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.

The Foundry LIC Wedding : Elisa & David : Long Island City, NY

Elisa & David held their wedding ceremony and reception at The Foundry, the iconic event space in LIC.

On quite literally the hottest day of the year, Elisa & David invited their friends and family under the open sky in Long Island City for a stunning evening at The Foundry. They requested that their photos be summery, light and “New York-y”. We did our best to make that happen as we shot their first look and portraits on the steps of the New York Public Library on 5th Ave under that July sun. Although midday in summer can be challenging, I do enjoy the spotlight effect you get. You don't have to spend all the time chasing shade. Elisa & David then hopped into a yellow NYC cab to head over the Queensboro Bridge to wrap up with family photos before guests began to arrive.

After the ceremony, they quickly changed out of their wedding attire into traditional Korean hanbok for a fun paebaek ceremony in front of guests as cocktail hour was underway. Before long, friends and family were escorted into the courtyard for dinner and toasts framed by the bridge on one side and the richly textured brick facade of the Foundry on the other. They ate straight through the meal and then came inside for dancing. I generally prefer this sequence as people get a chance to really settle in to their meal, make conversation and loosen up before exploding onto the dance floor.

I was paired up with Elisa & David thanks to my buddy Dave Adamick of Events by Jesse. Working with great planners results in a different kind of synergy between all the vendors at a wedding and makes for an overall pleasant workday for all those involved.

At The Foundry, Red Table was hit up for the catering amongst the stunning decor designed by Kraft & Company. Silver Arrow Band kept the night lit up.

Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers WEdding : Monica & Andrew : New York, NY

Monica & Andrew were married at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

I met up with Monica at the Hyatt Herald Square where she was prepping with her bridesmaids before her first look with Andrew. Although there were hints of the forthcoming Spring, the crisp day in the park just North of the venue was quiet making it a perfect setting for some pictures with their bridal party. The sweeping Hudson River views were on display during their ceremony which makes The Lighthouse pretty unparalleled in this regard. Superior Florist lit up the dark feel of the event space with their clean white color scape while the band 45 Riots, one of my favorites, kept the dance floor alive all night.