This wedding day brought together timeless traditions, thoughtful details, and a waterfront celebration that felt elegant from start to finish. With a classic church ceremony followed by a reception overlooking the water, the day flowed beautifully and offered a perfect balance of structure and relaxed celebration.

Mary Kate and Arnaud planned a wedding that felt personal, refined, and unmistakably New York. From their song choices to the iconic venues they selected, every part of the day reflected who they are and what they love.

Getting Ready and Meaningful Family Moments

The day began with getting ready photos at the Marriott Saddle Brook, where the focus was on calm, meaningful moments rather than anything overly staged. These early hours are often quieter, allowing space for emotion to surface naturally.

Mary Kate shared a first look with her father before heading to the church, a moment that set the tone for the rest of the day. These brief, emotional exchanges are often some of the most powerful moments we capture, and they become especially meaningful when looking back on the full story of the wedding day.

A Traditional Ceremony at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

The ceremony took place at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, a beautiful and traditional setting well suited to a classic church wedding. The ceremony was elegant and reverent, with music and readings that felt intentional and personal.

Following the ceremony, immediate family portraits were taken on the church grounds before guests gathered outside for a celebratory exit. These moments just after the ceremony are often filled with joy and relief, and they photograph beautifully.

Traveling to the Waterfront at Glen Island Harbor Club

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Glen Island Harbor Club. Located on the water in New Rochelle, this venue offers sweeping views, expansive outdoor spaces, and elegant interiors, making it an ideal location for wedding photography and videography.

Despite the longer travel time from the church, the transition felt seamless. Once on site, we captured bridal party photos and portraits of the couple outside, making the most of the waterfront setting and open air before heading indoors.

Bride and Groom Portraits and Golden Hour

Mary Kate and Arnaud’s portraits took place both outside and inside the venue, allowing for a mix of natural light, architectural backdrops, and softer interior scenes. As the sun dipped lower, the waterfront light added a subtle glow to their photos, creating a timeless, romantic feel without needing anything overly dramatic.

These portraits were unhurried and relaxed, which always translates into more natural images. The venue’s flexibility made it easy to move between spaces as the light changed.

Cocktail Hour and Reception Atmosphere

Cocktail hour gave guests a chance to enjoy the venue while the photography team focused on ambiance, décor, and candid guest interactions. Inside, the reception space was photographed both with and without the couple, highlighting the details before the room filled.

The reception itself was lively and full, with close to 200 guests filling the space. Rather than table photos, the focus remained on candid moments, conversations, and the overall energy of the evening, allowing the celebration to unfold naturally.

Wedding Music Inspiration from the Couple

For couples looking for music inspiration, Mary Kate and Arnaud’s song selections were a thoughtful blend of classic, modern, and New York–inspired choices. These songs helped shape the tone of the wedding film and added another layer of personality to their day.

Highlight reel song
You Found Yours – Luke Combs

Slow songs
If I Should Fall Behind – Bruce Springsteen
Whenever You Come Around – Vince Gill
New York, New York – Frank Sinatra

Fast songs
World Hold On (Fisher Rework) – Bob Sinclar
Back in the New York Groove – Ace Frehley
Love Is the Only Thing – Lost Frequencies

Including music choices like this can be incredibly helpful for couples who are still deciding what style or mood they want for their wedding video.

A Thoughtfully Planned Wedding from Start to Finish

This wedding was a great example of how classic venues, strong planning, and personal details come together to create a day that feels timeless rather than trendy. From the church ceremony to the waterfront reception, every part of the day flowed smoothly and felt intentional.

Mary Kate and Arnaud’s celebration at Glen Island Harbor Club was elegant, joyful, and full of moments that will translate beautifully into both photographs and film for years to come.

And yes, I’ll remember this going forward, including a short music inspiration section like this in future video blog posts is a great idea and works very naturally within the story.