I’m just getting started catching up on all the magic that was the wedding season 2023. First up is this spectacular wedding at one of the coolest new wedding venues in town, The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. As an Upper East Side resident, I often see Roosevelt Island across the water, and have taken the very fun tram multiple times (definitely an NYC thing to do if you’ve never been). Roosevelt Island, in case you’re unfamiliar, is a neat little island sitting right in the East River in between Manhattan and Queens. It’s a fairly quiet space and offers beautiful views of the midtown skyline and Queensboro Bridge.
I photographed an elopement down in FDR park on the very southern tip island many years ago, but had never done a full wedding on Roosevelt Island until this one. Thus, I was SO excited when I heard from Elizabeth and Jack they were planning to have their nuptials at the Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. Side note: aren’t those chandeliers with the little sparkly twinkle lights so fun?!
The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island converted an old church into an event space and it’s such a cool spot! There’s views across to Manhattan, amazing food, and you can have your ceremony on the pier right on the East River. I had so much fun photographing here for Elizabeth and Jack’s wedding.
Elizabeth and Jack are two of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever know. It was such an absolute pleasure to work with them both. They knew they were going to do their wedding their own way, which is something I LOVE to see. Elizabeth wore a gorgeous emerald green dress, Jack sported super cool sneakers, they walked themselves down the aisle, and were married by a close friend. It was such a joy filled day!
The two of them got ready on site, Jack downstairs, and Elizabeth upstairs. I love being a part of these anticipatory moments with couples. It’s great fun to see everything come together with a dose of nervous energy.
Before things got started, Elizabeth and Jack gathered with their friends for a celebratory toast!
After toasting, we headed out for portraits. If you remember from this fall, it was rainy practically EVERY weekend. It was rainy the morning of this wedding. However, we SO lucked out and the clouds parted just in time for us to take photos and get these two married outside. Hurray!!
Will I love you if you spontaneously agree to break out into dance moves? Yes. Obviously, every time.
In addition to lots of cool indoor spaces at the Sanctuary, we also wandered down the riverfront to get some views of the Queensboro Bridge. If it hadn’t been swamped with puddles and with a little more time, you can walk down a bit further and get beautiful views of the midtown skyline as well.
After portraits, it was time for the ceremony. Elizabeth and Jack had the most fun crowd ever, who were clearly so excited to celebrate these two. 🙂
So much joy walking themselves down the aisle!
Jack insisted on taking a selfie with all the guests before the ceremony began. 🙂
I loved their vows.
After making it official, it was dinner and dance party time. Marcus Ho put on an incredible set for the night and everyone danced the night away! It was an awesome party! The Sanctuary has a clear tent outside for the reception, which also makes for a really fun atmosphere at night.
And bonus! There was a lively hora for the couple as well!
Wedding Day Vendors:
Venue/Catering: The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island
DJ: Marcus Ho
Photographer: De Nueva Photography
