Merchant’s House Museum NYC Wedding Photos

Want to get married in a secret garden? Just such a place exists in the middle of Manhattan. In today’s blog post I will share with you Brian and Andrew’s Merchant’s House Museum NYC wedding photos and let you decide for yourself if this isn’t the most precious garden in New York City.

Meet Brian and Andrew

As always, let’s start off the story by meeting the couple. Brian and Andrew met the old fashioned way, via OK Cupid. After many happy years together, they had a quiet proposal at home. The couple wanted their wedding day to be intimate and personal, and most importantly, to be surrounded by their loved ones.

The ‘Rehearsal Dinner’ Cocktail Party

The wedding festivities began the night before at the High Line Hotel. Since their wedding was a simple affair, Brian and Andrew wanted to welcome all of their friends in a casual atmosphere. As such, their choice for the evening was to throw a ‘come-when-you-want’ cocktail party.

This is not the first time I have had clients opt for an alternative to the more formal rehearsal dinner. I think it’s a great idea since it first and foremost makes it easier for guests to get to know one another and also cuts down your wedding budget.

The History of the Merchant’s House Museum

For their wedding day, Brian and Andrew wanted to cultivate an intimate atmosphere so that they could truly feel surrounded by friends and family. The Merchant’s House Museum was the perfect venue for just that. Built in 1832, the Merchant’s House Museum is actually a nineteenth-century family home in New York City that has remained perfectly preserved. The house is considered one of the finest surviving examples of architecture from the period and has been awarded landmark status for both its Greek revival interior rooms and Federal-style brick exterior.

Merchant’s House Museum NYC Wedding Photos – The Portraits

The portraits of the grooms were all taken ahead of the ceremony on the street in front of the museum and in the lovely garden. Brian and Andrew did not want a big paparazzi moment, so we stayed close to home, so to speak. I was able to talk them in to a few street shots, however.

The Ceremony

I had the pleasure of photographing my first ceremony at the Merchant’s House Museum many years ago. Although you can hold a ceremony in the museum parlor, the garden is a perfect little piece of paradise in which to say your vows. Something is always in bloom in the garden and the high, brick walls keep out the chaos of New York City.

Brian and Andrew’s ceremony was a very personal affair, officiated by a friend of the couple. After saying their vows, the couple elected to have a fun group photo. This has become a very popular option for couples after their ceremony, and I welcome the new tradition. Then it was time for a quick champagne toast before Brian and Andrew headed out the door with all their guests for the reception.

Il Buco Alimentari Reception

The main reception was held at Il Buco Alimentari restaurant, just one block over from the Merchant’s House Museum. For Brian and Andrew, it was very important to capture a true New York scene as their wedding guests walked over to the restaurant. I love a good documentary moment, so you know I was all on board. The guest count for the day was 42, and we didn’t lose one person in transit.

The reception was a low-key event that started off with some epic speeches. I was there for the cocktail hour to photograph the toasts. There was no cake cutting or first dance, so when the couple and guest sat down to dinner my day was done. It was a wonderful evening and I know the couple felt truly surrounded by love.

Enjoy the images and I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

Vendors

Rehearsal Dinner venue – High Line Hotel
Ceremony venue – Merchant’s House Museum
Reception venue – Il Buco Alimentari and Vineria
Attire – Brian’s suit, J. Crew; Brian’s tie clip, Fine and Dandy NYC; Andrew’s suit, Proper Cloth
Footwear – Brian’s socks, Thom Browne; shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo
Hair stylist – Brian’s haircut by Peter Corvington at Spoke and Weal Soho
Wedding rings – Etsy
Guest book – Papier

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Getting married soon? Looking to create your own set of Merchant’s House Museum NYC wedding photos? Drop me a line, and let’s chat about your photography needs.

If you would like to see more images from my wedding photojournalism portfolio, then please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com