Laura + Zachary | Long Island Wedding Photographer
This was such an amazing experience, and it really was a privilege to photograph Laura and Zach’s wedding. I met them several months ago at their engagement session at Jones Beach, and I thought they were two of the nicest people. Their wedding day just confirmed that for me even more.
From when I arrived to the the moment I left, the excitement and the joy were completely palpable. When I say Laura was beaming, it is not hyperbole. She was so excited throughout the entire time she was getting ready.
Before heading off to meet Zach, we took some family photos in the living room. Laura’s mom had shown me a picture of Laura’s grandma on her wedding day, and while it was a different house, it was the same Spanish Mission-style ranch with the same fireplace. We were able to create a similar photo.
Laura’s dress was incredible, and it fit her beautifully. I wanted to use the lines of the fireplace to create something unique for them, and this picture is the result. It highlights both the dress and the architecture of the home.
Next we left Laura’s house for a first look at a nearby pond. As far as first looks go, this was tricky! Zach was already waiting for us, and I had to position him with his eyes closed so Laura can get into position. He was so excited. Laura approached from behind and they shared a wonderful moment.
When we arrived back at the house, the wedding was about to begin. There was a lot of excitement. Once the Ketubah and the marriage license were signed, the ceremony began. Zach looked so excited - you can tell this was the moment he saw Laura walking dawn the aisle.
The ceremony was perfect. Family participated in many meaningful ways, but I think the most meaningful was the way Laura’s mom and Zach’s mom held the wedding rings throughout the ceremony. Then they brought them forward and they shared a really nice moment in the middle of the ceremony.
Then, after the ceremony, we were able to take some family pictures that will become cherished memories.
The overall atmosphere of joy was contagious. I am so happy and excited for both of them!
Nataly + Mike | Corona Park and Central Park Engagement Session | Long Island Wedding Photographer
Nataly and Mike had an amazing engagement session at both Corona Park and Central Park. They had absolutely perfect weather, and they looked fantastic! Working with them was such a pleasure.
Corona Park Engagement Session
We started by going to Corona Park in Queens, and we headed straight for the Unisphere. This New York City landmark is quite an icon, and it was the perfect backdrop for them.
During the engagement session, I sometimes suggest doing an activity that represents you as a couple, but Mike was way ahead of me. He enjoys boxing, and he wanted images that featured boxing gloves. It was fun watching a few people gather while we captured these fun images.
I love this silhouette because I think it represents the bold energy of the couple.
Central Park Engagement Session
Then, we were off to Central Park. We continued our session at the architectural heart of Central Park - Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. The promenade of the lower passage has some amazing details that were the perfect compliment for Nataly and Mike.
Outside, we walked around the terrace and the fountain.
I really like the European look of the architecture layered behind Nataly and Mike.
This fountain at Cherry Hill created the foreground for one of my favorite images of the day.
I don’t think that an engagement session in Central Park could be complete without a stop at Bow Bridge. This is a very popular location because it is so romantic.
On our way to The Mall, we found a newly renovated Naumberg Bandshell. What a great backdrop for this couple!
We headed back to Bethesda Terrace at dusk for some photos with the changing light.
I met Nataly and Mike at their surprise marriage proposal a few months ago. They are a great couple and it is very clear that they love each other deeply. (They are also incredibly photogenic!) I’m looking forward to their wedding.
Laura + Zachary | Jones Beach Engagement Session | Long Island Wedding Photographer
I met Laura and Zachary a couple weeks ago at their engagement session. Laura and I have been communicating on the phone because both of them live off Long Island, but we worked to plan a session that was meaningful to them.
Jones Beach State Park Engagement Session
Laura suggested that we go to Jones Beach State Park - specifically the West End. While I have been to Jones Beach many times, I’ve never been to this specific area to create images with a couple, and it was perfect. There were really beautiful rolling dunes that separate the parking area from the beach, and they go on for quite a while. It created a beautiful backdrop for images that would be hard to get elsewhere.
Once we got to the beach, there the water was actually part of Jones Beach Inlet - which gave us the perfect opportunity to walk on the shoreline without getting hit by waves.
Reasons For An Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are really helpful for a variety of reasons. You get great images to use on social media, prints, wedding websites, or any other purpose, but more importantly, you will some posing advice, you’ll learn to be a little more comfortable in front of the camera, and you’ll get more comfortable with your photographer. All of that means that you will have more photos and better photos on your wedding day.
Jones Beach Fishing Piers
After we explored the West End for a little while, we went to a different area at Jones Beach that features some fishing piers as well as a quiet bay. Even though it was pretty crowded, we were able to get some great images of both Laura and Zachary.
Engagement sessions are about the couple. While I take individual portraits, I think it is also important to feature the couple and their relationship. It was so clear to me how much Laura and Zachary love each other, and I believe that it came through in their images. I’m looking forward to their wedding later this summer!
