1/19/18 1/19/18

Fresh Meadow Country Club Wedding : Katy & Zach : Long Island, NY

Fresh Meadow Country Club Wedding Brian Hatton Photo

Katy and Zach were married on December 2^nd, with a ceremony and reception at the Fresh Meadow Country Club.

This was my first time to this location, so I set out on the Long Island Expressway and arrived early to have a look around. I knew it would be a great day when I saw the beautiful club with lots of grounds for photography, so I was feeling great when I headed up to join Katy as she finished her hair and makeup.

After a reveal for Katy’s dad, we went out on the course for a first look with Zach. It was a bit of a hike out to where Zach was for someone in high heels, but it made for a dramatic shot from a distance, and those ended up being some of my favorite images of the day. I could step away and photograph with longer lenses, which allowed them to enjoy the moment without feeling like I was imposing.

We grabbed a few more portraits while we still had the light to work with. The early sundown times in winter can sometimes mean we’re running right up against the end of daylight for outdoor portraits, but I actually think this is by far the best part of the day and works in our favor. The light is soft and always flattering.

Soon, the buzz of family members arriving summoned us inside, where we took family portraits in front of the gorgeous chuppah, created by Designs by Ahn. The ceremony was held under the chuppah lit by candlelight; I loved the warm ambiance there.

I was blown away by the floral designers’ work, especially the way the ceiling floral element framed Zach and Katy during their first dance. The venue was covered in flowers, which perfectly suited the season and space. With low and high centerpieces and tall candles, the whole venue had a romantic feel—the perfect setting for the Atomic Funk Project to get a party rolling.

Katy & Zach, I loved shooting your engagement session in Brooklyn and documenting your beautiful winter wedding. Thank you so much for having me as part of your day.

Fresh Meadow Country Club Wedding Brian Hatton Photo

Vendors

Planner: Leah Weinberg, Color Pop Events

Florist: Designs by Ahn

Stationary: Marissa Allie Designs

Hair: Jay Braff

Makeup: Raffaela Hendrick

Band: Atomic Funk Project

Video: Tweed Video

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhullier

Bride's Shoes: Alexandre Birman

11/11/17 11/11/17

Oheka Castle Wedding : Nichole & Michael : Huntington, NY

oheka castle wedding brian hatton photo

Nichole and Michael were married on September 30^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York. I was particularly honored to be chosen for this wedding, because Michael is a photographer himself, and whenever a fellow creative trusts me to capture these important moments, I take that trust seriously. And it turned out to be the perfect match of a couple, a venue, and the weather, too. Even though rain is one of those things that no one really wants on their wedding day, to say that the clouds passing over Oheka that day were dramatic would be an understatement. They added a whole new dimension to the famous castle that perfectly suited Michael, since he loves landscapes and travel. As the clouds rolled in, Nichole got ready in the bridal suite, while Michael and the guys put on the final touches downstairs. Nichole looked stunning in her Monique Lhuillier wedding gown—elegant and soft, complementing the atmosphere of the wedding perfectly. Just as we set up our first look, almost on cue, the rain came to a stop, and we were able to go outside. I tend to tread lightly in situations like this, because I completely understand if a bride isn’t up for being outside in her dress moments after a storm has passed, but Nichole didn’t even flinch as we marched outside onto the wet grounds for some amazing photos all the same. Soon after that, the guests began to arrive for the ceremony, and once again, the skies parted just enough for this moment. The sun shone through, illuminating Nichole and almost nothing else as she stood with Michael during the ceremony. Those pictures are not altered—that’s what it really looked like. After the ceremony ended, I couldn’t help but steal Nichole and Michael for a few more photos as the drama in the sky continued to unfold. One of my favorite photos of the whole day was the one of the two of them as Nichole’s veil blew in the wind. I loved how clean and smooth this looks in black and white, with the action of the veil completing the look. Now that I’d sated my dramatic photographer needs, it was time for the reception. The speeches were touching, and there was plenty of laughter and good times to go around. I was even thrilled to see that a former couple of mine got out on the dance floor. Nichole & Michael, I had so much fun shooting for you. I look forward to following your travels through the years to come on Instagram! oheka castle wedding brian hatton photo

Vendors:

Florist: Flowers by Brian

Stationary: Ceci New York, Bella Figura, EAST SIX

Hair & Makeup: VickyC5

Lighting: Ambient Events

Band: Hank Lane Music

Cinema: 15 Minutes of Frame

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale

Groom's Attire: Sebastien Grey Clothiers

Strings: Highline String Quartet

Photobooth: Sweet Booths

10/25/17 10/25/17

Glen Oaks Club Wedding : Hailey & David : Old Westbury, NY

Glen Oaks Club Wedding Brian Hatton Photo

Hailey and David were married on September 9th, with a ceremony and reception at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, NY.

These two were referred to me by a former bride of mine, Katharine Gray, who has also referred many of her other friends. As a wedding photographer, it’s the nicest compliment to know that she appreciates my work and trusts me with her friends’ pictures. And, of course, I sincerely appreciate it.

I met up with Hailey in the locker room of the beautiful Glen Oaks Club after she had gotten her hair done at a local salon. There, she got her makeup done and got into her dress, while David was nearby getting ready at the Viana Hotel in Westbury. We staged a first look on the golf course, followed by some photos with the bridal party on the back patio of the club before going inside for some family pictures.

The Glen Oaks golf course is one of the heralded treasures of the area. In fact, while we were taking pictures for the wedding, we saw preparations getting underway throughout the grounds for an upcoming US Open. It was a warm, familiar space for Hailey, too, because many people in her family are longtime members of the club.

