Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding : Beth & Courtney : Brooklyn, NY

 Beth & Courtney were married on May 27th, with a ceremony and reception at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden & Palm House in Brooklyn, NY. This year, it just so happened that I was at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for an engagement session and a couple weddings over the course of May.  It's pretty amazing how the gardens evolve over that period of time!  Late in May for Beth & Courtney's wedding, the foliage was a deep, vibrant green and the color pops right out of the images. Beth & Courtney got ready together at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge where I caught the tail end of Beth's prep.  Courtney took advantage of the Palm House's brand new bridal suite to put on her Oscar de la Renta gown. Once Courtney was dressed, we ventured in to the gardens for a first look and some portraits before guests began to arrive.  Fortunately, the Botanic Garden provides a golf cart to get around so we were able to visit some of their notable spots.  This was the first time I photographed a ceremony in this particular location on the grounds and I think it might be my favorite!  An enormous shade tree frames the ceremony area and the guests are flanked on either side by even more greenery.  It's really a perfect, idyllic spot for a wedding.  Following the reception, guests gathered outside the Palm House for what I think is one of the best parts of having your wedding here - the outdoor cocktail hour. Courtney & Beth's guests were a spirited group, including some mutual friends of my own!  There was no shortage of excitement as the brides entered the Palm House for their reception.  This was one of my favorite moments of the day, followed closely by their first dance.  As the sun came down, a soft blue glow filtered down through the glass ceiling as their loved ones gave toasts. There are a handful of venues across the City of New York that make you forget where you are - and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of them.  If you live in the city, you really should make a point to visit the garden every season to observe all the changes.  Many thanks to the brides for including me - it was a pleasure photographing your engagement photos in DUMBO and tying it all up with the wedding!