When I hear friends and family recount the memories of the bride and groom on their wedding day, I often wonder at what point did they realize they would spend the rest of their lives together. Certainly, Mollie and Michael did not think they would find the love of their life when they both decided to attend Columbia University. I think anyone attending Columbia University expects to leave with a highly favored degree and a stellar education. In my opinion, they left with something more valuable – each other.

What better place to have your wedding ceremony and reception than the very place you met and fell in love. Columbia University obviously holds a special place in Mollie and Michael’s hearts. Not only because of their experience, but also because of the location. Both coming from different parts of the country – and at one point in Michael’s life, halfway across the world, New York City is home.

When I arrived at the Faculty House, Mollie was finishing her makeup and I collected the whimsical details for her decor. Butterfly shapes of dried flowers and seeds for the place cards, decorative blue shoes, a blue ring box and hydrangea candles for their unity candle. A sea of pastel colors to compliment this city wedding.

As soon as we prepared for Mollie and Michael’s first look, the skies opened up in a very northeast summer fashion, dumping buckets of unexpected rain on New York. Neither bride nor groom panicked, as we set up a studio in the foyer of Faculty House to keep them dry. These portraits are some of my favorites! A simplified background for our model couple! Before long, the rain passed and the sun shone to dry up all the wet patches the rain left behind. We ventured outside for pictures with bridesmaids and groomsmen, all the while working our way toward St. Paul’s Chapel across campus.

Mollie’s father officiated the wedding, and Mollie and Michael recited their own vows. These two were finally married! Before heading into cocktail hour to join their guests, we stayed around St. Paul’s for married portraits. Mollie’s gloves and veil were the perfect compliment to her lace and beaded dress. Michael’s white jacket was perfect for a warm summer day. To say we took a lot of portraits of these two is an understatement!

Once the party started, it did not stop! Mollie and Michael entered the reception with their cocktails of choice in hand and kicked off the celebration with their first dance as husband and wife. We ended the night cutting their beautiful butterfly cake with rainbow frostings inside!

Mollie and Michael, we are so happy for you! Thank you for making us part of your beautiful day!

Venue: Columbia University Faculty House, New York, NY

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Hair/Makeup: Miss Harlequin Makeup & Hair

Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai, Kleinfeld Bridal

Florist: Richard’s Flowers

Wedding Cake: Cake by Ron Ben-Israel

Videographer: Luke Berg, Mesh Films

Entertainment: Eric Lum, 74 Events