River Cafe Wedding : Ashley & Ben : Brooklyn, NY
Ashley & Ben were married on May 13th, with a ceremony and reception at the River Café in Brooklyn, New York photographed by Brian Hatton Photography. I started off the day at the stylish new 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. I love shooting here because of all the backdrops and textures available for photography. Also, it’s not often that I get to experience a completely new property here in NYC! With its industrial, modern design, as well as its living walls and amazing rooftop, this hotel has instantly become a go-to “getting ready” spot for weddings in the Brooklyn Bridge Park area. Once Ashley was ready, we staged a first look at the hotel under the covered entryway, then hopped in an Uber to head around DUMBO for photos near Jane’s Carousel and under the Manhattan Bridge. Even though it was raining, the bride and groom were both good sports and ready to try anything. So, we kept right on—they had an umbrella, and I had fully-weather sealed cameras. I might have gotten a little wet, but we were good to go! Besides, I always find New York to be romantic in the rain. Their ceremony took place under the tent at the River Café with the Brooklyn Bridge towering above. One of my favorite moments was at the very end, once Ashley and Ben were married, when Ben threw his fist in the air to the cheers of their guests. He was too excited to hold his emotions in. That set the tone for the fun reception filled with off-the-cuff toasts and a no-holds-barred dance floor. Throughout the entire day, I enjoyed the opportunity to photograph every single person there. That is one of my favorite parts of shooting small weddings: every single person in attendance was important to Ashley and Ben, so I had a great time pursuing each moment and expression to capture those personal interactions. Ben caught some light-spirited flack from his best man over his new vegan lifestyle (thanks to his bride). But the River Café provided a beautiful dish to accommodate those meal preferences—one of the many benefits of having a wedding at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Of course, I must praise the talented ladies of Exquisite Affairs Productions once again. No matter how big or small the wedding, having an extra hand to help with the dress and move family around with an eye on the schedule goes a long way. This was two weekends in a row with these amazing women, and I love every second of that partnership. Thank you, Ben & Ashley, for having me photograph your intimate day. Congratulations to you both!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Exquisite Affairs ProductionsFlorist: OpaliaBand: Elan Artists
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding : Lena and David : Brooklyn, NY
Lena and David were married on May 6th, with a ceremony and reception at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The day started out with a bang as Lena got ready at the Box House Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. She’d had to change her “getting ready” venue at the last minute, because the original hotel had flooded out the day before! I’m glad it all worked out, though, and the new venue perfectly complemented her and her stunning pair of gold and black titanium micro pavé wedding rings. We moved from there to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden so that Lena could finish getting dressed in their brand new bridal suite. The renovations—new carpets, walls, and chandelier—make a huge difference, and I loved photographing the new space. Once Lena was ready, we staged a first look and headed to the Cherry Esplanade. The iconic rows of cherry blossom trees had just dropped their blossoms a few days earlier, leaving the ground decorated in a soft pink. The whole first look was simply striking, in a sea of blooming purple. I found a spot in the distance to get low and capture a big, wide shot of the scene. As we headed back to the venue for the ceremony, I saw some of the guests coming in with large-brimmed hats and other Kentucky Derby-themed attire. After all, it was Derby Day, so Lena and David had encouraged their guests to dress the part. The ceremony itself took place outside under a beautiful chuppah as the sun came down and a guitar/cello duo, NY Ceremony Music, set the mood. My favorite image of the day was right at the end of the ceremony—when Lena and David gave each other a high five. That moment right after they are married is often when I get some of my most genuine expressions of the day. From there, it was off to the reception back inside the Palm House. They had a unique setup, with various themed food stations—an Asian food cart, Provencal cuisine, Moroccan food, and more. I love it when couples do something different for a nice change of pace like that! As a surprise to the guests, the Three Waiters blended in as catering staff—only to break out into operatic song to serenade the room! A number of ladies made no secret of their delight for these gentlemen when that happened. Once the dancing got started, I was pleasantly surprised by the crazy moves I was seeing out on the dance floor. It’s not often I see guests trying to disrobe the groom! LOL David was cool with it, though— amazing. It was clear these friends have a ton of fun together. This was yet another wedding courtesy of Exquisite Affairs Productions. We collaborate several times per year, and Christine, Tara, and Janine make my job so much easier as they keep all the moving parts together and pull out an awesome party for everyone involved. David & Lena, thank you for the chance to photograph your Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding. You brought a totally different vibe to the classic gardens, like being at a fun dinner party, and I loved your unique spin on everything. Congratulations to both of you!
