Central Park Wisteria Pergola Wedding Photos

I’m one for three when it comes to photographing a wedding in the Central Park Conservatory Garden and having the sun actually shine. Though it definitely did rain during Amanda and Anthony’s Conservatory Garden wedding, you cannot deny the brightness and joy in their Wisteria Pergola wedding photos. So let’s look past the inclement weather in today’s blog post as we meet a bride and groom fond of dancing in the rain.

Meet Amanda and Anthony

In grand New York style, these two met while performing Annie on Broadway. After being together for several years, the proposal happened over Christmas in 2021. The couple was staying together in their cottage on Phillip Island in Australia when Anthony asked Amanda to marry him in a ‘simple and quiet and absolutely perfect’ manner, according to Amanda. The couple is a huge fan of all things vintage, so of course the engagement ring was a beautiful 1918 ring from London.

By the way, New York City really is a small town. Amanda is a good friend of my previous Wisteria Pergola bride, Katie, and you can find photos of her lovely Conservatory Garden wedding to Zack here.

An Intimate Event

The intimacy of Amanda and Anthony’s proposal would be reflected throughout the tenderness and simplicity of their wedding day. Only 22 guests –the couple’s closest friends and family – would be in attendance. Anthony and Andrew had no official bridal party, but a ‘person of honor’ was designated for both the bride and groom.

The plan for the day was to say their vows on the Wisteria Pergola in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden. The short ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple and included the reading of a poem. After swapping vows and rings, we took a group photo and then headed off to Gramercy Tavern for the reception.

Amanda and Anthony’s Wisteria Pergola Wedding Photos

As the ceremony continued, the rain started to make its presence known. Alas, this meant there was no way to take portraits in the Conservatory Garden except for a few quick snaps as we headed off to the limo.

By the way, if you are ever going to be caught in a rainstorm with your photographer, clear umbrellas are definitely the way to go. Amanda and Anthony came prepared, and thanks to their forethought, we caught some great photos on the fly.

South Garden Construction Until Fall 2022

It’s a shame we didn’t get to make more use of the Conservatory Garden, but it is just as well. If you haven’t heard the breaking news, the South Garden is currently under construction. There is a giant fence around the garden and it is completely torn up. The construction won’t be completed until the fall of this year. The South Garden is by far the most beautiful garden at the Conservatory Garden complex, but there are other blooming options including azaleas, tulips, and the wisteria, of course.

Group Wedding Photos

Group photos are quite the trend in weddings these days, and I encourage it. If you’d like to get the whole gang together for a photo before everyone goes to the reception, a group photo is a great idea. Just tell your photographer ahead of time. I always come equipped with a wide-angle lens and a step stool so that I can get up high and get everyone in focus. (For more tips on getting great group photos at your wedding, read this article.)

Gramercy Tavern Wedding Reception

The wedding reception was held at Gramercy Tavern. If you haven’t visited this iconic restaurant in New York City, you should definitely make a reservation now. The food is fantastic, and the service is beyond compare. Furthermore, the restaurant always looks perfectly prepared for a wedding reception with lush flowers decorating the entrance.

Gramercy Tavern did not disappoint with a full tasting menu and beverage service. The centerpiece in the middle of the large table was real succulents. The lemon-flavored cake was not cut, but simply on display. And since we didn’t get to take family photos at the park, all of these portraits were taken in the dining room.

The Details

Amanda’s wedding dress was stunning. She knew immediately this was the dress for her when she put it on. The decoration on the dress is embroidery, so the dress is much lighter and easier to move in than a dress covered in beading. The hat she wore was her grandmother’s wedding hat. She also wore a garter belt that her mother had worn to her own wedding. The final traditional detail was a small Bible from home. Amanda’s wedding was proof that you can bring a little bit of home with you even if you’re getting married in the middle of the big city.

Finally, I have to make mention of the bride’s exquisite blue high heels. These shoes are from Badgley Mishka. They are exquisitely made, yet a quarter of the price of the Manolo Blahnik originals. Smart purchase, if you ask me.

Amanda and Anthony’s wedding was a fantastic opportunity for friends and family to get together and celebrate the couple. Enjoy the images, and I’ll have more photo adventures for you later this week!