Blog
when you’re based out of new york city - the greatest city on earth, but also have an opportunity to travel across the country, it gives opportunity to shoot with amazing people in beautiful locations. Take a look at some of our recent favorites.
Creative Wedding and Elopement Photography in New York City: Capturing the Magic of Your Day
Creative wedding photography in New York City and beyond. Let’s make some images you’ve never seen before!
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It's a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that you will cherish forever. As a husband and wife team, we at Alex + Jess Photography believe in the importance of capturing these moments in a unique and creative way that reflects who you are, and what your relationship is. We specialize in creative wedding and elopement photography in New York City, and we're here to help you capture the magic of your wedding.
Capturing the Magic
When it comes to wedding and elopement photography, it's not just about taking pictures of the two of you. It's about capturing the unique story of your day and all of the moments that make your wedding special and unforgettable (from special gifts, to the tears to the kids and grandparents that are present. This comes by focusing on capturing candid, natural moments that tell the story of the day, allowing them to happen naturally rather than posing or directing. This lets us capture the raw emotion and beauty of your day in a way that is unique and personal to you.
One of the ways we capture candid moments is by getting to know you on a personal level. We want to know your story - it’s the first thing we’ll ask about! The better we know your personalities, your vision, your wedding day goals, the more we can anticipate moments and capture them in a way that is authentic to you.
We also prioritize the little details that make your wedding day unique. From the intricate lace on your wedding dress to the floral arrangements, all of those small details are what make the day special. We understand that these details are an essential part of the story of your day, and we capture them in a way that is both artistic and personal.
Creativity in Wedding Photography
Creativity is key when it comes to wedding photography. It’s what makes this fun for both us and you, and we're committed to constantly striving for creativity and capturing images that you haven't seen before. Our creative approach is all about finding unique locations, using creative compositions, and capturing unusual angles or perspectives. We want to create images that are as unique and special as you are on your wedding day.
We're always on the lookout for new and exciting locations to take photos. Whether it's a hidden alleyway in the city, a beautiful park in the suburbs, or hiking to the top of the nearest mountain (or skyscraper) We also make sure to get creative with lighting to create stunning and memorable images.
In addition to unique locations and lighting, we also capture unusual angles or perspectives. We believe that taking a different approach to capturing images can result in some of the most memorable shots of your day. Whether it's capturing the two of you through a reflection in a puddle, shooting through a window, or through the legs of a giant dancing robot, we're always looking for ways to push the boundaries of creativity to find something unique.
Bringing experience to the table
Experience and a calm personality are crucial when it comes to wedding photography. With over 12 years of experience as photographers, we have the skills and knowledge to capture your wedding day while being calm, collected, and prepared. We know that weddings can be stressful, and we're here to help you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
So, let’s make some killer images, and have fun while we’re doing it! Let’s make something creative, and document the experience of your day, and your story, in a way that you’ll want to look back on again and again. Reach out, and let’s chat today and the best way to capture your day creatively.
M + M // Connecticut Cambodian Wedding Photography
Monroe/Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield Pavilion
Gifts, Hair Cutting, Family
August, 2021 | Monroe, Fairfield, Connecticut
Oooooook let’s do this.
These guys, are amazing. And this Cambodian Wedding was absolutely incredible. And before I go any further, I highly recommend heading straight to The Adventure Diet blog to find out more about Molly’s intentions behind everything, and the beautiful background of this whole unique celebration.
But as a measly old wedding photographer in monroe, connecticut this is how I saw it…
A Cambodian wedding is a significant and spectacular event that is celebrated by families, friends, and sometimes the entire community. Cambodian weddings are filled with interactive, symbolic ceremonies and extravagant, colorful outfits. These wedding ceremonies are extremely interactive and engaging for family members and guests. As I understand it, traditionally, Cambodian weddings consist of eight ceremonies spanning three days, each of which is symbolic of the couple's journey as they enter their new marriage together. But the bride and groom aren't the only ones honored and showered with blessings; Cambodian weddings are an opportunity to pay tribute to the couple's families and ancestors.
As a newly-minted Cambodian wedding photographer, it was a joy to capture all of this.
