Long Island City Engagement Session: Film & Digital : LIC, NY

Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City has a way of feeling both iconic and intimate — urban yet serene. I recently photographed an engagement session here in early March, catching that golden hour glow that feels like a reward for enduring winter’s chill. The park’s views of the Manhattan skyline offered a sense of both expanse and closeness which is a setting I feel especially at home photographing in.

I brought both my digital setup and my 35mm film camera shooting a mix of color and black & white films. I have a deep affection especially for b&w film — there’s something timeless about its ability to strip away distractions, highlighting emotion and texture. Every time I get those film scans in from the lab I’m surprised by the depth. In that late-day light, the still-bare branches and the skyline took on a sculptural quality, made all the more striking through the grain of black-and-white film.

The couple and I wandered the park, embracing the last hour of daylight. The sun hung low, casting long shadows and painting the East River in warm, reflective tones. We made use of the waterfront’s gentle curves and industrial walkways, contrasting them with the softness of quiet, candid moments.

NY Athletic Club Wedding : Ellen & Michael : New York, NY

Ellen & Michael's Winter Wedding at The New York Athletic Club

Manhattan knows how to do winter weddings, and Ellen & Michael's celebration at The New York Athletic Club (NYAC) was no exception. Set against the iconic backdrop of Central Park South, their big day was a masterclass in elegance and the kind of festive energy that only December in NYC can bring.

The day kicked off on the residential floor of the NYAC, where all great NYAC weddings begin. While Ellen and her bridesmaids were putting the finishing touches on hair, makeup, and good-natured banter, we captured those fleeting pre-ceremony moments. This warm-up session helps everyone relax in front of the camera before the big moments take center stage.

New York in December can be unpredictable, and so was the temperature on the NYAC rooftop! But Ellen & Michael were absolute troopers, braving the chill for their emotional first look. There's something magical about seeing each other for the first time amid a rooftop scene overlooking one of the world's most iconic skylines—even if you're quietly wishing for heated hand warmers in your pocket.

The wedding party showed similar resolve joining for some group photos on the terrace. Afterward, we moved inside to warm up and took cozy family portraits by the fireplace.

The next stop was the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer on Lexington Avenue, a Manhattan gem that embodies timeless elegance. This neo-Gothic masterpiece set the stage for a heartfelt ceremony conducted by a dear friend of the couple.

With the “I do’s” completed and spirits high, the wedding party returned to the NYAC for an unforgettable reception. Bud Maltin’s Metropolitan Music lit up the venue with unbelievable energy.

The night had everything you’d want from a winter wedding in New York. A gorgeous cake by Daniel Colonel. Stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Jerome Florists. And then, of course, there were the post-cake light-up glasses—a sign that this party wasn’t ending anytime soon.

Vendors

Coordinator: Eventful Days

Photographer: Brian Hatton

Cake: Daniel Colonel

Florist: Jerome Florists

Hair & Makeup: Alena Bankovsky

Band: Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music

Bride's Shoes: Loeffler Randall

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy

Rings: R&R Jewelers

Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers

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!

Metropolitan Club Wedding : Hallie & Jake : New York, NY

Hallie & Jake were married at The Metropolitan Club on 5th Ave in Midtown Manhattan, NYC.

A wedding at a historic venue like The Metropolitan Club is essentially a gala event with vows. The space is so many things: Magnificent. Gilded. Impressive. Immense. The challenge for the photographer at marquee venues in this corridor of so many (The Pierre, The Plaza, The Met Club, The University Club, The Mandarin and numerous others) is to capture the breath of the event while keeping an intimate feel that still feels personal. Hallie & Jake made that easy as they were surrounded by a spirited and outwardly loving group of friends and family.

Photography: Brian Hatton | NYC Wedding Photographer
Planning: Stillwell Events
Cake: Padoca Bakery
Florist: Ariston
Stationery: Sesame Letterpress
Hair & Makeup: Marissa Gold
Officiant: Cantor Laura Stein
Lighting: Frost Productions
Band: Element Music - Element 79
Wedding Gown: L’Fay Bridal/Maria Farbinni
Bride’s Shoes: Loewe
Rings: Cartier
Groom’s Attire: Loro Piana/Michael Thomas Clothiers

NY Athletic Club Wedding : Alana & Matt : New York, NY

Alana & Matt were married in September at The New York Athletic Club adjacent to Central Park in Manhattan, New York, NY.

I’ve photographed a number of NYAC weddings over the years but this was my first upstairs in the Main Dining Room. I didn’t even realize it was not in the Ballroom to the extent that I photographed someone else’s table details while thinking to myself - this really doesn’t seem like my couple. Lo and behold, we were in a completely different space which has a more modern, almost Manhatta type vibe with a bar centrally located between lounge and dining areas. I love the party atmosphere this offers as it blurs the line between cocktails, mingling and dining. Flowers by Brian decorated the space beautifully.

We photographed their getting ready and first look on a spacious balcony and the NYAC roof surrounded by NYC skyline before venturing outside for some photos on 59th and 6th Ave. Time flew with these two and soon we came back inside for their ceremony on site. After saying their vows, it was off to the reception for an amazing evening lead by the Ignition Band by Hank Lane. I was joined by my long time colleagues at First Day Films who captured the event in motion.