Vendors:
Catering: Patina Group Event Planners: Exquisite Affairs Productions Hair & Makeup: Sachiko Yanese Video: First Day Films DJ: 74 Evemts Florist: Rebecca Shepherd Photobooth: We Love Photobooths Transportation: Luxor Limo Buses: Brownin Transportation
Central Park Boathouse Wedding : Gillian & Cameron : New York, NY
Gillian and Cameron were married at Church of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a reception at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. We got ready at the Nylo Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side neighborhood, just a few blocks from the church. All that was required was a quick Uber ride off to the hidden gem that is the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. After the ceremony and some portraits at the altar, Gillian and Cameron took a tour with me of some of New York’s most iconic sites before we headed uptown. They were such good sports to go through the city even though the weather was inclement, and I think it was absolutely worth it. Taking couples out in to the streets of New York City is perhaps one of the biggest pluses of having your wedding here. Tourists feel like they’ve hit gold when they spot newlyweds out and about and make sure to treat the bride and groom like celebrities. Native New Yorkers, on the other hand, see couples all the time and let us do our thing -- never complaining if I need someone to move a little bit for a shot. While we were out, we visited Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. If you’re visiting NYC, the roof deck is the place to be for the amazing views of the Empire State Building and the 1 World Trade Center (Freedom Tower). My favorite image of the night was up inside the Observation Deck. There’s something magical about that view, and I love how the picture window framed them up so nicely. We took a quick taxi ride to Times Square, then a ride on the Q train on the new 2nd Avenue Line to the Upper East Side, taking a quick detour for a gondola ride right up to the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, where 45 Riots was on hand to keep the dance floor packed non-stop. Out on the dance floor, Gillian and Cameron owned their first dance. Brides and grooms will often spice things up, but their tango took the cake. I felt like I was watching Dancing with the Stars! Gillian & Cameron, thank you for letting me be part of your day, and thank you especially for being such good sports about shooting outside despite the weather. It was wonderful to be able to showcase you in our wonderful city.
Vendors
Cake: Cake AlchemyFlorist: Cress FlowersStationary: Bella Figura Hair: Emily CarcaramoMakeup: Michelle SternBand: 45 RiotsWedding Dress: LazaroBride's Shoes: Jimmy ChooRings: Weber GoldsmithGroom's Attire: The Black Tux
Liberty Warehouse Wedding : Claire and Alex : Brooklyn, NY
Claire and Alex were married on April 22nd, with a ceremony and reception at the Liberty Warehouse.
The entire day took place at the Liberty Warehouse in the Red Hook Neighborhood of Brooklyn. The warehouse is just across the street from Hometown BBQ, the favorite after-wedding pit stop of photographers, so I was intimately familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells as I arrived at the cavernous bridal suite about an hour before the guests were set to arrive. I was particularly struck by the back of Claire’s Sareh Nouri dress, with its unique, intricate lace paneling. Alex, of course, looked stunning as well, wearing a suit by famed master tailor Martin Greenfield—who dressed the last two presidents! Because they wanted to preserve that emotional moment when they saw each other for the first time as Claire made her way down the aisle, we decided to forgo the first look for the two of them. It was the perfect decision for Claire and Alex, as that pure, open emotion was captured for everyone to see in the moment. After the ceremony, I grabbed the two of them for some pictures before the party got started. There is truly something special about taking portraits of a bride and groom once they’re actually married. All you need is the time and a beautiful location, and you have the perfect material to work with as that in-the-moment emotion shines through. Although the weather had forced us to have the ceremony indoors, I loved how the arched window perfectly framed them for a unique silhouette. The party continued into the night on the dance floor, underneath the warm glow of dozens of oversized Edison bulbs. As for food, Claire and Alex opted for baklava and cannolis instead of a cake, in a nod to both of their backgrounds. The guest gobbled them up even faster than you’d typically see of a cake!
Thank you, Claire & Alex, for trusting me with this special occasion. I love being able to step into a wedding and let the day unfold organically, and you were both wonderful to roll with the day as it came!
