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Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio}

Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio} Last month I had the pure pleasure of fashion styling a special engagement session for event design guru Matthew Robbins and his husband, Jack.  It was a lovely afternoon in Cold Spring, New York and the uber-talented Christian Oth was behind the lens, creating stunning photos of the couple in their hometown element…

While the wedding itself will run in an upcoming issue of Martha Stewart Weddings , I thought it would be fun to share a few of Christian’s images {and some of my fashion-styling inspiration} from our time together on Matthew and Jack’s portrait shoot! I hope you enjoy the engagement photos as much as we enjoyed the shoot itself… While it was fun to “fashion the day”, it truly was the chemistry behind this amazing couple that made the shoot shine!

Be sure to check out Christian’s insight on his blog , and scroll below for my styling ideas… {Le sigh, I’m so in love with those emerald green pants from Barneys }…

Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio} Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio} Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio} Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio}

Matthew Robbins + Jack Myers Engagement Shoot {Portfolio}

My styling inspiration: It was such fun fashion styling Matthew and Jack for their pre-wedding portraits… My absolute goal was to let Matthew and Jack’s personal styles shine, but also to add editorial choices (such as an emerald velvet pant or tweedy, double-layered vest) that were just a hint above ordinary, and played well with the beautiful country backdrop of Cold Spring.
When styling a shoot, I think it’s so important to have a mix of new and “graciously loved” pieces, so I asked Matthew and Jack to bring at least one article of clothing that was well-worn.  Matthew pulled out these uber-worn Prada boots, and I think they really kept the mix of “rustic meets relaxed luxe” we were all looking for.
All photos courtesy of Christian Oth Studio .
Stylishly,

Real Engagement at The Met

Real Engagement at The Met

As we all know, mother nature was a bit unpredictable this year so while Mikiko and Zack planned for an engagement shoot in Central Park, she had a different idea.  When the heavens opened up, Mikiko’s only request was for romantic and etheral lighting.  Thankfully, Ilene Squires Photography was there to save the day and suggested they head indoors to The Met for some fun photos. Real Engagement at The Met Real Engagement at The Met

The couple met at Brown University during their undergraduate studies.  Zack used their stomping grounds as a perfect place to propose to Mikiko and did so on the Lincoln Field on campus some years later. Real Engagement at The Met

Real Engagement at The Met Mikiko and Zack describe their overall style as preppy chic and kept things light and easy for their shoot day.  They chose great basics from Bloomingdale’s , Club Monaco , and J. Crew to off set the great scenery of Central Park as well as the beautiful art in The Met . Real Engagement at The Met

Real Engagement at The Met When the sun came out for a bit, they had the chance to run over to Central Park (as per the original plan) and stroll through the beautiful grounds where they used to walk their dog when they lived in the neighborhood. Real Engagement at The Met Real Engagement at The Met

Photos courtesy of Ilene Squires Photography .

Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

Meet Ashly and Avi.  A beautiful New York couple who have lived all over New York and keep coming back to their same special spot – Pier 45 .  With many memories at this scenic location, from nightly runs to a romantic engagement, it was the perfect place for Josh Wong Photography to capture some amazing (and stylish) shots of this couple! Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

Ashly’s perfect pops of red in these pictures are so playful, from her red lip and perfectly manicured nails, to her Valerie Steven red patent leather heels and print on her vintage dress!

Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45 Ashly had once mentioned that her favorite spot in all of NYC was Pier 45 .  Avi used that bit of information to create a beautiful proposal.  He took Ashly around the area looking for a place to grab drinks before dinner.  After many failed attempts – closed for renovation, closed until dinner service, or closed for the winter months – Avi convinced Ashly to take a stroll down at her favorite spot as they waited for their dinner reservations.

Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

When they arrived to the dark pier (lights had still not been restored from Hurricane Sandy), there were two candles lit on a dinner table with all of Ashly’s favorites:  a bottle of red wine, food from Eataly and ice cream from Shake Shack – delicious!  Avi proposed and they enjoyed a romantic dinner on Pier 45 . Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

We love the use of colors in their engagement shoot.  The black and grey tones from her dress and his fabulous Ted Baker suit add so much drama, but her amazing pink Sam Edelman heels and his bright tie (and socks) create such a fun and energetic feel to the photos. Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45 Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45 Real New York Engagement Shoot at Pier 45

Vendor List:

Location: Pier 45

Photography: Josh Wong Photography

Her style: Vintage Floral Dress, Valerie Stevens, HD in Paris from Anthropologie , Sam Edelman

His style: Ted Baker

Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

Have you ever ran into the elevator of your building just moments after meeting someone who could potentially be the one, slammed your purse against the wall and screamed out that your in love?  Sounds like a movie, right?  Then consider this a Hollywood romance right from the beginning.  Meet Alix and Dodd, the beautiful couple whose recent engagement was featured on YouTube and whose shoot was gorgeously captured by Kat Braman .

Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

The two met through a mutual friend who invited them to an industry showing of a burlesque show.  Engulfed in a sea of critics and industry folk, the two made the most of it and spent the evening hooting and hollering at the actors and drag queens rousing performance!  After drinks and a three hour conversation in a nearby bar, Dodd dropped Alix off at her apartment (100 blocks out of his way), kissed her goodnight and took the train home.  Cue the elevator scene from above. Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

If you haven’t watched their proposal yet, do so.  Dodd planned an elaborate event which included all of their friends and families, painted umbrellas and the High Line.  While the two strolled along the park, they stopped to rest and watch what seemed to be an art exhibition taking place on the street below.  Unbeknownst to Alix, her closest family and friends were hidden under umbrellas (painted to take the shape of a heart) and before she knew it, Dodd was down on one knee declaring his love for her. Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

The couple chose East Hampton for their shoot because of Dodd’s childhood memories there and the memories he and Alix had made early on in their relationship.  Being from Palm Beach, Alix immediately fell in love with beaches, sculpted gardens, vineyards and of course Dodd’s grandmother’s home and classic antique Rolls Royce, all of which provided beautiful backdrops for their day. Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

We love the casual Hampton’s chic these two exuded in their photos.  With several outfit changes including items from Banana Republic , H&M , Uniqlo , and Urban Outfitters , they looked well equipped for a weekend of wine tasting, long drives and beautiful Hampton sunsets. Real New York Engagement in the Hamptons

Vendors:

Photography: Kat Braman

Alix: Banana Republic , Urban Outfitters , H&M , and L.L. Bean

Dodd: Brooks Brothers , Uniqlo , Banana Republic , Urban Outfitters

Vintage Bowling Shirt: GLAM vintage

All photos courtesy of Kat Braman .

Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

This fashion forward couple met in NYC when mutual friends begged and pleaded for them to have drinks in Times Square.  They both shuttered at the thought of having to go to the most crowded of places, but thankfully, they ended up giving in.  Their chic engagement session was captured by Konrad Brattke at the Top of the Rock and Central Park – two timeless New York settings.

Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

Ben had planned on proposing to Jessica on an upcoming trip to Italy (where he was born) but he just couldn’t wait when he got his hand on the ring.  Instead, while on a family trip in the Catskills he saw a perfect moment to pop the question.  As they walked along “lovers lane” beside the Delaware River, Jessica stopped to take a photo and turned around to see Ben on one knee.  A local bystander served as a surprise photographer and they were lucky enough to have the entire thing captured on film! Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

Jessica and Ben decided to shoot their engagement at the Top of the Rock which turned out stunning. Jessica’s beautiful white Aqua dress paired with black opaque tights and Zara boots gave her a chic autumn look, while Ben sported a Charles Tyrwhitt suit.

Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

For their next New York look, they opted for colored pants for a pop of fall, paired with great basic pieces. Jessica wore a black peplum top from Zara paired with maroon H&M pants and Steve Madden shoes.  Ben donned rust pants with a Penguin Original jacket.  We love how these colors complement the atmosphere in Central Park .
Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

“Central Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Jessica.  ”We share so many memories, from picnics and running trips to our very first ice skating date. It is also our favorite place to get together each summer, when our families come into town.”

Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

Best of luck to these two who will be getting married in May!
Real New York Engagement at the Top of the Rock

Vendors:

Venue: Rockefeller Center & Central Park

Her looks: Zara , H&M , Steve Madden , Aqua via ASOS.com

His looks: Penguin Original , Banana Republic , Charles Tyrwhitt , Zara

All photos courtesy of Konrad Brattke Photography .

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

We’d like to take a moment to look back on warmer months and the fashion that came with it.  Today’s Real Engagement features Yasmin and CJ whose bright and bold outfits have the Merci staff ready for a vacation during this harsh winter months. Ilene Squires Photography was there rain or shine to capture their favorite spots in the city!

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

Twelve years after awkward “hello’s” in the high school hallways, Yasmin and CJ reunited at a NYC party.  After Yasmin suggested they meet for drinks (strictly to catch up as friends), she quickly realized that this was their first date and that his blue eyes had pulled her in!  As native New Yorker’s it only made sense to have their engagement photos taken in their Lower East Side neighborhood.

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LESCJ proposed in Burlington, Vermont on a freezing night.  He had seen a Boathouse on Lake Champlain that looked beautiful during the day.  However he didn’t plan for the dropping temperatures and gusty winds at night that would make convincing Yasmin to take a walk trickier than he planned.  As he realized this was a now or never moment, he took his chances and popped the question! Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES The couple chose the LES for their shoot because of all the time they’ve spent there as a couple.  ”We wanted to have the details of NYC street life in our pictures,” said Yasmin. “Knowing that we would have the grittiness of NYC streets as our background, we wanted to keep our outfits bright and clean for contrast against the streets.”

Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES We love Yasmin’s bright red dress with a simple scalloped neckline from Urban Outfitters and her vibrant, chunky necklace which she purchased in Mexico City.  Paired with CJ’s fresh white linen shirt from J.Crew , the two stood out perfectly just as they planned to. Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES
Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

Unplanned showers interrupted their shoot, but not for long!  With umbrella in hand they faced the elements boldly and captured some beautiful shots at local coffee shops and markets – true New Yorkers, indeed. Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES Real New York Engagement Shoot at the LES

Vendors:

Photography: Ilene Squires Photography

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Hair: Dream Dry

Makeup: Mac

Shirt & pants: J. Crew

Photos courtesy of Ilene Squires Photography .

Alex and Josh in the West Village

Alex and Josh in the West Village

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right?  And pancakes…well, they also hold a special place in our hearts.  So when you put them together we can’t help but go weak in the knees.  But before you run off to the kitchen to whip up a fab breakfast, check out Alex and Josh’s engagement shoot! Kallima Photography followed this adorable couple around the West Village for a casual and beautiful shoot so take a peak…and then double check you have maple syrup.

Alex and Josh in the West Village

Alex and Josh had been former coworkers that shared a cubicle.  ”It was a very scandalous secret…that apparently everyone knew about,” said Alex.  After their romance blossomed outside of the office walls, it was just a matter of time before they knew this was it.  Each night Alex would ask Josh to make pancakes for her for breakfast the next morning (our kind of girl). Finally, Josh put his cooking skills to the test and not only made pancakes, but a pancake ring – complete with a powdered sugar diamond on top!  They were sweet enough to include a picture of the actual pancake!

Alex and Josh in the West Village

Both families had secretly traveled to New York from Florida and New Jersey and joined them for an engagement brunch that morning!  The couple carried their casual and fun vibe into their engagement shoot which took place in their West Village neighborhood.  ”We wanted to be in NYC, but somewhere that actually looked like the city,” said Alex.  ”Instead of, say, Central Park.”

Alex and Josh in the West Village

Alex and Josh used the casual backdrop of their city to create some chic photos!  ”We love the character, the quiet streets and how the light permeates in so many different ways,”said Alex.
Alex and Josh in the West Village Alex and Josh in the West Village

They used the roof deck on their building to catch the last few minutes of daylight before a beautiful sunset gave them perfect natural lighting – so perfect.  ”We wanted something casual, comfortable and fun, and couldn’t think of a better place than where we spend our days,” said Alex. Alex and Josh in the West Village

Good luck to these two in their marriage!  May it be filled with fun, laughter…and of course, pancakes!
Alex and Josh in the West Village

Photos courtesy of Kallima Photography .