A Look Back at 2018 Weddings

Happy New Year! I always love to take some time in January to reflect on the past year. My sincere thanks to all of the couples who welcomed me to be a part of their weddings. It was an honor. Wishing you a great first year as newlyweds!

A few of the venues featured here:

The W Loft in Brooklyn, NY, High Lawn Pavilion in West Orange, NJ, The Dumbo Loft in Brooklyn, NY, The Chauncy Hotel in Princeton, NJ

Bring on the Sunshine: Beach Weddings

All of the senses are engaged at beach weddings.  The water laps, the air is crisp, the sand touches your feet, and of course, the views are all-encompassing.  A few of my favorite shots at beach weddings over the years.

NJ_Beach_Wedding_09.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_02.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_03.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_05.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_06.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_07.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_08.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_01.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_10.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_11.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_12.jpg
NJ_Beach_Wedding_13.jpg

Spring Weddings

I love capturing nature at events.  And, while this spring has been off to a chilly start, soon flowers will be in full bloom... the perfect setting for a wedding.  And for spring, it's all about romantic pastels and fragrant flowers.  The bouquets are especially stunning, providing a gorgeous reflection of the season's natural beauty. 

A Bryant Park Grill Wedding in November

I had the honor of shooting this classic, picturesque wedding in the heart of New York City at Bryant Park Grill.  While November brought some bitter cold for the day, we were able to get outside and be part of the vibrancy that fills the park.  Congrats to the lovely couple!

Step 1: Pick a Season

Picking a season is a fun first step for the newly-engaged.  Fall leaves, spring flowers, summer warmth, and brisk winter air help to inspire your wedding style.  I always get outside for a few shots... even with some raindrops, every season is beautiful.  Here are some select outdoor photos of weddings throughout the year.  

Some of the venues featured include: Wave Hill in Riverdale, NY, Red Maple Vineyard in West Park, NY, The Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, Roundhouse in Beacon, NY, Bryant Park Grill in New York City, The Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY.

Romantic NoHo Wedding

Ah, weddings.  We often talk about the fabulous venues, gorgeous dresses, beautiful flowers... the details.  But in addition to that, it's the subtle moments, connections and laughter that truly warm up the photos.  I had the joy of capturing it all at this New York City wedding. 

Valentine's Day: Hidden Moments at Weddings

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd post some of my most romantic shots at weddings. My favorite moments are those that others don't see. The secret kiss over dinner, the embrace after the "first look", the look of a groom's face when he sees his bride walk down the aisle. The hidden moments are ones that aren't cliche or staged, but rather an authentic connection between two people.  Happy Valentine's Day! 

Red Maple Vineyard Wedding

Red Maple Vineyard was a stunning backdrop for Carlee and Matt's late summer wedding. I had the privilege of photographing Carlee's brother's wedding several years back in NYC so I was happy to see her family again for another celebration. The natural beauty of this Hudson Valley venue was coupled with personalized details and a few references to their shared alma mater, Colgate University. I had a wonderful time photographing their wedding and I hope to return to Red Maple again. Congrats to Carlee and Matt!

Red_Maple_Vineyard_01.jpg
Red_Maple_Vineyard_02.jpg
Red_Maple_Vineyard_05.jpg
Red_Maple_Vineyard_12.jpg
Red_Maple_Vineyard_23.jpg

10 Amazing Wedding Venues in NYC

I've been photographing weddings in the New York City area for over 10 years and I can proudly say that I've worked at some of the most interesting venues in town. Here is a list of 10 of my favorites venues for weddings in New York City for photography (in no particular order):

1) The Metropolitan Club off of 5th Avenue is old New York at its finest. The ornate detail in the ceremony and reception rooms are spectacular and make such an impact in photos. Look at those ceilings!

2) Continuing with the Old New York theme, the New York Yacht Club in midtown boasts one of the largest collections of model sail boats in the country. It's surprising to find such a gem like this right in the middle of Manhattan. The ceiling in the main dining room is made of Tiffany glass. So beautiful!

3) Old Jewish New York can be found at the amazing Angel Orensanz Foundation on the Lower East Side. A former synagogue turned art and event space, the building has amazing character and ambiance.

4) Sometimes is all about the view. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel's event space looks right over Columbus Circle and Central Park. You really can't get a more spectacular view of Manhattan than this.

5) Most views require you to look out a window, but not at 620 Loft and Gardens. Here you can have your ceremony or cocktail hour overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. The beautifully manicured garden is a nice contrast to the sharp lines of the city scape.

6) The penthouse terrace on the top floor of the Gramercy Park Hotel can't be beat for its warm, romantic ambiance. The string lights that line the ceiling are great for photos. 

7) Over in Brooklyn, I've had wonderful wedding shoots at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It's lovely to be in a huge city but have access to this lush, sprawling botanic garden. Cocktail hour by the lily pond is breathtaking.

8) Another garden wedding can be had at Wavehill in the Bronx. Receptions happen in a tudor-style historic house on the grounds and ceremony and portraits can be taken anywhere in the gardens. A view of the Hudson River is a nice bonus for this beautiful spot. I love photographing here!

9) I photographed here several years ago but it was definitely one to remember. The Chinese Scholar Garden in Snug Harbor (Staten Island) is as far removed from the intensity of New York City as you can get. The pavilion, paths, rocks  and waterfalls are incredible for wedding photography.

10) And, finally, sometimes a warehouse full of vintage furniture and decorations is all you need for some creative wedding photography. The Metropolitan Building in Long Island City has been a long-time favorite of mine because it has dramatic lighting and excellent props.



Sara + Blake: Fall Brooklyn Wedding

Exactly two months ago today I photographed Sara and Blake's wedding on a beautiful fall day in Dumbo. After their first look under the Manhattan Bridge, we walked around the cobblestone streets for some fun portraits with graphitti art and the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop. The ceremony and reception was at 26 Bridge, a former metal factory turned event space. The industrial yet warm interior was a perfect setting for this lovely wedding. Guests partied hard and an impromptu hora at the end of the night was certainly a highlight of the night. Congrats Sara and Blake!!

26_bridge_012.jpg
26_bridge_014.jpg
26_bridge_015.jpg
26_bridge_018.jpg
26_bridge_019.jpg
26_bridge_021.jpg
26_bridge_023.jpg
26_bridge_024.jpg

Alex + Kerry: Brooklyn Heights Engagement

I photographed Alex's sister's wedding three years ago so I was thrilled when Alex asked me to photograph her upcoming winter wedding at the Tribeca Rooftop. We did their engagement photos in Brooklyn Heights this fall and I fell in love with all of the beautiful architecture, including a really picturesque street of carriage houses. We were't the only ones to love the carriage houses-check out the headless horseman we met on the bike. So strange and so Brooklyn! I can't wait to photograph their wedding next month!

Hear ye, Hear ye: the brand new website has arrived!

After several months of brainstorming, contemplating designs, culling photos, my new website has arrived and I’m so happy to share it with you. The site showcases my recent wedding and family portraiture work and includes a new design, logo, and branding. I owe a special thanks to Kristi Drago-Price of Editor’s Edge (former photo editor at Brides Magazine) for assisting me in finding my best photos and helping me understand my brand and what differentiates my work from other photographers. Another round of thanks goes to Brooke Boiling at Firecracker Studios for coming up with the logo, design and branding for the site. It was so much fun to work with her on the design process and I’m so grateful for her beautiful work. Please take a look at the new website and thanks so much for your support and interest in my photography! It is truly a labor of love. 

XO Kristine