The first ceremony is the Groom's Processional & Ring Exchange, where the groom and his family marched with gifts to the bride’s house to meet his new wife and her family. This ceremony symbolizes the groom’s long journey to his new bride’s home to ask her parents for their permission to marry. This was fun, and unique, and nothing I had quite seen before as everybody lined up with a gift and followed the procession.
Next, is Honoring The Parents where the bride and groom honor their parents, thanking them for their sacrifices and raising them to this point in life. The bride and groom use gold umbrellas to shade their parents, symbolizing the reversal in roles. They pass gift platters to each of them, bow three times for respect, then shower them with their gratitude and love.
The Hair Cutting ceremony, (“Gaat Sah”) is to prepare the couple for their new journey together as husband and wife. The hair of the bride and groom is metaphorically cut. Cambodians believe that cutting the hair symbolizes the bride and groom's past being cut away for a clean start as a married couple. Once the hair is "cut", perfume is sprayed on the couple.
After this was The Passing Of Blessings - a unique opportunity for all the married couples present to pass blessings and marital success to the bride and groom. This was such a beautiful way to see the support and mentoring that surrounded the couple.
This is followed by the Knot Tying ceremony, where M + M leaned on a gold pillow and held a sword together, which represented the groom’s loyalty and protection of his new bride while all the guests passed by to tie a red silk string to their wrists, then dipped a flower in holy water and sprinkled it over their heads.
After this, the couple was showered with white palm tree seeds by all in attendance (particularly the kids really enjoyed this part)!
There’s no way for me to truly capture every intricate symbol and meaning that went into this wedding, but it was a blessing to capture.
But… it didn’t end there. The couple then finished out the rest of the day, with bridal photos at Wolfe Park, followed by wedding photography at the Fairfield Pavilion and Penfield Beach with a reception, cake, amazing dancing, and a night shot to finish it off right.
If you’re also looking for a photographer for your Cambodian Wedding, or are getting married in Fairfield County, reach out, and let’s chat :)
My Favorite Photos of 2021 + 2022
Yearly recap of my favorite images from ‘21 + ‘22. Warm up those thumbs for some scrolling organized by color :)
Hello there friends,
What a fun couple years it’s been in this photography universe. I’ve had the intention to have a yearly recap of favorite photos, but having babies has thrown off that plan soo here’s a recap of 2021 and 2022. Please forgive me :).
Every year of doing this brings different challenges, but also some really unique opportunities to see unique places, meet amazing people and, particularly in 2022, reconnect with old friends.
What a freaking amazing thing photography is - to freeze a moment in time and preserve it forever. I’m so grateful for each and every person in this post. For trusting me to capture your moments, collaborating with me to make some magic and believing that it would happen.
Also - when I say capturing moments, that means these are real photos of real people on their real day. We don’t do styled or made-up shoots. Every client I’ve ever worked with has been amazing and trusting and kind, and I hope those reading this are also future clients that are the exact same way.
Love you,
A
M + C // Central Park Conservatory Garden Wedding Photography
Central Park, NYC
Conservatory Garden
Wisteria Pergola, Checkered Taxi, Steakhouse
June, 2022 | Conservatory Garden, Wisteria Pergola
Well this was indeed an iconic New York City wedding. From beginning to end, M + C had their own personal touches in everything.
Wedding Photography at PUBLIC Hotel
PUBLIC Hotel is such an incredible place to start out the wedding day, and portrait photography at PUBLIC is fantastic because of all of the great views and architecture. These guys really took advantage, getting ready with their bridesmaids and groomsmen in beautiful rooms. I arrived to catch the final touches of getting ready - the hair spray, the final dress buttoning, and the bridesmaid toast!
Wedding portraits at PUBLIC give you the option of photos in each of the beautiful rooms, but also in the main lobby is a beautiful area with lounge couches, a killer mirror with LEDs (see the blue silhouette photo below), a garden outside, and a lit up escalator with mirrors (holy smokes, would be happy to spend a full hour shooting just in this part of the hotel).
Wedding and Elopement Photography at Central Park Conservatory Garden
Shooting wedding photography in Central Park is a treat by itself, but at the Wisteria Pergola of the Conservatory Garden the scenery is incredible - a giant green lawn with a 20-foot-high fountain backed by a pergola overhanging with green vines and a stone path. The guests gathered under the pergola while a violinist and cellist serenaded the group waiting for the bridesmaids, flower girl, doggie, and bride to come down.
