August weddings capture the essence of summer’s beauty, offering an unforgettable setting for any type of celebration. The warm weather lends itself to idyllic outdoor ceremonies, allowing couples to exchange vows under radiant sunshine or beneath a canopy of stars. August’s natural vibrancy creates a stunning palette of lush greenery, golden sunsets, and colorful blooms, enhancing both the day’s ambiance and its photographic appeal.
This versatile season accommodates all styles, from elegant indoor receptions adorned with summer-inspired details, to garden parties brimming with seasonal charm. The long daylight hours provide ample time for dreamy photo sessions, from gentle morning light to magical golden-hour portraits. Guests enjoy the lively energy of summer, which encourages a festive atmosphere filled with joy and laughter. Whether it’s the allure of alfresco dining or the intimacy of an indoor space bathed in natural light, August offers a perfect canvas for crafting cherished memories and timeless celebrations.
From the moment we first met Hayley and John, it was clear they shared something magical. Their warmth and connection radiated, and we were honored to document their love story. When they told us about their dream wedding in the heart of New York City in August 2024, their excitement was contagious. They chose New York not just for its iconic charm but because this vibrant city held so many milestones in their relationship. August, with its golden summer light and lively energy, felt like the perfect time to celebrate their bond.
Our photographers used New York as a canvas, capturing their love against the stunning cityscape. From romantic moments on the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise to intimate portraits in the shade of Central Park’s greenery, every photo reflected their story. Their laughter lit up Times Square, while their quiet embraces under the city’s glowing skyline became unforgettable memories.
Hayley and John chose the incomparable Felina Restaurant and Events as the venue for their unforgettable New York wedding celebration. Nestled within a historic neoclassical bank building in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Felina offered a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication that matched their vision seamlessly. The venue’s striking architectural details, from its towering marble columns to its expansive, soaring windows, created an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. These unique features, paired with the dramatic wraparound mezzanine and the iconic brass Bank Vault Door, provided a romantic and stylish backdrop for every cherished moment of their day.
The couple was enchanted by the interplay of textures and color throughout the space, which brought vibrancy to their wedding theme. The floating chandelier sculpture added a touch of contemporary artistry, while the natural light streaming through the venue lent a soft, ethereal glow to their portraits. Positioned just a short trip from Manhattan, Felina not only delivered a stunning environment but also allowed Hayley and John to incorporate iconic New York locations into their wedding photography. Felina’s unmatched charm and elegance made their celebration a seamless blend of intimate sophistication and big-city allure, creating memories they will treasure forever.
Felina Restaurant and Events is an incredible wedding venue that perfectly complements New York’s iconic photo locations. Situated in the heart of the tri-state area, it offers unparalleled convenience for couples looking to create a seamless celebration while exploring the city’s endless backdrops. With its blend of modern sophistication and warm charm, Felina serves as an elegant starting point for a day filled with stunning portraits. Whether you’re heading to Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, or the skyline of DUMBO, Felina’s prime location and ambiance add to the magic, ensuring that your wedding memories are captured with effortless style and grace.
New York City offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for wedding photos, seamlessly blending its iconic urban grit with extraordinary natural beauty. Couples getting married in this incredible city have no shortage of photogenic spots to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and personality for capturing one of life’s most cherished milestones. From soaring skyscrapers to serene parks, the variety of options is a photographer’s dream.
Central Park is often at the top of the list for many couples and for good reason. This lush oasis right in the heart of Manhattan is home to countless picturesque spots. The Bow Bridge, with its elegant arc stretching over the reflective waters of the lake, is a favorite for romantic shots, especially when framed by the changing leaves in autumn. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, featuring intricate architecture and a serene water display, evoke a kind of timeless elegance perfect for classic wedding portraits. For a more rustic feel, the secluded pathways of The Ramble or the woodsy charm of Wagner Cove offer endlessly photogenic settings.
Moving downtown, the Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic location that exudes New York’s dramatic energy. Its sweeping suspension cables and panoramic views of Manhattan create a striking backdrop, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light adds a golden glow to every frame. Nearby, Brooklyn Bridge Park enhances this vibe with its waterfront views and spectacular cityscape perspective. Within the park, Pebble Beach grants unfiltered views of both the bridge and the Manhattan skyline, making it an unbeatable spot for capturing the essence of NYC in your wedding album.
For couples who want the grandeur of New York Harbor as a backdrop, the Staten Island Ferry delivers unforgettable photo opportunities. With the Statue of Liberty standing proudly in the background, the ferry ride offers a quintessential New York moment captured amidst the waves. For a closer vantage, Battery Park provides sweeping harbor views paired with the gentle greenery of its gardens, lending photos a balance of urban context with a touch of natural serenity.
The High Line, an elevated park built on a former rail line, brings a modern and artistic aesthetic to the mix. Its lush plantings and unique architecture are paired with some surprisingly intimate spots tucked between sections of the park. The Chelsea Market Passage or the overlook at 10th Avenue provide versatile backgrounds featuring everything from industrial chic to skyline sophistication. Along the way, the nearby Hudson Yards and Vessel structure create dramatic architectural frames that feel contemporary and dynamic.
