Even though I’ve been photographing weddings for the better part of a decade, I still get butterflies before my first wedding of the year. I start having anxious dreams in which I forget key pieces of equipment, or the clients hate all their photos, the usual wedding photographer nightmares. Going into this Hamptons wedding weekend, the nerves started kicking in. But when I tell you that upon finally meeting Jax & Ike those nerves just straight up dissolved, I’m not exaggerating. Being with them is like being with family; I knew the rest of the weekend would be easy peasy. Plus, I’d get to cross a new venue off of my list — Westhampton Country Club! Keep on scrolling to see how the day unfolded.
The Night Before…the night before
Instead of having their welcome party the night before their wedding day, Jax and Ike hosted friends and family two nights prior to tying the knot. I’m a big fan of this personally, because it gives your guests time to settle in and explore a bit before partying with you, yet it still sets the tone for the weekend. The forecast this particular weekend was looking pretty iffy, with (possibly) lots of rain on the big day. However, for the welcome party, it was all sunny skies and a balmy breeze. Ike said, and I quote “it can rain all weekend after this — the tone is already set; we’re good.” And you know what? Hell yeah. Couldn’t agree more.
With a mobile wood fired pizza truck, a custom bar, and some incredible music blasting, Jax & Ike’s Hamptons wedding weekend was officially a-go, and the vibes were immaculate. My proof: images below.
Hamptons Wedding Day: Getting Ready
Remember how I said I get nervous before every wedding/have nightmares I mess up even though I’ve been doing this for almost a decade? Well, to my surprise, one of those nightmares actually came to life before Jax & Ike’s Hamptons wedding day even really started. I had purchased around $400 worth of medium format film, and planned to use all of it, relying less on my digital camera. I had just used it (my medium format Pentax 645) 2 nights prior, for their welcome party. After I loaded the film, organized my flat lay for details, and took a shot…my camera broke. Literally, before even taking the first shot of the day, I was down a camera and had $400 worth of film I couldn’t use.
Luckily, I have 2 extra cameras on me at all times — a film & digital — and switched to my 35mm Contax G2. I was SO upset I’d be unable to use my trusty Pentax for the remainder of the day, but I couldn’t let that distract me from working. Also, I definitely did not want to alarm Jax & Ike. I’d still be capturing every moment, just with a different camera.
Here are some favorite moments from getting ready, sans Pentax.
The Ceremony
Opting out of a first look, the first time Jax and Ike see each other is during the ceremony. I’m always so excited to see everyone’s partner, anxiously awaiting their arrival down the aisle. Before the doors opened to reveal our beautiful bride, Ike took his brother’s hand and put it on his chest; his heart was racing, and his excitement was absolutely palpable.
Post-ceremony, the guests greeted our newlyweds with so much cheering, streamers, hugs, and love.
While Jax & Ike mingled outside the church, I noticed a cute little heart-shaped (kind of) leaf. It had been clinging onto Jax’s dress, and I couldn’t help but notice it. The way the green looked on top of the crisp, white lace was just too appealing to not photograph. I’m so glad I captured it, because upon receiving their full gallery, I received this text from Jax:
Westhampton Country Club Wedding
Upon arriving at the venue, there was still lots of family, wedding party, and couple portraits to do. With plenty of time before guests would arrive, we started with the wedding party. After finishing up with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, we headed inside for family portraits. It was a little cloudy and windy, but we had hope the sun would grace us with its presence at least for sunset photos later. We knocked out plenty of couples portraits and Jax & Ike got to mingle during cocktail hour.
Hamptons Wedding Reception at Westhampton Country Club
I can honestly say that the reception at Westhampton Country Club for Jax & Ike was one of the most fun, vibrant, and ELECTRIC nights for me in my wedding photography career. Everything from the gorgeous, patterned linens, the heartfelt speeches, the nonstop dancing, the entire evening was just bursting at the seams with heart & soul. All of this is thanks to the incredible Arch Events (Monica). Plus, the packed dance floor is thanks to DJ Cesar Rellano. I’ve never had so many dance-floor photos to cull. That’s what a great wedding reception playlist does, btw.
Without further ado, the rest of the evening:
But Wait! There’s More: Sunset Wedding Photos at Westhampton Country Club
The sun graced us with an absolutely beautiful sunset, just in time for a break in the reception. We stepped outside for about 15 minutes in between speeches, and just had fun outside together, That sounds like a sentence written by an 8 year-old but it’s true. The secret to great wedding photos: just have fun!!!
Westhampton Country Club Wedding Reception
The hottest club on LI on May 30 was no doubt WHCC. I photographed the party until midnight, and there was not one dull moment. I had to take a few 5 minute breaks (my back hurts) but any longer than that? Couldn’t risk missing something fun. I didn’t want to miss a thing.
Okay, now without further ado: the rest of the evening. Hora loca and all.
Hamptons Wedding Weekend Vendors
Planner — Arch Events
Band — NY Virtuosi
Cake — Cousin John’s Bakery
DJ — DJ Cesar Rellano
Dress — Lee Petra Grebanau
Florist — Elegant Events by Joy
Furniture — Early Bird Vintage
Harpist — Noir Hathor Sounds
Hair — Reverie Beauty
Lighting & Sound — Lectro Raiders
Makeup — GC Glam
Officiant/Church — St. Isidore’s
Photo & Video — Love, Melissa
Photobooth — Flux Photobooth
Rentals — Party Rental Ltd
Second Photographer — Nicole Gangi
Stationary — Fat Cat Paperie
Transportation — Luxury Vans & Shuttle Busses
Venue — Westhampton Country Club
Videographer — Andrew Morales
Welcome Party Food — Pizza Passeggio
Welcome Party Bar — Cocktails & Dreams Mobile Bar
Welcome Party Staff — Service Matters
