Brian Hatton Brian Hatton

Buttermilk Falls Inn Wedding : Jessica & Justin : Milton, Ny

A Perfect Autumn Micro Wedding at Buttermilk Falls Inn

Some weddings feel enormously big with hundreds of guests and impossible logistics. Jessica and Justin, though? They flipped the script. Their micro wedding at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa was all about intimacy and autumnal charm.

Where Texas Meets Upstate

Jessica and Justin, originally from Texas, smartly transported their favorite humans (and dogs) to Buttermilk Falls Inn. If this spot were any more perfect, it would need its own travel brochure (it probably has one).

The ceremony happened near the Inn’s picturesque duck pond, at just the right hour when the sunlight slanted through the surrounding trees in such a way that even the ducks seemed impressed. Jessica and Justin said their vows as their guests smiled, teared up, and attempted to do both at the same time. For a guy with a camera, this kind of light is like hitting the jackpot. It was soft, golden, and glowed like nature was raising a toast of its own.

Meeting each other in the woods, Justin admired Jessica surrounded by the earthy yellows and warm gold tones of fall. I couldn’t shoot fast enough—the kind of frantic clicking that feels like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. Moments like these remind me why I love shooting weddings big and small. Everyone’s looking for something different, and weddings like Jessica and Justin’s bring something pure.

And if you thought a small wedding meant cutting out the romantic flair, think again. After saying "I do," the couple marched up to their reception through a swirl of bubbles blown by friends and family, straight into an epically romantic first dance full of signature lifts.

While dinner was calling, I couldn’t resist stepping outside for just one more shot. A bridge near Henry’s restaurant, strung with glowing lights, beckoned us back into the autumn air. It’s the kind of subtle magic that only appears when you’re not looking for it—like catching fireflies on a fall night.

If you’ve never been to Buttermilk Falls Inn, first of all, fix that immediately. Second, their attention to detail makes them the kind of venue that photographers dream of. It turns out they even added me to their recommended vendor list without me even knowing. A high compliment.

Whether you’re planning a never-ending guest list or keeping it minimal, I love capturing the stories that make weddings like this one absolutely unforgettable.

Thanks to Jessica and Justin for trusting me to capture their day, and to Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa for creating a backdrop that makes photographers look good.

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding : Hannah & Elias : Brooklyn, NY

A Picture-Perfect Fall Wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

When Hannah & Elias imagined their wedding day at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, chances are the scenes playing in their heads looked a lot like their magical October day at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. With an electric blend of autumn colors and heartfelt moments, this wedding photographed itself.

Getting Ready in Style

Fall weddings, especially at such an iconic venue, are all about planning and preparation—but Hannah nailed it down to the last detail. She and her bridesmaids prepped at Social Fame Studio, a nearby hidden gem that doubles as a bridal ‘command center.’ (Note to future brides: this beats squeezing your wedding squad into The Palm House’s bridal suite or one of their more "functional" than aesthetic classrooms.) With plenty of room to breathe, laugh, and sip some bubbly, Hannah was all set to shine.

Meanwhile, Elias kept things laid-back and wildly fun at home—guitar in hand, whiskey glass in the other. Classic groom energy right there.

Exploring the Grounds (Thanks to Elias’ Secret Map)

Now, when your groom creates a personalized photo route around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you know you’re in for something good. With an almost surgical precision, Elias charted a path through the gardens, and it paid off. Think sun-dappled leaves, vibrant flora, and endless Fall lighting.

Pro tip for future couples? If the gardens hold a special corner in your heart, don’t hesitate to share your favorite photo spots with your photographer. Sure, I love guiding couples to find the best shots, but there’s something magical about hearing your vision for the venue.

A Ceremony Under the Willow Tree

What’s more romantic than a chuppah adorned with fiery Fall colors? Answer: absolutely nothing. Against the backdrop of the glorious willow tree, these two tied the knot in front of friends, family, and that picture-perfect golden light. Just one look at their ceremony photos, and you’ll understand why outdoor ceremonies at magic hour are a total win.

Oh, and the 7 blessings? They hit every note of heartfelt perfection, made even better by the absolute bliss on Hannah and Elias' faces throughout. When they paraded down the aisle, arms raised triumphantly, the energy was electric—as if Beyonce herself had just hit the stage.

