Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it. For Melissa and Tony, their journey began with a funny, spontaneous phone call from their mutual friend, who told Tony all about Melissa while she was in the car, yelling to hang up the phone. This humorous moment led to their first meeting and eventually to a deep connection that blossomed into a beautiful relationship.
“We were both open to meeting someone new but were unsure of anything serious until we met one another, and one date turned into a hundred, and now we are on the way to getting married.”
Their engagement shoot, captured by the talented Donia Wedding Arts, is a testament to their love story, full of elegance, playfulness, and the iconic charm of New York City. Donia, known for her ability to blend the personal essence of a couple with the dramatic backdrop of their chosen locations, brought to life a session that Melissa and Tony will cherish forever.
Perfect NYC Proposal
Tony knew that the proposal had to be as special as their relationship. With the New York City skyline as their witness, Tony proposed at the Glass Pavilion at the Time Hotel, surrounded by their family, flowers, and a sign that read, “Happily Ever After.”
“For the proposal, I wanted to do NYC because that’s where we spent a lot of our time together. I lived in the city, and Melissa would often come in to see me, and we would go on the most memorable of dates.”
The Inspiration Behind the Shoot
Melissa and Tony were inspired by the timeless elegance of The Beekman Hotel, a venue with warm tones and classy vibes. As Melissa recalls, “Donia Wedding Arts sat with us and reviewed multiple locations she’s worked at. We saw samples of shoots she did with other couples at The Beekman Hotel and fell in love with the classy, elegant, and Gatsby-esque vibes.”
The couple’s wardrobe perfectly complemented the setting. Melissa, in a stunning black satin dress from House of CB, matched the ambiance with a sultry, sophisticated look. Tony, looking dapper in a classic black suit from The Black Tux, added his personal touch by wearing his future wedding band, a symbol of his eager anticipation for their marriage.
“I immediately knew I wanted to go for a dark, sultry vibe for my dress to match the ambiance of The Beekman.”
"I feel like a lot of men don't wear a ring till the wedding but throughout my engagement I chose to wear mine, it's a reminder of how excited I am for the future to come."
A Playful and Stylish Touch
The engagement session was a mix of style, elegance, and fun. Donia skillfully captured moments where Melissa and Tony, much like celebrities dodging the paparazzi, playfully covered their faces while leaving an elevator, creating a lighthearted and relaxed atmosphere. These moments not only made the couple feel at ease but also added a unique and personal touch to their photos. The laughter and ease in these moments highlight Donia’s ability to create an environment where couples can truly be themselves.
Advices of Love
When it comes to love and relationships, Melissa and Tony have some heartfelt advice to share. First and foremost, they believe in the power of saying “I love you.” Even during tough times, when you’re angry, tired, or in the midst of a disagreement, those three words can remind you of the person standing in front of you and the bond you share.
Communication, they say, is key—being able to talk and truly listen to each other is often underestimated, but patience and consideration can make all the difference. They also emphasize the importance of not shying away from saying sorry.
"Don't be afraid to say sorry - sorry is not an admission of guilt but rather yo recognizing that your partner is hurt and you want to correct things."
A Stroll by the Bay
After the dark, luxurious session at The Beekman, Melissa, and Tony switched to their second looks, changing into lighter, more casual outfits for a walk by the bay. The New York City skyline, with its towering skyscrapers, served as a dramatic and picturesque backdrop, perfectly capturing the essence of their relationship—grounded in their shared experiences in the city they love.
As their last advice, Tony and Melissa encourage couples to find activities they enjoy doing together while also maintaining their own individual interests. Embracing each other’s hobbies can enrich the relationship, bringing you closer while allowing each person to stay true to themselves.
PHOTOGRAPHER Donia Wedding Arts | VENUE The Beekman Hotel | DRESS House of CB | SUIT The Black Tux
