I can imagine that reading “2020 really put a wrench in my plans!” is getting old, so I won’t say it. However, I couldn’t agree more. I was recently going through some of my blogs from the beginning of the year. It was so weird to remember “the good ole’ days,” but I did come across something kind of fun! At the end of 2019, I wrote a blog featuring the top venues I wanted to shoot in 2020. At the time, each of these venues was open, thriving, and there was a total possibility I would shoot there. And of course, that didn’t happen.
While I was supposed to document a wedding at The Metropolitan Club this year (the wedding is postponed to 2021), I didn’t get a chance to photograph at any of my top 5. However, I have been lucky enough to photograph some enjoyable smaller venues that I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to normally! As you well know by now, I’ve been working hard to find the silver linings in all of the darkness these days. Instead of focusing on the beautiful places I didn’t have a chance to shoot in 2020, I thought I would take this opportunity to showcase some of the venues I have this year!
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
If you’ve ever had the chance to dine at Blue Hill in The West Village in Manhattan, you know how fantastic the food is. But did you know they also have a secondary venue in Westchester County? Blue Hill at Stone Barns offers private dining for up to 14 guests, and their beautiful additional space called the HayLoft. This space can seat 40-260 guests, and you can hold your ceremony there!
Earlier this year, I photographed Caitlin and George’s reception at Stone Barns, and it was magical. Only a 45-minute drive outside of the city, you are transported to a wildly scenic farm. Turn to your left and see rolling country hills with pastures and fall foliage. Turn to your right and be entranced by the old farmhouse, complete with wood beams and exposed brick.
I highly recommend touring Blue Hill at Stone Barns if you’re the kind of couple who loves a country getaway!
Dobbin St.
Dobbin St. has quickly become a new favorite for me! I had the honor of shooting Jamie and Asaad’s wedding at this venue in the summer, and it was so much fun. Centrally located in Williamsburg and steps away from picturesque McCarren park, Dobbin St. combines 8,900 sqft of indoor and outdoor spaces. This venue is a transformed Brooklyn factory that exudes a minimalist and luxury feel.
Not sold yet? Well, what if I told you that Dobbin St. events venue is endeavoring to reduce waste and support the environment? Yep, you read that right! Food waste and packaging fill 45% of landfills, and the team at Dobbin St. is committed to changing that. They have recently launched a sustainable bar package! They are committed to using 100% cotton linens, eliminating all plastic use (including straws unless needed/requested), using organic and in-season garnishes and fruits (local when possible), ensuring waste will be recycled and composted!
Dobbin St. is a fantastic space for couples who want to work alongside their venue to plan each detail. They have taken the complexity and stress of wedding planning out by providing you with a completely curated wedding program you can simply select. You can elope with ease while keeping it authentic!
The William Vale
Excuse me while I pick my chin up off of the floor! The William Vale Hotel is perfect for a couple who is looking for jaw-dropping elegance. This hotel, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers spaces for every style of wedding. From intimate dinner parties with a handful of friends and family to a stunning ceremony on the 23rd-floor rooftop, The William Vale takes care of it all.
If your biggest concern on your wedding day is the food and beverage service, fear not. The William Vale works with you to produce a personalized menu from chef Andrew Carmellini and NoHo Hospitality. Their goal is always to make your celebration truly, deliciously memorable! If the picture-perfect views aren’t enough, The William Vale also offers guest room blocks and a variety of stunning options for hosting pre and post-ceremony events, so you and your guests can have a seamless and chic experience!
The Wythe Hotel
The historical character of Wythe Hotel, located in a carefully restored 100-year old Brooklyn waterfront factory building, makes an incredible backdrop for any gathering. In my opinion, it’s magical for weddings. Wythe Hotel has seven different event spaces with the capability to host intimate dinners for 12 to gala receptions for 350 guests (post-COVID19, of course).
The chic Williamsburg building has distinctive historical details such as exposed brick and original wood beams. The spaces inside include a Screening Room, Private Dining Room, Main Hall, and Outdoor Garden. Each room delivers the AV and technology requirements for any event!
Finally, Lemon’s features floor to ceiling windows with picture-perfect postcard views of the Manhattan Skyline and outdoor terrace space. All of this combined with farm to table catering! The Wythe Hotel, without a doubt, brings an authentic Brooklyn vibrancy to help make your wedding or event a memorable one.
There are so many incredible venues to photograph in New York City and all of it’s surrounding burrows. Let me know your favorites! Where do you think I should endeavor to shoot in 2021?
