[Wedding] Sandra & Jamal – Coral House in Baldwin, NY

If you’ve ever gotten your hair cut professionally (I’m assuming most of us have, anyway), then there’s a high probability that you’ve endured the mundanity of staring yourself in the mirror for about 20 minutes while someone with a sharp object snip-snips around all the sensitive parts around your head (ears, eyes, etc). But if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll get a barber/stylist who’ll make those 20 minutes seem as painless as possible by filling that potentially awkward silence with some small talk. “Where ya’ from?” ” This weather hot enough for ya?” “I know this girl who will be PERFECT for ya!”

If you’re one of the luckier ones, the person doing your hair could very well introduce you to your future wife – which was exactly how it happened for Sandra and Jamal.

And here I am realizing the most awesome thing I’ve ever gotten from my barbershop was a free jar of pomade :).

Sandra and Jamal exchanged their vows on the picturesque grounds of the Coral House in Long Island. It was another reunion of sorts, an ongoing theme for most of my June weddings this year. One of the best things about capturing a friend you’ve known since first grade is the freedom to be yourself – both creatively and professionally.

Rings and wedding program for Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride's shoes before her wedding ceremony at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride's knickknacks before her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride puts on her dress before her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. Children play by the window during a wedding reception at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom's flowers before his wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Groom preps for his wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Sand jar for Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride prepares to walk down the aisle for her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride smiles during her wedding ceremony at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Groomsmen look on during a wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride and groom pour sand during their wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Wedding Ceremony at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride and groom pose for portraits at their wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride dances with her father during her wedding reception at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Father and daughter dance at her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding cake at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. The woman who introduced Sandra and Jamal at their wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.
Best Man's speech at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. Speeches during Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Maid of Honor's speech at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Hands down, by far the funniest series of speeches I’ve ever heard this year.

Sandra and Jamal laugh during speeches during their wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Cake cutting at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride dances during her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bouquet toss at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

It’s not every day the bride tackles the maid of honor for catching the bouquet :).

Garter toss at Sandra and Jamal's wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride dances during her wedding at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride and guests dance during a wedding reception at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride and guests dance during a wedding reception at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride and groom with Ben Lau Photography during a wedding reception at the Coral House in Baldwin, NY. Captured by awesome NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Thanks to the following folks who made this day possible!

Reception : : Coral House
Gown : : Private Label of Bijou Bridal
Shoes : : Badgley Mischka
Hair : : Kier Johnson, Bangz Salon
Make Up : : Make-Up by Oksana
Grooms Attire : : Dante’s Tuxedo
DJ : : DJ Franky Productions
Cake : : Black Forest Bakery
Floral : : Wick’s Florist
Favors : : Etsy
Stationery : : Wedding Paper Divas/ DIY

 

Sandra and Jamal, thank you for having us there not only as your photographers, but also as your friends. You guys are so incredibly blessed to have found one another (so to speak), and we wish you two the very best on your journey towards happily ever after.

This week marks the last week of my moderate shooting schedule. It’s about to get bonkers starting this weekend as we kick off the Fall wedding season. With the impending arrival of Lil Monster 2.0, we won’t know the definition of sleep until Thanksgiving!

Cheers to childhood friends forever :)

Ben & Karis

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Northern NJ, NYC documentary Wedding Photographer, Educator & All-Around Nice Guy

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