Once vows were exchanged, the couple came back down the “aisle” to applause and we wrangled together a photo of the entire group (these never turn out like “hey, look it’s uncle Bob, Pete, and Jane” but more like “wow, what a beautiful group and turnout!”). We then started into photos with the bridal parties and families, which was right at the time when the groom told me that he had a surprise for the bride (typically don’t recommend doing this on your wedding day but he nailed it), and we would only have about 1/3 of the time we originally had for photos, but would need to do so without the bride knowing.
Success! We had a beautiful Conservatory Garden wedding photography session from the walkways, to the pergola, to the brick walls, to the giant grass lawn. We were able to finish up by the gates of the garden where the bride was surprised with a classic New York checkered taxi! What an amazing surprise that made for some classic New York City wedding photography.
The night ended with a reception at DK, an iconic steakhouse in NYC. Food, dancing, toasts, mini taxis, cannolis, and a dope “The Masons” sign.
Wedding photography at the wisteria pergola, central park
If you’re looking to do some Central Park Wedding or Elopement Photography, let’s chat about how to capture the day in an unforgettable, natural, and creative way. Reach out, and let’s make it happen.
M + H // Central Park Elopement Photography
New York, New York
Bethesda Fountain & Terrace | Central Park
The Fountain, The Terrace, The Skyline
April, 2022 | Bethesda Fountain & Terrace, Central Park
Central Park Elopement Photography
It doesn’t get more intimate or romantic than an elopement in Central Park, particularly in one of my favorite spots. Elopement photography at the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace in Central Park is an absolute dream. The brief wedding ceremony happened under the arches of the Bethesda Terrace with just M + H and an officiant and me.
Then we did an elopement portrait session at the Bethesda Fountain. We started at the fountain itself, then moved under the arches and to the stairs. As always, I recommend doing what these two did and make it all happen before 10AM. You get the park to yourself (except for a few doggies happily running around), and you get the beautiful morning light floating through the park.
The route continued down The Mall where we stopped by the Naumberg Bandshell, then down south of Central Park where they wanted to get portraits in front of the NYC skyline. These rocks aren’t where most photographers go, but it’s a favorite spot of mine since it gets you a little higher, with a little more "oomph” :)
Such a lovely, quiet couple, and a peaceful, wonderful elopement.
Central Park Elopement Photographer
If you’re looking for your own intimate elopement, and Central Park is your place, then we’re the Central Park Wedding Photographers for you. Let’s chat about how we can capture your special day.
M + J // Coney Island Engagement Photography
Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island
Games, Hot Dogs, and a Big Banana Prize
October, 2021 | Coney Island
M + J contacted me in the summer about their upcoming trip to NYC. J had recently popped the question, and the two were headed to the big apple on a trip. They were looking for engagement photography in New York City. They proposed Top of the Rock, Gantry State Park, and Luna Park (part of Coney Island). They wanted an engagement photography session that was fun, creative, and showed their playful personalities and relationship. I knew immediately that Coney Island was the perfect place for their engagements.
As New York City engagement photographers, there is nothing better than finding a location that jives with who the couple is. We started off with the two taking a ride on the swings (they wouldn’t let me on the ride with a camera unfortunately). We then cruised around the park to explore the different fascinating nooks and crannies and, of course, grab a hot dog.
We made our way out of the park past the Wonder Wheel, and to the Boardwalk for some final photos before the sun started to go down.
We finished off with a few shots on the basketball nets - wouldn’t you know it after the couple took their tries I gave it a shot and with a swish won a giant banana that our kiddos were ecstatic see come home.
Such an incredible session with a couple who was up for anything and a location that provides more variety than you can imagine.
Engagement Photography at Luna Park
If you’re engaged and planning your own engagement session, reach out and let’s chat about how we can make it happen for you!
Family Photography at The MET // Manhattan, New York
New York City
The MET
Museums, Crosswalks, and Chest Bumps
October, 2021 | Manhattan, New York
This beautiful little family contacted me in advance of their trip out to New York City. A mom, her two little people, and grandma.
