Feb 29 2020

Carly & Jason’s Winter Wedding at The Garden City Hotel

Carly & Jason were married on a chilly Saturday evening in February at The Garden City Hotel on Long Island, New York, under a beautiful Chuppah, surrounded by their loved ones. I began the day with Carly and her bridesmaids (13!) getting ready in the hotel’s preparation suite. It was plenty roomy for her crew and the hair/makeup artists and me and video– and I was able to take detail shots with some of the decor just out in the adjacent hallway (including a grand piano!). Not far away my assistant photographer captured Jason and his buddies getting into tuxes. Due to the extremely chilly weather Carly and Jason opted for a first look indoors, which was no problem seeing as the hotel had a nice big area that would later host their cocktail hour. The look on Jason’s face says it all in that moment– Carly looked absolutely stunning in her gorgeous gown and it was a delight to make portraits with this sweet couple– they were great sports and let me take them outside for some shots with the hotel in the background and of course a little splash of greenery for variety. I couldn’t resist getting a few shots on the staircases in the lobby as well– I just had to capture Carly’s train as she walked up the stairs. The florist had set up an amazing floral Chuppah on a platform in the ceremony space and it provided the perfect backdrop for the big group pictures with their bridesmaids and groomsmen, and of course all the family combination shots to come. I always love checking off this groups shot-list– it’s very satisfying to create those lasting portrait images that I know families will print and frame and revisit often! Then we moved into a space across the way where Jason and Carly signed their Ketubah, which was an incredible piece of art with a beautiful cut-paper overlay to display it with. Their Rabbi was a gifted and humorous orator and did a fantastic job of leading them and their loved ones through this signing and the ceremony to come, which was so romantic and beautiful with the dimmed lights and candle-lit aisle and the orchid-laden Chuppah. After tying the knot Jason and Carly retreated for some time alone while guests were treated to a multi-room cocktail hour with various delicious looking food stations. Meanwhile the ceremony room was being busily transformed into a reception room and a big stage was being set up for the amazing Chevy Chevis band. Jason and Carly came in to see the room and I had them practice their first dance for a photo. Before you know it, this party was getting started, and what a party it was! The band was huge and could seemingly perform anything– they kept the guests dancing all night long. Highlights included a Hora, a Mezinke (both favorites of mine!) and some very sweet toasts from the parents of both bride and groom as well as a gorgeous and delicious looking cake! I couldn’t be happier for this delightful couple– it warms my heart to see such well-matched and kind people find one another and make this beautiful committment to share their lives. Congratulations to Carly & Jason!