Their Wedding Day:
Lands End, Sayville, NY
In the middle of an intense summer heat wave, with record high temperatures, Stephanie & Ryan tied the knot and celebrated with their friends and family at the gorgeous Lands End wedding venue on Long Island. Steph and Ryan are so sweet together, and just watching the way they love and care for each other is absolutely heart melting. You can just feel that they’re best friends. These two and their incredible bridal party were such troopers throughout the whole wedding day! From these photos, you would never even know the real feel temperature was over 100 degrees!
Lands End is a beautiful coastal venue in Sayville, NY! Between the ocean views, lush floral gardens, and tall grasses, this venue is a dream to photograph! Steph told me, “I picked Lands End because I really love the beach. My dad always had a boat while I was growing up so I always loved going on the boat and spending time at the beach. If I could pick one place to live, it would be on a beach. When we were looking at venues I knew I wanted it to be on the water and after seeing Lands End I knew that was the spot!”
It’s always such a joy when I get to work with some of my industry besties on a wedding day, like the insanely talented Michelle Elise Artistry who had everyone’s hair and makeup looking PERFECT all day long! Michelle and her team are so amazing at what they do, and Michelle has a heart of gold. And speaking of wonderful people, I first got connected with Steph & Ryan through one of my sweet 2017 couples – Ashley & Kyle!!! Ryan was a groomsman in Kyle’s wedding, and Kyle returned the favor for Ryan’s wedding this summer. 🙂 It’s always so much fun getting to hang with past couples at a wedding!
Now before I share all the gorgeousness of Steph & Ryan’s wedding day, let me tell you a little about their love story!
Their Love Story
Steph & Ryan have been best friends for 13 years. They met when they were 14 in 9th grade Biology class. They sat next to each other and eventually started dating. For their first date, Ryan asked Steph out in between double-period Biology, and they made a date to go to the movies together and see “The Longest Yard”. Steph says, “We dated for a couple of years but then broke up, but, still remained best friends. After senior year, Ryan left for school in Buffalo and we still made sure to keep in touch. I visited him and whenever he was home for the holidays and summers we always hung out. After he graduated, we got back together and have been together ever since. It’s been a little over four and a half years now.”
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for traditions…especially anniversary traditions!! : ) Steph & Ryan’s anniversary tradition turned into an amazing proposal and it’s such a good story! As Steph tells it, “The proposal was awesome. Every year Ryan and I walk the Brooklyn Bridge for our anniversary in May. We make a weekend of it. We always Citi Bike around NYC, walk the bridge and then go out somewhere for dinner. This year I didn’t think we would spend the weekend in the city since we just bought a house in April and didn’t want to spend the money, but I was in for a surprise. Ryan told me he booked a room in the city and that we’d walk the Brooklyn Bridge like we usually do. I didn’t think he was going to propose because of everything with the house. At sunset we walked over the bridge, starting from the Brooklyn side and walked toward Manhattan. Ryan stopped at the second tier of the bridge that over looks Manhattan and got down on one knee. After the proposal, Ryan said, “look who’s here” and it was our close friends Dierdre and Mike who took pictures and videoed the whole thing! After, we went to get dinner and Ryan surprised me with both our families waiting at the restaurant. I still can’t believe he pulled the whole thing off because he was so calm the whole day! We Citi Biked all day, got lunch and even saw another proposal in Bryant Park and he didn’t even flinch! He’s usually so bad at hiding secrets!” Well done, Ryan!! ; ) Such an amazing proposal that made an anniversary tradition that much more special! Naturally, when we took Steph & Ryan’s engagement photos, we had to revisit the spot and take pictures on and around the iconic Brooklyn Bridge! Check out their Brooklyn engagement session here!
When I asked these two what they love about each other Steph said she loves how supportive Ryan is. And Ryan said he loves how thoughtful and caring Steph is. 🙂
To the Newlyweds
Steph & Ryan, thank you guys for being so joyful and sweet! It has been such an honor to be a part of this season in your lives, and celebrate alongside you two! I know that your marriage is going to be so full of life and love and laughter, and I’m so excited for you guys to start this next chapter! Cheers to becoming Mr. & Mrs. O’Doherty! I love you guys and am so grateful for you!! xoxo
The wonderful vendor team:
Vendors:
2nd Photographer | Rachel Watkinson
Photo Assistant | Jessah Rose Aufiero
Venue | Lands End Catering
Dress Designer | Matthew Christopher
Dress Boutique | Wedding Salon of Manhasset
Hair & Makeup Artist | Michelle Elise Artistry
Decor | Blush Oak
Wedding Rings | Joseph Anthony of Manhassat
DJ | Variety Music
Videographer | Hi Tech Events
Florist | Flowers by Rosemarie
Cake | Baked by Audrey
Bridesmaids Dresses | Amsale Bridesmaids
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Kenneth Cole
Invitations | Minted
Transportation | Camelot Limo