Party Time at The Palm House

After the ceremony, the cocktail reception welcomed guests with all the flair this iconic venue is known for. But the real kicker was when Hannah and Elias rolled—yes, literally rolled—into their reception on scooters.

When the newlyweds made their big entrance, Elias had a little something extra up his sleeve. A professional guitarist and singer with the Pow Pow Family Band, Elias serenaded his new bride with an original song under The Palm House's glass dome. Hardly a dry eye in the house.

From then on, it was nonstop energy. You Pick Entertainment delivered a performance that had the crowd dancing like there was no tomorrow. The band lit up the room until the very last note of the night echoed through the gardens.

Vendor List

Here are the talented folks who made it all happen:

The Final Shot

If you’re a Brooklyn bride dreaming of a wedding that’s equal parts sophisticated and unforgettable, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is your stage. And if you’re lucky enough to have a day like Hannah & Elias’, you’re truly in for something magical.

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Park Lane Hotel Wedding : Brittany & Guy : New York, NY

Brittany and Guy’s Elegant Park Lane Hotel Wedding in New York City

Brittany and Guy's nuptials unfolded amidst the refined elegance of the newly reimagined Park Lane Hotel—a true gem on Central Park South. This venue, with its iconic Manhattan charm and contemporary sophistication, set the stage for a wedding that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Set in late October, the atmosphere was crisp yet inviting, with warm tones of autumn gently settling across the city. Every detail, from the first look to the final toast, exuded grace and the unmistakable beauty of New York. The Park Lane Hotel belongs to a league of prestigious establishments that define luxurious Manhattan hospitality, sharing its neighborhood with icons like The Plaza and The Mandarin Oriental. Uniquely, the Park Lane offers a balance of grandeur and intimacy that is hard to replicate. Its main ballroom, with dazzling mirrored walls and towering ceilings, served as the nucleus of the celebration. The venue’s ability to combine a metropolitan aesthetic with an inviting warmth makes it a standout choice for upscale events.

Wedding mornings at the Park Lane epitomize classic luxury. Nestled in suites with sweeping views of Central Park, both bride and groom prepared alongside their teams, enveloped by an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The couple’s first look, held in the picturesque courtyard, was a heartfelt moment that set the tone for the rest of the day. Against the understated elegance of the space, their expressions were a perfect marriage of joy and admiration—a moment as timeless as the city skyline itself. From there, the couple embarked on a quintessentially New York photo tour, making full use of the prime location.

The Park Lane’s enviable proximity to Central Park and other landmarks allowed for striking backdrops at every turn. Vibrant, autumn-hued foliage framed Brittany and Guy as they posed among the park’s famed boulders, with the city skyline stretching dramatically into the distance. Nearby, the classic Park Lane marquis became a hallmark of their photo collection, an emblematic nod to the couple’s urban celebration. These captured moments offered a seamless blend of opulence and authenticity, proving why New York continues to be a dream wedding destination.

Back at the Park Lane, the stage was set for a ceremony and reception that epitomized sophistication. With impeccable coordination, the event space transitioned seamlessly between the ceremony and the evening celebration, maintaining its polished charm throughout. A standout feature of the evening was the enchanting floral design by Dalsimer Spitz & Peck, which lent the room an ethereal quality—floral arrangements that felt as if Central Park itself had been brought indoors. Toast Weddings Videography captured these moments with a cinematic lens, ensuring every nuanced emotion and radiant expression was preserved for posterity. Meanwhile, 74 Eventsorchestrated every detail flawlessly, ensuring the evening unfolded with effortless precision.

A Stellar Team

Venue: Park Lane Hotel

Florals: Dalsimer Spitz & Peck

Videography: Toast Weddings

Planning: 74 Events

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River Cafe Wedding : Emily & Harry : Brooklyn, NY

Emily and Harry celebrated their wedding at The River Cafe in Brooklyn on a perfect October afternoon.

The golden hues of fall provided a breathtaking backdrop for their special day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for their ceremony and reception.

The day began at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, where Emily was getting ready. The crisp autumn sun and puffy white clouds painted the sky, offering stunning light for photography. If you’ve heard the phrase “perfect light,” this was it—the sun’s lower arc during the fall creates a soft, flattering glow at any time of day. Outside the hotel, the talented team from First Day Films was busy preparing their gear and capturing moments to set the scene. Having worked with them countless times, I knew we were in for a seamless day of capturing memories.

