NYC Locations : Engagement Sessions : New York, NY
With so many locations in New York City for engagement photoshoots, we have plenty of options and flexibility for choosing that one perfect spot that best echoes a couple’s sensibilities. I wanted to tour through some options I receive a many requests for so you can see which one might be right for you.
Central Park is the most popular picks for an engagement session—and for good reason. I love the fact that there are so many ways to feature the park and the city that surrounds it. Over the course of an hour, we can go from a city street to Bow Bridge, with stops along the way filled with lush colors and iconic images like the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. 
We call the area between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridge, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), but for such a curious name, it really does provide sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, bridges, and cobblestone streets that are simply perfect for engagement shoots. It’s been bustling lately because of a boom in development and new ferry service in the area, but if you go early in the work week or in the morning, you’ll have it all to yourself. 
Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side is another one of those unknown hideaways frequented by locals but untouched by visiting tourists. The way the light sneaks through the buildings late in the day is a big draw for me as a photographer, as is the fact that the East River runs alongside the park. 
This is one of my favorite places in the city in general. With lofts, warehouses, converted industrial spaces, and little to no tourist attractions, the TriBeCa neighborhood feels almost isolated, yet rich in the feeling of Old New York. We can stand in the street for long stretches without having to run away from cars, and when the sun comes down, the alleys and narrow streets turn moody and romantic.
The West Village has become very popular for engagement sessions to capture that classic Sex and the City look. You can never get enough of the cobblestone or the front stoops of gorgeous town homes. Sweaters in the fall and crisp, collared shirts in the spring are always a good look here. 
With its infamous ironclad oasis, Gramercy Park can’t actually be entered, but it’s beautiful just outside the gates as well. Since it’s so quiet and exclusive, this is perfect if you don’t want a million eyes on you as you canoodle in front of a camera for an hour.
The redeveloped elevated trackway otherwise known as Highline Park, running from Meatpacking up to Hudson Yards, has been a staple location since it first opened and has become a major destination for out-of-towners. On weekends it can be a little busy, but on a blustery winter day, it’s absolutely perfect—just us and a few diehard joggers. 
Grand Central Terminal amazes me every time I enter it. There is something about the way the building is nestled between all those modern skyscrapers and whisks people away to the serenity of the burbs that makes it so enchanting. It’s famous the world over, so be prepared—everyone’s families always go crazy for photos in the space.
A lot of 20- and 30-somethings working the infamous 12-hour NYC work days in Midtown tend to have crash pads close to work. A lot of the high-rise buildings have stunning common areas, which are perfect for the end of any session. Obviously, we can’t just waltz into any of these places, but if you live in one, it’s a golden opportunity.
Some couples like to take photos at the spot of their first date or a favorite date location. It’s great to have an environment with a personal meaning, but be warned—you sometimes have to reserve the space on off hours or make other arrangements. For example, I met up with a couple at the Jane Hotel to shoot in their roof bar and get a few pictures in some of the dramatic spaces throughout the hotel. 
Finally, the hallowed grounds of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during that magical week where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom is a must-have for many a couple. It takes a little planning, a permit, and an early morning session to avoid the crowds, but it’s well worth it.
No matter what spot you choose, one thing is always true: the more comfortable you feel and the deeper the personal connection to your surroundings, the better you’ll look in your pictures. It’s up to you to choose the place that best fits your personality—and there are truly so many to choose from.
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
Central Park Boathouse Wedding : Kelli and Matt : New York, NY
Kelli and Matt were married on March 31st, with a ceremony at St. Ignatius Loyola and a reception at Central Park Boathouse.
I was particularly excited about this wedding because it is the first wedding of the season for me—and at one of my favorite venues! I’d spent the winter doing a bit of traveling and catching up on blogging, as well as shooting a few corporate assignments, so I was ready to get back into weddings. Stay tuned, because we’re going to be visiting amazing locations all across the tri-state area, and I’m so excited about this coming year! To get more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram.
I started out at the Carlyle Hotel as Kelli and Matt were getting ready. This exclusive and classic New York City property is just steps away from Central Park, and it really is a sight to see. If you’ve been to the art deco Bemelman’s Bar with its 24-karat gold-covered ceilings, you’ve been to the Carlyle. It was the perfect place to stage a first look—right inside Kelli’s suite—and to grab a few pictures in the lobby and out front with the vintage taxi cab.
We headed to the grand Church of St. Ignatius Loyala on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. A wedding at this particular venue is one that guests never forget, with its limestone edifice, towering organ pipes, and Gothic design. The whole thing was completed in 1900 and is simply covered in European and African marbles, the perfect backdrop for family pictures at the altar.
From there, as we were on our way to the Central Park Boathouse to party the night away, I captured my favorite image of the day: Kelli and Matt exiting the church in the rain, walking down the steps toward their taxi with an umbrella. I love it, because it tells the story of their whole day in a single image: showing a bit of the church architecture, playing up the black-tie vibe, and including the vintage New York City taxi out front.
