4/20/18 4/20/18

Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers Wedding : Shannon and Joe : New York, NY

Lighthouse Chelsea Piers Wedding Brian Hatton Photography

Shannon and Joe were married on March 17^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.

I began with Shannon as she and the bridesmaids got ready at the New York Edition hotel, while my second shooter was with Joe at home. This was my first time shooting at the New York Edition, a contemporary new boutique hotel concept from Marriott right next to Madison Square Park. I immediately felt right at home shooting in this modern space. This new hotel is a great option for people having a Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers wedding since it’s close to both the venue and some iconic NYC scenes for portraits. The hotel itself is excellent—with airy hotel rooms and a kind staff who was very helpful setting up the first look for Shannon and Joe in one of their event spaces.

Joe and Shannon are a sweet couple, which made it so easy to run out into the cold air for some pictures in the afternoon light at The Lighthouse before guests began to arrive. Soon, the evening was underway, with their ceremony taking place just as the sun set. That stunning setting overlooking the Hudson River is the best part of getting married at the Lighthouse!

A signature Abigail Kirsch cocktail hour was followed quickly by dinner and dancing. Honoring their ties to New Orleans, Joe and Shannon struck up the brass band for a "second line" parade—to the great delight of all the guests and myself! I'd never seen such a thing! Plus, it was a lot of fun—and a great way to close out a great day.

Shannon & Joe, thank you for letting me be part of your joy!

Lighthouse Chelsea Piers Wedding Brian Hatton Photography

10/7/17 10/7/17

Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers Wedding : Stephanie & Ben : New York, NY

Stephanie & Ben were married on August 19 with a ceremony and reception at The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers. I've shot at a number of the Abigail Kirsch venues this summer, and I always love returning to The Lighthouse. Located on the Western edge of Manhattan in Chelsea Piers, The Lighthouse is a stunning venue with amazing views overlooking the Hudson River. The Abigail Kirsch venues all have spectacular service which makes the lives of all the vendors so much easier.

Stephanie & Ben got ready at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, located only steps from the water where the Statue of Liberty stands just across the bay. The room where Stephanie got ready looked right out onto the water, and you could see Lady Liberty in the distance.

As a wedding photographer, I'm always waiting for exuberant expressions... and that's just what I got during Stephanie's first look with her dad. He walked in to the hotel room overflowing with pride as he saw Stephanie in her gown. It was a touching moment that makes me so happy to capture. After the touching father daughter first look, Stephanie & Ben had a first look as well, nearby in Battery Park. We took some time to photograph the bride and groom along the sun-drenched waterfront before making our way to the venue.

Upon arriving at The Lighthouse, we continued with their portraits before the tone of the ceremony was set by the signing of the ketubah. I always love this time as it refocuses all the moments of the day leading up to the ceremony, and is a quiet, contemplative pause with family before things really get underway.

As the sun set over New Jersey, we settled into the ceremony for their vows at dusk. Twilight is a magical moment at The Lighthouse with the wall of windows overlooking the colorful horizon. After saying "I do", it was time for the famous Abigail Kirsch cocktail hour and dancing courtesy of The Next Faze by Faze 4 Orchestras.

I loved the overall feeling of the reception. The colors were clean and classic which provided great contrast to the dark space. Some sophisticated up-lighting added pops of color which provided a nice sense of depth and richness to the party photography.

Stephanie & Ben, thank you so much for asking me to be your wedding photographer. It was such a pleasure to capture your beautiful summer wedding. Congratulations!

Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers Wedding Brian Hatton Photography