There’s something extra meaningful about photographing a wedding that feels deeply rooted in the place a couple calls home. This October wedding unfolded entirely in New York City, the city where Amy and Morgan live and built their life together.
From a community garden ceremony and a spontaneous procession through the streets of Manhattan to a cosy candlelit wedding reception at Lafayette Grand Cafe, the day felt organic, joyful, and so New York.
A Ceremony at Plaza Communal in Alphabet City
Amy and Morgan exchanged vows at Plaza Cultural, a hidden community garden tucked into Alphabet City. Surrounded by greenery and early fall light, the ceremony felt calm and personal; a quiet pocket of nature in the middle of the city. The garden setting allowed their closest friends and family to gather closely, creating a ceremony that felt grounded, emotional, and unrushed.
Cocktails, Then a Walk Through the City
After the ceremony, guests crossed the street to the Weyland, a nearby bar for cocktail hour. As the afternoon turned into evening, the energy built naturally: laughter, conversations, and the easy warmth that comes when everyone feels relaxed and present.
Rather than taking cabs to Lafayette, the couple invited everyone to walk together through the streets of Manhattan to the venue. Guests cheered, passersby smiled, and for a few blocks, the wedding became part of the city itself. It was one of those moments that could only happen in New York!
A Lafayette Grand Café Wedding Reception
The evening concluded at Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery, a beloved New York City institution known for its French-inspired atmosphere and warm, convivial energy. The space provided an elegant yet relaxed setting for dinner, toasts, and celebration — a perfect fit for a couple who wanted their wedding to feel elevated but never formal or rigid.
With the intimate setting of the wine cellar downstairs, where Lafayette hosts all of their weddings, the place photographed beautifully and offered an experience that felt both special and welcoming. It’s an ideal venue for couples planning an intimate NYC wedding who value great food, conversation, and a sense of place.
I shot this wedding using a blend of film and digital photography, as I usually do, allowing the day to be captured with intention and creativity. There is something so special about film. It adds edge and a very original touch to the photo collection, plus I am a little hooked to the anticipation I feel when waiting for the scans to be delivered!
VENDORS: Groom’s suit: Todd Snyder – Bride’s dress: Jenny Yoo – HMUA: Miss Harlequin – Florals: Blooms by April – Venues: Plaza Cultural, the Wayland & Lafayette Grand Cafe
