Eliza + Michael - Old Brookville, Long Island - Private Estate Wedding

The Beginning

It was hard not to think of Eliza and her sister playing as kids in their backyard.
It was a place that was just sorta magical.
From the moment you walked into their house you were greeted by the amazing view from
the over sized window facing the backyard. Blue azure skies and boats littered the equally blue water.
When I gasped at the sight, Eliza said quite simply 'I never take the view for granted'.

That only cemented the fact that I liked her.
A lot.

***

They didn't want a lavish wedding. They wanted something small and intimate.

But you know how some things go. Especially weddings.

They seem to all of a sudden take on a life of their own.

As grand as it became though, the celebration had it's charming quieter moments too.

Lantern's swung from tree limbs in bright shades of yellow and orange, and the tents were drawn up
and decorated with beautiful lights that gave off an amber glow when the sun went down.
The private estate was the perfect location for their garden style wedding.

Their day was the last weekend before autumn began

and there was a difference in the air with the changing of seasons...
the feeling of something new about to begin.

Even the clouds started to change as they do this time of year,
by getting lower, dreamy and more dramatic in the sky.

By nightfall the women were wearing the men's suit jackets to bundle up from the chill.
The fire from the open flames of the caterer filled the backyard with the most delicious aroma,
as Eliza and Mike swayed to the band under the tent.

***

When the start of something new begins there is a sense of appreciation for the moment.

You take it all in.

The sights, the sounds, the smell, the feeling, and the people around you.

And while time may not give us the opportunity to appreciate and be thankful for every single moment -
we can make a moment linger a bit more by appreciating it for all that it's
worth at that exact moment we are in it.
I think Eliza said it best...'never take the view for granted'.

Maybe that's why I love my job.
I witness new beginnings all the time.
Whether it's the start of a marriage, or the birth of your first child...
or a wonderful event or achievement, I get to celebrate it with you in some way.
I laugh at the antics of the guests, adore the relationships I witness, and I cry along with you during vows.
It's personal for me.

Life can get crazy. We forget more then we remember sometimes.

But documenting a moment, holds onto that moment for all that it's worth.
And when you can visit it again and again...to me that's worth the moon and stars.

While going through your images I re-lived your day once again.
Your grace, your appreciation and your love was apparent.
In your beginning, I saw your happy ending.

Tickling the ivory...

A dress with a view...

Eliza's bridesmaid Kristin, made this set for her.
It looked perfect on her!

And the butterflies begin...

I like his expression here...

Adorable!

A shared laugh...

A shared tear...

I remember hearing Eliza say to someone she wanted a picture of the clouds because

she thought they looked so amazing. 

Well Eliza, I do have to say...you put them to shame ; ) 

I love a moment like this. Before or in between a portrait when a relaxed smile comes across their face. 

And I swear all she would need are wings to look exactly like an angel...

I fell head over heels for them when they had two hours blocked off before the ceremony for pictures. 

It's wonderful to be able to have the luxury of time. 

So many times photographer's only have time in between the ceremony and the cocktail hour to do bridal portraits, groom portraits, the bridal party, the couple, and all of the family formals.
Most of the time too, the time gets cut short due to unexpected events or traffic,
so it's nice when there is extra 'padding'. 

I think it also gives the bride and groom a relaxed experience.

Here is Eliza and Mike seeing each other for the first time...

Here is the peanut gallery looking on! ; ) 

Doesn't it look like they're in some place exotic?

Sea Cliff, Long Island...folks. 

They should charge admission for people to see it : )  

The moment before a kiss...

a relaxed portrait...

You guys are awesome!

The ceremony and reception took place in 

Old Brookville, Long Island 

Guests arriving...

Cheers!

Yellow just exudes happiness, doesn't it?

I thought the cake looked divine. 

I love the whole garden party feel it gave.

Soo the cake toppers started off the beginning of the night facing out (see image above)...
by the end of the night they were making out!

'With this ring...'

You all should have been there for when they said their own vows...

A moment like this you kinda want to keep in your pocket for a rainy day...

Some details....

When the sun went down...
(for all of you photographer's this was ambient light at ISO 10,000 -
the sky was not touched in post processing!)

I had said goodnight to Eliza and Mike and was on my way to my car when
I thought that maybe I could get one last shot.
So I turned around and went back to find them.
If they thought I was crazy, they didn't mention it. Well, at least to me! ; )

 It was pitch black outside, but I thought we might be able to capture a bit of the ambiance still.
Looking back now, technically, I would have done things differently, but I still think it caught a nice moment.
(Again, ambient light...at 2.8, 1/30 hand held, 16,000 ISO).

My Top 5:

Favorite Moment:  When they read their own vows. *Sob*

Coolest: I thought the pop of yellow on the guys looked waay cool.

Sentimental: When Eliza's Mom saw Eliza doing portraits. Tears were streaming down her face and I couldn't help but think that she was imagining her little girl just as that. Little.

Unique:  Personalized flip-flops!!

Funniest: Mike's brother's speech about the 'tropical fish'.

***

The beginning and the end are usually what is significant - it's what we remember most.
But really it's the 'in-between', the stuff in the middle that make up most days in our lives.
Our day to day routine - is really what life is made of.
And it's up to all of us to decide what to fill those days with.

I hope Eliza and Mike that everyday is an adventure for you.
That each and every day is a new beginning.
A new smile, a shared moment, more kisses, and time spent well.

Live each day as if it was a new beginning, and I can almost assure you a very happy ending.

p.s.

Thanks to 'The Knot' publication for the feature and 'referral'!
If you would like to get some inspiration for a wedding, check out their site for some fun ideas!

p.p.s

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