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.

Roundhouse Wedding : Don & Anthony : Beacon, NY

A summer wedding at The Roundhouse in Beacon, NY.

I was fortunate to photograph FIVE weddings at The Roundhouse in The Hudson Valley this season. It’s been amazing to see this venue and its reach grow as a wide variety of couples come to Beacon and put their spin on this wonderful space.

On this particular occasion, Don & Anthony came up from NYC along with their family and friends for what was a sophisticated outdoor/indoor event on the Roundhouse terrace and loft. Flying solo that day, I photographed both of their prep before we united for a first look off the main hotel building. I always remark that the possibilities are endless on this property and you really feel that on an August afternoon mid-day. As the sun moves around it casts shadows and highlights various facades in ways that you don’t expect and is exciting to someone like me who visits the location many times over. While there are certainly some popular spots for photos, I always seem to find some new variation based on the conditions that afternoon.

Looking back over the photos of the day I’m reminded of just how many genuine expressions of joy there were to photograph. While wedding photography is certainly my job, its being able to document and preserve these types of moments that helps blur the line between work and pleasure while I’m on the clock.

Don & Anthony looked to the talents of Kraft & Co for decorating the space, After Party Band of Around Town Entertainment to keep the dance floor packed and my buddy Carrie of The Roundhouse who makes the event come together in a way that is effortless.

New York Athletic Club Wedding : Katherine & Brian : New York, NY

Katherine & Brian were married in July with a ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at New York Athletic Club on Central Park South in NYC.

I’m always impressed by the expression of elegance that a NYAC wedding exudes. Katherine and Brian’s looked poised throughout and their beautifully decorated ballroom set a beautiful yet relaxed tone for their guests. Katherine and Brian got ready in suites at the club and met for a first look on the rooftop with the expansive view of the Central Park below. Fortunately, 7th ave and the Southern edge of the park offer plenty to work with for portraits and we were able to dot across the street quickly before the rain.

The Kirkland Chapel at 5th Ave Pres is stunning and perfectly suited for a typical NYC wedding with a size and shape that allows the pews to fill nicely. In addition to the scope of the space, I find the clergy here to conduct a ceremony that feels especially warm and personal. With family and friends congregated, we photographed their vows and then finished up with some family photos at the altar before heading back to New York Athletic Club.

Rainbow Room Wedding : Morgan & Shawn : New York, NY

Morgan & Shawn were married on a lovely summer afternoon in New York City at The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.

There’s something about the Rainbow Room. Perched high above everything with the Empire State Building not just in view but seemingly a guest at the party, I can’t think of any other place that gives this “gala” feel quite the same way. This wedding was a study in iconic NYC locations with getting ready at the Lotte New York Palace, a ceremony at the stunning St Ignatius of Loyola, portraits in Central Park and then of course the reception at the penthouse of Rock Center. I was joined by my colleagues of Frank Ahn Films to document this day which enjoyed the likes of LLG Events, House of Flowers, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes and Soulsystem Orchestra to make it a one of a kind evening.