P.J. Clarke’s Rehearsal Dinner
Central Park Boathouse Wedding
Where do I even begin with Libby and Brian? Never have a I met a sweeter, more enthusiastic duo! It was such a joy to spend the weekend celebrating their Central Park Boathouse Wedding.
Rehearsal Dinner
The couple were married right after Christmas, when the city is still has a festive, cozy feel before the winter chill really sets in. Before their Central Park Boathouse Wedding, they began the weekend with a rehearsal dinner at Manhattan restaurant PJ Clarke’s, where friends and family greeted the couple and toasted to the weekend’s festivities. I always encourage couples to include their rehearsal dinners in their photography coverage. These events help set the scene for the weekend and it’s such a joy to photograph the excitement and anticipation leading up to the main event!
Wedding Day
The next day the couple got ready with their wedding parties at the Loews Regency Hotel in midtown. Libby was the embodiment of a classic winter bride in her three-quarter length sleeve Caroline Herrara gown, Manolo Blahniks and petite white bouquet designed by Lenox Hill Florists. Libby opted to do three “first looks” – and each was better than the last! First, she stunned her bridesmaids with a gown reveal, then greeted her tearful father, and finally met her soon-to-be husband on the hotel terrace for their official first look. The terrace provided a stunning perspective on the city – a perfect spot for Libby and Brian’s photos in the city they love!
As with all winter weddings, we knew we had limited daylight, so before the church ceremony, we all headed to Central Park for photos with the couple’s family and wedding party. It was a fun challenge avoiding the holiday tourists at Bethesda Terrace, but we made it work! I have a lot of experience photographing in this iconic spot, which came in handy when navigating a wedding party of 16 through the crowds. We even got a surprise cameo from a man dressed as a sparkly bird – only in New York right?
After a formal ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church, we headed back to the park to officially kick off Libby and Brian’s Central Park Boathouse Wedding!
Venue – Central Park Boathouse
Hotel – Loews Regency NYC
Church – St. Joseph’s Church
Rehearsal Dinner Venue – PJ Clarke’s
Hair – Stephanie Auer
Makeup – Tanya Rae
Wedding Gown – Carolina Herrara
Florist – Lenox Hill Florist
Band – ETA Music
Cake – A Simple Cake
Cinematography – McKenzie Miller Films
Planner – Angie Navarez, Baton NYC
To see another wedding with Portraits around Bethesda Terrace, check out Maggie & Max’s NYAC wedding! Or you can view my guide to the best locations for photos in Manhattan.