Inside the getting-ready suite, Emily’s flower girls watched in awe as she fastened the sculptural bow on her wedding gown. Moments like this, filled with childlike wonder, always tug at my heart—especially as a parent myself. Behind the scenes, SARAH BRENNAN EVENTS ensured that every detail was flawlessly executed and that the day stayed effortlessly on schedule, which kept everyone calm and happy.

Meanwhile, Harry and his groomsmen were prepping for the big day in a separate room. Our second photographer documented Harry as he buttoned his jacket, adjusted his tie, and toasted with his close friends. Soon after, it was time for the first look. We planned this magical moment with the iconic Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge as their backdrop, a view that never ceases to inspire. Despite curious onlookers, Emily and Harry seemed completely in sync, sharing a tender, private moment as if the world had melted away.

Following their first look, we strolled under the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, capturing portraits steeped in the charm and history of New York. The couple’s energy made every frame effortless and full of personality. Afterward, we made our way to The River Cafe, where families gathered for portraits in the garden before the ceremony.

The River Cafe offers an unbeatable combination of elegance and magic. Nestled along the water, it feels like an oasis amid the buzz of the city. On an October afternoon, the garden truly shines—the dappled sunlight streaming through the trees and reflecting off the nearby buildings gave the ceremony a cinematic glow. Surrounded by nature, family, and friends, Emily and Harry exchanged vows in an intimate and heartfelt ceremony.

The decor inside The River Cafe was nothing short of stunning. SEAPORT FLOWERS & HOME transformed the room with arrangements that seemed to blend effortlessly with the space. The light-colored florals amplified the candlelight, casting a radiant warmth across the room. Emily and Harry’s thoughtful choices enhanced the already impeccable ambiance, making their day feel both sophisticated and deeply personal.

October weddings hold a special kind of charm, amplified by the season’s crisp air and vibrant colors. Emily and Harry’s wedding at The River Cafe proved, once again, why fall in New York is so special for weddings. From the touching moments in the garden to the artful decor that illuminated the venue, their wedding was nothing short of perfection.

To Emily and Harry—thank you for allowing me to photograph your beautiful day at The River Cafe. Your wedding was one for the storybooks, and I couldn’t be more honored to have been part of it.

Plan Your Dream Wedding at The River Cafe

If you’re searching for an iconic venue for your Brooklyn wedding, The River Cafe offers the perfect blend of timeless elegance and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Its garden, riverside charm, and exceptional cuisine make it an unforgettable destination for your special day. Check out some more River Cafe weddings here, here, and here. Keep going? Ok cool: how about this one, or this one, or, maybe this one on a rainy day.

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TriBeCa Rooftop Wedding : Katie & John : New York, NY

Katie & John’s TriBeCa Rooftop wedding photos in lower Manhattan on September 7th.

Getting ready nearby at The Roxy Hotel, Katie’s expansive suite and terrace was the perfect setting for her entourage to get ready before we geared up for a first look on the roof at TriBeCa Rooftop. I loved the rich tones and textures throughout the room. Working alongside Emma Cleary Video, we captured the wedding party as final touches were applied and then made our way for Katie to see John for the first time in her wedding gown.

This season I found myself photographing three TriBeca Rooftop weddings which I’m enjoying more than ever with their newly laid out space. The room keeps going and going with those endless skyline views. For a venue which offers such a nice outdoor space for a ceremony, it’s a luxury to have an equally nice setting indoors when the weather is iffy. With the panoramic views through all the windows, the outside is brought within.

As cocktail hour was underway, right on queue the heavens opened up to reveal the most glorious sunset I’ve seen in a while. It didn’t take long for guests to find a way outside as I brought the bride and groom out for a few minutes of photos with the setting sun. While we captured these wonderful moments of guests greeting Katie & John following their vows, Christina Whitney Events worked with Fleurs du Mois to create a breathtaking reception room. It was just a few months since I had last worked with Christina at TriBeCa Rooftop. Having that long established rapport with planners is so helpful to making it a seamless day. We work together with the ebbs and flows of the day to make things go smoothly.

I was unsurprised to find the bride and groom letting absolutely loose on the dance floor which was framed by gorgeous lighting, excellent entertainment and the signature TriBeCa Rooftop cuisine. This was one of those weddings that positively sails by and I had a wonderful time capturing these memories. It’s made all the more special when my efforts are reflected in a glowing online review by the couple :-). Thank you Katie & John!

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