A Heartfelt Winter Wedding at Strong Rope Brewery in Brooklyn NY

Weddings

April 18, 2025

As an Annapolis-based (but willing to go literally anywhere) wedding photographer, my favorite part of my job is getting to play a small role in my couple’s love story. That was especially true for Sam and Susie’s winter wedding at Strong Rope Brewery. Susie and I had crossed paths in New York in 2016, so I was over the moon when she inquired about her wedding. She and Sam have the most beautiful love story, and they’ve given me permission to share it here.

Sam and Susie were friends for several years before they started dating. Six years into their relationship, Sam had a seizure, and they learned he had Glioblastoma (the fastest-growing kind of brain cancer). The moment they realized he was terminal, Susie decided to propose – and even got Sam’s ring finger size from the neurosurgery team! Little did she know, Sam had also been planning to propose. They planned their wedding in a few months, and it was the happiest, richest, and most overflowing day I’ve ever experienced.

Getting Ready at Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Susie and Sam got ready in separate suites at the Ace Hotel Brooklyn. The entire morning was full of music, laughter, and swapping stories. Susie wore a stunning Pronovias gown with white combat boots decorated with extra material from her dress and Sam wore an immaculate tweed three-piece suit. Their wedding was the coldest day in January, so they stayed in the cozy bridal suite instead of going outside for their first look. I felt so lucky to have witnessed and captured such an intimate moment so full of love.

After their first look, we braved the cold for photos along Brooklyn’s busy streets. We got some photos by the New York Harbor and waved to Lady Liberty, took photos with the couple’s closest friends and family, and then frolicked through the hotel hallways with my film camera and a luggage cart. With Susie’s background in show biz (did I mention that we met while working at The McKittrick Hotel? We call ourselves “reformed actors”) she understood the need for smooth, clear logistics. Their team of vendors did an off-the-charts job of creating a seamless wedding day experience!

Ceremony & Reception at Strong Rope Brewery

The wedding ceremony and reception at Strong Rope Brewery were perfect. The Mini Rose Co. created a gorgeous arbor covered with orchids and decorated the entire space with funky florals that perfectly matched Sam and Susie’s energy. The ceremony took place in the 6,000-square-foot hall overlooking the New York Harbor. After their vows (which made everyone laugh and cry, myself included), the ring exchange, and first kiss, everyone transferred into the Taproom for dinner, drinks, and dancing!

Sam and Susie’s guests knew how to party! From the moment the dance floor opened, it was full. With a live band and an even livelier group of friends, the music, laughter, and joy of this night have truly altered my brain chemistry. After their reception, I simply had to sit in my car before driving home. I am so inspired by Sam and Susie’s love and dedication not only to each other, but to living a rich and meaningful life. Sam passed away 8 months after their wedding. These photos were the last professional photos ever taken of Sam, and it was such a profound honor to capture their joy together.

Why You Need A Wedding Photographer

This wedding taught me how important photography actually is. Of course, as an artist, I have always believed in the power of photography – of capturing memories and recording milestones. But nothing has ever shown me firsthand how valuable photos can be. I look back at this wedding to remember the joy. To remember a couple who exemplified love and sacrifice. To remember, every day, that life is beautiful and fleeting.

If you have been on the fence about hiring a photographer for your wedding, let this be your sign. Your wedding photography will be the most important investment you make for your wedding day because nothing can compare with having tactile reminders of your love and joy when life seems the hardest. And if you want a funky, music-filled, joyful wedding… then I’m your gal. Learn more about my wedding photography packages or contact me to secure your date.

And hey… if you’ve gotten this far, and Sam and Susie’s story has impacted you as much as it impacted me, consider supporting the Glioblastoma Research Organization. These people are doing real work to help real people, like Sam. And if we can help them help others, we’re all helping the world become a brighter and better place.

Thanks for reading.

Laura