When did you get engaged?
Donald proposed to me on the eve of my birthday while celebrating with about 50 of our closest friends and family! It was totally unexpected—he is the master of surprises.



When is your wedding date?
We’ll be getting married on July 26, 2025.
Why did you want this photo session?
This photo session was a moment for the two of us to truly celebrate our engagement and create photos that will evoke these same excited emotions for a lifetime. I wanted to stay true to our New York roots, and it was a no-brainer to select The Beekman, an iconic and stunning hotel in downtown Manhattan, as our venue for the shoot.



What was the process of finding the right photographer?
The power of social media! I’m at a time in my life when many of my peers are getting married, so I’m fortunate to be exposed to lots of vendors via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Someone I attended college with used Philip as their photographer, and I was captivated by his work. I said I absolutely have to have this man shoot our engagement pictures! His photography captures a classic yet editorial look that just takes your breath away.



How did you go about styling your looks to accomplish this?
The journey toward selecting my two looks was initially stressful, but I was blessed to work with an amazing stylist, Mimi Lombardo, who inspired the two looks I chose. One of my non-negotiables was wearing a dress with color that still felt “bridal.” The lavender floral Reformation gown checked all the boxes in making me feel feminine and chic. Changing into the white Babaton dress captured the timeless look of the bridal white gown and paired perfectly with the extraordinary statement jewelry from *** (can’t remember the designer). The entire day, I felt beautiful, regal, and confident.



What will you be using the images for?
These images will be featured on our save-the-date cards and hung on white linen canvas on our wedding day throughout our venue at the Vanderbilt Museum and Mansion. These photographs will adorn the walls of our home and be cherished forever.