Sharonda & Natural’s Intimate Beach Wedding at Arverne East Nature Preserve

A quiet moment before the celebration—Sharonda and Natural taking it all in, wrapped in sunlight, love, and the promise of forever.

Sharonda and Natural were married at Arverne East Nature Preserve in Far Rockaway, NY, surrounded by their closest family and friends. With the sound of waves in the background and sunlight pouring across the sand, their ceremony was heartfelt, joyful, and deeply intentional.

A view from above—Sharonda and Natural’s loved ones gathered on the deck, celebrating together under blue skies at Arverne East Nature Preserve.

From the emotional moment Natural stood with his father at the altar to the celebratory jump over the broom, every part of the day was filled with meaning. The golden tones of the florals, the laid-back beach attire, and the skyline views created the perfect setting for timeless photos and film.

Natural sharing a moment with his father at the altar—smiles, strength, and the quiet joy of what’s to come.

I had the honor of providing both photography and videography for their wedding through my company, Richard J Nieves Photography, with Kate Kerr as the lead photographer on my team. We captured everything from candid group shots to quiet, intimate moments between the couple—along with a full-length ceremony film and a highlight film that reflects the rhythm and emotion of the day.

View their gallery here.

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Vendor Team
Planning – Intimate Occasions by Ikiya
Photography & Videography – Richard J Nieves Photography
Lead Photographer – Kate Kerr
DJ – Smashed DJs
Violinist – Michi Fuji
Waitstaff – Angel Waitress Service

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P.S. I use Aftershoot for all my culling and editing—it’s streamlined my entire workflow and helped me stay consistent across every wedding and session. If you’re a photographer looking to save time without sacrificing quality, I highly recommend giving it a try.
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Just use the code RichardNieves10 at checkout.

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If you're planning your own wedding and need photo, video, or both—I’d love to hear what you're dreaming up. Fill out the form below to get started.

A Day at The Met Cloisters: Capturing Jamar and Carielle's Engaging Love Story

Hello to all the wonderful people reading this!

Last weekend, I had the distinct privilege of being part of an enchanting experience, nestled amidst the serenity of The Met Cloisters in New York City. If you’ve never been, the Cloisters are reminiscent of a medieval castle. Framed against the breathtaking Hudson River, this place offers a dreamy canvas for moments of love to be captured.

Now, let’s talk about Jamar and Carielle! Jamar, with his charming MTA bus driver vibe, and Carielle, the passionate teacher, made the day genuinely magical. The highlight? Dancing joyfully to the tunes of their potential first dance song surrounded by nature's symphony. We roamed the lush park, capturing candid shots, stolen glances, and unrestrained laughter.

Oh, and speaking of MTA buses and surprises – we ended our session with a couple of spectacular shots in and around an actual bus! Huge shoutout to the super-cool driver who let us create those memories.

If you, or someone you know, are looking for someone to chronicle your love story, be it through pictures or videography, I'd be honored to be your storyteller. Drop me a message, and let’s make memories together!