Amanda and Matt’s wedding at the Riviera Waterfront Mansion was a warm, emotional celebration along one of Long Island’s most scenic shorelines. The venue’s location on Massapequa’s coastline provided a calm, coastal backdrop for a day filled with family, heartfelt moments, and a ceremony timed perfectly with sunset over the water. What made this day especially meaningful was that Amanda, who was 7.5 months pregnant, carried a beautiful sense of grace and strength throughout the entire celebration. The combination of a glowing bride, a waterfront setting, and a couple deeply connected to their families created a wedding gallery filled with tenderness, joy, and elegance.

The Riviera Waterfront Mansion is known for its intimate yet expansive feel, with grand indoor spaces, waterfront lawns, and warm, inviting interiors that lend themselves beautifully to photography. The gentle light reflecting off the water and the cozy charm of the venue after sunset created an atmosphere that shaped the look and feel of the entire day.

Photographers: Dilmurad and Gabriel
Venue: Riviera waterfront mansion

Getting Ready

The afternoon began at Amanda’s family home in Seaford, where the energy was a mixture of excitement and calm anticipation. With hair and makeup completed before the team arrived, we were able to focus on the thoughtful details that make getting ready photos so personal. The house was tidied and prepared for photography, allowing space for florals, rings, invitations, and bridal accessories to be documented in the soft window light.

Amanda’s pregnancy added another layer of meaning to these moments. Her dress fitting revealed her glow, and her quiet smiles with family members created some of the most emotional images of the early day. Her first look with her father and brother brought out tearful reactions, and photographing these interactions felt particularly special knowing that the family was celebrating not only a marriage but also the beginning of a new chapter.

While Amanda prepared at home, Matt was getting ready at the Riviera Waterfront Mansion. The groom and his groomsmen shared relaxed moments inside the venue’s suites as they finished their accessories and greeted family members. The venue’s interior decor, with its warm tones and classic character, provided a perfect setting for these early portraits. We captured Matt straightening his tie, helping his groomsmen, and sharing casual conversations before the ceremony setup began.

Ceremony

With sunset scheduled for 6:21 pm, the ceremony took place at 6:30, just as the sky transitioned into soft evening light. The Riviera’s waterfront lawn created a serene and intimate setting, with the water behind the couple reflecting gentle hues of dusk. Guests gathered as Amanda walked down the aisle, her pregnancy adding a unique emotion to the moment and elevating the sense of family and future that the ceremony represented.

The vows, music, and overall atmosphere were simple and heartfelt. The light faded slowly across the water, creating a natural gradient that made the ceremony beautifully cinematic. Because of the timing with sunset and the short window before darkness, we worked quietly and efficiently, capturing multiple angles while staying mindful of the limited daylight.

As soon as the ceremony ended, guests headed to cocktail hour while Amanda and Matt remained outside for portraits. By this time it was fully dark, so we used lighting techniques to create warm, romantic images that highlighted the couple against the waterfront backdrop and architectural accents of the mansion.

Portraits and Venue Details

With cocktail hour underway, we began immediate family photos. This wedding included an extensive list of relatives, many of whom traveled to be there, and family meant everything to Amanda and Matt. The portraits moved efficiently thanks to the family helpers who checked off names and called out groupings. Even with a large list, the process felt smooth and collaborative.

Next, we gathered the bridal party. Their energy kept the session upbeat, and the nighttime setting made for moody, stylish images. The combination of flash, ambient light, and the venue’s reflections created a distinctive aesthetic that fits the Riviera perfectly.

Bride and groom portraits followed, giving us uninterrupted time to focus on the couple. Photographing Amanda while pregnant added a quiet beauty to the images; the way Matt supported her, guided her across darker areas, and held her close during portraits gave these photographs a tenderness that felt sincere and grounded. We created a mix of waterfront silhouettes, softly lit close-ups, and editorial-style poses that showcased both the venue and their connection.

Inside the mansion, reception details were captured before the room opened to guests. The décor, candlelight, and layout of the ballroom were photographed from multiple perspectives to highlight the design. Amanda and Matt stepped into the empty room for a few portraits, which always results in some of the most cherished images, as these are the moments where couples get to see their vision fully realized.

Reception

The reception flowed naturally from one moment to the next, with Amanda and Matt choosing not to do table photos but rather to let the photographers roam freely to capture candid interactions, small groups, and posed shots throughout the evening. This approach kept the atmosphere relaxed and allowed for more spontaneous moments.

Their first dance was emotional, especially knowing Amanda was carrying their child. Guests responded with warmth, cheering them on as they moved across the dance floor. Throughout the night, the energy built steadily. Sections of the ballroom filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt embraces among family and friends.

Speeches brought out stories and encouragement as the couple prepared for both marriage and parenthood. The cutting of the cake at 11 pm added a celebratory touch, and the late-night mood transitioned smoothly into the after-party, which extended the celebration until 1 am.

The Riviera’s intimate layout makes receptions feel both lively and close-knit, and this wedding was no exception. The glowing lights, waterfront setting, and presence of family made the evening feel warm and personal.

Amanda and Matt’s wedding at the Riviera Waterfront Mansion was a heartfelt, elegant celebration shaped by family, waterfront views, and the quiet anticipation of welcoming a new baby. Photographing a bride who was 7.5 months pregnant brought a unique softness and depth to the story of the day. The venue’s warm interiors and coastal surroundings paired beautifully with the emotional tone of the wedding, creating a gallery filled with meaningful moments and natural connections.

From the ceremony at sunset to the nighttime portraits and vibrant reception, every part of the day reflected the couple’s love for each other and their families. Their wedding is a beautiful example of how warm, intimate, and visually striking a fall wedding at the Riviera Waterfront Mansion can be.