A Modern Tented Wedding in Southampton, NY

After two reschedules, one micro wedding, and a few engagement sessions, Michaela and Michael’s wedding day had officially arrived. It’s so funny how the universe works because, on their original wedding date in May, it actually snowed in Montauk. Yes, it snowed! A year and a half later, on an unseasonably warm 80-degree day in October, their stunning tented wedding at Sebonack Golf Club in the Hamptons was simply perfect.

It was a joyful celebration that both families and friends had been looking forward to for a very long time.

Their wedding planner and designer, All Who Wander Events, helps bring the couple’s modern vision for a tented wedding ceremony and reception to reality on the private property located in Southampton, NY. The couple renewed their wedding vows in a short outside ceremony right before the sun began to set. Inside the white sailcloth tent, there were rows of grey wood farm tables, shades of white and green floral decor from Ava Flora, and hanging lanterns with greenery above guests as enjoyed the party well into the night.

I’m so incredibly honored that I was able to be with Michaela and Michael throughout their entire wedding process and continue to be part of their lives documenting their little girl as she grows up. Here are a few of my favorite photos from their beautiful modern tented wedding in The Hamptons.

/ Wedding Vendors / Wedding Venue - Sebonack / Planning + Design: All Who Wander Event Design / Floral Design: AveFlora / Videography: The Brothers Gorman / Lighting Design: Matt Murphy Event Lighting / Invitations: Ink + Nibs / Hair + Makeup: Elite Bridal Beauty / Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Upholstered Rentals: Patina Rentals / Tenting: Sperry Tents Hamptons / Photographer: Jainé Kershner Photography /

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A Hamptons Classic Tented Wedding in Montauk, NY

It’s true what they say “when you know, you know” and that is clearly the case between Jillian and Mike. From our first chat over the phone to their beach engagement session in Montauk, I knew that this kind and loving couple was simply meant for each other. They are each other’s perfect match! For their wedding, the couple decided to hold their celebration on the groom’s family’s private estate tucked away on Lake Montauk in the Hamptons. Elite Party & Tent Rental installed a stunning white sailcloth tent on the sprawling property to host their wedding reception. When guests arrived they were treated to cocktails on the lawn before witnessing the couple exchange their vows during their outside ceremony. Cocktail hour was held behind the home overlooking the water but it often overflowed along the edges of the estate. Under the blue waving flags of the sailcloth tent, Jillian and Mike danced their first dance as husband and wife under the bistro string lights. It was truly a perfect day for an incredible couple and I’m so honored I was there to capture it all for them.

Wedding Vendors / Wedding Planner - Josie Michelle Events / Floral Design - Park and Bloom / Invitations - Designed with Amore / Videography - Northfork Wedding Films / Hair and Makeup - Elite Bridal Beauty / Brides Wedding Dress - Essense of Australia - Max Bridal / Brides Wedding Shoes - Bella Belle / Groom and Groomsmen - The Black Tux / Tent Rentals - Elite Party & Tent Rental / Catering - Montauk Catering Co. / Rental - Party Rental Limited / Band - Hankk Lane Music - Jeff Lubin Band / Wedding Photographer - Jainé Kershner Photography /

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Topping Rose House Wedding Photos

I asked my friends Taylor from Hill Event Co. and Lori from Avaflora if they would be interested in collaborating on a styled shoot at one of my favorite luxury wedding venues in The Hamptons, Topping Rose House. I had a vision of creating images with an elevated feel that would be just for ourselves. No pressure of submitting our images for publication but a way to get our creative juices flowing again after a year without creating. Using a palette of neutral hues of dusty pink, yellows, and nudes to evoke a sense of beauty that we all had been craving. Luckily, they were on board immediately.

We put together an incredible team of wedding vendors to help bring our Hamptons Wedding Inspiration to life at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, NY. Model Paper created a simple invitation suite, L’Fay Bridal loaned us the most incredible lace wedding gown from Berta, and Nine Cakes outdid herself with our incredible sugar flower wedding cake. The flowers look real! Stacie Ford and Nikki Avanzino made our APM model, Brittany into the stunning bride-to-be. Please Be Seated Events provided us with the table rentals and linens. Shira Savada from Shiramisu was our stylist who helped to bring our vision to life and make sure we were telling a cohesive story.

