Tribeca and Central Park Engagement Photos • Ashley + Luther

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It’s often hard to find the words to describe the feeling I get when I look at a couples’ images, but Ashley and Luther’s engagement session is especially so. Ashley has been a good friend of mine for years and I have known her since before her and Luther started dating. (She’s an incredible wedding planner if you didn’t know! Dulce Dreams Events.) Therefore looking at their love, on “camera,” brings about so much emotion for me.

Knowing Ashley’s relationship history, knowing how they met, knowing how perfect her and Luther were for each other from their first date, being aware of the anticipation for a proposal from Luther after I went ring shopping with Ashley (only after some girl time with a manicure date, of course – and was the anticipation more from me or from Ashley?) 😉 and then some support a flood of loving emotions of joy when I look at their photos. Ashley and Luther’s Tinder success story is also a huge reason I decided to give Tinder a try so I’m extra sentimental about them because it’s how I met my partner too.

So much about the two of them is harmonious. From their complimentary personalities in some ways, to similar personalities in other ways, including creative careers that both often deal with social media and weird weekend and evening hours. (Check out Luther’s DJ website here.) And then you have the beauty of their cultures, Ashley being a fierce woman who grew up in Boston with a Dominican background and Luther who grew up in the suburbs of Iowa. But they both found joy, comfort and love with each other in New York City.

And thus, it’s where we decided to do their engagement session first enjoying the streets of Tribeca then exploring a bit of Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain and Terrace area. It was drastically different from their wedding day amidst the tropical landscape of Casa de Campo’s Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic! Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. Airstream photo with the couple in formal wear.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the bride's incredible makeup and lashes. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A detail photo of the bride's oval shaped diamond engagement ring.

They started with “casual for them” attire. Ashley looks hot in anything she wears and Luther forever looks handsome. They’re both so well put together all the while making it look so effortless. Is it me or Ashley has the most perfect hair (just check out this engagement session!)? And the oval diamond ring Luther put on her finger when he proposed in their apartment in Astoria, Queens, so elegantly fits on her finger. I loved photographing them in the unique streets of Tribeca, with its beautiful grit and historic architecture. Heck, we even found an AIRSTREAM for an extra “only in New York” moment before heading north for the park.

Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with great architecture. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with great architecture. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with an airstream in NYC. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with an airstream in NYC.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with lower Manhattan architecture.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with great architecture. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with "Ever After" letters. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple embracing. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the bride and groom in fall attire.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A photo of the couple with lower Manhattan architecture. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. The bride wore a cobalt blue gown and groom in a suite. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. The bride wore a cobalt blue gown and groom in a suite.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Tribeca. A detail photo of the bride's oval shaped diamond engagement ring.

Looking up “sex appeal” in the dictionary would surely yield a photo of these two; especially Ashley in her super hot, open back gown. I wanted to call the police for a crime of being “too damn sexy!” (Because the police would definitely understand after seeing them!)

Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. The bride wore a sexy back cobalt blue dress for a kiss by Bethesda Fountain. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. The bride wore a sexy back cobalt blue dress for a photo by Bethesda Terrace. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the bride and groom walking down the stairs of Bethesda Terrace. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the groom in a sleek, modern suit by Bethesda Fountain. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the bride in an open back blue gown by Bethesda Fountain. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the bride and groom hugging at Bethesda Terrace.Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the bride and groom in formal attire walking up the stairs of Bethesda Terrace. Mikkel Paige Photography pictures of an engagement session in Central Park. A photo of the bride and groom in formal attire by Bethesda Fountain.

They decided on a destination wedding for fall 2018 in, of course, the Dominican Republic! It was so nice to witness them say “I do” after a beautiful journey to marriage together in a place that has meaning for Ashley’s family heritage and continues to grow to have significance for Luther’s life too! And after many wonderful trips (not one but two!) to Spanish speaking nations the year I photographed their engagement session, I was definitely working on my Spanish skills for the #SwipeRiggs fiesta!

Makeup by Sabrina with NYC Beauty Clique

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They are heavenly! How beautiful!

Thank you for the compliment, Kapris! 🙂 It was a truly memorable wedding!

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The Bradford NC Photos captured by Mikkel Paige Photography. This North Carolina Raleigh event venue has beautiful gardens and is perfect for outdoor or indoor ceremonies and receptions. Design by @vivalevent with a green, black and peach palette. Hair and makeup by Silverceiling Beauty. #mikkelpaige #brideandgroom #Raleighweddingphotographer #raleighweddingvenues
Groom and bride walking away from the camera at Huntington's Harbor Club at Prime.