NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A labor of love on Staten Island started with a mysterious box of memories that was filled with wedding photos left behind years ago.
CBS2’s Ali Bauman reports one group is determined to find the couples in the photos and return the snapshots of their special day.
Employees at the Nicotra Group – which owns corporate offices on Staten Island – found the photos six months ago. A photographer left them behind when he unexpectedly left the office eight years ago.
“Multiple boxes were disheveled with pictures scattered in the boxes,” said Kristine Garlisi, the group’s chief of staff. “Stacks of CDs and DVDs with no casings, no labeling, no names.”
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The pictures were only labeled with first names at best. Richard and Lois Nicotra allotted time during the workday for employees to sift through speeches and vows for clues.
“In a way at first it felt awkward because you’re peaking in on this intimate moment and you’re looking at it, but we feel like we know these people now,” said Garlisi.
They’ve now created a Facebook page to try to connect the couples with their memories.
“One of the brides that came back lost everything in Sandy and this was what she had left and she was in tears,” said Lois Nicotra.
So far, 20 couples have come to this campus of corporate offices for their pictures. The Nicotras said they will keep doing this until every photo is gone because this is a project in the name of love.
“We love love. It’s become a passion for us and when the brides and grooms walk in we’re excited,” said Garlisi.
“It’s a labor of love and it’s people’s lives. There are so many rotten things that happen every day, maybe we have a chance to make a change,” said Richard Nicotra.
Couples can pick up their pictures in the office any time during business hours.
If you used Crystal Image Video & Photography and had not picked up your photos before they closed, please check out this Facebook link or call (718) 477-2100 x236.
The Facebook page also features photos of some Sweet 16s and other events that pictures were recovered from.
Pictures and videos will be available for pick up at the Nicotra Group offices located at 1110 South Ave., weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Identification is required.