11/16/17 11/16/17

Mandarin Oriental New York Wedding : Stacy & Stan : New York, NY

Stacy and Stan were married on October 7^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Mandarin Oriental New York.

The great thing about a wedding in a space like the Mandarin Oriental is that everything takes place on-site, and the facilities are gorgeous throughout. With an amazing space to work with, and with Andrea Freeman’s team keeping the day on track and stress-free, I was amazed at how beautiful this wedding was—in the main events and behind the scenes as well.

Stacy got ready in one of the spacious suites, while Stan got ready on another floor. Even though there was a lot of activity and plenty of people getting ready, we managed to slow down and keep one side clean so we could get some final “getting ready” images of Stacy in the wraparound light. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park truly make for some stunning bridal pictures.

From there, we made our way to the hotel terrace for a first look, with the buildings of the Time Warner Center towering around us. The bridal party joined us as we made our way across the street to Central Park for some portraits before we headed back to the Mandarin for the ceremony itself.

Normally, the curtains are raised for ceremonies at the Mandarin, but I really liked the moody feel they created by keeping them lowered. It drew attention to the ceremony itself, not the surroundings. Of course, that just meant everyone had a perfect view of Stan’s reaction coming down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. You could tell he was excited and ready to celebrate—it was my favorite moment of the whole day.

I think the real heart of the day was the reception. Stacy and Stan and their families were in their element, and everyone in the room took part in the celebrations. It was high energy, nonstop.

At some weddings, the different sides of the event more or less keep to themselves—but not so with this reception. Here, everyone became one. Work friends, old friends, Russian family, Korean family—everyone was not only out on the dance floor but dancing around with each other. I especially loved to see the connection made between their siblings, with lots of love flowing both ways.

Stan & Stacy, thank you for trusting me to capture your wedding day. It was amazing to be part of such a wonderful celebration of joy and love.

mandarin oriental new york wedding brian hatton photo

Vendors:

Planning: Andrea Freeman Events

Cake: Fancy Cakes

Florist: Ariston Flowers

Stationary: East Six

Makeup: Kimara Ahnert

Officiant: Corey Kennedy

Lighting: Fusion Productions

Band: Kevin Osborne at Hank Lane

Videography: Clark Walter Studio

Wedding Dress: Wedding Salon of Manhasset

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Groom's Suit: Enzo Custom

11/11/17 11/11/17

Oheka Castle Wedding : Nichole & Michael : Huntington, NY

oheka castle wedding brian hatton photo

Nichole and Michael were married on September 30^th, with a ceremony and reception at the Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York. I was particularly honored to be chosen for this wedding, because Michael is a photographer himself, and whenever a fellow creative trusts me to capture these important moments, I take that trust seriously. And it turned out to be the perfect match of a couple, a venue, and the weather, too. Even though rain is one of those things that no one really wants on their wedding day, to say that the clouds passing over Oheka that day were dramatic would be an understatement. They added a whole new dimension to the famous castle that perfectly suited Michael, since he loves landscapes and travel. As the clouds rolled in, Nichole got ready in the bridal suite, while Michael and the guys put on the final touches downstairs. Nichole looked stunning in her Monique Lhuillier wedding gown—elegant and soft, complementing the atmosphere of the wedding perfectly. Just as we set up our first look, almost on cue, the rain came to a stop, and we were able to go outside. I tend to tread lightly in situations like this, because I completely understand if a bride isn’t up for being outside in her dress moments after a storm has passed, but Nichole didn’t even flinch as we marched outside onto the wet grounds for some amazing photos all the same. Soon after that, the guests began to arrive for the ceremony, and once again, the skies parted just enough for this moment. The sun shone through, illuminating Nichole and almost nothing else as she stood with Michael during the ceremony. Those pictures are not altered—that’s what it really looked like. After the ceremony ended, I couldn’t help but steal Nichole and Michael for a few more photos as the drama in the sky continued to unfold. One of my favorite photos of the whole day was the one of the two of them as Nichole’s veil blew in the wind. I loved how clean and smooth this looks in black and white, with the action of the veil completing the look. Now that I’d sated my dramatic photographer needs, it was time for the reception. The speeches were touching, and there was plenty of laughter and good times to go around. I was even thrilled to see that a former couple of mine got out on the dance floor. Nichole & Michael, I had so much fun shooting for you. I look forward to following your travels through the years to come on Instagram! oheka castle wedding brian hatton photo

Vendors:

Florist: Flowers by Brian

Stationary: Ceci New York, Bella Figura, EAST SIX

Hair & Makeup: VickyC5

Lighting: Ambient Events

Band: Hank Lane Music

Cinema: 15 Minutes of Frame

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale

Groom's Attire: Sebastien Grey Clothiers

Strings: Highline String Quartet

Photobooth: Sweet Booths

11/4/17 11/4/17

Williamsburg Engagement Session : Ally & Danny : Brooklyn, New York

williamsburg engagement session brian hatton photo

I met up with Ally and Danny on October 18^th for an engagement session in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York.

One of the greatest things about photographing engagement sessions in New York City is the wide variety of locations available. In this case, Ally and Danny wanted a completely different feeling from their upcoming wedding at the Central Park Boathouse in the spring. So, for their engagement session, the neighborhood of Williamsburg brought a totally distinct vibe.