Vendors:
Cake - Cannoli from Ferdinando's
Baklava - Damascus Bakery
Florist - Stems
Stationary - Minted
Makeup & Hair - Agata Helena
Lighting - Pegasus
Band - DJ Neza
Wedding Dress - Sareh Nouri
Bridesmaids Dresses - Monique Lhullier
Rings - Marian Maurer & Elleven Jewelry
Groom's Attire - Martin Greenfield
Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church Wedding : Jessica and Kwame : New York, NY
Jessica and Kwame were married on April 8th, with a ceremony at Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in New York City and a reception at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn. I was particularly touched that Jessica had asked me to be her wedding photographer, because she has been the event director for years at one of my favorite wedding venues: Studio Square in Long Island City. With a job like that, she has to meet scores and scores of photographers, so I was honored that of everyone, she chose me for her own wedding. When I first met Jessica and Kwame, I instantly felt like a longtime friend. These two simply exude joy and love for everyone around them, and based on what everyone who spoke at their wedding said, my experience wasn’t unique, either—they are just like this. On the day of the wedding, Jessica got ready at Le Parker Meridien in Midtown Manhattan overlooking Central Park, while Kwame was with his family and best man nearby at the Renaissance New York Hotel 57. When Jessica was ready, she emerged in her dress to the cheers of a couple dozen members of her family, who had arrived to greet her and wish her well before they headed to the ceremony. As we rolled up in the Rolls Royce with Jessica and her father, I was taken aback by Saint Jean Baptiste, the ceremony location. The bright afternoon sun was hitting the venue in just the perfect way, showing off a stunning façade that looked like it was plucked out of Europe and dropped in New York City. I had never been to the striking church before, and I’ll never forget the special feeling of the place. Jessica and Kwame had opted not to have a first look, which is fairly typical of Catholic weddings. This is due in part to tradition, but it’s also a matter of the simple fact that most Masses are relatively early, which leaves ample time for pictures and other activities before cocktail hour. Whatever the case, I’m glad that they waited, because the moment Kwame saw Jessica walking down the aisle was so emotional and beautiful to capture. I wasn’t the only one who thought that moment was amazing. It was pretty cool to see tons of guests photographing Jessica walking down the aisle like a queen. There’s a trend toward more “unplugged” ceremonies recently, and I do think that’s appropriate for the more intimate weddings, but the excitement of all the guests wanting to get their own piece of the moment was too fun! After the ceremony, Jessica and Kwame moved over to Central Park with the bridal party and their families for portraits. The sun was low on the horizon, so it was the perfect time to be there for some stunning portraits. While we were shooting portraits, the guests had all been shuttled to Giando’s on the Water for cocktails, nestled on the Williamsburg waterfront with a commanding view of the Manhattan skyline. We made the trip over to Brooklyn with Jessica and Kwame for the reception—and I knew as soon as I saw MA Entertainment setting up an extensive system of moving lights above the dance floor that things were about to get really exciting. I wasn’t disappointed. As soon as the bridal party was introduced, there was an explosion of energy on the dance floor like almost nothing I have ever seen before. It went on for hours until I was done for the night, and I could still feel the music in my bones from the SIX enormous subwoofers the DJ brought long after I went home. In all that dancing and excitement, I was able to capture my favorite image of the day: just a glimpse of Jessica and Kwame dancing together with their friends. Even though most of the day is spent with the bride and groom front and center, I love it when I get the chance to show off a couple totally wrapped up in a moment and unaware of the photographer hiding nearby. Throughout the day, I also loved working with McKenzie Miller Films. McKenzie’s work is beautiful, yes, but she is also super professional and easy to work with, especially because she just understands the rhythm of the day—which makes teaming up with her nearly effortless! Be sure to check out her highlights film from this wedding here: http://mckenziemillerfilms.com/jessica-kwame/ Jessica & Kwame, thank you for asking me to be your wedding photographer! It was a true privilege to document the personalities that surround you as well as to experience the truth warmth and love that you pour out on all your friends and family.
Vendors
Event Planner: Jennifer Graham
Cake: Villabate Alba Bakery
Florist: Quinn Florist
Stationary: Bella Figura
Hair: Carmela Pedulla
Makeup: Christy Ann Cosmetics
Lighting & DJ: MA Entertainment
Videography: McKenzie Miller Films
Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera
Bride's Shoes: Chanel
Rings: Said Komery Jewelry
Groom's Attire: Bespoke Tux by Mt Ned's Fine Tailoring
Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo