Classic New York City Wedding | Emma + Brandon
As Joe Fox said to Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail, “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies.”
He was right… there’s nothing quick like New York City in the fall — so much to do and see, such beautiful, crisp weather... why not get married in this ideal season in the greatest city?
That's what Emma and Brandon did, and I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to spend the day with them as their photographer documenting this beautiful day!
The First Look at the National Arts Club & Gramercy Park
Emma and Brandon went all-in on classic NYC vibes for their wedding. They prepared for the day at the National Arts Club, and held their first look in Gramercy Park, a small park in a Manhattan neighborhood that has barely changed at all in the last 80 years. Not only is Gramercy Park small and quiet, it’s quite difficult to get inside — a key is required and there are only 383 keys in circulation (for residents surrounding the park, as well as the NAC). While Emma & Brandon soaked in their private first look together, I stayed outside the gate capturing what small moments I could during this beautiful moment. In addition to the immaculately kept greenery and walkways, you can see the Chrysler Building peeping out in the background!
The Wedding Ceremony on the Upper East Side
After the first look, we moved from the picturesque, quiet solitude of Gramercy Park to their ceremony location on the Upper East Side, Central Presbyterian Church. Central has stood at its present location on Park Avenue for 100 years, and has a vibrant history. The church, with its ornate stained glass, naturally-finished deep wooden pews, and soft white granite walls made the perfect backdrop for Emma and Brandon who are members there. They all popped spectacularly in every picture, with the bridesmaids blue and white dresses complementing the groomsmen's red and orange boutonnières.
After the ceremony, we hit up Park Avenue with the late afternoon sun splashing against the streets and the church. We scored a few magazine worthy shots of the newlyweds walking across Park Avenue amidst the bustle of Friday afternoon Manhattan, then we headed to Roosevelt Island for the reception. A valet took the bride and groom down to the island, while I caught the Roosevelt Island Tramway across the Hudson and met them at the reception venue.
The Party on Roosevelt Island
The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island is fantastic for a wedding reception; right next to the Hudson, little to no traffic going by, and delicious catered mediterranean cuisine. After capturing some golden hour shots of the newlyweds with the NYC skyline in the background, everyone moved inside the reception tent to get out of the chilly fall breeze.
The evening was a blast for everyone there — great food, heartfelt speeches, and all the dancing to round off a beautiful day. It was wonderful seeing how much Emma and Brandon are a part of their community, and how important their friends and family are to them. Every interaction between the couple and their guests, whether it was a hug or a speech, was full of warmth.
Emma and Brandon could have danced all night with their people, but as the evening came to a close, it was time for the sparkler exit! We made our way back outside and everyone prepared to send off the couple with a a shower of glittering sparks. All in all, the day was a huge success. I’m so thankful I was able to capture this day for Emma and Brandon (as well as their day after session, another blog on this soon!). If you’re planning to get married soon, whether it’s local to Alabama & the Florida Gulf Coast, up in NYC, or somewhere new entirely, I’d love to be a part of it. Reach out to me here to tell me about your upcoming wedding!
Blessings,
x Grace