We met up at the new Williams Vale Hotel, where we shot upstairs in the bar, relaxed, grabbed drinks, and looked around for interesting picture opportunities while the late afternoon sun streamed in. You never know what kind of things might pop up—like a photo op waiting for an elevator.

The hotel’s landscaped deck was one flight up from the street and was the perfect place to hang out and grab some Master Dips for a mid-session bite before we ventured out into the neighborhood. It was the perfect opportunity to find some quiet and for Ally and Danny to take a moment to get comfortable without a bunch of people around.

As the light began to dissipate, we wandered past the Wythe Hotel, looking for interesting backdrops. It was such a nice fall afternoon, and we were able to watch the sun go down at East River State Park in great moods after such a productive session.

One of the reasons I like to shoot so late in the day is that the light keeps changing, creating different moods as we go along. It doesn’t take a lot of time to get unique and varied looks. I especially love that, as we get up to the edge of how much light we’re able to shoot in, the session takes on a quiet, intimate feeling, perfect for engagement shoots.

I’m always busy in the fall with engagement sessions—I think I photographed four this week—but it’s my favorite season of the year. I love the chance to get to know my couples before their upcoming wedding and to give them some more casual pictures for save the dates, wedding websites, and invitations.

Danny & Ally, thank you for asking me to be your engagement photographer. I truly enjoyed spending the evening out with you.

williamsburg engagement session brian hatton photo

Vendors:

Mister Dips

The William Vale

Wythe Hotel

East River State Park

10/25/17 10/25/17

Glen Oaks Club Wedding : Hailey & David : Old Westbury, NY

Glen Oaks Club Wedding Brian Hatton Photo

Hailey and David were married on September 9th, with a ceremony and reception at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, NY.

These two were referred to me by a former bride of mine, Katharine Gray, who has also referred many of her other friends. As a wedding photographer, it’s the nicest compliment to know that she appreciates my work and trusts me with her friends’ pictures. And, of course, I sincerely appreciate it.

I met up with Hailey in the locker room of the beautiful Glen Oaks Club after she had gotten her hair done at a local salon. There, she got her makeup done and got into her dress, while David was nearby getting ready at the Viana Hotel in Westbury. We staged a first look on the golf course, followed by some photos with the bridal party on the back patio of the club before going inside for some family pictures.

The Glen Oaks golf course is one of the heralded treasures of the area. In fact, while we were taking pictures for the wedding, we saw preparations getting underway throughout the grounds for an upcoming US Open. It was a warm, familiar space for Hailey, too, because many people in her family are longtime members of the club.

The sunlight was just beginning to dim when we finished with our pictures, which set the stage for the ceremony, beautifully decorated by Atlas Florals. The stunning chuppah was just a preview of what was to come, as the ballroom was absolutely overflowing with flowers. It took three full days to load everything in and set up—with great emphasis on the jaw-dropping ceiling arrangement.

I really enjoyed photographing Hailey & David's ceremony. Cantor Schwartz brought some beautiful, glistening qualities to the wedding that had some excited guests in the back on their feet with delight. And yet they never lost that intimate feeling during the ceremony—which is especially impressive when you have a room full of a couple hundred other people.

Thank you, Hailey & David, for allowing me to be part of your love story. It was a pleasure to come to your home for your engagement session, and I enjoyed photographing your spirited, absolutely beautiful wedding.

Vendors:

Florist: Atlas Florals

Cinema: The Light Mill

Band: Hank Lane Band

Planning: Ariana Stecker of Save the Date

Cake: Butterfly Bakeshop

Favors: Laduree

10/19/17 10/19/17

W Union Square Wedding : Justin & Ian : New York, NY

Justin & Ian were married September 16, 2017 in a sincere, touching ceremony with glistening happy tears at the W New York Union Square in the middle of New York City. These handsome gentleman called me up from Texas to have me photograph their wedding, and I was delighted to shoot for them! Getting ready in separate rooms, the grooms readied their made-to-measure navy tuxedos from Suit Supply before we set up the magical moment of their first look on the grand staircase of the hotel. After a quick jaunt around Union Square, the time warp that is a wedding day led us right in to the ceremony. Justin & Ian's infectiousness love for each other made portraits a breeze. Flo NY Events did a beautiful job dressing with white florals the stately ballroom of the W which made for a lovely backdrop for several wonderful speeches, parent dances and a lively dance floor thanks to DJ Marvl of Scratch Music. Getting the opportunity to photograph such a loving couple and their families is what makes this job fun and fulfilling. Thank you Justin & Ian for having me!

VendorsCake: Butterfly BakeryFlorist: Flo NY EventsGrooms' Attire: Suit SupplyDJ: Scratch Music, DJ MarvlRings: Krombholtz Jewelers

Mandarin Oriental New York Wedding : Stacy & Stan : New York, NY

Oheka Castle Wedding : Nichole & Michael : Huntington, NY

Williamsburg Engagement Session : Ally & Danny : Brooklyn, New York

Glen Oaks Club Wedding : Hailey & David : Old Westbury, NY

W Union Square Wedding : Justin & Ian : New York, NY

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