We always look forward to a NYBG because the Botanical Gardens have an abundance of beautiful places to shoot! We were excited to find out however that Christina and Ryan were having their ceremony in NYC at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament and then heading over to the NYBG Botanical Gardens for their reception. Church ceremonies are always so picturesque and this cathedral was no exception! It’s even more meaningful that Christina and Ryan attend this church regularly and are very involved with the parish, allowing them to have their ceremony in a place that holds special meaning to them (we love that!). And just look at Ryan’s reaction as he sees his bride coming down the aisle for the first time!
But let’s back up for a minute… Christina and Ryan got ready close by at the NYLO hotel on 77th and Broadway with their closest friends, MOH Christine and BM Scott (Ryan’s twin!) who also made up their bridal party. Christina stunned in her Rivini by Rita Vinieris dress and her groom looked dapper in a Zegna suit. We were able to get some individual photos of them each on the balcony of the 16th floor overlooking the city. They chose not to do a first look, which brings us back to that emotional walk down the aisle!
After the ceremony we headed over to the NYBG (New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ballroom) for family formals and bride and groom portraits. Luckily for us, Christina and Ryan are extremely photogenic and we were able to take advantage of all the gardens had to offer, even sneaking in a photo with the gorgeous Chihuly sculpture! Then Christina and Ryan were off to party all night long with some amazing entertainment by The Groove Shop (seriously, they kept everyone on their feet all night long and we love the shots of Christina and Ryan rocking out to them!). Everything went off without a hitch thanks to the wonderful staff from Starr Catering and also thanks to the organizational skills of their planner Kelli Tegals. So many vendors work tirelessly to bring it all together and we couldn’t be happier that their big day went so perfectly!