I know people want to have beautiful weather on their wedding day, but there is something especially romantic about a rainy New York City wedding. Between the vintage taxi and black umbrella, there is a certain mood that I love to capture, and I truly can’t get enough of the black and white that really sums up the classic feeling of the weather. Of course, the rain also led us to take pictures that we wouldn’t usually go for as we found ways to utilize the venue outside of the norm. Kelli and Matt took to it instantly, and we got some beautiful images.
When we got to the party after the ceremony, the folks from Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn had brought their truck to Central Park and were putting together the fresh, Maine-caught lobster rolls as everyone danced inside. There really is nothing your guests (and photographer) want more at the end of a long day than to step outside for a buttery roll filled to the brim with lobster!
Thank you, Kelli & Matt, for asking me to be part of your amazing wedding! Thanks also to Joan Schecher of Setting the Scene Wedding and Event Planning. I recently worked with Joan at Tarrytown House Estate, and this was yet another beautiful, seamless wedding with her!
Vendors
Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar
Florist: Lenox Hill Florists
Band: Faze 4
Videography: NST Pictures
Transportation: New York Checker Film Cars
Wedding Dress: Rivini
Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique Lhuillier & Two Birds Bridesmaid
Groom's Attire: Trunk Club Custom
Food: Red Hook Lobster
Wedding at the Roundhouse Beacon Falls : Veronica and Louis : Beacon, NY
Veronica and Louis were married on July 9th, with a ceremony and reception at Roundhouse Beacon Falls. Veronica was actually the sister of one of my old brides—Jennifer, who was married back in 2011 at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. It was an honor to be asked to photograph their family again, not to mention a joy to see Jennifer and Korey again, with not just one by two kids in tow! Watching couples expand from a family of two to three or more is one of the best parts of the job.
I was also excited about shooting at the Roundhouse, since I’ve wanted to visit it for years. I love the little town of Beacon, tucked about an hour up the Hudson River Valley from Manhattan, not to mention the venue itself. The ballroom has been made to feel rustic and industrial despite being a modern construction, and the bridal suite is stunning, with a large patio overlooking the waterfall just out front.
On the day of the wedding, Veronica got ready at the bridal suite with her young nieces. I loved how curious they were about the whole thing, and I’m sure they’ll remember looking on in awe as their aunt got ready! Veronica and Louis had opted not to have a first look as they wanted to preserve that moment of walking down the aisle. But that didn't mean Veronica wouldn't have a moment with her father as he came outside to see her all dressed up for the first time. That was my favorite image of the day, especially because you could see Veronica’s reflection in the window so that you can see both of their expressions.
The weather called for rain, so the ceremony was held inside in front of the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that pulled the outside in. As the sun came down, guests made their way outside for cocktail hour, and by the time they re-entered the ballroom, it was transformed for dinner!
The greatest thing about documenting this particular wedding was seeing the close family bonds that they share. There were so many grandparents as well as deep, loving relationships between parents and their children, and it was touching to witness.
Louis & Veronica, thank you for honoring me by letting me be part of your celebrations. And thank you to the Delahoz family for inviting me to photograph another family wedding.
Vendors
Caterer: Roundhouse
Florist: Frank's House of Flowers
DJ: Josh Torres
Cinematography: Frank Ahn Films
Wedding Gown: Rosa Clara
Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Pappell and Jenny Yoo
Makeup & Hair: Britt & Ellie
Wedding at The Garrison : Kim and Jason : Garrison, NY
Kim and Jason were married on October 15th, with a ceremony and reception at The Garrison in the Hudson Valley. I had been excited about shooting at The Garrison since Kim & Jason approached me about shooting their wedding back in 2015. Not only are the views magnificent, but one of my great joys in life is driving up the Hudson River in October. Though, honestly, the view isn’t my favorite thing about the venue—it’s Todd, the venue manager, who is on top of everything and so easy to work with.
On the day of the wedding, my great friend, Diane Stredicke, came with me to help me capture the whole day. We started out with Kim and Jason as they got ready, with Kim at the Garrison and Jason at the Hyatt House in Fishkill, NY, before we met up for a first look on the Garrison grounds.
After the first look, we hopped in the golf cart to tour the grounds for some pictures before the ceremony. Driving the golf cart is sort of one of my favorite things ever, and we had a blast together! As the sun nestled down in the perfect spot for the ceremony overlooking the Hudson River Valley, guests started to file in. Then, the ceremony itself was so touching and personal. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place—even mine! I do 40 weddings a year, and I need a tissue from time to time! They shared their first kiss, and then I ushered them away for a few pictures of the newlyweds as the sunset slipped away to dusk. I love those moments immediately after the ceremony when a couple has just become husband and wife. There is a closeness and nearness that is special—especially when paired with the golden light of the end of the day. The décor at this wedding was simply beautiful and made for the best pictures. It’s so easy to get carried away with the fall themes, but Kim’s choices were so tasteful, with fall colors and berries, mixed with greens and subtle flower varieties in orange. From there, it was on to the reception, where I didn’t fully anticipate the energy that would ensue on the dance floor. It was so easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement—and before I knew it, it was over far too soon! Kim & Jason, it was a joy shooting your wedding in the most gorgeous spot upstate in autumn. Thank you for the opportunity to document your day. And thank you also to 15 Minutes of Frame for helping us to capture that in video and record those memories.
