Congratulations on your wedding! Was it a New York wedding? A destination wedding? Was it held on a rooftop like Tribeca 360 modern space event, Midtown Loft, or Gary's Loft, or did you say your I Do's in St. Patrick's Cathedral and had a reception at the Park Plaza or the Regis Hotel? Maybe it was at Oheka Castle, or by the beach or water like Peconic Bay Yacht Club, or Old Field Club in Long Island? Regardless of where it was held, I'm sure everything was beautiful, and all the wedding planning leading up to the big day was all worth it. After saying your vows and dancing the night away, it's natural to take some time to enjoy married life - yes, you're married! - and soak in wedding bliss.
Twilight's Peter Facinelli - SEARS Outdoor Life Launch - NYC
Twilight's Peter Facinelli who plays Carlisle Cullen, was in NYC celebrating SEARS Outdoor Life mens clothing launch. SEARS recently launch the new clothing line in over 800 stores and on www.SEARS.com. The new clothing from SEARS caters to men who love the outdoors with a blend of casual sportswear and performance clothing as well as style and comfort. Peter Facinelli was dressed from head to toe wearing the new clothing line and he definitely looked like the most outdoorsy person out of the Twilight Cullen family. I'm happy that LDC Design asked me to take a part of their latest event as they created the outdoor campsite in the middle of Time Square NYC. Check out a few pictures below.
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is a photographer that shoots weddings, portraits and events in New York, NJ, PA, CT, and Destination Weddings like Barbados, Dominican Republic, Philippines and travels anywhere in the USA and foreign countries. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Engagement 101, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire,Brides.com and more! Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry's finest in wedding and commercial photography. Angelica is also a proud member of Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI).
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location (Steps 1-30)
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location - Steps 26 to 30
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location - Steps 21 to 25
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location - Steps 16 to 20
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location - Steps 11 to 15
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location - Steps 6 to 10
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Plan A Wedding in 30 Steps in New York City or any Location
So you're engaged, now what? Here are a few steps that should help you plan for your special day. As a New York Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen and experienced many weddings and here’s 30 steps that can help you plan your wedding. I’ve also used my experience as a bride to help with these steps. I know planning a wedding can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a hurdle! It can be fun and exciting all the way through.
How To Legally Change Your Name After Marriage - New York City Wedding Photographer Angelica Criscuolo Photography
How To Legally Change Your Name After Marriage
Congratulations on your wedding! You both planned an amazing gathering of family and friends to witness your happily-ever-after. You’ve sent out your Thank You cards, you’ve preserved your dress and bouquet, and pretty much did your What to Do After the Wedding list. There is one item left on the list. How to change your name legally.
Before you can do anything, you need to wait to get back your marriage license confirming the name you want to use, whether it’s hyphenated, used your maiden name as your middle name, or something else, Once you have your new marriage license, you can decide to change your name.
Change your social security card by visiting the Social Security Administration's website to fill out a form to process the change, or go to the physical office with the filled out form. Don't forget your original marriage license and other items they require to confirm your identity including your current social security card (you retain the same number), your proof of citizenship or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of identity with your photo address (driver’s license, passport, military I.D. card, State issued identification). For foreign born citizens, or non-citizens, you can review what you need here.
Change your driver's license. Once you have your social security card, bring that along with your original marriage license and all forms of identification to the DMV. They will have a list of what you need to bring, so review your local state DMV website. This includes your current driver’s license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, mortgage payments, or any utility mailed to you), and payment for processing (check, cash, or other method that the State DMV allows).
Change your Passport. It's now easier to change your passport with your new driver's license and social security card. Remember, if you’re booking a flight overseas and you will NOT have your new passport by the time you fly, book your plane tickets with your original name. Only book your flight with your new intended name if you know you will have your new passport. Your name must match your plane tickets. Your driver’s license will not be enough. As for the steps, make sure you're providing all other identification and materials listed on the U.S. Department of State, including the change of name form, your recent passport, passport photo, and appropriate fees. Note, you will be getting a new passport number. Check your current Global Entry and see what they need for name change requirement, or if you need to re-apply. Same if you have TSA Pre-check.
Change your bank accounts by going to each branch with your new passport, your original marriage license, your new driver's license, and your old identification to confirm you're the original bank holder. While you're there, order new checks, so it has your new name.