They were in the midst of a wonderful trip, and wanted to know if we could get some photos outside of the MET. The mom, a brilliant photographer herself, raved about the symmetry and lines around the museum, and I thoroughly agreed. She was looking for a candid family photographer, and that’s just right up my alley.
We met on the side of the MET, and proceeded to get some runs in with the kiddos, headed to the steps where some epic chest bumps occurred, then went down the street to get some of that iconic Manhattan streetlife.
What a great session with a great little family.
Family Photography NYC
If you’re looking to capture family photography in NYC, let’s talk about the best place and way to capture you in this beautiful city with so much to offer.
M + J // Manhattan LDS Temple Wedding Photography
New York City
Manhattan Temple
Taxis, Food Trucks, and Crosswalks
June, 2022 | Manhattan, New York City
An “Elopement” at the LDS Manhattan Temple
M + J met here in New York City, and during the height of COVID the best place to meet up was in the middle of Central Park, between their two apartments. So it was only fitting - and right up our ally as Manhattan Elopement Photographers - that we capture something like this.
Manhattan Temple Wedding Portraits
The thing about portraits at the Manhattan temple, is you’re smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Square. Which isn’t a problem, per sé, more of a challenge of getting it all in without all the busyness of the city. I think we were able to accomplish that :)
We also made sure to go to Central Park to one of my favorite locations for bridal portraits at The Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. This beautiful spot made its way into our list of the best spots to take photos in or near central park in NYC. We covered the Bethesda Fountain, then made our way through the beautiful arches of the Bethesda Terrace for more.
For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or “mormons” as nicknamed, a temple wedding is an important opportunity to not just be sealed “until death do you part”, but in the faith it’s believed that this is to be sealed for all eternity, and that families can be together forever. What a beautiful and incredible promise to each other.
V + M // Oceanbleu, Westhampton Beach, NY
Westhampton, NY
Oceanbleu
Boardwalk, Flowers, We Are Family
October, 2021 | Westhampton Beach, NY
V + M had a beautiful wedding at Oceanbleu on Westhampton Beach. Wedding photography at Westhampton Beach, Oceanbleu, or the surrounding area consists of gorgeous beaches, long grass, dunes, shells, everything you would expect. The venue (and brides) were incredible at rolling with the punches making a somewhat rainy and windy day into a beautiful one.
The day started at an AirBnB nearby, where both brides had hair and makeup done while successfully avoiding one another, exchanging gifts with moms and bridesmaids. They then made their way to the venue, where we carefully made a first look happen (tears were shed). The venue is an amazing setting with a long boardwalk out to the beach - a setting we tried to take advantage of a few times but failed to have cooperation of the rain and wind. We decided on portraits near the window, along with family bridal party photos. The weather then cleared just enough to sneak in a few wedding portraits out on the boardwalk.
The rest of the day went on without a hitch as the bridal party rehearsed the ceremony, guests arrived, and the bridal party once again strode (or rolled in red wagon, baller-status) down the runway. Post-wedding included dances down the aisle, a lively cocktail party (with a few night portraits), some of the most stellar toasts I’ve ever heard, and a live band to knock everybody’s socks off.
There’s no better way to end the night than cake cutting and “We Are Family” on the dance floor.
As New York City wedding photographers, this celebration with family was one for the books!
Oceanbleu wedding photography
LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography
If you’re also getting married at Oceanbleau or near Westhampton beach, let’s talk. We’re New York City wedding photographers who love to get creative while capturing candid moments all over.
B + C // Ninety Acres, Peapack, New Jersey
New Jersey
Ninety Acres
Rain, Wine, and Snooker Tables
September, 2021 | Peapack, New Jersey
B + C’s wedding was simple and beautiful. Down in the wine cellar of Ninety Acres, New Jersey on a rainy Thursday evening, these guys exchanged vows and tied the knot.
We started early, just the three of us, with the intention of using the woods around the area for some wedding day portraits, but were met with pouring rain, and needed to improvise. The snooker space upstairs and the tent outside with lights up made for a great substitute.
The ceremony down in the cellar was elegant and simplistic - about 20 people tops including the violinist. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour upstairs. Cake was cut, first dances were had, and the rain let up momentarily for some portraits in the garden.
The evening ended with a beautiful dinner set up back down in the wine cellar.
A wonderful wedding day that seemed to be everything it needed to be - and the rain brought some good luck!
