A Loeb Boathouse Wedding

Bride hugging groom from behind with fall leaves in background at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park

Can you believe 2017 is right around the corner? It seems like the year flew by in a flash, with a few very long months spent on the election. As a diversion from the political upheaval all around us, I present to you the details of Katherine and David’s Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park. This was a laid back, daytime wedding — and most notably — my last big wedding of the year in New York. (Next stop: Palm Beach for Rachelle and Brice’s wedding!)  Let’s celebrate the calm together, shall we?

Katherine & David – How They Met

Bride and groom dancing in front of Central Park lake at a Loeb Boathouse weddingYou met Katherine and David last week at their rehearsal dinner on the Lower East Side.  Like most modern couples, these two met online, and after just a few months of dating, they knew they were bound for the altar. David proposed in grand style.  He completely surprised Katherine with a trip to the Castello di Amorosa in the Napa Valley.  In a room reserved exclusively for the couple at the top of the castle, David asked Katherine to marry him.

While finding each other was fairly simple, selecting a wedding location was a much tougher decision. The couple lives in San Francisco, but David is a former Park Slope resident with strong ties to New York City. Furthermore, Katherine’s family is based in Brazil.  With map at hand, NYC proved to be the perfect halfway point for everyone.

 

Loeb Boathouse Wedding – Getting Ready

Reflection of bride in mirror putting on veil at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkThe day started at the Viceroy Hotel, where David was getting ready.  This hotel, located on 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, has a huge front entrance.  But don’t let that fact fool you. The rooms are small, and the interior of the hotel near the lobby is even smaller. If you are staying here, be aware that — aside from the hotel room itself — there are virtually no other locations in which to take photos.  The roof deck restaurant does not open until 4:00 p.m., and photos are prohibited both in the main lobby area and in the adjoining restaurant.  There is a common area in the lobby, known as the library, but it is very dark. This leaves you with the option of taking photos on the sidewalk or walking two blocks to Central Park. You have been warned.

Katherine, on the other hand, was getting ready in a suite at the famed Plaza Hotel. The room was spacious, despite a flock of bridesmaids and family present.  While Katherine spent the morning getting her hair and makeup done, she multitasked by memorizing her vows – a request by her officiant, and friend, Matt.  Right before we left the hotel for photos, a very emotional Katherine zipped into her dress and attached her veil. This moment when it becomes ‘real’ – when the bride realizes she will be walking down the aisle – is always one of my favorite memories at any wedding.

The Plaza Hotel let us sneak Katherine down the grand staircase in the lobby for her ‘first look’ with her father.  With time ticking down, we headed out to the fountain in front of the hotel where.  In the midst of New York Marathon preparations all around us, we managed to get some lovely family photos.

Loeb Boathouse Wedding – Ceremony

Bride and groom hugging during ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkKatherine and David kept to tradition, and did not see each other until Katherine walked down the aisle. This was a touching ceremony, and yes, Katherine was able to remember her vows. The couple wanted to include their families in the service as much as possible, so Katherine and David were each escorted down the aisle by their respective parents. In addition, there was a candle lighting ceremony conducted by Katherine and David’s mothers.

 

Loeb Boathouse Wedding – Portraits

Bridal party in Central Park at a Loeb Boathouse weddingTo make sure Katherine and David had enough time to enjoy their cocktail hour, I selected spots for family and bridal party photos adjacent to the Loeb Boathouse. Family photos were done on the deck overlooking the pond, and bridal party photos were shot in the park directly behind the Boathouse. Both locations were fairly private, and tourist traffic was at a minimum.  This is something you need with a bridal party of 14 (plus one flower girl who spoke only Portuguese) in tow.

For photos of Katherine and David, we visited the nearby Trefoil Arch and took a few snaps behind the Bethesda Fountain. Keep in mind that as this was a day wedding, we were taking photos at high noon – a time of the day that always produces the brightest sun and harshest shadows.  As such, I wanted to sideline the bride and groom photos until the end of the day when the light was more attractive and we didn’t have to return promptly for the cocktail hour.  When you schedule a half your photos to be taken after the reception, you run the risk of the bride and groom being too tired (or drunk) for quality photos.  But as it turns out, our timing was perfect.  Katherine and David were a model bride and groom rewarded with a glowing New York City sunset.

 

Loeb Boathouse Wedding – Reception

Groom kissing bride on cheek during first dance at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkDavid’s toast to Katherine, during which he surprised her by speaking a bit of Portuguese, was a highlight of the reception.  How do you top that performance?  Take a boat trip on the Central Park Lake with the bride, groom, crazy groomsmen Paul, and photographer all in the boat, of course.  (I’ll have more on this adventure later in the week.)

