Wedding of Steph and Valerie
I am always ecstatic whenever I get an inquiry to photography a wedding. At the risk of sounding a bit cliche, it is truly an honor whenever someone trusts in me enough to hire me to photograph the biggest day of their life!
When I was contacted by Valerie and Steph to photograph their wedding at the Sanctuary in Roosevelt Island, I was even more excited. I had seen pictures of the venue and their past weddings on Instagram, and it quickly became high on my list of wedding venues I wanted to shoot at. Here’s a little bit about the day and my experience at this wonderful venue!
Simplicity and Minimalism
Speaking with Val and Steph in preparation for their wedding, it was clear to me that they were not planning a big and elaborate wedding. They both expressed that they really don’t like to be the center of attention, therefore they would skip a lot of the traditional wedding events, such as first looks, first dance, reception entrances, and more. I did, however, manage to arrange an impromptu and organic first look in the bridal suites before heading out to take portraits!
Pictures Along the Riverfront
At The Sanctuary, you are afforded some of the best views of the city, with an emphasis on the Queensboro Bridge. After the girls were finished get ready, it was time for us to go out for our first couples session of the day. With bright midday sun, and not a cloud to be found, we tried to stay in shady areas along the river walkway, still keeping the bridge in the background.
Once we completed the first couples session, it was time to take pictures of the bridal party and then family and friends. For the bridal parties specifically, I was particularly a fan of the colorful dresses all of the girls were wearing. Apparently, the color selection was completely random, but it happened to work just perfectly!
The Ceremony
If I had to pick one part of this wedding as my favorite, ii think I would have to go with the ceremony. The location is just PERFECT. Right along the East River, facing west, with the Manhattan Skyline in the background, you have some of the greatest views around! What’s more is that later in the afternoon, the sun is beginning to set behind the skyline, creating a perfectly backlit scene during this beautiful ceremony.
Cocktail Hour into Reception
After the ceremony, the festivities flowed right into a beautiful outdoor cocktail hour during sunset. I took some candids during this time while mingling with the guests. Everyone was very warm and inviting! Once cocktail hour wrapped up the guests made their way to their seats for the start of the reception.
Like I mentioned, Steph and Val weren’t a fan of first dances or entrances, so they skipped all of those cliches and did things their way. Instead, they got right into some heartfelt speeches before dinner was served.
Sunset Session
Upon planning for the wedding via phone with Steph and Val, I made sure they knew how much had to do a couples session at sunset/golden hour! The location is too perfect not too. I was so happy that they were as much into the idea as I was. With that said, after the speeches commenced, I snuck out onto the waterfront with the Brides and captured some unforgettable shots!
Dance Party in the Old Chapel
One of the coolest parts about the Sanctuary at Roosevelt Island is the old stone chapel building. The venue has repurposed this historic structure and uses it as part of the wedding reception. Once dinner was complete the guests filtered over into the old stone chapel for a rocking DJ set, where there laughter and energy was contagious!
I’m so happy with my first wedding at the Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. It not only was location itself, and how beautiful I found the venue to be, but also the team and employees were so friendly, accommodating, and easy-going. I really hope to work with them again soon!
If you're interested in having your wedding celebration at The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Pat
patflanaganphotography@gmail.com
