September 28, 2024, was a day filled with elegance, style, and love as Margot and Brian celebrated their marriage at the beautiful Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, NY. With a carefully planned timeline and a chic, luxurious ambiance, this wedding day was crafted to capture each intimate moment, from the getting-ready photos to the heartfelt ceremony and glamorous reception. Join us as we recount Margot and Brian’s memorable day, highlighting key moments and photography techniques for couples seeking timeless, candid, and editorial wedding photography on Long Island.
Photographers: Anna and Linera
Venue: Rockaway Hunting Club
Getting Ready: Bridal and Groom Preparations
Bride’s Finishing Touches at Garden City
The day began with the lead photographer, Anna, capturing Margot’s final preparations at a private residence in Garden City, NY. Here, we focused on timeless and candid moments that reflect Margot’s style and elegance. With her bridal bouquet, wedding rings, and invitation suite on display, the setting was perfect for capturing those detail shots that add an editorial flair to the wedding album. Brides on Long Island often seek a chic, elegant look for their getting-ready photos, and this location, combined with Margot’s stunning bridal look, made for unforgettable images.
Photography tip: Brides, ensure your preparation space is tidy and well-lit. Place meaningful items like the bouquet, rings, and invitations nearby for seamless detail shots. These small touches create a luxurious, cohesive feel in your wedding photography.
Groom’s Accessories and Final Touches in Point Lookout
At the same time, our second photographer, Linera, was with Brian at his family home in Point Lookout, NY. Here, the focus was on capturing stylish shots of the groom as he put on his final accessories, like his watch, boutonniere, and cufflinks. Groomsmen joined for some fun and candid moments, adding a relaxed, personal touch. Capturing the groom in this editorial, yet candid style ensures the final images reflect his personality and style.
For couples who prefer a balance of timeless elegance and casual energy, these getting-ready photos are perfect for showcasing both the polished and natural aspects of the day.
The Ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church, Garden City
Margot and Brian’s ceremony took place at the stunning St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City, NY, known for its grand architecture and historic charm. Arriving 30 minutes early, our videographer, Edison, ensured all setup elements, including microphone placements and camera positions, were ready to capture the ceremony with perfect clarity and sound.
Capturing the Ceremony with Elegance and Discretion
St. Joseph’s Church offered a beautiful backdrop for this elegant ceremony. The church’s rules around photography were carefully reviewed to ensure minimal disruption, allowing us to capture each moment in a way that respected both the space and the significance of the occasion. The classic ambiance of the church made it an ideal setting for capturing timeless images that are both dramatic and heartfelt.
Ceremony photography tip: Couples who love candid, yet dramatic ceremony photos should choose a venue with architectural beauty, as it adds an elegant touch to the final images.
Post-Ceremony Family and Bridal Party Photos
Outside the Church
After the ceremony, we captured essential family and bridal party photos right outside St. Joseph’s Church. These posed, yet candid, shots ensured every close family member and bridal party participant was included in the wedding album. By keeping these photos structured but relaxed, we created a stylish, editorial look that complements the more spontaneous images from the day.
For couples planning their own Long Island wedding, coordinating family photos immediately after the ceremony is an efficient way to include everyone while taking advantage of the beautiful church backdrop.
Bridal Party Photos at Rockaway Hunting Club
The stunning grounds of Rockaway Hunting Club were the perfect setting for intimate and stylish bridal party photos. Margot and Brian’s wedding party was composed entirely of close family, making it a beautifully intimate gathering. We focused on various groupings to capture a balance of formal, posed shots with relaxed, candid moments, highlighting the genuine love and joy among the couple’s closest family members.
Shot List for a Cohesive, Editorial Look
Creating a shot list helped us keep the photos organized and ensured that each family member and special relationship was thoughtfully represented. Margot’s individual shots with her parents and siblings, as well as Brian’s family portraits, added personal depth to the collection. With each grouping, we emphasized candid expressions to reflect the family’s closeness and warmth, resulting in images that feel both luxurious and heartfelt.
Bride and Groom Portraits at Rockaway Hunting Club
The bride and groom’s portraits were a true highlight of the day. Rockaway Hunting Club’s expansive grounds provided a chic, elegant backdrop for capturing these timeless, romantic moments. It happened to rain all day long, our couple had the right attitude, nothing could dampen their joy, they went out in the rain with us and we captured some etheral shots on the golf course. With the couple’s stylish attire and the natural beauty of the location, we created a series of photos that blend editorial sophistication with genuine emotion. With the overcast weather, there was no opportunity for golden hour photos, but nonetheless we got some great shots.
Cocktail Hour: Capturing the Chic Details and Candid Moments
As the sun began to set, Margot and Brian joined their guests for cocktail hour. Here, we captured the ambiance of the Rockaway Hunting Club, from the elegant decor to the lively interactions between guests. The reception space was photographed both with and without the couple to ensure we captured every detail of the luxurious setup before guests filled the room.
The Reception: An Evening of Celebration and Elegant Moments
Entrance and First Dance
Margot and Brian made a grand entrance into their beautifully decorated reception space at Rockaway Hunting Club. We captured every detail, from the decor and floral arrangements to the couple’s elegant first dance, creating a blend of posed and candid shots that tell the story of their celebration in style.
For couples interested in luxurious wedding photography, documenting the reception’s finer details ensures that every element, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, is preserved in the wedding album.
Capturing Candid Moments on the Dance Floor
As the evening progressed, the reception became a lively celebration of love, laughter, and dancing. Our photographers captured candid, spontaneous moments on the dance floor, as well as heartfelt interactions between the couple and their guests. These natural, unposed images bring energy and authenticity to the final collection, making each page of the album feel vibrant and personal.
Long Island brides often look for a balance of elegant, posed shots and candid, energetic photos that capture the joy of the reception. We used a mix of wide and close-up shots to highlight both the full dance floor and intimate moments between the couple and their guests.
The Cake Cutting and Final Shots of the Evening
At 9:00 p.m., Margot and Brian gathered with family and friends for their cake cutting. This classic wedding moment is a timeless addition to any wedding album, symbolizing the sweetness of the day. The candid shots of laughter and shared smiles during the cake cutting embody the celebratory spirit of their wedding.
We concluded the night with farewell shots, capturing the final moments of this elegant Long Island wedding. Our goal was to leave the couple with a comprehensive collection of images that reflected the day’s luxury, love, and joy.
A Long Island Wedding to Remember
Margot and Brian’s wedding at Rockaway Hunting Club was an exquisite blend of elegance, style, and candid emotion. From the thoughtfully organized family portraits to the sunset couple’s photos and the energetic reception shots, every element of their day was captured in a way that feels both editorial and personal. For couples planning a Long Island wedding, this celebration serves as inspiration for a day filled with chic style and heartfelt moments. Margot and Brian’s Rockaway Hunting Club wedding was a day we’ll always remember, proving that a little rain can make wedding photos even more magical.
If you’re seeking a wedding photographer or videographer on Long Island who can capture your special day with an eye for luxury, elegance, and authenticity, contact us to discuss how we can make your wedding memories last a lifetime.
