Rachel + Yoray

To cap off 2016 I headed off to Long Island to photograph my first New Year’s Eve wedding and what a night it was! Nestled just off Huntington Harbor in Huntington, NY lies Prime–an amazing venue that hosted the ceremony and reception for Rachel and Yoray.

I’ll admit portraits were very challenging for this venue. We didn’t have an outdoor option and had very few indoor options. Also, because this was a winter wedding, it was dark out by the time the ceremony was over which was a bummer! From a photographic standpoint, it wasn’t a perfect situation, but we made them look amazing anyway! I am really happy with the results.

One of my favorite portraits of Rachel and Yoray is of the couple outside. There were icicle lights in the trees and that made for a very romantic and quintessential winter wedding portrait. It just felt magical.

I utilize some incredible second shooters and this wedding was no exception. I worked with a fantastic second shooter named Anthony and he rolled with the punches as usual. He’s a real professional and I always love the chance to work with him!

After dinner, everyone lit up the dance floor! I love wedding where the guests get really into it and are willing to let go and have fun. Even Rachel was pulling out the stops–quite literally when she was raised up in her chair!

She got slightly tossed out of the chair when they raised her up. She wasn’t hurt, but there are pictures of whoever was holding the front of the chair slacking off a bit as she slid forward! Rest assured, the bride escaped unscathed, but it made for some classic and hilarious photos!

It may have been New Year’s Eve, but their guests all knew that this wedding was the hottest ticket in town, which I loved. A wedding on NYE is a fantastic idea! Think about it: you get to be around good friends and close the year out in a fancy place along with really good food and drinks all night. It’s a win-win for everyone!

As midnight closed in, they put on the NYE countdown over in Times Square and the couple gave out hats and favors to their guests. It was a romantic and fun moment. That to me, was the most romantic moment when the clock struck midnight. What a unique moment that the guests AND the bride and groom will surely remember forever!