Speaking of dramatic, there’s no denying the awe-inspiring energy of Times Square. This bustling intersection isn’t a traditional wedding photo destination, but couples seeking bold, vibrant shots will love the electric atmosphere of its luminous billboards and dynamic crowds. For a quieter take on Manhattan’s twinkling nightscape, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers unparalleled skyline views, particularly as the lights of the city come to life at dusk.
The New York Public Library on 5th Avenue is another architectural gem. Its grand marble columns, stately staircases, and ornate details make it a regal choice for elegant wedding day portraits. Its proximity to Bryant Park extends the options, offering gardens, pathways, and even a charming carousel for couples seeking a playful element. For fans of cinematic grandeur, Grand Central Terminal is unmatched as a wedding photo backdrop. The main concourse, with its ornate ceiling mural and shafts of sunlight streaming through massive windows, delivers an otherworldly quality that elevates any photo.
Venturing into Brooklyn, Prospect Park rivals Central Park in romantic appeal, with its LeFrak Center, the enchanting Boathouse, and picturesque Long Meadow serving as highlights. Just a short distance away is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an ideal location for couples looking to immerse themselves in nature. From the blooming beauty of the Cherry Esplanade in the spring to the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden year-round, this spot offers endless opportunities for capturing love in full bloom.
The neighborhoods of Brooklyn also hold their own when it comes to unique photo spots. DUMBO, an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is one example. This edgy, industrial-chic area boasts cobblestone streets and unbeatable views of the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building in the distance. On the opposite side of the East River, the South Street Seaport in Manhattan provides a historic vibe with its cobbled streets, restored ships, and views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Queens offers its own vibrant choices, like Gantry Plaza State Park. Here, rustic loading docks and sweeping waterfront views meet the towering Queensboro Bridge for photos with bold contrast and texture. The park’s proximity to the historic Pepsi-Cola sign only adds to its retro charm for couples seeking a nostalgic twist. The Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, meanwhile, is an iconic backdrop symbolizing unity, perfect for wedding photos that feel meaningful and cosmopolitan.
Further afield, The Bronx showcases the grandeur of Wave Hill, a stunning estate overlooking the Hudson River. Its lush gardens and sophisticated architecture set the stage for ethereal, romantic portraits. On Staten Island, the Staten Island Greenbelt or Staten Island Botanical Garden similarly offer lush, unexpected beauty that feels worlds away from the fast pace of the city.
For views that feel unparalleled in their intimacy, consider Governors Island. A quick ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn lands you in a peaceful retreat with sweeping skyline views and lush open fields. Couples in search of rustic charm can also head north to the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, which resembles a European monastery and overlooks the Hudson River. The medieval architecture paired with vibrant gardens feels almost like stepping into a fairy tale.
With all these incredible destinations, New York City truly provides something for every couple. From timeless landmarks to hidden pockets of natural beauty, the city’s diversity ensures that each wedding album tells a unique story against some of the most inspiring backdrops the world has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to the classic allure of its parks or the cutting-edge vibes of its modern arenas, New York makes every moment unforgettable.
The wedding day of Hayley and John unfolded like a dreamy love story, intricately planned and exquisitely executed in the heart of New York. The morning began with Hayley surrounded by her bridesmaids, all dressed in chic black robes, sipping mimosas and laughing as they posed for candid photos. Hayley’s transformation into a bride was breathtaking. She slipped into a stunning white A-line wedding dress that featured a plunging sweetheart neckline and elegant off-the-shoulder details. Her look was completed with wavy open hair, a translucent veil, and a delicate white bouquet intertwined with lush greenery. Every detail harmonized beautifully, and Hayley radiated sheer bridal grace.
Meanwhile, John prepared for his big day with his groomsmen. Dressed in a classic black suit with suspenders, a crisp white shirt, a black bow tie, and a sharp pocket square, he exuded timeless elegance. Before stepping into the day’s whirlwind, John and his groomsmen clinked glasses to a celebratory toast, marking the start of what was to become an unforgettable occasion.
The wedding detail shots captured every element of the day’s refinement. The white bridal bouquet, sparkling wedding bands, the groom’s accessories, the bridal shoes, custom invitations, and Hayley’s gown were photographed with care, preserving their symbolic beauty. The bridesmaids eventually changed into black dresses in mismatched yet harmonious silhouettes, embodying modern sophistication and complementing the monochromatic theme. The groomsmen mirrored the elegance, clad in matching black suits with white shirts and sharp black bow ties.
The ceremony took place in an enchanting indoor setting, adorned with a lush greenery arch and glowing column candles encased in glass jars. The moment Hayley entered the room, gracefully escorted by her father, the space filled with an emotional stillness. Surrounded by family and friends, Hayley and John exchanged heartfelt vows, promising a lifetime of love and partnership.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their loved ones gathered for elegant group and couple portraits, each frame reflecting the joy of the day. The reception was a vision of monochrome elegance, complete with black-and-white table settings, white floral arrangements, and glowing candles adorning every surface. The sweetheart table was a showstopper, draped in greenery and soft candlelight. Iconic moments of the evening, including the couple’s romantic first dance, heartfelt toasts, and the cutting of their intricate three-tiered wedding cake, were captured beautifully. Hayley and John’s wedding was a celebration of timeless elegance and personal touches, blending sophistication with heartfelt moments to create a day as extraordinary as their love.
Award-Winning Candid Photography
Award-Winning Photojournalistic Photography