Hi I’m Darien!
On one of my earlier weddings back in 2015, a bride said something that really stuck with me and shaped my approach to weddings. While she was gushing over her photos she received, she thanked me for giving them “heirlooms” to show to her future grandkids. I was floored. It put into perspective how important it is to be present for every single moment, no matter how big or small it may be. Every wedding I shoot I can’t help but think “wow, this is probably the only time all of these people will be in the same place at the same time ever again.” And I don’t take that lightly. On top of making sure I get those ~fire~ portraits of you two, every passing moment between your lover, family, and friends will be cherished as well.
I can’t imagine a time before photography hasn’t been the driving force of my life.
One day when I was kid, I picked up my hot pink Barbie polaroid camera Christmas morning, and I never turned back. I started really dipping my toes in photography when I got my first decent camera my freshman year of high school, and I just took photos of everyone and everything. I began shooting sweet sixteens for my peers while I was just 16 years old myself, and little did I know that was just the start of capturing precious milestones in people’s lives. One thing I did know was that photography was the only path for me. There was simply no other option. After already starting my business in high school, I studied photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I received my associates degree in photography. (I wasn’t kidding when I said that a career outside of photography was simply out of the question for me.) After graduating, I decided to take a huge leap and pursue wedding photography full time, and it was easily the best decision I have ever made in my entire life.
I will never forget the overwhelming passion I felt once I started to shoot weddings consistently. After working in nearly every genre of photography, nothing gave me the joy and fulfillment I continue to feel on every single wedding day. Being able to witness and capture every powerful emotional moment, every loving gaze, every tear shed, and heartwarming moments shared among loved ones is the hugest privilege that fills me with indescribable happiness. Knowing that these moments are to be passed on to generations to come, I always prioritize capturing every aspect of your love story. No moment goes unnoticed.
Not only will I be your wedding photographer, we will also be besties.
Starting from our initial phone call, I’m totally down to yap endlessly and get to know you more. Seriously, tell me alllll the deets about who you are and your love story. Want to grab brunch and talk weddings? Say less. My goal is to make you feel so comfortable that you don’t even feel like you’re in front of the camera. I’m constantly cracking jokes and throwing in a “yaaaassssssss” while we’re shooting - you enjoying yourself is a priority of mine.
*Also just a warning, I WILL be crying on your wedding day. (Sorry, I don’t make the rules)*
I’d say my approach to photography is letting those natural candid moments unfold, but stepping in to direct when necessary. If you’re sharing a deep emotional, tear filled moment with a loved one, I’ll be a fly on the wall. If I see some fiiiiire lighting, you best believe I’ll be dragging you there and getting those iconic shots. My photography style has always been described to me as dreamy, like something out of a fairytale. Those are the elements I like to infuse into my work.
Want to know some more? Here’s some random fun facts about me:
I am obsessed with all things horror related. Horror movies are my comfort films, and Halloween is my Super Bowl.
I am a veerrrrry emotional person, one can even argue that I’m a bit of a crybaby. If you see me hiding my tears behind my camera on your wedding day, just look away. Nothing to see here
I am also an avid reality tv watcher. The trashier? The better. You want to talk Love Island? I can talk for hourssssss.
I am super tall, 5’11” to be exact. So you know I’ll be getting alllll of those flattering higher angles
I have an obsession with Y2k fashion. Juicy Couture tracksuits will never go out of style.
I grew up on Long Island, but I moved to Astoria 8 years ago. Ever since I was a kid I always dreamed of living in the city, so I am very grateful to call it home.
In my spare time I love to bake. My Pinterest board hates to see me coming
I would be lost without my air fryer.
Paris Hilton is my idol.