Photographers: Linera and Asya
Venue: NY Palace Hotel

Capturing Brooke and Arya’s Chic NYC Winter Wedding at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel

When Brooke and Arya invited us to document their winter wedding in New York City, we knew it would be an extraordinary day. They envisioned a laid-back, editorial feel that balanced candid moments with a touch of elegance. From the grandeur of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel to the timeless beauty of St Bartholomew’s Church, their celebration wove together iconic city scenes and quiet, heartfelt exchanges. Here’s a closer look at how the day unfolded through our lenses.

Brides Preparation at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel

Shortly after 2:30, our second photographer, Linera, arrived in the bridal suite at the Lotte Palace. The suite’s high ceilings and panoramic views of Madison Avenue provided a bright, airy backdrop for Brooke’s finishing touches. Flowers, invitations, and rings were artfully arranged on the vanity, ready for detail shots. Brooke shared a tender first look with her father at 3:30, an emotional moment that set the tone for the day.

Asya captured behind-the-scenes candids of Brooke slipping into her gown, aided by her mother and bridesmaids. We balanced editorial flashes of the lace train cascading down the suite’s marble staircase with photojournalistic snapshots of genuine laughter and quiet anticipation. Intimate portraits on the plush sofa and along the hallway showcased Brooke’s joy, while soft natural light accentuated the winter décor and the soft ivory tones of her bouquet.

Groom’s Getting Ready in the Gentlemen’s Bar

Meanwhile, Asya arrived at the Gentlemen’s Bar shortly before 3:00 to photograph Arya and his groomsmen preparing for the ceremony. The bar’s rich wood paneling and vintage leather chairs added a warm, masculine contrast to the hotel’s ornate details. Arya’s best men helped him pin on his boutonnière and adjust his tie, and we made sure to capture those small ritual moments—the subtle check of cufflinks, the friendly pat on the shoulder, the shared laughter over holiday anecdotes.

By 3:45, the group moved to a nearby lobby alcove for classic groomsmen portraits. We guided them through a few simple poses—groom with his parents, groom with all groomsmen together, and one-on-one shots with each attendant—while still preserving the easygoing camaraderie that Brooke and Arya wanted for their day.

Ceremony at St Bartholomew’s Church

At 5:30, Arya stepped into a waiting car for the short drive to St Bartholomew’s Church. Brooke followed via the hotel’s chauffeured house car just five minutes later. The towering limestone façade and stained-glass windows of St Bart’s provided a striking counterpoint to the cozy warmth of the palace, and the church’s soaring arches echoed the couple’s vows with an almost cinematic drama.

Throughout the 40-minute ceremony, we discreetly captured key moments: the exchange of rings, the subtle brush of hands, the glow of candlelight on the bridal party’s faces. Immediately after the recessional, we positioned Brooke and Arya at the church entrance for a classic exit shot—sunlight dancing on pews behind them as they shared their first kiss as a married couple.

From there, we moved into family and wedding party portraits on the hotel’s grand staircase. Working with a friend of the couple to identify each family member, we captured three generations of love: grandparents seated together, parents flanking the bride, and a full bridal party shot on the sweeping marble steps. We made sure to include two young ring bearers in both family and bridal party groupings, weaving them into the celebration so that every cherished face was remembered.

Candid City Portraits en Route

One of our favorite parts of the day came next. Rather than heading straight back inside, Brooke and Arya braved the crisp air for a walk down Park Avenue. We followed at a respectful distance, using a mix of wide-angle and telephoto lenses to document candid interactions—brother gently adjusting a stray hair, bridesmaid bursting into laughter, and the couple hand-in-hand beneath the city’s clock towers.

A few posed portraits against the gleaming limousine and in front of the church’s stone columns brought an editorial feel to the series. Back at the hotel courtyard, we stole a moment under soft hanging lights and near the fountain, capturing the couple against the ornate iron gates and winter greenery. These images, blending the city’s edge with the venue’s refined architecture, perfectly reflect Brooke and Arya’s vision of effortless elegance.

Cocktail Hour in the Courtyard

As the sun dipped below the skyline around 6:30, guests gathered for cocktail hour in the palace courtyard. Our team split focus—one photographer roaming with an on-camera flash for fun, paparazzi-style candids, and the other staying close to Brooke and Arya. We immortalized their first post-ceremony embrace, champagne toasts beneath twinkling bistro lights, and playful moments on the marble stairwell and near the gentlemen’s bar entrance.

When a light flurry of snow began, we seized the chance for a romantic rooftop portrait, capturing the couple’s laughter against the soft white backdrop. We even enlisted a hotel bicycle cart for a whimsical shot, with the bride’s train trailing behind as Arya pedaled them down a side lane.

Reception Highlights

At 8:00, the grand ballroom doors opened for the reception. The chandeliers sparkled over long banquet tables set with gold accents and seasonal florals. We began with a champagne tower introduction, recording the gleam of crystal flutes and the couple’s radiant smiles as they joined their guests on the dance floor.

Between dances, we moved table-to-table for candid interactions—grandmother wiping away a tear, friends exchanging stories, children savoring their first bites of wedding cake. Brooke and Arya opted for a classic cake-cutting at 10:00, and we captured the moment when they playfully fed each other a slice, frosting lightly dusted on their noses.

Throughout the night, the soft glow of uplighting and the warmth of candlelight set a romantic mood. We interspersed documentary-style shots of toasts and dances with editorial portraits of the newlyweds beneath the grand arch of the head table. By the time we packed up at 11:00, every laugh, fleeting glance, and twirl on the dance floor had been preserved.

Final Thoughts

Brooke and Arya’s winter wedding at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel and St Bartholomew’s Church was a masterclass in blending photojournalism with refined editorial imagery. From the intimate first look in the bridal suite to the lively spirit of Park Avenue street portraits, every moment felt authentic and beautifully told. Their vision of a relaxed yet elegant celebration came to life in images that will transport them—and anyone who views them—back to the joy of that crisp Manhattan evening.

If you’re planning your own NYC wedding and want a team that balances candid storytelling with artful portraiture, get in touch. We’d love to capture your story against the city’s most stunning backdrops, too.