As a New York City wedding photographer, I’ve captured the glitz and glamour of traditional New York City weddings. But this ceremony proves that weddings don’t have to have an expansive guest list to be beautiful. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Eden and Stephen said “I do” at Levante in Long Island City, New York. The modern Italian restaurant provided the perfect space for a high-end wedding experience on a smaller, more intimate scale.
![new-york-city-initmate-wedding_01 Bride and groom stand in front of greenery in New York City after an intimate NYC wedding ceremony.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_137-1024x682.jpg)
Intimate New York City Wedding at Levante
Disclaimer: I photographed my sister’s wedding.
Most wedding photographers would probably say you shouldn’t do this for family or friends because it can be difficult to enjoy the day and be present. But to me… there’s no greater way to be present. Growing up, our parents captured EVERY moment. They kept trunks packed full of polaroids and photo albums. Getting to carry on the tradition of preserving memories feels feels so special.
Eden was also 6 months pregnant with my niece on her wedding day, so knowing she and Stephen trusted me to document this day for their growing family was an honor.
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_01 A woman in a white silk robe gets ready for her wedding in a New York City hotel room.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_131-683x1024.jpg)
Capturing My Sister’s Day as a New York City Wedding Photographer
Everything about Eden and Stephen’s day was romantic. These two chose a boutique hotel in New York City to get ready. Surrounded by windows and natural light, it was the perfect spot to capture their morning with friends and family.
Side note—always think about about the space you’ll be getting ready in when looking for your wedding venue. It’s easy to get swept away by the gorgeous event space or start dreaming about how good your floral centerpieces will look… and totally forget about where you’ll do hair, makeup, and spend a huge chunk of your day.
Luckily Eden had all of this planned out.
She made sure to book spacious hotel rooms with simple interiors. We didn’t have to worry about any clutter or outdated, tacky decor in the background. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave us INCREDIBLE natural light. The furniture was gorgeous and the view of the Manhattan skyline from the balcony was a New York City wedding photographer’s dream.
After they got ready, Stephen came to Eden’s hotel room for their intimate first look. It was the sweetest moment when Stephen saw his bride for the first time. Some people just have a certain magic about them—Eden is one of them. Her smile filled every space she entered, and when she and Stephen were together, it was like they were the only two in the room.
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_03 White wedding shoes with a bow tied on top from the material, a white, embellished clutch bag, and a pearl ring box holding the wedding rings.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_32-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_02 A woman, sitting on a white, hotel bed, puts in an earring to get ready for her wedding ceremony.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_124-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_04 A bride looks in the mirror as she is getting ready for her wedding.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_120-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_15 A groom gets ready for his wedding day in an New York City hotel room.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_104-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_20 The groom looks out into the New York City skyline from the hotel windows with his shoes, cologne, and bow tie in focus.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_105-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_18 Wedding photography detail shot of the brides bouquet and clutch.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_1-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_28 The first look between the bride and groom in fron the hotel windows, taken my Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_90-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_34 The bride rides to the wedding ceremony with the groom, as the New York City wedding photographer sits in the front to capture them.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_273.jpg)
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Riding to the Venue Together
One of my favorite moments from the day was the ride from the hotel to the wedding venue. Eden and Stephen rode to the ceremony together. I love when couples choose not to follow every traditional wedding rule and go for things that feel meaningful instead.
PSA Brides!! You’re wedding day is all about you (ok… and the groom). So whether it’s the garter toss, wearing all white, or throwing the bouquet, you don’t *need* to include anything. Your wedding day should be cherished. Find time for sweet moments together that you’ll (actually) remember and don’t stress over traditions that don’t hold sentimental value to you.
After the short drive from the hotel, the driver dropped us off a few blocks from the venue. Thankfully, the overcast kept the day feeling cool, so we detoured through the park to get some photos with the NYC backdrop. Walking to the venue gave Eden and Stephen a few quiet moments together before the ceremony. And I got the most stunnnning shots from their intimate stroll.
Once we arrived to Court Square, the two were ready to say “I do” at Levante. This modern venue was everything Eden had hoped for when planning their intimate day. The casual-cool Italian restaurant and bar gave them the high-end wedding experience they wanted on a smaller, more intimate scale.
