Katie and Ryan’s Wedding:
Heritage Club at Bethpage

I’ve been photographing weddings for over ten years now — and in that time, I’ve truly seen it all. But every so often, a wedding comes along that just feels… easy. Natural. Overflowing with heart. Katie and Ryan’s day was one of those. Honestly? No notes.

From the moment I met them, I knew we’d be fast friends. They have that undeniable, rom-com kind of love — the kind you don’t have to pose or coach. It just is. Big laughs, gentle touches, inside jokes, and tiny gestures that speak volumes. One of my favorites? Ryan always sends Katie off with little notes on her coffee cups. Just small, thoughtful reminders of love to start her day. And yes — even on their wedding morning, there was a coffee cup waiting, with a note from him. If that’s not straight out of a movie, I don’t know what is.

They’re the kind of couple that makes everything feel lighter. And photographing people like that — people who love boldly and without pretense — is honestly the dream.

And speaking of which, I wasn’t flying solo. I had my dream team by my side. My husband was co-lead shooting with me, and our good friend James of White Tie Video was capturing it all on film. Planning was executed seamlessly by Sampogne Coordination. The weather absolutely showed off and we had an amazing backdrop at Heritage Club. Add to that the absolute powerhouse that is Hank Lane’s live band, and the energy of the day was unreal. The dance floor? Packed. The vibes? Immaculate.

But it wasn’t just the big, loud moments that made it special. It was the quiet ones. Like Katie and her mom sharing their The Kissing Hand tradition together. A gesture full of childhood memories and lifelong connection — and yes, I was crying behind the camera. I was so inspired that I texted Katie after to ask what the name of the book was, then days later, the book shows up at my house for my kids. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare, and I’ll never forget it.

Over the years, my perspective as a photographer has shifted. I still love the big stuff — the grand entrances, the epic dance circles, the golden hour portraits — but it’s the in-between moments I live for now. The quiet, emotional ones that you can’t script, that only happen when people feel completely safe to be themselves.

Katie and Ryan’s wedding was full of them. And getting to capture it — surrounded by their amazing families, their vibrant wedding party, and a vendor team I genuinely love working with — was nothing short of magic.

No notes. Just love.