Another beautiful New York City wedding in the books. We were so glad to be back at Bryant Park Grill for Molly and Matt’s wedding day, since we had the best experience there in February last year. On this beautiful October day, the sun was out and the air was juuuust brisk enough to be comfy while taking photos outside. I knew after my first meeting with Molly a few months prior that this day would be a blast, and it definitely was. From the first look, to the end-of-reception pizza party, every minute was unforgettable. Keep on scrolling to see some highlights from the day.

First look at Bryant Park

The wedding day usually starts with about an hour or two of getting ready. candids, some portraits, etc. However, for this New York City wedding, the day began with the first look. After a quick stop at Molly’s hotel, we (myself, the planner Ani, and Molly) headed to Bryant Park for the first look.

The exterior of Bryant Park Grill is just as beautiful and elegant as the inside, so it’s the perfect place for couples photos. Choosing where to take photos for your first look can be difficult. After all, it is the moment that formally kicks off the “start” of your day with your partner. We always like to have a rain plan too, just in case. Luckily, the weather was gorgeous on this day and provided the most beautiful light.

Molly, on her way to see Matt for the first look.

New York City Wedding Photos

New York City is rife with places and opportunities to take stunning photos. If you’re getting married in NYC, it’s best to have a plan for where you want to take photos. For us, since we have photographed at this particular New York City wedding venue before, we knew exactly where to go.

The Bryant Park Grill is around the corner from the NYPL, an iconic spot for Manhattan wedding photos. It takes about five minutes to walk from the grill to the NYPL steps. Because of its beautiful architecture, the library serves as a very versatile photo spot.

After the first look, it took about forty minutes for us to take some more portraits. As a result, Molly and Matt have timeless, beautiful couples’ photos from their wedding day.

Molly, looking like a beauty queen. Her smile was so contagious.

Matt, the sweetest most dapper groom.

Would you believe me if I said I photoshopped people out of the background of the above image?

On our way back to the venue when I noticed the gorgeous early evening light coming through. We quickly got some more portraits of just the two of them before family formals.

When I’m photographing a wedding, I like to use the light and architecture around me to compose my images, as opposed to just placing the subject in front of the camera. I find myself in weird little corners chasing after a crisp shadow, like in the above image. When the harsh sun is hitting a subject against a light-colored wall. magical things happen. The location almost doesn’t matter, but it helps if it’s the NYPL, since it’s so photogenic.

Wedding Day Family Photos

The most notoriously chaotic part of your wedding day will be the family photos. There’s no way to sugar coat it; it will be 30 to 40 minutes of mingling, laughing, posing, and smiling until your cheeks hurt. It is possible to conquer it, though, and I think we do a pretty good job of it.

Usually about 1 month before your wedding day we will provide a template for you to create your family photo list. In the form, you can list the name and your relationship to the person, and repeat with all possible combos. For example: Bride & Mom, Bride & Mom & Dad, Bride & Mom, Dad, & Sister, etc.

When the family photo list is well-organized, it streamlines the formal photo process. Which means more time for chilling out with your family (NOT in front of the camera) before the ceremony begins.

New York City Wedding Ceremony at Bryant Park Grill

This venue transforms from a trendy midtown restaurant to a gorgeous wedding ceremony and reception space. Just past the bar in the larger interior space is the perfect location for any pre-ceremony traditions, like a Ketubah signing. Similarly, it’s also a great option for your dinner and dance party.

In addition to the above, you’ll have no worries about down-sizing your guest list when hosting your wedding here. The Bryant Park Grill can easily accommodate up to 220 guests. After your ceremony, consider transforming that space into your cocktail hour location. It’s extremely spacious so there’s plenty of room to mingle with all your closest friends and family. Above all, the food is delicious, and who doesn’t love Bryant Park?

Molly and Matt were encouraged to whisper a secret to each other right before signing the Ketubah. I’m pretty sure they both shared some funny stories.

Signed and ready to wed!

This gorgeous chuppah was adorned with florals from Verde Flowers.

Matt’s parents walking him down the aisle.

Matt’s brothers accompanied Molly’s sister down the aisle.

Matt, looking so sweet as he sees Molly coming down the aisle with her parents.

So cute.

Married. <3

NEW YORK CITY WEDDING VENUE BRYANT PARK GRILL RECEPTION

The reception space for Molly and Matt’s wedding was decorated so perfectly, thanks to the hard working staff who made it possible. You can imagine my excitement when I noticed a DISCO BALL being set up. There should be disco balls at every wedding, in my opinion.

The beautiful cake, by Baked NYC.

The disco ball in question.

Molly and Matt entered the reception, and were met with cheers and high fives before they went into their first dance.

Cheesin’.

I’ve been super into dragging the shutter lately; it really captures the party atmosphere of each wedding reception.

The challah was cut, then the speeches began.

Following the challah blessing is speeches from all the VIPs. During this portion of the reception, it’s important to not only keep eyes on those giving the speeches, but also keep eyes on the couple (and guests!). So many loving looks, hugs, and kisses take place and are perfect photo ops.

A split second moment.

Molly and Matt said a quick thank you before the dancing began.

With the conclusion of the speeches came the always-fun horah. The energy in the room during this portion of the reception is always unmatched. As a result, we get tons of fun photos.

Molly, trying her hand at the…bongos? She did great, 10/10.

PLANNING YOUR NEW YORK CITY BRYANT PARK GRILL WEDDING

To sum up: it’s no secret that getting married in NYC is an incredible experience, and this venue makes that experience even better. From the perfect-all-year-round space, to the proximity to hotels, to the iconic Manhattan photo spots — it’s everything you need. If you’re planning a wedding at the Bryant Park Grill, let us know! We’ll help you scout photo spots and use our past experience here to make your wedding day flow seamlessly. In other words: we would love to capture your NYC wedding here, any time.

A true New York City Wedding Send Off

In the last moments of the reception, 15+ pizzas from the one and only Joe’s Pizza were delivered. With everyone nonstop dancing, a pizza break was a much appreciated surprise.

If you’re planning your wedding reception in NYC and want a truly fun way to say “thanks for coming,” order some pizzas.

WEDDING DAY FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

Film photography is a trend I’m so glad to see in the wedding world. It adds such a quirky, nostalgic characteristic to your photo gallery. Plus, it allows the photographers to be a little more creative.

We photographed Molly and Matt’s wedding day with digital and 35mm film. Here are some of our favorites.

Vendors:

Planning: Ani Wolff
Venue: Bryant Park Grill
Florals: Verde Flowers
Hair: Looks by Gigi
Makeup: Stacie Ford
DJ/Band: Allen Dalton Ent.
Cake: Baked NYC