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

click an image to see the full blog posts

 
 

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The Foundry Wedding Venue

One of my favorite wedding venues in New York City is The Foundry. Known for its industrial space, private courtyard, and ivy-covered walls, it’s a hidden gem right in plain sight. As a wedding venue, The Foundry is a unique location because it allows couples to host their wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in any of their outside or indoor spaces.

Clients can also get ready on-site which alleviates any stress of where to put on your gown or suit the morning of your wedding. I also love that there is an automatic “plan b” for couples should the weather not cooperate. As an NYC wedding photographer, I have photographed several amazing weddings at The Foundry, I wanted to share a few of my favorite spots for wedding photos, ceremony locations, and some tips when you visit the site.

Favorite Photo Locations for The Foundry Wedding Photos

When you visit The Foundry, you’ll be immediately drawn to its beauty. There are several beautiful spaces and locations to take your wedding photos. Here are some of my favorites for couples, bridal parties, and family photos.

No.1 - The Courtyard - A true hidden gem in the heart of new york city. The outside courtyard at The Foundry is covered with Ivy along the wall and tons of sweet nooks for the perfect portraits. They also have a new steel platform that clients can use for their first-look location and bridal portraits.

No. 2 - Outside of the Building - Don’t overlook the outside of the building itself. I love the signage and ivy along with the growing up along the side of The Foundry and on a sunny day, can really create a beautiful backdrop for your photos.

No. 3 - Foundry Terrace - One of my favorite spots at the Foundry is the Terrace. It’s a private patio that couples can rent out in addition to access to the venue which is the perfect location for your big reveal - The First Look. The Bride or Groom can walk up the stairs and share a sweet and private moment to share your first kiss of the day before you are officially married.

No.3 - The Greenhouse - I love the inside decor of the Greenhouse. There is a lot of available light with the glass skylight and a great “plan b” option for photos if the weather decides not to cooperate on your wedding day.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Locations

Choosing to have your wedding ceremony outside in the private, perfectly manicured courtyard, is one of my favorite options for couples. If you time your wedding to be in the Spring and Summer the ivy will create a canopy of green-covered walls, or if you prefer the Fall, the ivy walls will be a sensational ombre of reds, oranges, and yellows. Guest are treated to sounds of the city and views of the 59th street bridge while they wait for the ceremony to begin.

Indoor Wedding Ceremony Locations

A truly iconic wedding ceremony location is The Foundry’s indoor main space. Guest can sit on the main floor or walk up the steel stairs and witness your vows from the free-floating balcony. The light flows through the space sharing the details of the exposed brick and steel structures.

Cocktail Hour Locations

Who doesn’t love having fancy-made cocktails with a soft Summer breeze during a wonderful celebration? The Foundry has several wonderful options to host your cocktail hour to entertain your guests before your wedding reception begins.

No. 1 - The Greenhouse - A lighter decor of mixed white, glass, and a light covering of Ivy, The Greenhouse is a great option to host your cocktail hour. Easy access to the bar, restrooms, and the immediate courtyard creates a friendly and warm environment. Couples can also bring in lounge furniture to create a more intimate and relaxed cocktail hour for you and your guests to enjoy.

No. 2 - The Albra Room - The only all-white option at the Foundry is perfect for your cocktail hour overflow and perfect for your after-party too!

Outdoor Wedding Reception Venue at The Foundry

Eating dinner under the stars sounds pretty amazing right? Well, at The Foundry you can enjoy an open-air reception in the private courtyard with your invited wedding guests. You have a clear or white tented constructed. Hang rows of string lights to create a romantic decor like you are dancing under the stars in the middle of New York City.

Indoor Wedding Reception Venue at The Foundry

Inside the main space at The Foundry is truly unique and stunning all on its own. Long farm-style tables allow guests to dine together and share food family style. Guest can dine on the second-floor balcony and even out in the courtyard if you have a large wedding party. The glass skylight brings in a flood of light into the main space and at night, it turns into the perfect dance floor to dance the night away.

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More information about The Foundry in Long Island City, NY.

  • Address: 42-38 Ninth Street Long Island City, NY 11101

  • Phone: +(718) 786-7776

  • Website: www.thefoundry.info

  • Directions: FROM MANHATTAN- MIDTOWN TUNNEL
    Immediately after toll booths make a hard RIGHT (180-degree turn) onto Borden Ave. You will now be facing west, back toward Manhattan. Take the first RIGHT - onto Vernon Blvd. Continue straight (north on Vernon Blvd. for 16 blocks). Make a RIGHT onto Queens Plaza South. Proceed one block and make a RIGHT onto Ninth St.

Newborn Photographer NYC

It’s always exciting when one of your good friends becomes a parent so I couldn’t be happier for Michelle from Michelle Elaine Weddings to welcome the birth of their first son earlier this year. It’s a true honor to document these incredible and momentous occasions in a family’s new life together. I’m thrilled to share a few newborn photos from their in-home session that were taken in their home in Brooklyn.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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