Micro Wedding at Home | Long Island New York Wedding Photographer

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Grace and Matthew had been dating for over seven years and engaged for two of them so when the Covid pandemic threatened their plans to get married in late June, they decided to forge ahead with a scaled back version so they could still (finally!) be married. Instead of a large party for 300, the only people in attendance were immediate family and the couple’s very closest friends — a guest list under 20. But the vision for the wedding remained the same, a celebration at the bride’s childhood home, a storybook colonial much like the home in the film “Father of the Bride” starring Steve Martin.

I was so pleased I was able to work again with Lisa Marie Blinn of L. Marie Events on this wedding. And also the very talented Scarcella’s Flowers, who make arrangements that just beg to be photographed.

Wanting to honor both of their families’ faith traditions, Grace’s mother arranged for a private Catholic ceremony in town the day before the official celebration. Then a rabbi was on tap for a ceremony in the Jewish tradition on Saturday on the front lawn. Grace wore her fabulous Christian Louboutin “Douce du desert” heels with satin ankle straps to both ceremonies, recalling that they were purchased even before she selected a wedding dress. “I’ve always loved bows!” she told me.

Grace picked out her “April” wedding gown by Peter Langner at a trunk show at Mark Ingram Atelier. She fondly remembers the excitement of personally meeting the designer who had flown over from Italy for the event. After trying on only a handful of gowns, she recalled feeling beautiful and confident in the style. And putting on the veil, “sealed the deal.” Afterwards they went out for burgers at PJ Clarke’s, a spot where her grandparents used to go on dates.

Grace recalled waking up on her wedding day at home at drinking coffee in bed with her sister, wearing matching PJs that she purchased for the occasion. After a leisurely day of getting ready at home, she remembers having butterflies right before stepping outside the front door with her dad before walking across the lawn where she saw Matt for the first time at the ceremony.

A small tented wedding in the backyard offered a change of venue for dinner and dancing. Jason Liebman created just the right atmosphere to the evening reception. The couple danced to Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey” for their first dance surrounded by their guests holding sparklers.

The couple decided on a mini-moon to to The Point Resort at Saranac Lake and then a few nights at Glenmere Mansion. After they celebrate with friends and family next summer with a big dance party reception, they will go to Paris and Provence for the full honeymoon. I just hope they plan to take their photographer along…