If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be invited to New York Bridal Fashion Week, camera in hand, capturing couture gowns under the gilded ceilings of a landmark Manhattan hotel—I probably would’ve smiled and said, “I hope so.” But this past week, that dream unfolded in the most cinematic way imaginable. To be asked to photograph during this iconic event felt like a career milestone—and an emotional one at that.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel: Where Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Magic
The setting? None other than The Fifth Avenue Hotel, a jewel box of a space nestled in the heart of Manhattan. This place isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in every frame. With its mosaic floors, velvet drapes, and art deco accents, it was like shooting inside a Wes Anderson dream, only with more lace, more love, and way more Swarovski crystals.
As I walked through the grand lobby, camera slung over my shoulder, I felt like I was stepping into a fashion fairytale. Brides-to-be, editors, designers, and stylists buzzed around me, the energy electric with possibility and creativity. And there I was, in the middle of it all, capturing those fleeting, magical moments through my lens.
Behind the Lens: A Peek Into My Experience
From candid shots of designers adjusting veils backstage to that perfect moment when a model twirls mid-runway with the city skyline behind her—every frame told a story. There’s something inherently emotional about bridal fashion. It’s not just style; it’s storytelling wrapped in silk, stitched with sentiment, and topped with a little sparkle.
Photographing in The Fifth Avenue Hotel offered endless inspiration. The interplay of natural light and chandeliers made every photo feel cinematic. Staircases became stages. Corridors turned into catwalks. Even a quiet moment between shows felt like a scene from a movie.
A Week of Inspiration
Bridal Fashion Week isn’t just about gowns (though let’s be honest—those gowns were everything). It’s about artistry, collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries. It’s where the traditional meets the visionary. And being part of that narrative, even through the click of a shutter, was something I’ll never forget.
I left New York with a full memory card, a fuller heart, and a head full of inspiration. I can’t wait to share the full gallery with you soon, but until then, I’ll be reliving the week that reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
xx Raegan B.
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