Laila + Adam: Wave Hill New York

A Romantic Rainy-Day Wedding at Wave Hill in New York

One of the best parts of being a destination wedding photographer is the chance to travel to new cities and see the world through fresh eyes. I primarily photograph luxury weddings in Hawaii, but I absolutely love when couples invite me to capture their celebrations elsewhere. In June, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a wedding in New York at the stunning Wave Hill estate in Brooklyn. It was such a beautiful day, full of romance, laughter, and a little rain—which made the story of this wedding even more magical.

From Maui Proposal to New York Wedding

What made this wedding especially meaningful for me was that I had already photographed this couple’s proposal in Maui. Being part of such a special, intimate moment where he got down on one knee against the backdrop of Hawaii’s lush jungle was unforgettable. When they reached out again and asked me to travel to New York to document their wedding day, I was beyond honored. Moments like this are why I love what I do—being able to build relationships with couples and continue telling their story from proposal, to “I do,” and beyond.

Flying Into New York for a Wave Hill Wedding

Whenever I travel for a wedding, I make it a priority to arrive early. It gives me time to explore the venue, understand the lighting, and find creative angles that will help me tell each couple’s story in the most authentic way. For this wedding, I flew into New York a day early and spent time at Wave Hill before the big day. As soon as I arrived, I could see why the couple had chosen this venue—it’s tucked away in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River and offers a serene, garden-like escape from the city. From the manicured lawns to the historic greenhouses, it felt like the perfect setting for an elegant New York wedding.

A Rainy Morning in the City

The wedding day began in Manhattan, where the bride was getting ready in a high-rise apartment. Rain clouds lingered outside, but the view was still breathtaking. From her window, you could see the city stretching endlessly in every direction. There’s something so timeless about bridal prep in New York—stylish details, chic city backdrops, and a buzz of energy that only Manhattan can bring.

As a wedding photographer in New York, I love capturing these quiet, intimate moments before the day unfolds. There’s an excitement in the air, a sense of anticipation as the bride prepares to walk into this next chapter of her life. The rain only seemed to heighten that cozy, romantic feeling.

Heading to Brooklyn and the First Look

After documenting those beautiful getting-ready moments, we drove out to Wave Hill in Brooklyn. It was still drizzling, and I remember hoping the skies would clear for the ceremony. The groom was already there, getting ready with his wedding party. One of the things I love most about being a wedding photographer is being able to float between both sides of the story—capturing the bride in the city and then arriving in time to photograph the groom at the venue. It makes for a complete, layered narrative of the day.

The couple chose to share a first look in front of the greenhouse, and it was one of my favorite parts of the wedding. The greenhouse provided such a romantic backdrop—the glass panes, lush greenery, and soft light filtering through the drizzle made it feel cinematic. As soon as they saw each other, you could feel the joy and nerves dissolve into pure excitement.

After the first look, I had the chance to get creative both inside and outside the greenhouse. These images ended up being some of my absolute favorites from the entire day. The textures, the reflections, and the contrast of a rainy day against all that lush green made for such a dreamy collection of portraits.

A Ceremony Filled With Heart

When it was time for the ceremony, guests gathered to watch the two join hands. Despite the rain, there was such a sense of warmth and joy. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by friends, family, and the beautiful gardens of Wave Hill.

The bride had a very specific image in mind that she was excited about: she wanted a photo of the two of them from under the trellis with the sun setting behind them. Of course, New York had other plans that day—there was no golden sunset, only clouds and rain. But one of the things I love most about wedding photography is the challenge of creating magic no matter the conditions.

I set up lights and used a little creative editing after the wedding to give her exactly what she’d dreamed of. The result was a glowing, romantic image with a sunset feel that made it look like the rain had never even been there. Delivering that photograph to them was one of the highlights of the day—it reminded me why I love what I do.

Why I Love Traveling for Weddings

This Wave Hill wedding was such a beautiful reminder of why I adore destination weddings. Whether I’m photographing a luxury wedding in Maui, a chic celebration in New York City, or an elegant Boston wedding, I approach each day with fresh eyes. Traveling allows me to see new places, discover unique light and backdrops, and create images that feel distinctive to that couple and that location.

For couples planning a New York or Boston wedding, hiring a photographer who is comfortable traveling and adapting to any conditions is so important. Rain, snow, city streets, or countryside estates—each setting offers its own challenges and opportunities. As a luxury wedding photographer, my goal is always to create images that feel timeless, romantic, and completely tailored to your story, no matter the weather or location.

A Final Reflection

Looking back on this wedding, I’m so grateful I was able to be part of it. The rain didn’t dampen the joy—it made the day even more memorable. From photographing their proposal in Maui, to traveling across the country to document their New York wedding at Wave Hill, this couple’s story will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you’re planning a wedding in New York or Boston and are looking for a luxury wedding photographer who will travel to capture your story, I would love to connect with you. Whether your day is set against the skyline of Manhattan, the historic charm of Boston, or a scenic estate like Wave Hill, I’ll bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to creating the images you’ve been dreaming of.