NY Athletic Club Wedding : Jackie & Mike : New York, Ny

The New York Athletic Club sits at the southeast corner of Central Park — 180 Central Park South — and it does not understate itself. The ballroom has a coffered and painted ceiling that runs the full length of the room, a dozen chandeliers, and windows that look directly into the park. It's the kind of room that sets an expectation for the evening before anyone sits down.

Jackie and Mike were married on a Saturday in June. Both got ready at the NYAC itself, on separate floors. The first look happened on the outdoor terrace. Mike had his back to her, turned around, saw her, and wiped his eye.

The ceremony was at St. Paul the Apostle on 59th Street — full Catholic Mass, tall nave, white orchid arrangements on pedestals at the altar. Jackie walked in on her father's arm to the Bridal Chorus, pink peonies in hand. Father Chris Krall officiated. There's a frame from the middle of the ceremony — the two of them seated side by side on the altar, turned slightly toward each other, congregation a blur behind them — that I kept coming back to in the edit.

After the ceremony it was time to hop in the iconic vintage checkered cab from Film Cars NY. These cars have been working the roads of NYC for decades including in countless movies like Home Alone 2. We drove across to Central Park and went straight down to Bethesda Terrace. The arcade tunnel frames the fountain through the arch and the light was hitting the stonework right for that time of afternoon. Then up to Bow Bridge — where Mike had proposed — which from the right distance reduces two people in a ballgown and a tuxedo to a very small detail against a lot of summer green. The veil was doing its own thing the entire time.

Lauren Zizza had the evening running exactly the way a room this size needs to run. Cocktail hour in the Card Room with the East Coast Band's piano and saxophone setup, then the full nine-piece for the reception. Jackie and Mike came in to "Jubel" — Mike's arm was up before he was fully through the door — and danced their first dance to Natalie Cole. There was a lift at the end. The room had circled the floor and it stayed there.

Venue: New York Athletic Club

Ceremony: St. Paul the Apostle

Planning: Lauren Zizza Events

Florals: Ariston Flowers

Band: East Coast Band

Cake: Empire Cake

Videography: First Day Films

Photobooth: Flux Photobooth

Hair: Jvalldi Styling

Makeup: Karla Duarte 

Harold Pratt House Wedding : Claire & Alec : New York, NY

Claire & Alec were married at The Harold Pratt House on NYC’s Upper East Side off of Park Avenue in the Spring.

The Pratt House carries the atmosphere of an old New York social club, yet without any of the formality or fuss. No members to bump into, no chatter at the bar. Instead, it offers a kind of quiet, old-world charm and a protected, almost secret feel that makes it perfect for an intimate guest list.

From the moment guests arrived, the building set the tone. A sweeping staircase greeted them in the entryway, inviting everyone upward toward dinner and dancing. On this day, though, the ceremony unfolded on the ground floor — intimate and elegant — before cocktails were shared in the cozy library. Jane Lee of Poppy Flowers filled the rooms with her signature touch, florals that felt both refined and alive. Relish Catering paired it with a thoughtful, plant-based menu that kept the atmosphere relaxed and modern.

With Central Park just a few blocks away, slipping out for portraits along Fifth Avenue was a natural choice — a chance to bring a little of the city’s energy into the quiet magic of the day. Photographing Claire & Alec’s wedding felt like being invited into something rare: intimate, unhurried, and centered on the people who matter most.

Lafayette Grand Cafe Wedding : Caroline & Richard : New York, NY

Caroline & Richard held their wedding at Lafayette Grand Cafe in New York, NY.

My first conversation with Caroline & Richard was so comfortable and easy. I knew this would be a wedding I’d enjoy covering. A wedding at Lafayette is as upscale as it is relaxed. I love that you can have an exquisite meal with family and friends served in such a way that says “welcome to my home”.

I began this particular day of coverage jumping head first into family photos. From time to time I’ll meet a couple that would prefer to allocate time to the party coverage in lieu of the getting ready session. Either way is ok with me. We walked over to Washington Mews just North of Washington Square Park off of 5th Ave. I’ll never forget stumbling upon this picturesque, Old World European style side street and I’m still slightly taken off guard each time I return here. Being a stones throw (or so) from Lafayette, it’s a great option for a photo session backdrop.

The Milling Room Wedding : New York, NY

Rachel & Jake were married at The Milling Room on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Although I’ve since moved, I still get the “home” pangs when I’m on the UWS so when I was asked to photograph this Milling Room wedding, I was thrilled. I’m seeing more and more couples opt for a wedding that is more of a dressed up slice of every day life. Stepping into a restaurant space feels familiar, approachable and comfortable. And, you also get the benefit of amazing food and restaurant service. The Milling Room’s proximity to Central Park made that an easy choice for portraits. After saying their vows and a few toasts, they were able to spend time at each table hanging out with friends and family. Enjoy this sophisticated slice of Rachel & Jake’s life.

Wedding Planner: Sarah Stefanski, Big Apple Bride Events
Photographer: Brian Hatton
Wedding Venue: The Milling Room

Housing works Bookstore Wedding: New York, NY

This off the cuff New York City wedding was held at Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo. It rained and it poured and that was just fine.

My first wedding at Housingworks was many years (decade+) ago and I’ve always loved the vibe of the place. For a long while the bookstore was my go to spot for meetings. It was particularly fun to return here with a couple that was entirely focused on having a good time. With me dragging all my stuff and the bride in heels, we walked through pouring rain to a local dive by the name of 169 Bar to hang out for a few photos before kicking off the celebration. This type of day is what makes me grin when people ask what my favorite kind of wedding is because what I truly enjoy is the extreme variety I get to see here in NYC. The day before I was arranging a cathedral length veil for altar photos. It takes a totally different mindset and approach and being a bit of a photographic chameleon is right up my alley.