6/8/18 6/8/18

Metropolitan Club Wedding : Ashley & Mike : New York, NY

On April 28, 2018, Ashley & Michael held their wedding ceremony and reception at The Metropolitan Club in New York City. One of my favorite things is when you show up to shoot a stately event in a private club on 5th ave and the party ends up feeling like a remote island wedding where everyone goes for it. As the night went on, the photobooth got crazy, boxes and boxes of pizza from Patsy's arrived amping up the fun atmosphere, and the band lit on fire. When all this happens in one of the most impressive spaces in the city, the energy is electric! After getting set up in the Club, I made my way through Central Park to The Parker Hotel, where Ashley was getting ready downstairs at Blushington. After capturing their first look in the rather spectacular space that is the main foyer of the Metropolitan Club, it was up to the roof and various points around the building for portraits. It was a brilliantly clear, bright day in New York giving a great amount of color and contrast to their outdoor photos. As the sun came down and guests began to arrive, we settled in to the warmly lit space on the first floor for their ceremony before things really started to get going during the reception. Special thanks to Allie Beik of Polka Dot Events who helped make everything run seamlessly.

Bride's Dress: Berta BridalBride's Shoes: Jimmy ChooMakeup: BlushingtonBand: Around Town EntertainmentStationary: MintedFlorist: FloraliesPopcorn: Brooklyn PopcornPizza: Patsy'sCake: Sweet PistachioVideo: Tweed VideoPlanning: Polka Dot Events

3/21/18 3/21/18

St. Regis Wedding : Amanda & Ben : New York, NY

St Regis Wedding New York Brian Hatton Photography

Amanda and Ben were married on February 10^th, with a ceremony and reception at the St. Regis in New York City.

A Classic NYC Wedding at the St. Regis

It was a bit of a gray day in New York, with off and on rain, but that wasn’t about to stop Amanda and Ben from having a gorgeous wedding at the beautiful St. Regis. With its rich golden tones and classic New York ambiance, this was the perfect setting no matter the weather. This iconic New York venue is one of my favorites to photograph at, especially because you’re so well-taken care of, with everything you need all in one location.

I began by photographing Amanda as she finished up her hair and makeup and put on her dress with her mom. With some of her best friends around, the atmosphere of the Dior Suite was brimming with excitement.

After a first look in one of the event spaces, we took advantage of the covered entryway to the hotel for some portraits of Amanda and Ben together before their tisch and bedeken leading up to the ceremony with their family.

The ceremony room was lit in a blush color that set an intimate mood, with gorgeous arrangements by Putnam & Putnam flowers as well. Amanda’s vision was to bring the look of old Dutch still-lifes to the décor to complement the classic feel of the hotel, and I think she definitely accomplished that.

Ben and Amanda incorporated elements of traditional Jewish ceremonies into the wedding itself, with readings of the 7 blessings and an amazing cantor. They also added musical elements—which was particularly important to Amanda, who is herself a violinist.

That musical theme carried through into the cocktail hour, which had a live band setting the tone for the evening, before we went to the roof-level ballroom at the St. Regis, with its signature sky painted onto the ceiling, to celebrate.

Amanda & Ben, thank you for having me as part of your wedding. I wish you all the best and hope to run into you some time at Lincoln Center!

St Regis Wedding New York Brian Hatton Photography

Vendors

Wedding Gown: Amsale

Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Cake: Ron Ben Israel

Florist: Putnam & Putnam

Stationary: Dempsey & Carroll

Band: Hank Lane/Steve Delisi Band

Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren

11/29/17 11/29/17

Studio 450 Wedding : Isabelle & Jonathan : New York, NY

studio 450 loft wedding brian hatton photography

Isabelle and Jonathan were married on October 13^th, with a ceremony and reception at Studio 450.

After photographing their engagement session at Coney Island, when I arrived at the Dream Hotel in Midtown to do some getting ready pictures for Isabelle, I was so excited to see them tie the knot. Jon was getting ready at the Kimpton Ink48 nearby. Both venues have a modern vibe that perfectly fit their sensibilities.

Their first look location was a first for me: the James A. Farley Post Office Building, right across from Penn Station. I loved this idea of Isabelle’s not only because it was centrally located between the hotels and the venue but because it was a totally unique place for a first look. The columns added a dramatic flair and it was easy to forget we were standing in the middle of New York City.

A short walk later, we were at Studio 450 for a rooftop ceremony surrounded by the skyscrapers of Manhattan with the Empire State Building in view. This is one of my favorite venues. Between the rooftop view and the wraparound windows, you can see that stunning horizon from anywhere inside as the sun goes down. It’s also totally unassuming—you’d never know just walking down the street that one of the coolest NYC loft wedding venues is upstairs.

After a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to honor family members, it was time for hilarious speeches, dancing, and plenty of fun all around. I was particularly entertained by the fact that Isabelle and Jonathan had given their dog free rein throughout the night! He’d run around, say hello to some guests, and then plop down right on top of Isabelle’s dress while she danced. It was hilarious. LOL

I also had the pleasure of running into some musicians that I went to school with 10 years ago. Bianchi Musica Productions is a professional ensemble that reads music from iPads, so there’s no fumbling around with paper music, which was perfect to keep the focus on Isabelle and Jonathan during their ceremony. I can’t believe it took over 500 weddings to run in to a few people I know! I have to give Blue Smoke Catering a shout too because they added the perfect personal touch to the reception. What’s better than getting married and then chowing down on your favorite BBQ comfort food?

