The Hempstead House Wedding at Sands Point Preserve

Hempstead House Wedding | Sands Point Preserve | Tracy & Michael

Excited to share my first wedding of the 2016 season!

I’ve been looking forward to photographing Tracy and Michael’s wedding on April 30th  for some time as I really enjoyed getting to know them during their engagement session last fall .

The weather was gorgeous and after taking some getting ready photos we headed off to the wedding ceremony at Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church in Floral Park .

Their reception took place at The Hempstead House, which is a tudor style castle; one of four mansions within Sands Point Preserve .

This historic estate truly is a jewel on the gold coast of Long Island!

Special thanks to my talented friend Sherry Pickerell for second shooting for me.

Tracy’s stunning bouquet was designed by florist Jessica Haas who was also her wedding planner from The Talked About Affair.

I adore flower crowns. Jessica did an amazing job creating the flower girls’ crown. I am so glad I got this photo as she did not want to wear it for too long.

Tracy’s Mom and her sisters diligently fixing the last button of her wedding gown… while Tracy takes a deep breath…

The handsome fellow on this album is Tracy’s Grandfather with whom she shared a special dance with – which you’ll see later…

I always strive to provide a balance of authentic moments and creative portraits on the wedding day.

This portrait of Tracy and her Mother are neither…it is obviously a more traditional portrait…but there is something to be said for creating beautiful timeless/traditional portraits – especially of parents with their children.

In the years to come these images truly become treasures.

I love the expression on Tracy’s face as her long veil blows around in the wind…

The art of folding a pocket square.

The Ring Bearer (aka Ring security) awaiting the arrival of the bride’s limo.

I do love when children are included at weddings – It is really an exciting day for them too. Here the ring bearer’s sister/flower girl waves through the glass.

It’s a packed house in the church foyer before the doors open as the Ring Bearer clutches his Ring Security attache case.

I love this image that Sherry captured as the church doors open and the joy on Tracy’s face as she sees Michael at the altar.

It warmed my heart to capture Tracy’s sister sending her loving sign language in the midst of the ceremony.

Capturing priceless expressions and reactions thrills me the most!  It is truly wonderful to witness immense joy like this.

Making sure Michael’s Grandpa gets to have his portrait taken.

It was so beautiful to see how much Michael and Tracy love and honor their family.

Every bride that wears a long veil deserves a little wind and backlit sun.

Here I framed the Hempstead House within the  stone fence that surrounds the castle as seen below while a flock of geese flew overhead.

Michael’s father and grandfather sit side by side as Michael high fives his Dad before their entrance.

Tracy dancing with her grandfather and Michael dancing with his mother produced some great crowd reactions .

Such wonderful, funny and heartfelt speeches.

Thank you ever so much Tracy and Michael for trusting me to photograph your joyous wedding day.

It was an honor to document the love and admiration that you have for each other as well as your beloved family and friends.

I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.

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LIST OF WEDDING VENDORS:

Caterer: Philip Stone Caterers

Florist/’Day of’ Event Planner: The Talked About Affair,  Jessica Hass

Lighting: Fusion Productions

Band: Remixx

String Quartet for Cocktail Hour: Velveteen Ensemble

Makeup artist: Red Door Spa

Baker: The Cake Gallery