A Pretty in Pink Wedding

Julia + Alex’s wedding began bright and early on a sunny morning in August. While Alex and the guys were getting ready in the library, Julia spent the morning in the bridal suite of the Wainwright with her bridesmaids and her mom. The room was filled with laughter and cheery conversation as the ladies got their hair and makeup done by the wonderful artists with Sabit V. Salon. 

One of my favorite moments was when all of the ladies came together to help Julia into her wedding dress. From fastening the buttons down the back of the gown to adjusting the flowing skirts and helping Julia into her shoes, it was such a beautiful moment to capture as each of the ladies helped Julia prepare for her big day. And of course, I have to mention Julia’s wedding dress! Julia had decided to skip the traditional white dress and go for a beautiful soft pink gown. With her hair and makeup complete and her gown on, she was easily the walking embodiment of picture-perfect romance. 

Once Julia was ready, she descended the grand staircase of the house to meet Alex for their first look in the front lawn and garden. The way Alex’s face lit up when he saw Julia was pure magic. And, of course, I was prepped with tissues at the ready because, yes, it was emotional! 

After their first look, we shot a few bride and groom portraits on the lawn and along the waterfront, leaning into movement and candid moments to keep things organic and natural. I was lucky enough to photograph their engagement session as well, so by this point, they were pretty comfortable in front of my camera. No stiff posing or awkward “what do I do with my hands?” moments – just the two of them, genuinely soaking in the day.

Waterfront Ceremony in the Garden of the Wainwright House

When it was finally time for Julia + Alex’s ceremony, guests began filing in, filling up seats facing the water. Tall trees created a shady canopy over the space and perfectly framed the wooden arbor where the officiant stood. As the music began, the guests settled in and found their seats. Pair by pair, the wedding party descended through the tent and down a short set of stairs toward the waterfront ceremony space. Alex led the way with his mom on his arm followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and finally Julia, looking radiant as ever as the music swelled and she appeared at the top of the stairs arm-in-arm with her dad. 

Julia + Alex exchanged vows in the garden at the edge of the Wainwright House grounds, with the calm waters of Milton Harbor glimmering behind them. Sunlight filtered gently through the leaves as if nature itself was leaning in to witness the sweet moment. Surrounded by loved ones and the soft rustle of the breeze flowing through the leaves, Julia + Alex recited their heartfelt vows sealing the moment with a kiss and signaling the start of this exciting new chapter of their lives. Cheers erupted as they walked back up the aisle hand-in-hand, with smiles and happy tears all around them. 

After the ceremony, Julia + Alex returned to the library to sign their marriage certificate and steal a few quiet moments together (and enjoy some well-earned hors d’oeuvres from cocktail hour!). Meanwhile, guests mingled on the lawn, taking in the views and late-afternoon breeze.

An Elegant Open-Air Reception in the Wainwright House Garden

As the sun began to set, guests gathered beneath a beautifully draped tent in the Wainwright House garden. Instead of traditional white tablecloths, each table was covered in pale pink linen, a subtle romantic touch chosen to echo the soft blush of Julia’s gown. Every table was adorned with the soft glow of small candles and decorated with colorful pink and coral flower arrangements, creating an inviting and magical atmosphere. 

After the DJ announced them as husband and wife for the first time, Julia + Alex made their grand entrance into the reception and shared their first dance beneath the twinkling string lights above. Speeches from both of their fathers, the maid of honor, and best man brought a mix of laughter and a few misty eyes. Once dinner was served, everyone was more than ready to hit the dance floor. That’s when Julia slipped away for a quick outfit change. When she reemerged, she had swapped her flowing pink gown for a fun white and pink cocktail dress embroidered with beaded pink flowers. The moment Alex saw her, his face lit up just as it had at their first look and without missing a beat, he pulled her straight onto the dance floor.

From that point on, the energy never dropped. Guests danced nonstop, even enjoying dessert on the go as staff passed out mini ice cream cones right there on the dance floor. Julia + Alex paused only long enough to cut their cake before jumping back into the celebration, soaking up every last second. It was the kind of night you never want to end – joyful, full of love, and a beautiful start of Julia + Alex’s new journey together. 

It was such an honor to be a small part of Julia + Alex’s love story. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your big day, I’d love to be there for you too!

Hi there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. As a New York City wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all. Anything from upscale urban weddings filled with the vibrant buzz of NYC to charming garden party celebrations beneath the stars, I’m ready to help you bring your wedding dreams to life. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the NYC area or across the world, I’d be honored to be there for you. Just fill out my contact form and let’s get started!