“The ritual of marriage is not simply a social event; it is a crossing of threads in the fabric of fate. Many strands bring the couple and their families together and spin their lives into a fabric that is woven on their children.” – Anonymous

MIDTOWN, NY —  Molly is calm (playful even) as she paces the guest room inside the New York Athletic Club. Just past Bryant Park, Sean and his band of merry groomsmen are getting ready at the New York Yacht Club . This is their story…

The warm sunlit ambience of the guest room offers a welcome relief from the bustling New York City streets below. Molly’s real “first dance” was less traditional than most but helped carry the upbeat spirit of the day.

Sean, his father and Groomsmen pose for a portrait inside the New York Yacht Club. This photograph was captured by a brilliant New York wedding photographer and my friend Robert Wagner.

Molly and her mother enjoy a casual conversation as they get ready. Founded in 1868, The New York Athletic Club recalls a manner of New York City that is easy to overlook in an ever modernizing world. Designed by York and Sawyer, the building is a twenty-one story legacy of grand interior design and architectural wonder.

Mr.Mclaughlin has found a comfortable spot to rest leading up to the celebration. Minutes later, his wife’s hands can be seen affixing a boutonniere to his tuxedo jacket. Before nightfall, their daughter and only child will be married. The experience watching your child (all grown up) and getting married is one that I look forward to.

Words might never describe the feelings a bride experiences leading up to her wedding ceremony. Molly’s expression in this image is a conversation in itself.

The guys make a quick stop at the Harvard Club and enjoy a brotherly exchange before the ceremony. Funny how both men and woman seem to have distinct pre-ceremony traditions before the wedding. Photograph by Robert Wagner.

Molly prepares for a bridal portrait before the ceremony. Watching her move into position near the window, I glimpse this moment and click the shutter instinctively. As a wedding photographer, I enjoy delivering images that offer an abstract (more poetic) perspective of a wedding story.

This is one of my favorite bridal portraits to date. Considering my style of wedding photography, I’m especially drawn to photographs of the Kennedy wedding. John F. Kennedy was the first president to actively use photojournalism to document his legacy. In many ways, his wedding gave rise to documentary wedding photography in the United States.

Mr.Mclaughlin and Molly walk down the center aisle at The Church of the Incarnation. The wedding ceremony was presided over by a close family friend Father McPhail. Wedding photography is often a documentation of moments surrounding the wedding ceremony (as opposed to the ceremony itself). This photograph of the ceremony is among my favorites from the day.

Just after the ceremony, Newlyweds Molly and Sean make their way down Madison Avenue. Photograph by Robert Wagner.

Returning to the New York Athletic Club, Molly and Sean traveled to the roof deck for a few canid portraits overlooking midtown Manhattan. Overall, the legacy of New York played a huge part of this wedding story. From the beginning, Molly and Sean offered vivid memories about childhood visits to Central Park, late night parties with friends and weekend afternoons with family around town.

Sean and his father enjoy a moment just outside the Card Room on the ninth floor terrace.

Groomsmen and other guests enjoy the evening reception. Watching how floral designers Ariston Florist transformed the space helped connect the classic yet modern appeal of this distinctly New York wedding celebration.

A much more public reception for Molly’s “official” first dance. This time…with Sean.

Sean and his mother during their mother/son dance. Photographs by Robert Wagner.

The hand-carved patterns on this wooden ceiling shaped my approach in framing this photograph.

The celebration continued well into the night with amazing music from the live band. They even did a rendition of “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” (theme song from The Departed) which really heated up the dance floor. As their wedding photographer, I actively pursued a personal and story-driven connection. The resulting wedding photography collection is similar to New York City in that its altogether classic yet modern.

Looking back on this experience, I’m thankful to Sean for first contacting me (then calling again months later), Molly for her laid back demeanor and clarity, their parents for entrusting me to document this family story, The New York Athletic Club for its wonderful staff and Robert Wagner for his amazing support (and skill) as a wedding photographer. Also, a thank you to all the guests who showed me a great time and made me feel welcomed.

Press Feature: You can explore Molly & Sean’s story in the “Special Weddings Section” of Greenwich Magazine.

If You’re Engaged: Please read this short article about How to Choose the Ideal Photographer for Your Wedding.