I’m so excited to share a few of my favorite wedding inspiration photos at the incredible Topping Rose House. With the flexibility to have your ceremony outside, outdoor cocktail hour by the pool and intimate reception inside the modern studio, I hope it helps inspire you too. Vendor credits are listed at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!

Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Topping Rose House / Planner: Hill Event Co / Florist: Avaflora/ / Stylist: Shiramisu / Makeup Artist: Stacie Ford Beauty Co / Hair Stylist: Nikki Avanzino / Cake: Nine Cakes / Rentals: Please Be Seated Events / Jewels: Victor Barbone Jewelry / Stationery: Model Paper / Shoes: Alexandre Birman / Model: Apm Models / Brittney Shurley / Dress: L’fay Bridal / Berta Bridal

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Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club Wedding Photos

With two reschedules, a new venue, and a date change, I’m so excited to share Rachel and Cameron’s beautiful wedding at Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club located in the Hudson Valley, New York. The couple was gifted the absolute best weather from mother nature which proved to make their day even more magical.

The bride and groom hosted 50 family members and close friends to their intimate wedding under the canopy of leaves in the west garden. Rachel looked radiant in her wedding dress as the couple shared their first look privately near the ceremony site. Rachel and Cameron exchanged their wedding vows under the lush floral chuppah that was designed by Denise Fasanello Flowers. Once Cameron broke the glass and kissed his new bride, guests were treated to an outside cocktail hour in the rose garden before moving to the sailcloth tented reception next to the main lodge on the sprawling property.

Sometimes things happen for a reason, and even though their wedding wasn’t how they originally envisioned it to be, it turned out better than they could have imagined. I’m so glad I was able to be there for my wonderful couple and support them while they navigated a new (temporary) normal. It was an honor to be with Rachel and Cameron on their wedding day and delighted to share a few of my favorite images.

Their wedding was also featured on Wedding Sparrow - A Fine Art Curated Wedding blog.

// Wedding Vendors / Florist - Denise Fasanello Flowers / Wedding Invitations- Chloe Clarke/The Art of Paper / Wedding Cake- Ana_Jo / Wedding Entertainment- Eye 2 Eye (Wilson Stevens Band) / Hair and Makeup Artist- Taffeta / Brides Wedding Dress- The Dress Theory-Seattle/ Wedding Dress Designer- Flora Bride / Groom’s Tux- Indochino / Tent Rental- Sperry Tents / Venue- Valley Rock Inn / Cinematography- 15 Minutes of Frame/ Wedding Photographer - Jainé Kershner Photography //

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Central Park Engagement Photos: Insider’s Guide

Whether its your first time in New York City, or you are a born and bread New Yorker, Central Park is one of the must-visit places to put on your list. It truly is an oasis inside of the city that never sleeps with tons of special spots, gorgeous locations, and venues to visit. It’s also one of my most photographed locations that my clients request.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite locations and helpful tips for planning your engagement photos inside Central Park. Each location varies from season to season but if whenever you visit, you are sure to be delighted each and every time!

 

Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Central Park

Looking for the perfect location inside Central Park for you engagement photos? I’ve grown to prefer a few spots to visit with my clients year after and year and I bet you’d like them too!

No.1 - Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain: Enter Propsect Park along East or West 72nd Street and walk along Central Park Drive. You’ll soon come to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain which are located directly in the middle of the park. You’ll see the grand staircase with all of its intricate details and unsurpassed beauty. From the steps, to the covered walkway, stone pathway to the iconic Bethesda Fountain. You simply cannot go wrong with making this your very first stop when visiting Central Park.

No. 2 - The Ladies Pavilion - Located on West Side at 57th street, this tucked away structure is a true gem. It’s perfect for your engagement photos, elopements, or for having a picnic lunch with your special someone. I love the blue tone and grey roof which stands out among all of the green inside the park. You’ll also enjoy looking at the pond while enjoying your summer rosé!