Jon & Isabelle, I thoroughly enjoyed documenting your story, from engagement to wedding. Thank you for trusting me with these important moments in your lives!

studio 450 loft wedding brian hatton photography

Vendors:

Caterer: Blue Smoke

Cake: Ovenly

Florist: Rachel Cho

Makeup & Hair: NY Bridal Beauty

DJ: Scratch Weddings

Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Groom's Attire: The Black Tux

Ceremony Music: Bianchi Musica

10/11/17 10/11/17

Park Hyatt New York Wedding : Rebecca & Thibault : New York, NY

Park Hyatt New York Wedding Brain Hatton Photography Rebecca and Thibault were married on September 8^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Park Hyatt New York.

I started out the day with Kaipo of 15 Minutes of Frame, with whom I work frequently, and Teal from LLG Events who kept the day running smoothly.

We photographed Rebecca’s bouquet as Stacey Weinstein of Once Upon a Bride finished preparing her, then took a few pictures of her in her gorgeous dress. After the bridal portraits we went downstairs for a first look at the base of the hotel’s entryway staircase. From there, we took some photos with the bridal party and family ahead of the ceremony in the Onyx Room. I especially liked the round, dynamic light piece in the lobby—it's such an interesting element for pictures.

After exactly 8 minutes, Rebecca and Thibault had been pronounced husband and wife—and the party could officially start. The guests rushed off to a cocktail party, while Tantawan Bloom worked hard to transform the room. It was an impressive reveal when we all returned, with high centerpieces draped in roses and white and pink cherry blossoms. The incomparable Golf Srithamrong can truly turn a space into such a wonderland, you forget where you are!

Rebecca, a former dancer, and Thibault, who I think will be a professional dancer in his next incarnation, took to the dance floor to dazzle their guests while the Onyx Room walls sparkled. I loved the elegance of their dance as well as the way we were able to position a light so that we could pop them right off the background. Once the party really got going, it was all fun and dancing, including some epic Bollywood dancing. Thibault happens to have a strong affinity for Bollywood, and some of the guests took to the dance floor to bring a little flavor. It wasn’t long at all before both Thibault and Rebecca joined in the fun.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Ron Ben Israel, who you might otherwise know from his Food Network Show, “Sweet Genius.” He designed the wedding cake, as he does for all weddings at the Park Hyatt, New York. His signature is the hand-molded sugar florals on the cake, and this time around, he had delicate, small flowers, giving the cake a whimsical feeling that still complemented the deco style of the space. Over the course of this past year, I’ve seen a wide range of his creations, and they never fail to impress.

Rebecca & Thibault, your wedding was stylish, freshly decorated, and full of so much character. It makes my job so fun to have a wedding like this, especially toward the end of the season, and I really appreciated being part of it. Thanks also especially to Tantawan Bloom for graciously referring me for this stunning wedding.

Park Hyatt New York Wedding Brain Hatton Photography

Vendors:

Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Florist: Tantawan Bloom

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Video: 15 Minutes of Frame

Cake: Ron Ben Israel

Hair: Once Upon a Bride

7/12/17 7/12/17

New York Athletic Club Wedding : Nicole & Colin : New York, NY

Nicole and Colin were married on June 10th, with a ceremony at St. Ignatius Loyola and a reception at the NY Athletic Club.

I was able to photograph the rehearsal dinner for these two the night before the wedding. So, by the time the big day rolled around, I truly felt like I was familiar with all the family members and was eagerly anticipating the wedding right alongside everyone else.

On the day of the wedding, I met up with Nicole at the suite in the NY Athletic Club as she finished her hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Colin got ready at their apartment. The club has so much beautiful light to use in their rooms as well as their terraces. We made use of both before it was time to go to the church. Nicole and Colin were going for a classic, iconic NYC look, and the 1950’s Rolls Royce that showed up on Central Park South to take Nicole to the park summed that right up. I love the way the white car looks in front of the shaded façade of the church.

Father Walsh, a close friend of the groom’s family, led the Mass, making the ceremony especially memorable because of the personal connection. When it was through, we were sure to get family photos on the steps of the iconic church before we headed out and about Central Park for more portraits—again, capturing that quintessential “classic NYC” feeling.

After the portraits, we made our way to the NYAC for cocktails and the reception. The terrace off of the main dining room is a gem, the perfect way for guests to get a private outdoor setting in the middle of Manhattan, though my favorite images were the ones up on the roof. From there, we had a jaw-dropping view of Central Park and Upper Manhattan—a perfect setting for some unique photos of the bride and groom.

Of course, the stunning décor was greatly helped by Ariston Flowers, who are a household name in New York. This was my second week in a row working with them, and I thought the décor was the perfect complement for the space. And it should be—they are one of the house vendors and know the space intimately well.

Nicole & Colin, your wedding was picture perfect and truly captured that classic NYC feeling, from the iconic church to the famed athletic club and everything in between. It was my pleasure to photograph you and your friends and family, and I wish you all the very best.