Marissa & Alex
REAL WEDDING HALEIGH NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING AT THE STATE ROOM ALBANY, NEW YORK
PHOTOGRAPHER HALEIGH NICOLE WRITES... “One of my favorite things to do as the younger sister is snoop. In Marissa’s journal, she wrote that the best day ever was the day I was born. I’m so happy to be here celebrating her new best day.” Marissa’s sister, Linnea, exclaimed in her Maid of Honor toast. Alex and Marissa are officially married and it really was the best day at the State Room in Albany, New York. Marissa and Alex met when they worked together in customer service at a tech start up in Schenectady, New York. They both share a love for board games and checking out new restaurants and breweries. They push the other to try something new or put something in perspective when the other is stressed. Marissa and Alex had been great friends from the moment they met, but you never know how dating a friend can turn out. Thankfully, it was amazing for these two! Marissa and Alex had a pretty crazy summer last year, so they missed their usual anniversary date night. On September 21st, they decided to celebrate. As luck would have it Marissa would get a bad cold that week and was a bit feverish that night. Alex made a dinner of mac and cheese (both of our favorites as we found out over breakfast), and gave a couple belated anniversary gifts. The last was a 5 year daily question journal where he changed the daily question to “Will You Marry Me?” Of course Marissa said yes! Marissa did have an idea it was coming when her dad accidentally mentioned getting dinner with Alex which she didn’t know was happening. As a daddy’s girl, she could tell he was getting his blessing. We first met Marissa and Alex at our Virginia wedding last year, where Marissa was a bridesmaid. Nicole urged her to reach out to us and we couldn’t be more thankful! We formed a bond over brunch in April when the pair travelled down to Florida for their engagement session.
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BETR OTHED MAGAZI NE
Finally, the time arrived for us to head to New York for their Labor Day weekend wedding. Jack and I couldn’t have been more excited. With our new friend, Hurricane Dorian, lurking over our shoulders, we hopped on a plane to Albany. We were greeted with open arms on Marissa and Alex’s wedding day. Literally. Marissa’s mom, Mary, hugged me immediately and welcomed us to the new city. We felt so much like family within the first 20 seconds of walking through the getting ready room door! Everyone at the wedding was so sweet and made us outsiders feel at home. Our favorite part of this wedding day had to be the first look. Alex was driven to the New York State Capitol building in a 1940 Cadillac Limousine, provided by the venue. He sat down outside of the Capitol to read his card from Marissa and open his gift. Arriving in the Cadillac as he was reading his card, Marissa watched Alex trying hard to hold back his tears. Marissa was a little anxious stepping out of the vehicle, but so ready to be with her groom. Jack brought Alex to the front of the building to meet his bride-to-be. Walking down the sidewalk to her groom, Marissa tapped Alex on his shoulder. His face when he turned around was priceless. With his hand over his mouth, the tears started flowing as he looked in awe of his future bride. We can’t blame him, Marissa looked STUNNING. You could see the genuine love in their eyes and we were tearing up behind our cameras. Such a beautiful moment that we will never forget. There was no shortage of tears on this wedding day, and honestly, it’s our favorite part. Seeing the couple, family, and friends so emotional on the wedding day shows just how much they care. From the bridesmaids when they first saw Marissa in her gorgeous Willowby wedding dress, all the way to the toasts at the reception, the emotions on this wedding day ran high. It truly is amazing to experience.