The staff at the Loeb Boathouse really know what they are doing, and I would like to give a special shout out to James and Harold who orchestrated the catering staff like a well-tuned symphony. The band, Jerry Kravat Productions, played fantastic Brazilian music, and even let the bride take a spin on the bongos. The photobooth was a huge hit, and included personalized props for the evening.  Finally, no mention of this fantastic wedding would be complete without saying thank you to the event planning team of Hold Your Hand, who took care of all day-of arrangements. I know I never have to worry if Vicky and Alexis at Hold Your Hand are on duty.

The day ended with a very passionate cake cutting followed by the presentation of precious brigadeiro, or truffle-like candies. Brigadeiro are traditionally served at Brazilian weddings, and I think other countries should copy the custom. Not only were the candies tasty, but they were also beautiful to photograph.

 

Final Thoughts on Day Weddings

Dramatic kiss in Central Park at night at a Loeb Boathouse weddingLet me leave you with my final thoughts on day weddings.  While most people schedule their wedding for the evening, day weddings are a superb option in terms of budget.  Venue and catering prices can be much cheaper if your event is held early in the day.  In addition, if you have an older guest list who simply don’t want to kick up their heels until the wee hours of the morning, then a day wedding makes perfect sense.  Day weddings are normally more laid back, and for those of us who would never be caught dead on a dance floor, a day wedding is a great option.  (Note, however, that if Brazilians are in attendance, then there will be plenty of quality dance floor action no matter the time of day.)

If you schedule your wedding so that there is light available at the end of your event, then you can split up your portrait time. Being able to enjoy your day and take photos afterwards is a huge benefit, but just make sure that you keep your energy up and be ready to refresh your makeup. Enjoy the photos, and think warm, relaxing thoughts: Katherine and David are in Bora Bora enjoying their honeymoon, and I know I wish I was there as well.

Vendors

Bride ‘getting ready’ hotel – The Plaza

Groom ‘getting ready’ hotel – Viceroy Hotel

Ceremony & reception venue – Loeb Boathouse in Central Park

Caterer – Loeb Boathouse in Central Park

Event planner – Hold Your Hand Events

Cake – Butterfly Bakeshop

Brigadeiro candies – My Sweet

Florist – Lenox Hill Florist

Band – Jerry Kravat Productions

Ceremony trio – Cello NYC

Photo Booth – The U Booth

Wedding dress – Suzanne Hanley designer, Atelier des Modistes

Shoes – Hangisi crystal-buckle blue satin pump (you know the shoe!), Manolo Blahnik

Hair and makeup – Amanda Shackleton

If you would like to see more images from my portfolio, such as these Loeb Boathouse wedding photos, then please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com.

Portrait of groom standing on NYC street Blue Manolo Blahnik heels in windowsill with NYC skyline in background Bride wearing curlers in hair standing in windowBride wearing hair curlers hugging little girl Portrait of bride wearing veil looking over shoulder Bride walking down aisle accompanied by both parents at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Father of bride hugging groom at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkGroom looking over at bride during ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Wide view of ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Bride looking over at groom during ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Flower girl watching ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Bride putting ring on groom's finger during Loeb Boathouse wedding ceremonyBride and groom kissing after ceremony at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing after ceremony Bride and groom looking at each other and recessing after ceremony Bride and groom walking down aisle after ceremonyBlack and white photo of bride and groom in Central Park Four layer wedding cake with flowers Bride watching groom give speech at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkGroom looking at bride while giving speech Mother of groom wiping away a tear Black and white photo of bride and groom during first dance at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Bride and groom during first dance at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkOlder woman wearing glasses and dancing at wedding reception Father of the bride making a speech and maid of honor looking at his paper Bride and groom sitting at sweetheart table and listening to toasts Bride and groom sitting at sweetheart table and toasting champagne glasses Black and white photo of maid of honor making toastBride and groom kissing on the dance floor at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Bride hugging female guest at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central Park Bride dancing in between two women on the dance floor Groom talking with parents seated at tableBride laughing while dancing with fatherGroom dancing with mother at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkMother and groom dancing at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkTwo guests at a table on the patio at the Loeb BoathouseBride and four female guests in a photoboothBride kissing mother seated at tableBride smiling at guest at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkThree guests talking at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkClose up on hands holding coffee cup with brigadeiro candies around the cupBride and groom kissing with guests in background at a Loeb Boathouse wedding in Central ParkBride and groom in foreground in boat with guests standing along Loeb Boathouse railing in backgroundBride and groom kissing on the dance floorBride and groom with guest on his knees playing a tambourineBride and groom in Central Park with Bethesda Fountain in backgroundBride and groom in Central Park with Bethesda Fountain in backgroundBride and groom dancing in Central Park at night at a Loeb Boathouse wedding

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