Patrick + Neethu | The Happiest Couple in New York

Monday, May 26, 2008

Patrick (from Haiti and Brooklyn) and Neethu (from India and Queens) got engaged Saturday in New York. When Patrick first called me about shooting this proposal and explained what he wanted to do I was very interested in the story. The two met 10 years ago in college when Patrick was helping a friend to move into a dorm. To win her heart, Patrick used to bring Neethu pizza after he got off of work and even suggested one of their first dates be a study session. Way to go Pat - food and education! A decade later Patrick and Neethu felt the timing was right to pledge their love officially forever. The night before the proposal Patrick and I had dinner to finalize the plans. On Saturday morning we started at Neethu's parents' house. Patrick and I waited patiently for Neethu to return from the nail salon (talk about being prepared) and when she pulled up in her car, I went to hide in the back of the house. Neethu was totally shocked when she and Pat walked out the back door and my camera started snapping. We spent the day traveling to all of the special places they've been throughout their relationship. Patrick took scrap booking to the next level by presenting Neethu with three different books that chronicled the 10 years of their relationship. He has kept every balloon, drawing, match book, receipt, movie ticket, letter, and picture imaginable. I'll have to admit, the collection was quite impressive and deserving of some type of an award. He also purchased a new iPOD for the occasion and a boom box to play all of their special songs. At the end of the day Patrick blindfolded Neethu and led her back to where things all began. The college dorm where they met at Stony Brook. He had a volleyball net sized banner hanging in front of the dorm with the famous words, "Will You Marry Me?" She said yes and soon after we were quickly whisked off to a celebration with friends and family. Both families offered up blessings and prayers and I had my fill of Haitian and Indian food. Yum!

Patrick and Neethu will have two weddings next year - one in New York and one in India. I usually wait for the official ring shot during the wedding but I couldn't help myself!

Congrats to you two! It was so fun meeting you and your families. I'm looking forward to next year.

- KNIGHT































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21 comments:

Teka-Ann Haynes said...

Such a beautiful story; u always get the good ones Ross! Beautiful. Patrick deserves an award for this proposal - the scrap books, going to their signifcant places, and that personalized sign... WOW! Lovely pics. U did it again.

Unknown said...

This is Neethu's Mom. Those are beautiful pictures!! I can't wait for you to come to take the wedding pics in India and here. Next time you are in New York, you must come with your family and visit us- I will have plenty of Indian food. Talk to you soon.

Unknown said...

Hi Russ,This is Gopal, Neethu's father. I never expected Pat will have such a professional and famous photographer like you to cover his engagement. I look forward meeting you and your wife and when you are in NY please don't forget to call me and spend some time with us. Once again thank you for taking time to be with us that night having our homemade Indian dinner. The best picture I like is the ring picture. No one could have taken a picture like this and it is fantastic. Thank you-

KNIGHT said...

Hi Gopal and Geetha, I really enjoyed spending time with you Saturday night. Thanks for dinner! I am looking forward to the trip to India and coming back to New York. See you soon.

- KNIGHT

Anonymous said...

This proposal reads like a fairy tale. To save 10 years worth of memorabilia, this guy must have known even then, that she was special. How absolutely sweet. This is the stuff true romance is made of!

Pru said...

Awesome work. The ring and the photo of the ring are fabulous. Congrats to the newly engaged couple.

~InfiniteWorth~ said...

First I must say that your ART is beautiful. You capture beauty that would usually get overlooked. I must say that my favorite is the picture of Patrick and Neethu passing the older couple. So PROFOUND! THE TRUTH!!!!It gave me chills. Isn't that what we all dream and pray for? Someone who was made for us? To grow old together? Thank you Mr. Knight for sharing your gifts with us. I am looking forward to many more...GOD bless... ~INFINITEWORTH~

Nee said...

R.K., or Russ (as my dad now calls you), you have a God-given talent and your vision is pure genius. The pics are absolutely amazing…the one with Pat and I, along with the older couple was my fave. It was an incredible day and it was so much fun having you share it with us. I wish you both an awesome vaca. and will talk to you soon.

KNIGHT said...

Neethu, thanks for being such a great sport. It was fun talking with the two of you throughout the day about life and its mysteries. Thanks for showing me around and the history lesson - tour guide. Next year will be here before we know it! I'm looking forward to your wedding.

- KNIGHT

fyahbun said...

I love the picture of the couple walking towards the older couple,
what a great contrast of relationships in life. Great job Ross.

Sorry that we did not get to hang out while you were in NYC but It seems you had a blast anyway.

Shawn

Anonymous said...

I thank everyone for your wonderful comments and feel very blessed because you have shared them. But most importantly I thank God for our family members, friends and the special people he has sent into our lives and who have supported our relationship for the last ten years. Also, a special thanks to "Mr. Ross Oscar Knight" for his patience, support and for being a caring presence throughout this whole experience.

Anonymous said...

Okay, so this is my first time commenting. I absolutely adore you, your wife, your work and hers! I have a sixteen year old waiting to attend one of your workshops--would be nice if he didn't have to wait two years, but we understand. He's currently doing an internship at an environmental art gallery in Venice, CA and he enjoys working with Final Cut Express--hoping to move up ranks to Final Cut Pro--enjoys movie editing. I've been to India and it was absolutely fabulous and I've seen pictures of an Indian wedding--beautiful. I work for a public policy think tank and I'm so happy your wife has pursued an advanced degree in medical research. Congrats to the both of you!
Best

Anonymous said...

Amazing photos as always, you continue to outdo yourself and continue to grow and practice your art. Seeing the comments from the family are especially touching. I know that the photos in India will be over the top. I feel as though I've learned so much from viewing your photo blog, thanks for sharing.
--B.

Anonymous said...

Baby brother i'm proud of you. i wish you and your fiance the absolute best. I had the pleasure of meeting her 2 years ago and you guys are a beautiful couple.

Jay said...

Knight... I am Jay.. and married to Neethu's cousin... First let me say.. Fantastic photos... Brilliant..You could feel the love.. and not just see it..
Neethu and Pat.. u r such a beautiful couple... congrats...

Unknown said...

hey....this is prita...neethu's cousin. have just one word as a comment...'beautiful'!

clo said...

Ross,
These pictures R.O.K! I love the picture with them and the older couple. What a fantastic journey through ten years. Nice job and congrats to the couple.

Unknown said...

I love love! The story is so sweet. I love the ring shot...Congrats to the beautiful couple <3

Anonymous said...

Neethu is one of my closest friends and is always teasing me about going back forth to Atlanta and how much I love it!!! It's so nice to see that she is picking up on my southern hospitality! Ross thanks for making this day extra special.....

Unknown said...

Querida Neethu.... Congratulations to you and Patrick!!!! I wish Jerry and I could have shared this special day with you guys, but these pictures are the next best thing -- they are beautiful! Pat, you did an AWESOME job on the proposal : )

xoxo, Theresa

Mystic said...

R.K, I'm Neethu's cousin. Your photos perfectly captured the beautiful moments that Neethu and Pat shared. And as for Neethu and Pat... Cant wait to see you both in India... We'd make the Indian wedding a day nobody can forget!