Only after the wedding did I realize Brooke is an online fitness instructor - you can check out her stuff here.
Also, Ninety Acres for a wedding - can’t say enough about the staff there. With the rain and the day throwing them curveballs left and right, from my perspective they were incredibly accommodating and resourceful. They made course corrections as needed, and transitioned the ceremony room in no time. Amazing place with some great staff.
Thoroughly enjoyed shooting wedding photography at Ninety Acres - even with the rain would do it again :)
Proposal Locations in NYC
Pop the question!
Congratulations! You are finally ready to pop the question! Now to make the day extra special, finding the perfect spot that photographs well might be the hardest part about this. Don’t worry here at Alex and Jess Photography we have done some research to find some cool New York City spots perfect to make any engagement shoot wow your future spouse!
Brooklyn Bridge
What better place for a proposal than an iconic spot in New York? The Brooklyn Bridge is one of those places that you just can't miss when visiting NYC. As soon as the sun starts rising, this location gives a gorgeous light perfectly to get those shots!
Top of the Rock
Located midtown Manhattan overlooking all that life has to offer; you can't beat this view! You'll need reservations and tickets - but it is worth every penny!
The Loeb Boathouse
The Loeb Boathouse is a stunning building in the middle of Central Park, with breathtaking views. You can enjoy rowing or just people watching from its terraces - located right in the middle of the iconic Central Park! There are rowboats available for rent as well for the most romantic shots. Your lover is for sure going to be speechless.
Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge is a two-sided bridge that crosses an inlet of Central Park which runs east to west and bisects the land for approximately 1,200 feet. The construction was completed in 1862 with unique stone archways, wooden decking made up mostly by oak trees symbolizing peace (because they are strong), and located right next door near over 102 acres of lush green space! This has become one popular spot amongst tourists who want their photos taken at this beautiful landmark. To avoid crowds you should visit early morning before 10 AM when there will be fewer people visiting!
Shakespeare Garden
When you think of the most photographed gardens in New York, it’s hard not to imagine a place like Shakespeare Garden. Located right on Central Park's southern section and surrounded by three beautiful bridges. There are plenty of perfect spots to pop the question!
The Edge Hudson Yards
The view from The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of my new favorite locations for an engagement session. With 1,000-foot tall skyscrapers and 78 stories offering unbeatable views across New York City; it's no wonder this spot has become so popular with tourists looking to capture their memories before heading back home or even just spending some time in NY!
Versa Rooftop in Midtown
This cute, hidden restaurant in Midtown called Versa is the perfect spot for some engagement photos or even to host an elegant party right after to celebrate that YES! It's located inside the Renaissance Hotel. Such a cute spot under the lights to ask that special person to spend the rest of your life with you! And the romantic pictures that will come from this will be gorgeous!
When choosing your special spot for your engagement New York City is one of the most gorgeous places for any special occasion, Alex and Jess are ready to hit the town and get those surprise photos that you’ll never forget.
L + R // Belhurst Castle, Geneva, NY
Geneva, NY
Belhurst Castle
Fireflies, Castles, and Blue Skies
August, 2021 | Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY
As I mentioned on the blog of their engagement session here, L + R had it rough with wedding plans as it relates to Covid. But, they really made the best of it with this beautiful day. They decided to forego a giant wedding and make a semi-elopement happen at the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York on the Finger Lakes.
Wedding photography at the Belhurst Castle is. a. blast.
It all started with getting ready photos. L had her parents and sister there, and it was such a great moment. We then orchestrated the first look at a beautiful spot outside the castle. (tears were certainly involved).
The wedding planning team at Belhurst Castle, the officiant, and even the cellist did an amazing job being patient and waiting out the rain - which did pass and the ceremony was able to happen outside - a ceremony on the cliff of the Finger Lakes with about 15 family members (+ some who joined on Zoom).
As it finished up, we captured family photos surrounded by fireflies and the mist of the rain. We wandered around for a bride and groom portrait session around the castle grounds, the dock, and I was grateful to get the pregnant bride to lay on the ground in a stairwell for a beautiful shot in the castle.
Whether you’re looking for New York City wedding photography, New York wedding photography, or an elopement session, we’d love to capture all of your moments. What an amazing day.