Contact us for more information about wedding photography or any other photography need.
Theresa and Thomas | The Mansion at West Sayville | Long Island Wedding Photographer
I met Theresa and Tom a few months before their wedding, and I understood from the beginning that they wanted a guest-centered experience for their wedding. Understanding that really helped me to understand them - they are both so kind and incredibly thoughtful. Working with them and their wonderful family was a great experience for me.
I arrived at The Mansion at West Sayville before most, and I had an opportunity to walk around and photograph the details layed out by Carolyn Morin Flowers. The warm, natural colors and the great texture of all of the details were both subtle and stunning.
As Theresa was preparing upstairs, other members of the family were working out their roles for the day. The atmosphere was relaxed, fun and exciting.
Immediately before the ceremony, we had an opportunity to take some portraits of Theresa and her daughters.
The weather kept us inside for the day, and while the wedding ceremony was initially slated to be outside, it was still beautiful. The Mansion at West Sayville has a beautiful room that looks over the Long Island coastline. The guests were able to watch the ceremony while still enjoying the vista of the Great South Bay.
One of my favorite moments of the ceremony was when Theresa and her daughters along with Tom and his son poured sand in a picture frame of the three children. It was a nice moment in the ceremony, and it will be a wonderful memory in their home.
During the entrance and the first dance, Tommy’s Tunes started getting all of the guests ready to enjoy the rest of the evening.
The toasts were delivered by Tom’s brother and friends. All of them spoke to how kind and generous the bride and groom are.
The cake beautiful, and the texture, decorations, and color matched the decor of the room perfectly. I loved the cake topper.
The evening ended with guests enjoying a candy bar that Theresa created.
The entire wedding was a beautiful event. It was so evident that Theresa and Tom loved their family and friends and just wanted to be with them and for them to have a great time. I enjoyed working with Theresa and Tom, their family, and all of their guests. They are great people, and I really happy for both of them.
Flowers: Carolyn Morin Flowers
DJ: Tommy’s Tunes
Venue: Mansion At West Sayville
For more information about wedding photography or any other photography need, please contact me.
Stephen Mayo Photography
(516) 667-4223
info@stephenmayophotography.com
Reena and Dylan | St. Aidan’s Williston Park & Sands Point Preserve | Long Island Wedding Photographer
What an amazing couple! Working with Reena and Dylan has been such a great experience. It is amazing to see a couple that share such a heartfelt love, and while working with them through planning and the day of the wedding, it was obvious how much they care for each other.
Reena and Dylan had a beautiful wedding at St. Aiden’s in Williston Park. I was there about 90 minutes before the ceremony started, and I got to meet family members as they came to the church, and once Reena arrived, it was a very warm ceremony from start to end.
There were two moments that I thought were exceptionally memorable. The first was Reena’s walk down the aisle. While this is a moment with heightened emotion at every wedding, seeing Dylan so excited and focused on her was very heartwarming.
The second moment was during the homily. Fr. Adrian asked the congregation to lift up their phones to take a picture of the couple, and he spoke about the importance of this day in their lives. I found it especially meaningful because I write a lot about how images become part of our story. The images I took that day will become part of Reena and Dylan’s legacy that they will share with their family, and the images will become a tangible memory that future generations can admire. But, the reason I liked the request so much is because it highlighted how the wedding is also part of the story of everyone there. Their family member or friend got married, and their community became larger.
After the wedding, we had some family formals on the altar. The plan was to take a few images of Reena and Dylan outside, and then they were going to be off to their honeymoon. But, Reena’s parents surprised them and all the people there with a small party at Nanking Restaurant a few blocks away.
Before Reena and Dylan arrived at the party, we stopped by a nearby gazebo. It was raining substantially, and we were able to get some nice images while keeping the bride and groom dry!
At the restaurant, Reena and Dylan celebrated with their family and friends for a few hours before they finally started driving to their honeymoon destination.
Sands Point Preserve Wedding Photos
Since time was short on the day of the wedding, we had an additional session a couple weeks later at Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve. This location is absolutely stunning.
We were able to walk throughout Hempstead House for a couple hours. Between the beautiful leaded glass windows, the staircase, and the general elegance of the location, we were able to capture some great imagery.
Finally, we spent some time wondering the grounds. It was late in the day, and most visitors had already left. We seemly had the place to ourselves.
Sand Point Preserve has two large buildings. The older building is Castle Gould - which was modeled after Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. We finished our session at that location. I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life, and it is amazing to me that buildings like this are only a short drive from my modest home!
Hempstead House is a Tudor style mansion that was built soon after Castle Gould. With their wedding attire, Reena and Dylan look right at home.
Reena and Dylan are a great people and a lot of fun to be around. I was happy to be part of their day. Their wedding and their photo session at Sands Point Preserve was truly memorable.