No. 3 - The Bow Bridge - I’m not sure there is a more photographic location inside Central Park than the Bow Bridge. Located mid park at 74th street, the bow bridge resembles a bow of a violin and you can sometimes find musicians playing by the bridge during the day. It’s so romantic!

No. 4 - The Loeb Boathouse - If you’ve ever seen When Harry Met Sally, then you are pretty familiar with The Loeb Boathouse. Clients can host their weddings and events inside the event space but if you just want to have it in the background of your photos, you can do that easily from the Bethesda Terrace. Also, couples can rent out row boats when they are available which makes for the sweetest engagement photos.

No. 5 - Oak Bridge - A hidden bridge off the beaten path, I stumbled on to this hidden gem during one of my engagement sessions at Central Park. It’s brown which is a stark contrast from the Bow Bridge but I love the detailing on the side and that it leads you into the heart of the park.

No. 6 - Shakespears’s Garden - Located on the West Side at 79th street, it’s a hidden garden right inside Central Park. It’s planted with flowers and herbs mentioned from Shakespears plays and poems. Spring is always my favorite time of year to go and sometimes you can even hear the live events happening right next door.

No. 7 - The Conservatory Gardens - At the tippy top of Central Park, you’ll find one of my favorite spots to visit, The Conservatory Gardens. Photography is permitted for engagement and family photos, but for wedding party’s, you will need to apply for a permit. This perfectly manicured garden is meticulous kept and when in full bloom, idealic. It’s a bit of hike to get there but the 2/3 subways stops are very close and it’s just a short walk to the iron gates to enter the Conservatory Gardens.

No. 8 - The Mall - Located at the top of the Bethesda Terrace is The Mall inside Central Park. This location is full of street vendors, local artists, and performers but if you go early enough, you can get this majestic tree covered row all to yourself for some pretty incredible engagement photos. Oh, and in the Fall, it’s absolutely stunning with the foliage!

 
 

4 Tips for Great Photos in Central Park

Want to ensure you have the best time during your engagement photos? Yes, of course you do so, I’ve put together my 4 tips best to make sure that you have great photo session while you are visiting Central Park.

No. 1 - Arrive Early - I recommend visiting the park early to avoid crowds during your engagement photos. I know not everyone is an early riser but the benefits of no random people in the background of your engagement photos is going to be worth it in the end.

No. 2 - Pick One or Two Spots - It can be overwhelming at first deciding where to visit, put choose at least one to two locations you must visit during your photos. Most of my couples pick locations that are meaningful to them and then I scout a few days beforehand to ensure it’s going to work for our vision for the session.

No. 3 - Dress for the Season - I always recommend wearing clothing that fits well and something that you feel amazing in however, you also want to make sure that you are dressing appropriately for the season and temperature inside the park. It can be chilly before sunrise so make sure to bring a cardigan or light jacket to wear if you are wearing a dress. Men can bring jackets and blazers to keep themselves warm during photos and even wear them if they work with their attire.

No. 4 - Get a Permit - If you are having your photographer and videographer come with you for your engagement photos, you might need a permit. Also, so special locations, such as the Namburg Bandshell require a permit to use them during a specific period of time. Most permits are free (unless it’s a commercial shoot) but you simply need to apply online to get one.

Central Park Engagement Photos on the Great Lawn

Central Park Photos Throughout The Seasons

I mentioned it early, but you really can’t go wrong with any time of year you decide to visit Central Park for your engagement photos. I will admit that I prefer Spring and Fall simply for the blooms and foliage but Summer is probably my third favorite season there too. The sunsets inside the park on the Great Lawn are simply magical.

You might be wondering where is Winter in my list, well, I actually do not photograph engagement sessions in the Winter in New York City. It’s simply too cold (in my opinion) for couples to open up and relax when they are freezing and bundled in 100 layers! Of course, if any of my couples want to visit a warm destination for their engagement photos during the cold Winter months, I’m always open to the possibilities of new places to photograph.

Here are a few of my favorite engagement photos throughout Central Park from Spring, Summer, and Fall.

 

My Favorite Engagement Session Photos in Central Park

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