Katie & Nicholas Get Married | The Peristyle, Prospect Park | Brooklyn, New York City

I am super excited to share this wedding with you all for many reasons. The groom is a very good friend of mine. We’ve known each other since we were 16 years old (my goodness!!!) and we’ve managed to stay connected all these years later despite the distance. When I first met Nicholas, he was living in Florida where he met his beautiful wife Katie and they now live in New York City. So, this past fall, I travelled to Brooklyn to photograph their wedding day and well, I really can’t say enough about the experience and my time with these two. How about I introduce the lovely couple first … Katie and Nicholas! It was a gorgeous autumn day; we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather really. And I can’t tell you how excited I was to shoot in a brand new location in another country for that matter! We started out at an AirBNB that Nicholas’ family stayed at. It was an eclectic house with a stunning backyard (something rare in New York, that much I can tell you). It made for the perfect backdrop for Katie to get ready and also for their first look. Isn’t Katie just the most gorgeous bride to be? She was glowing. Simply beautiful in every single way possible. Nicholas, you aren’t too shabby yourself. You looked so handsome and I adored the choices you both made with your attire. I loved Katie’s headpiece and bouquet made by Rebecca Shepherd (she made Anne Hathaway’s engagement flowers and did all the boutonnieres as well as Natalie’s bouquet) and Nick, your socks rocked haha! You’ve definitely come a long way from our 90s brit pop days. FYI: Nicholas is now a Captain for United Airlines. To say I’m proud of him is an understatement. The first look. And those beautiful nerves and gorgeous tears. Those feels. I always hold my breath when I photograph a first look. This time, I don’t think I could even blink. It was truly special to see my friend experience this moment with his fiancé. After a few precious minutes to themselves, we took advantage and did a few bridal portraits in the backyard before setting off for the day. I love this. I told you the backyard was awesome. I loved the way they stared  nervously at each other like they were truly seeing each other for the first time ever. It just moved me in ways I really cannot begin to describe. We made our way to Prospect Park for a few more photos (including family formals). It was within walking distance, which was pretty awesome! I had to throw this moment in. I can’t remember who Nick was talking to but Katie’s and Natalie’s faces say it all ;)

More sweet moments in Prospect Park before we made our way to the other side of the park (it’s a pretty big park, we really couldn’t walk) where they were getting married – under the beautiful Peristyle Grecian Shelter. It’s a pretty iconic spot; I’m sure you’ll recognize it, so keep reading!

Their ceremony was out of a dream. It was heartfelt. It was dreamy. They walked together to The Divine Comedy and it was like time stood still. I was witnessing something truly magical with not only my  lens but my heart.

I thought it was really sweet that Nick and Katie decided to walk down the aisle together. It’s moments like this that really make a wedding unique and extra special. Their dear friend Billy read a poem that had us all in tears.  It really was quite perfect.

And the kiss that seals the deal followed by a moment that words really do no justice. The look of pride on Nick’s face really says it all.

I have to take a minute to shout out their amazing officiant – The Reverend D. I don’t ever shout out officiant’s, but you guys … honestly, I wish you could have been there just to hear her speak. Her weddings are like no other. She made us laugh. She was so personable and so different from the norm. She spoke like she knew Nick and Katie for years. It was truly a delight to watch her in action! If you’re in New York, please look her up! You won’t be sorry! We had time to do a few more bridal portraits while taking advantage of the permit we acquired to shoot at the Peristyle in the first place. I gotta say, permits in the United States are really odd. They’re very inexpensive but they don’t hold much weight. All I can say is that I’m so glad Katie and Nick had a fabulous wedding planner who made sure the Peristyle was ours when we needed it the most!

I swear, I could just squeeze Katie. I think I did. Just look at her, she is just so cute!! And I just adore this photo of the two of them!

After taking a few details, we made our way around the park a little more before heading to the reception. When I saw the way this street was laid out, I knew I had to do something Beatles-esque. Well, here’s my homage. It was also really important to Katie and Nick that we get some photos of them with the Peristyle in the background. The light was hitting them at the perfect time; it was beautiful!

Last but not least, our final stop; brook-vin. A lovely and super quaint wine bar in Park Slope (which is where I had the pleasure of staying while I was in town). It’s a spot that Nick and Katie frequent a lot so it only made sense to have their favourite people join them for a celebration of love there.

Katie and Nick had some beautiful details set up in brook-vin. Their flowers were perfect, I mean just look at Katie’s bouquet and head piece. Just stunning! I also loved their wedding invitation. It was so personal and really spoke to who they are as a couple. Details on a wedding day should always speak to who you. It’s a way to really show your guests who you are. Before speeches began, we had a few more family formals to do. So, I quickly ran out to see what I could find. Well, check this out. I’d say I scored with this location, which was right around the corner from Brook-Vin! Nick made sure to pose for the camera… after all, he was wearing fancy pants! ;) Aren’t they are just too cute for words?! I’m literally gushing here. There were a few speeches given by friends and family once we returned. They were sweet, simple and humble. It was nice for me to hear everyone’s kind words and well wishes. Before this weekend, I had never met Katie before. I’ve only heard Nick speak about her non stop hehe! Here’s the thing. When I flew home two days later, I left feeling like I’ve known her for years. How incredible is that?

Once speeches were over, we dined on the most delicious food ever. Bite sized morsels of goodness and I will admit, Alyssa and I had a bit of a love affair with the mac and cheese and yummy cookies, brownies and homemade caramels. The beer was local and their signature drinks were so good! In fact, the “Kucatelli” was made out of maple infused vodka. I’m going to assume they thought of me when they came up with that drink! Nick and I always joke that he should have been Canadian. He’s still more Canadian than me minus his accent!

Katie and Nick, I really couldn’t be more happy for you both. I know this has been a long time coming. Knowing Nick for as long as I have, I know this day couldn’t come faster. And I’m humbled that you thought of me to be there for you guys; not only to witness your vows but to capture it the way I see you. The way I see your love. It’s the love you squeeze; you hold onto it and never let go. It’s a love that you’re proud to give and share. It’s the type of love people dream about and a love that will stay with you forever. Nick, I personally want to thank you for being an amazing friend. For never letting me go. It’s been 20 years and you’re still the same loving person and music connoisseur I once knew when we were so young. I know I’ve said this before but I am so lucky to have you and now Katie in my life. I love you both dearly and I truly hope you love my take on your amazing day! Robyn xo