Decide with your new spouse if you're going to create a joint checking account for utilities, mortgage, rent, groceries, cable, phone, etc. There's no reason why you can't have separate checking accounts. This is an option that many couples decide to do, but couples also keep their checking accounts separate and divide who pays what bills.
Change the name on your lease or mortgage.
Change the name listed in any insurance (health insurance - which can be done through your employer, renter’s insurance, jewelry insurance, etc.)
Change your information with the human resource department at your job, and change your payroll information, pension, 401K, your work email, etc.
You can also think about changing your beneficiaries. Sorry niece and nephew, you're cute, but the spouse is now next in line.
Change your credit cards. Some companies request a copy of the marriage certificate or new identification. Go through your list of automatic payments to make sure your accounts are updated.
You can create a new personal email address containing your new name. Make sure to contact all your family and friends that you have a new email address. You can also forward emails to your old email address to your new email automatically. Pretty much all email platforms can do this.
Change everything you can think of, including associations, gym membership, voter registration, post office, utility bills (phone, cable, electricity), title to your car, auto insurance, etc.
Change your name of social media. They says it’s not official until you change your name on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other digital platforms.
Once you change your name, notify your friends and family of any new email you’re using. This applies to you announcing at work what name you’ll be using.
Additional resources for couples: Click Here
Destination Wedding Photographer - Barbados, The Crane Resort- Published on The Knot
Barbados Destination Wedding featured on The Knot. Kristy and Philip's wedding was held on the cliffside of The Crane Resort on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. Many family and friends from New York City, California, Philippines and the United Kingdom came to attend the beautiful tropical wedding and witness the couple get married.
Covid-19 Update for Weddings, Events & Photobooths
COVID-19 UPDATE
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
It’s hard for me to write this. This was supposed to be your year, and it can still be. If your wedding or event has to be postponed or rescheduled due to State/City mandates as a precaution against the coronavirus, please note that I have updated my rescheduling and transferring policies.
For rescheduled weddings, the non-refundable retainer paid, and any monies thereafter paid, can and will be transferred over to your new date so long as I have the availability. Communication is key, so please keep me informed of all changes to your wedding and any rescheduling. I’m here for you and will try to accommodate your new wedding date. It’s imperative that you communicate with me about your new date, or have me in the same call as your vendors, because I want to make sure you do not lose your non-refundable retainer by choosing a date I am not available or cancelling all-together. We can also hop on a call to make sure you and your guest stay safe, as well as my team remain safe, for your wedding. If you’re still undecided about rescheduling, still let me know. I know this is a trying time for you and we’re all dependent on the day to day updates from our State.
For safety reasons, and until further notice, my team and I will be wearing masks and/or social distancing from clients and all guests. We can also go over any additional methods of safety including my team always sanitizing hands after handling any detail shots requested (gown, jewelry, invitations, etc).
Remember, you can call or email me. If you want to just chat, or talk things through, I am here for you!
PHOTOBOOTH
For all photobooth bookings for the rest of 2020, or until further notice, again, please know the health and safety of you and your guest and my team are my priority as I closely monitor the State and City mandates regarding the Coronavirus.
Beginning May 1, 2020, the following changes have been made:
My team will wear masks and gloves at all events.
My team will be the only people to touch the photobooth, screen and kiosk. Guests will social distance 6 feet from the booth at all times. Lines will also social distance and guests waiting will stand 6 feet apart.
My team will not pick up prints for guests. Guests can pick up prints directly from the printer.
Guests will assemble DIY guestbooks, not anyone from my team.
No props will be available or provided by our team until further notice.
PORTRAITS
All portraits, when the State/City lifts any mandates, will be done outdoors. Any locations that require a permit will still be the Client’s responsibility to acquire. All parties will follow social distancing guidelines.
Please note, because newborn photos are done indoors at the family’s home, I’m only booking newborn sessions for 2021. However, I can provide virtual coaching for digital composites. Contact me to find out more.
How to Create Your Wedding Day Timeline - New York City Wedding Photographer Angelica Criscuolo Photography
How to create a wedding day photography timeline whether you’re in New York, New Jersey, a Destination Wedding, and having a first look, or no first look. Here’s a guide to help you! If you’re getting married in the city, or in the country, you still need to consider travel time, how long to take photos of entire bridal party, how much time to account for family photos of 10 or 50.
