for once!  It’s such a rare occasion.

I prepped them at the Gramercy Park Hotel, one of my favorite hotels in all of NYC.  Just beautiful, from top to bottom.  And this was the weirdest weather day ever.  Continuing my cycle of EXTREME WEATHER WEDDINGS, this one was no exception.  Remember, we had the hurricane in August, a blizzard in October, and then – New Year’s Eve – it was in the mid 60s.  They had planned for a wintery, cold, Christmassy wedding, and they didn’t quite get that.  Not that I’m complaining, I’m sure they were thrilled.  But still.  Freaky weather.  I actually got Chris to pick me up on the Vespa afterwards.  And we had lunch at Maialino (the hotel restaurant) which is absolutely fantastic.

These gorgeous photos are courtesy of Natasha Montero.  Lovely gal, lovely photos!

Congrats you two, I hope you are both having a very happy New Year!!!