The sunlight was just beginning to dim when we finished with our pictures, which set the stage for the ceremony, beautifully decorated by Atlas Florals. The stunning chuppah was just a preview of what was to come, as the ballroom was absolutely overflowing with flowers. It took three full days to load everything in and set up—with great emphasis on the jaw-dropping ceiling arrangement.

I really enjoyed photographing Hailey & David's ceremony. Cantor Schwartz brought some beautiful, glistening qualities to the wedding that had some excited guests in the back on their feet with delight. And yet they never lost that intimate feeling during the ceremony—which is especially impressive when you have a room full of a couple hundred other people.

Thank you, Hailey & David, for allowing me to be part of your love story. It was a pleasure to come to your home for your engagement session, and I enjoyed photographing your spirited, absolutely beautiful wedding.

Vendors:

Florist: Atlas Florals

Cinema: The Light Mill

Band: Hank Lane Band

Planning: Ariana Stecker of Save the Date

Cake: Butterfly Bakeshop

Favors: Laduree

9/28/17 9/28/17

Oheka Castle Wedding : Abbie & Tony : Huntington, NY

Oheka Castle Wedding Brian Hatton Photography

Abbie and Tony were married on August 20^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.

In mid-August, I found myself sitting in a hotel room in Rome when I received a phone call from Abbie’s wedding planner: “Are you available to shoot a wedding at Oheka Castle this weekend? Yes . . . this weekend.” This is officially the closest to the date that I’ve ever booked a wedding! But I ended up loving it all the same—especially because I got to meet an amazing couple because of it.

Abbie and Tony have always dreamed of getting married at a castle, so in the NYC area, the obvious choice is Oheka Castle on Long Island in Huntington. As a Long Island wedding photographer, I’m at Oheka every year and am always impressed by the expansive property. It’s so vast that every couple can really bring their own tone to the wedding.

For Abbie and Tony, it was the chance to have some fun and take some great pictures with Abbie’s THREE dresses. Abbie wore her first dress, a red ballgown, for the Chinese tea ceremony honoring her parents. We took a few photos around the grounds before Abbie got ready in Oheka’s famous bridal suite, changing into a white gown for the wedding ceremony in the garden. The gown looked stunning in the super soft, warm, late afternoon light. After the ceremony, there was another dress change—this time into a highly-detailed red dress for the reception. I especially loved the way the red popped against the neutral colors of the castle.

During the ceremony itself, as Abbie walked down the aisle, we were able to get that quintessential Oheka shot with a photographer in the elevated position to take it. Doves were released, the newlyweds departed in a horse-drawn carriage, and the whole thing looked absolutely magical.

It was a spectacular afternoon with perfect weather—and the most enthusiastic groom I think I’ve ever had for taking photos. The planner kept trying to nudge us along to the next scheduled event, but Tony was all about getting the shots that Abbie wanted. After this, Abbie and Tony are headed to Shanghai for a reception in China, and they planned to display the photos that we took during this wedding for their hundreds of guests, so getting that perfect shot was so important to them.

Tony & Abbie, thank you for letting me be a part of your celebrations. I hope these photos are a hit at your reception in China! Thanks also to Bliss Wedding Films—you guys were a pleasure to work with, and your drone operator was one of the most talented I’ve ever seen.

Oheka Castle Wedding Brian Hatton Photography

Vendors:Florist: Metro Floral Decorators Hair: Make-Up Pro Officiant: Reverend Will Mercer Lighting: Ambient Events DJ: Marc Bauman Events Cinema: Bliss Wedding Films Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Rings: Tiffany Groom's Attire: Zegna Couture Photo Booth: Fun Booth Horse & Carriage: Regal Carriage Inc

3/21/17 3/21/17

Oheka Castle Wedding : Megan and Alex : Huntington, NY

oheka castle wedding, Brian Hatton Photography

Megan and Alex were married on June 4^th, with a ceremony and reception at Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY. The entire event was held on the grounds of Oheka Castle, the famous Huntington venue on Long Island. I feel lucky every time I get the chance to visit the castle. Due to the sheer size of the estate, the opportunities for unique photography are vast! You could shoot multiple weddings and have completely different backdrops every time. In addition to the classic character of the castle, it can be decorated in so many ways, and every time people drive in for the first time, the reaction is always the same: “wow.” Even though it was a long day, with 12 hours of coverage, it really flew by. Every moment was filled with fun. While the women were getting their hair and makeup done, Alex and the men took over the estate playing sports, filming 360-degree video footage, and escaping up to Oheka’s “man club” in the tower. Megan looked so amazing in her Lee Petra Grebenau dress as she got ready in the instantly recognizable bridal suite overlooking the expansive, Versailles-esque gardens. This dress designer has quickly become one of Israel’s most prestigious fashion brands, known for its luxurious bridal and evening gowns, each of which is custom-made. This one was magical in the way it caught the light. After a touching first look in the tree-lined entryway leading up to the castle, we grabbed some pictures of the bride and groom as well as the family and bridal party before the ceremony. Thankfully, the weather held out for a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking the gardens before we came inside for the reception. Throughout the day, it was abundantly clear that Megan and Alex were incredibly close with so many friends and family, to the point where it didn’t feel like their guests were separate people from all walks of life but one big family getting together for a happy reunion! This was especially clear in watching both of them with their parents—they just genuinely have so much fun with each other and everyone around them. Although I was able to get the quintessential Oheka Castle image that you absolutely must get—the wide shot of the bridge walking down the aisle from above—my favorite shot from this wedding was actually one that my second photographer, Matt, got. It’s a close-up aerial shot that he captured just as the wind moved around Megan as she walked, and it was absolutely gorgeous! Thank you, Megan & Alex, for letting me be part of your amazing day! And a big thank you to Karyn Michael Events for helping to make sure such a large event went off so beautifully.

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oheka castle wedding, Brian Hatton Photography