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_36](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_77-1-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_38 The groom leads the bride by hand as they walk to the wedding ceremony, crossing the street in New York City, taken by Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_81.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_37 The bride and groom hold hands and walk to the wedding ceremony, crossing the street in New York City, taken by Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_6-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_42 The bride and groom stand in front of greenery at an NYC park, taken by Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_73-1-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_44 The bride and groom smiles as they walk to the wedding ceremony, crossing the street in New York City, taken by Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_74-1-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_44 The bride and groom walk to the wedding ceremony, crossing the street in New York City, taken by Molli Photo, New York City wedding photographer.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_5-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_53 The wedding officiant makes a joke and laughs with the bride and groom at the altar, standing in front of greenery beneath a gold and floral arch at Levante NYC's outdoor courtyard space.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_55-1-683x1024.jpg)
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![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_55 The bride and groom smile after their wedding ceremony as they walk to the reception and greet their guests.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_12-683x1024.jpg)
The New York City Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Guests were seated in the outdoor courtyard for the couple’s romantic vows then moved to the indoor seating area and bar to celebrate. They encapsulated minimal and elegant in every decor detail, letting their love for one another radiate their day.
Eden and Stephen invested in little details that meant something to them. Guests signed an antique globe instead of a guestbook for the couple to later sit in their home as reminder of how much love they had on their wedding day. They used gold touches and neutral florals to create a space full of warmth.
When shooting their wedding, there were laughs and tears throughout the evening. From the best man’s speech to the first dance, it was easy to see just how much this couple is adored. Every aspect of the day felt stress-free. These two trusted their vendors and lived in every moment. It was the most lovely reflection of their partnership and such a memorable celebration for their new family (of three)!
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_58 A white wedding cake with gold foil decor, pink roses trailing the side, and a gold wedding topper that reads "The Riders."](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_263-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_57 The bride and groom happy after the ceremony, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_265-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_60 The bride and groom have their first dance, as the groom gets emotional.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_44-1-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_59 The guests sign a globe at the reception, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_38-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_62 The groomsmen gives a wedding toast to the bride and groom after the ceremony.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_50-1.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_61 An emotional toast is given by the groomsmen, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_49-1.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_65 The bartender at Levante NYC pours champagne into flutes.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_135-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_63 The bride and groom smile, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_266-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_68 The groom and the mother of the groom dance, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_43-1-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_67 The bride smiles after the ceremony, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_67-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_66 Wedding reception guests dance and laugh after the ceremony, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_258-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_71 Drinks provided by and food catered for the wedding reception by Levante in New York City.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_41-1-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_70 Pizza and Italian food catered for the wedding reception by Levante in New York City.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_46-1.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_69 Food catered for the wedding reception by Levante in New York City.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_42-1-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_74 Wedding reception decor, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_37-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_73 Wedding reception guests dance and laugh after the ceremony, captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_261-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_72 The wedding guests signing an antique globe instead of a guest book for a memorable wedding heirloom.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_264-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_77 The bride and groom laugh while cutting the wedding cake at the reception.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_21-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_76 Levante in New York City has a full bar for wedding receptions and events.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_271-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_75 The bride and groom after the reception captured by New York City wedding photographer, Molli Photo.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_19-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_82 Wedding guests dancing at the reception in Levante, Italian Bar and Venue in New York City.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_33-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_81 The bride and groom at Levante's bar for the wedding reception.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2022/12/new-york-photographer_260-683x1024.jpg)
![new-york-city-wedding-photographer_80 Molli Photography with family at Levant in New York City for Eden and Stephen's wedding.](https://molliphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32361/2023/01/new-york-city-wedding-photographer_52-1.jpg)
Thank you to my sister and brother-in-law for trusting me with your day. Eden, you were breathtaking. Spending this day with you through my lens was so special.
New York City Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Molli Photo
Venue: Levante
Catering: Levante
Cake: Taste Crème
Florals: Barbara’s Flowers
Hair: Sori at Blow + Arrow
Makeup: Bonnie Rodriguez at Blow + Arrow
Cupcakes: LA Sweets
Looking for a New York City wedding photographer?
Each wedding captured holds a piece of my heart. Helping couples preserve memories from their day purely and honestly is a privilege. But more than anything, I hope to give couples images to look back on, decades down the line, to relive all of the joy over and over again.
Cross “wedding photographer” off of your to-do list.
Reach out over here!