When Joel and Scott decided to get married, my friend Jason suggested me as a photographer. I received an email from Jason introducing me to Joel, and within about two emails, I was booking my flight to New York City to photograph their wedding. Forever grateful. Joel and Scott have been together for 13 years and planned an intimate mystery wedding weekend for their closest friends, who travelled mostly from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC. The vague details were outlined to them, but other than that the guests were left to go with the flow and wait for things to unfold! I flew into New York a few days beforehand to meet Joel and Scott and to get acquainted with The West Village, where all of the events were to take place. Joel shared the details with me, and when I saw all of their friends the night before the wedding at the Hotel Gansevoort meet-and-greet, they were trying to pry information out of me! It was a wonderful wedding because the guests were as excited as the couple, partially due to the element of the unknown. The day started with famous biscuit breakfast sandwiches at The 11th Street Cafe, followed by a walking tour of the West Village. Guests were told in the morning to meet at Lievito in the afternoon prior to the ceremony (location still unknown to them at this point). While there, Jason struck up his bagpipes and led the guests through the West Village, with everyone receiving a rose from sweet Meghan waiting on the corner. After a few blocks, we could see Joel and Scott waiting at the gates of a park. They wanted to celebrate their wedding in the city they love, in their neighbourhood. The park was beneath the window of their new home, so now every time they look out their window, they’ll be reminded of their big day. Or as they call it, their Big D(g)ay. The ceremony had everyone in tears (including myself). Their vows were sincere and genuine, and the words spoken by their close friends were equally touching. It was exactly the way they wanted their day to be, and it was wonderful to share in that celebration. The reception was at Norwood, and the big hit of the night (other than the newlyweds), was individual cakes for every guest…a complete sugar high at the end of the evening! Joel and Scott…I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to document your day, in your beautiful city. Your wonderful friends welcomed me with open arms, and you are truly fortunate to have them in your lives. Somehow on your big day, you made us all feel like we were the lucky ones. Congratulations again!