New York City Surprise Marriage Proposal Engagement - Kimberly Hotel
New York City is the city that never sleeps. That’s why many people come to this great city to enjoy the nightlife. Even when you’re from the area, you want to make sure that the city you love is incorporated in your special moments. Every year, people want to photograph the majestic beauty of NYC. When you’re on a rooftop, you want to be embraced in the concrete jungle. That’s what Raymond had in mind, to incorporate the feel of NYC in the surprise engagement proposal he had planned, where he asked his beautiful girlfriend, now fiance Meredith, her hand in marriage!
The Kimberly Hotel was a great choice with their balcony overlooking the many skyscrapers of NYC. Her parents actually were hidden away, and they laid down the scene! Literally! They put the floral petals down, placed the champagne for the toast, and the bouquet to be given after. Who doesn’t want to be proposed to on a New York City rooftop? It was just magical and I wish all the very best to the young couple starting their journey. I love proposals, capturing them and sharing them is what I love to do. Helping capture these moments so my couples can relive it time and again is priceless. I’m humbled to be a part of it!
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is an international destination wedding photographer that shoots weddings, boudoir, portraits and events. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Engagement 101 Magazine, the Huffington Post, Philippine News, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides.com and more! She has recently been awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and is Wedding Wire and featured on Huffington Post Weddings and The New York Newsday Weddings. Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry’s finest in wedding and commercial photography so her clients only gets the best images.
Jericho Terrace Wedding Photobooth
Winter New York weddings just means all the guests want to warm up with a fun photobooth! I’ve photographed many times at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, and each time is always memorable especially when couples decide to include a photobooth! Here’s a few fun ones I’ve been meaning to post. We offer classic design for our couples, and they can choose an assortment of backdrops to choose from. Here we have the very popular Honey Sequin. The prints come out a few seconds after couples take their photos. Adds to the fun of the wedding reception.
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is an international destination wedding photographer that shoots weddings, boudoir, portraits and events. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Engagement 101 Magazine, the Huffington Post, Philippine News, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides.com and more! She has recently been awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and is Wedding Wire and featured on Huffington Post Weddings and The New York Newsday Weddings. Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry’s finest in wedding and commercial photography so her clients only gets the best images.
Giando On The Water Brooklyn Wedding Photography - R + D
Rebecca and Danny’s Brooklyn wedding photos are on the blog! I can’t wait to deliver these photos. Each moment was very memorable, and my team and I had a great time photographing everyone. The bride and groom outdid themselves with all the little details, planning, and coordinating their special day. Their wedding day was perfect!
The day started at the Brooklyn Marriott, where everyone prepared for the day. The ladies looked elegant in black, wearing varying styles of bridesmaid dresses. The men looked dashing in Vera Wang wedding tuxes. Once we arrived at the church, we’re greeted with signs stating the wedding is an unplugged wedding. The couple wanted their guests to be in the same moment they are experiencing and have the professional New York wedding photographers, and cinematographers capture the day. As a result, everyone had eyes only for the couple. When Rebecca walked down the aisle, Danny had only eyes for her. Rebecca, in turn, had her sights set on walking down the aisle towards they happily-ever-after. Once they said their “I Do’s,” the crowd was excited to greet the new Mr and Mrs.
After a few portraits with the family, many came from across the globe, we were off to the reception held at Giando on the Water. The couple left the church in style in a classic Rolls Royce. Once we arrived at the reception venue, a beautiful sunset greeted us, providing a subtle sun-kiss glow to the bridal party. With the Williamsburg bridge and Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, we captured more portraits, showcasing the romance of the day. When the couple was introduced, they were jumping up and down with such enthusiasm that you can feel it miles away. Everyone danced, drank, was merry, and enjoyed the Photo Booth we also provided for the wedding.
I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 10 years, and have photographed weddings in New York, Hawaii, Barbados, and so many other places, but I always am honed to have been chosen to be the wedding photographer for a bride and groom to capture their special day. Because I know Rebecca and Danny more than my other couples, capturing this wedding was even more special. I wish the bride and groom the best, and cheers to many more adventures!
Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo Photography | info@angelicacriscuolophotography.com | www.angelicacriscuolophotography.com
Photobooth: www.InstaMemoryBooth.com | InstaMemory Booth by Angelica Criscuolo Photography
Venue: Giando on the Water | (718)387-7000 | https://www.giandoonthewater.com
Church: St. Cecilia’s RC Church | 718-389-0010 | http://www.stcecilia-bklyn.org/
Hotel: Brooklyn Marriott
Video: Orange Films | 800.859.8797 | edward@orangefilmsny.com | http://www.orangefilmsny.com
Florist: Madison Floral, Robert | (718) 375-6171 | weddingsbymadison.com | madisonfloral@gmail.com
Cake: Villa Bat
DJ: Victor Entertainment, Victor | Victoryparty@aol.com
Hair Artist: Angela Boswell | @angelaboswellmua
Makeup Artist: Stacy Le Suarez | @stacylesuarez
Bridal Gown: Brides By Young | Stella York 6718
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Dessy Dresses
Groom’s tux: Accustom Apparel | Custom Made
Groomsmen Tux: Jos. A Bank | Vera Wang
Shoes: Badgley Mishka
Macarons: Dan’s Bakery
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is an international destination wedding photographer that shoots weddings, boudoir, portraits and events. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Engagement 101 Magazine, the Huffington Post, Philippine News, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides.com and more! She has recently been awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and is Wedding Wire and featured on Huffington Post Weddings and The New York Newsday Weddings. Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry’s finest in wedding and commercial photography so her clients only gets the best images.
Central Park & Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos
Sharing these fantastic engagement photographs of Rebecca and Danny before revealing their wedding photos in a few weeks! I enjoyed capturing them in their element as we wandered Central Park and Brooklyn’s DUMBO. The first set of photos below were taken by Jane’s Carousel in front of the former Domino’s sugar factory. We walked around the area, taking pictures in front of the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop, a NYC sculpture set on the great lawn, and an indoor park where we created a sunny sunset in the middle of the afternoon.
The second set was set during a drizzly day in Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace. Despite the weather, they looked romantic the arches as a setting, the famous fountain, and by Bow Bridge. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and as any New Yorker knows, those few days when the trees are in full bloom is a stroke of luck to catch for any photo session! We were truly blessed with the beautiful scenery for these two love-birds who met three years ago through a mutual friend, whom today are inseparable. I’m very honored to have met them and captured their engagement session and their wedding photos. I hope you enjoy them and give them some love!
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is an international destination wedding photographer that shoots weddings, boudoir, portraits and events. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Engagement 101 Magazine, the Huffington Post, Philippine News, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides.com and more! She has recently been awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and is Wedding Wire and featured on Huffington Post Weddings and The New York Newsday Weddings. Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry’s finest in wedding and commercial photography so her clients only gets the best images.
South Farms Connecticut Wedding Photographer - Andrea & Marty
The White Barn at South Farms in Morris, CT, was a perfect backdrop for Andrea and Marty’s classic wedding. Looking at the setup for the reception, you can see unique and modern touches throughout the rustic and chic design of the space — a beautiful contrast to how the bridal party was dressed in their classy formal dresses and suits. The bride wore a dress from Kleinfeld, and the Groom looked dapper in his Richard Canali tux. Can I say the bridesmaids also looked terrific in their sleek dark emerald Anthropologie BHLDN dresses? The floral arrangements from Flowers by Justine brought everything together, including the Groom’s boutonnières. A beautiful wedding in contrast to the many New York city weddings this New York wedding photographer usually photographs this time of year. It was a joy to capture it all!
The day started with Andrea and her ladies getting ready, all decked in matching blue floral jumpers and robes. As Andrea finished with her hair and makeup, it was time for her to put on her dress. There was a breath of sigh as her sister finished zipping the back of her dress because Andrea just looked amazing. The dress fit perfectly, and the style was perfect for her personality. As I met with the men one mile from the venue, Marty was ready for the big day. After taking photos of him getting ready, we were off to the first look. At this point, you can see butterflies in both the bride and Groom’s stomach. Marty, looking away as Andrea walks up to him, he showed signs of not being able to contain himself. Finally, he turned around and saw his bride for the first time. She was perfect, and we gave them their moment to take time and enjoy the moment.
