Oh, Lori and Poitier! WHAT A WEDDING! And what a couple! Lori and P met playing basketball with friends, and their casual friendship slowly grew into a deep love for each other. When I walked into Lori’s hotel room this Friday, I was greeted by a kind, welcoming, hilarious group of bridesmaids — the atmosphere was just relaxed and full of happiness. Throughout the day, Marty and I were so impressed by the amazing men and women surrounding Lori and Poitier, which is such a testament to the character of this couple! They are wonderful, to each other and to the people around them, and it was such a delight to capture their wedding day.

Poitier is Bahamian, and at the reception, his family surprised the newlyweds with a Junkanoo band! I can’t even begin to describe how much FUN this was!! There was so much pride and happiness and JOY! We’ve never experienced anything like it before. The band partied in the ballroom, then moved out to the hotel lobby for another thirty minutes of PARTY… and then, they finished on the street in front of the hotel, where traffic was stopped and people were clapping and everyone was still going crazy! These pictures barely do it justice…! Look for cowbells, a tuba with flames painted all over it, Poitier going crazy on the drums, and their little guy banging a 3-year-old-sized drum! It was the best!

I loved this wedding day, because I felt like it reflected everything about Lori and Poitier: their deep love for each other and their family and friends, their generous hearts, their classic+artsy style, their love for basketball, and their 100% commitment to each other. Such a beautiful, beautiful celebration of a beautiful, beautiful love.

And here we are, having the best day shooting! (I look so tired in my picture with Lori, but she looks the SAME as she did at noon! What a beauty!!!) Marty’s picture with one of the groomsmen made me laugh; he had such a great time with the guys. And, my dear sister came along as a third shooter and to help us out with our lighting setup. (Thank you thank you Ali!)

VENUE | Kimpton Hotel Allegro

COORDINATOR | Alyssa Alexander

CAKE | West Town Bakery

INVITATIONS | Lisa Yoshiko Radecki

HAIR & MAKEUP | Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team

DJ | DJ John Simmons