This past Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Julia and Andrew’s garden wedding day at The Royalton Mansion and it was nothing short of perfection. It was a glorious end of summer day with warm temps and a glowing sun. I’m not quite sure where to begin to describe the beauty and the love that enveloped these two on their magical day, but I guess a good place to start is always the beginning. 

Julia and Andrew first met while working for the same company. Andrew was immediately smitten with the darling and lovely, Julia, but it wasn’t until he left the company that the two had the chance to truly get to know each other. With New York City as their playground, Julia and Andrew’s relationship blossomed at some of the city’s sweetest places. Julia and Andrew’s relationship grew as the years went by, surviving through the craziness that was COVID-19 by staying in Boston with Andrew’s parents. A quick weekend trip turned into a 3 month stay that only allowed their love to grow further, for each other and their families. After getting engaged on Martha’s Vineyard during a romantic beachside picnic, Julia and Andrew reached out to me. 

I immediately fell in love with their story and couldn’t wait to work with them in the coming year. We planned their engagement session for the fall, traipsing through some of their favorite parts of NYC like Central Park and Chelsea. Within the first few minutes of meeting them, I knew they shared something special. They were so easy with each other, sharing whispers and small giggles throughout the session. As with the wedding day, I felt as though I rarely needed to share pose ideas with them because they were just so happy and excited to be there, with each other. 

Finally, their wedding day came this past weekend and it was everything I knew it’d be and so much more. Maybe it was the way that Julia and Andrew created intention and thoughtfulness throughout all of their planning. From the custom gifts they gave to their fathers, to the handwritten notes they shared with all of their guests at the reception, to the anniversary dance they surprised Julia’s grandparents with after 60 years of marriage. Throughout the day, it was apparent that Julia and Andrew were not only a strong couple because of their commitment and dedication to each other, but because of their love for their families and the people that built them. During the toasts at the end of the evening, both Andrew and Julia’s fathers shared a toast together to symbolize the joining of their two families and the celebration of their children’s happiness. It’s moments like this that swell my heart with awe – I truly cherish this job of mine so much. 

Aside from the beautiful moments only best articulated by their loved ones, Julia and Andrew had designed a spectacular celebration that was effortlessly executed by Anita of Morton Street Events. From the stunning watercolor invitations that showcased a summer pastel dreamlike scene to the floral installations by Pedestals Florist, the day came together beautifully. The Royalton Mansion served as a welcoming and intimate setting for their nuptials, with an expansive front facade, luxurious spiral staircase, warm brick patio for cocktail hour and a sweet garden lawn for their ceremony. With the help from Element Music, the party continued all night long and the dancefloor was kept packed thanks to their talented musicians. 

Thank you so much, Julia and Andrew, for trusting me to capture your stunning garden wedding at The Royalton Mansion! I’m wishing you two endless amounts of happiness and love in all the years to come! 

Vendors:

Venue: The Royalton Mansion

Coordination: Morton Street Events

Photography: Francesca Dominique Photography

Videography: NST Pictures

Florist: Pedestals Florist

Band: Element Music