River Cafe Wedding : Melanie & Peter : Brooklyn, NY

On a perfect Autumn afternoon, Melanie & Peter were married at The River Cafe on the waterfront in Brooklyn, NY.

From my first conversation with Melanie I could tell we were on the same wavelength. I love when the concept for a wedding is that it’s essentially a dinner party with a ceremony tacked on. The River Cafe offers something no other venues can - a Michelin starred meal framed by The Brooklyn Bridge and overlooking one of the most famous skylines in the world. Pretty nice dinner party.

After some getting ready photos in and around 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, we made the quick walk over to the restaurant for a ceremony backlit by the setting sun. As you walk through DUMBO, it’s almost surreal to then slip into the manicured, lush green setting of the River Cafe still surrounded by all that is going on down there.

Photographer: Brian Hatton
Hair & MUA: Liza @ Beauty Icon
Florist: Superior Florist
Cake: Luckybird Bakery
Music: DJ Jasper Stapleton
Wedding Gown: Calla Blanche
Groom’s Attire: 18th Amendment
Event Planning: Courtney McFarland

Lafayette Grand Cafe Wedding : Sara & Noah : New York, NY

Sara & Noah were married in the NoHo neighborhood of NYC at Lafayette Grand Cafe.

After being displaced from its originally intended date of March 14, 2020, I was delighted to be a part of the retooled event utilizing the chic SoHo Grand Hotel and Lafayette just off of Washington Square Park. We walked along with their wedding party to Staples Street in TriBeCa to take some photos under the iconic skybridge. Even with the typical covered in scaffolding way of life in the city, it’s a great location to take some wedding portraits as there is next to zero vehicular traffic.

The vibe at Lafayette is cozy, romantic and so warm. The food and beverage programs are just so delicious that that in itself is an unforgettable experience for guests. Everything comes out family style which feels like a subtle “community builder” activity for guests who may be unfamiliar with others at their table. I love this place.

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.