Taking their formal portraits was a breeze, even though there barely was any breeze and it was a hot day, but these two knocked it out of the park…err farm. They, along with the entire bridal party, were naturals, and all looked like they were having fun looking like they all came out of an editorial magazine!
When the ceremony took place, it was filled with much laughter and reminiscing thanks to the Groom’s long-time friend, who also officiated the ceremony. I’ve photographed many weddings in my ten years, and it’s always fun and personal when the officiant is a friend of the couple. Once the couple said their “I Do’s” they had their first kiss as husband and wife, and walked back down the aisle, as they were showered with lavender.
The guest walked into the reception area astounded with more beautiful decor, including wood cutouts of everyone’s name as their place holder! What a great touch. The cake looked delicious, thanks to Lilian Sanderson Creations. The food was also delicious, thanks to Fingers & Forks who catered the event. All in all, the rest of the night was danced away with everyone smiling, laughing, and enjoying celebrating the bride and Groom.
Congratulations, Andrea and Marty! May your new adventures be as adventurous as meeting one another in the mountain slopes! It was an honor capturing the moments from your special day, and my team and I wish you all the very best!
xoxo
Angelica
Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo | www.angelicacriscuolophotography.com | info@angelicacriscuolophotography.com | 646.662.6567.
Venue: South Farms http://southfarms.org
Floral & Event Design: Justine Johnson | http://www.flowersbyjustine.net/
Cake: Lilian Sanderson | lillianscakecreations.com
DJ: Joe Bunovsky | J&S Entertainment | http://ctweddingdj.com/
Hair & Makeup: Jessica + Brittany http://upstyle.co/team
Catering: www.forksandfingersct.com
Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld
Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie BHLDN
Groom’s Tux: Richards-Canali
Peak Events
Vivid Lighting
About the Photographer: Angelica Criscuolo is an international destination wedding photographer that shoots weddings, boudoir, portraits and events. She has been published in many publications including The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Engagement 101 Magazine, the Huffington Post, Philippine News, Merci New York, Lela New York Weddings, Pretty Pear Bride, The Urban Style NY, Un-Jersey Bride, Engaged Wedding Blog UK, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides.com and more! She has recently been awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and is Wedding Wire and featured on Huffington Post Weddings and The New York Newsday Weddings. Angelica specializes in capturing various vital memories and her goal is to provide the best images for all couples and clients. Taking photographs to commemorate memories is what she does best and Angelica is very passionate about her work. She continues to mentor with the industry’s finest in wedding and commercial photography so her clients only gets the best images.
How to Start Planning a Destination Wedding - Angelica Criscuolo Photography
How do you plan a destination wedding? We've developed some pointers on getting started planning a destination wedding, outside of general wedding planning tips. As a New York City-based wedding photographer, destination weddings are dear to my heart. My husband and I loved our destination wedding, and planning your own does not have to be complicated. Here are a few steps to consider when planning your wedding at your dream destination.
Notre Dame Cathedral- Paris, France Photography
Many hearts broke when the world heard that a massive fire engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The historical landmark, and house of worship, took 182 years to build (starting from 1163AD to 1345AD) and yet, the massive structure was burnt in just a few hours, bringing down a big part of Paris’ history. As of this morning, it’s good to know that the beautiful Rose Windows, made of 13th Century Glass, survived, as well as the main bell, Emanuelle - rang to signal to Parisians the end of World War II, the facade and the two bell towers (previously the tallest structure in Paris until the Eiffel Tower), the cathedral Great Organ, and a few relics including the Crown of Thorns, thought to have been placed on the head of Jesus.
The last time my husband and I saw the beauty of the church was just this past fall when we celebrated our 8-year anniversary. A long layover in Paris from Vienna allowed us to grab a quick lunch in front of Notre Dame before our evening flight. Prior to our quick visit, we celebrated our 3-year anniversary in Paris and Rome in 2013. That year, I said many prayers inside the church, and we were fortunate to witness a full mass taking place. The glorious towering towers, the haunting beauty of the architecture within, will always be in our memories.
I haven’t shared many of the photos in 2013, here are some from last year (phone photos), and from 2013. It’s not the same as seeing Notre Dame Cathedral, but hopefully a few will still feel as if they were there as they view the photos through my lens.