bourne mansion long island wedding: ashlee + james

Bourne Mansion Long Island Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is an investment on its own, so it’s an incredible honor when someone wants to pay for me to travel to photograph their wedding in a different city or state. Ashlee & James’ wedding was in Long Island and I was thrilled they wanted me to make the trip down from Rochester to capture it for them! It certainly motivated me to do the absolute best job I could for them (which I always try to do!!) especially as I heard about all the planning and thought they were putting into everything to ensure it was an unforgettable experience for them, their families, and their guests! It’s hard for me to describe what a spectacular day it turned out to be, but I couldn’t be more thankful that I got to be there.

It was full of beautiful details, lots of gorgeous glitz and glamour, and at the same time it was so perfectly genuine and full of joy and emotion! I always feel like the vibe where the bride is getting ready can really set the tone for the day, and Ashlee was just the happiest human in the world when I arrived to her hotel room! Ashlee and I went to the same high school and played Field Hockey together throughout, and she was always such a sweet person so it was especially great to see what a fun, gorgeous, all-around wonderful woman she is today and that she found an equally incredible man to share her life with! She and James are a total power couple, they’re both driven and have built up busy and successful careers, and I love that they’ve chosen to do it all with the other’s complete support and encouragement.

Ashlee & James shared their First Look outside at the hotel, and I’m surprised my face didn’t hurt afterward from how hard I was smiling as I photographed this. It was seriously SO ADORABLE.

They said their I do’s at St. Patricks Roman Catholic Church in Bayshore, and I have to say this because I think it’s just too weird – I’ve only photographed five weddings in Long Island in my life and three of the five ceremonies were in this same cathedral! What are the chances!? Anyway – it’s a gorgeous church so I most certainly don’t mind! Their reception venue was also incredible! It was at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale which is a luxurious and grandiose historic mansion with beautiful landscaping surrounding it! LOVE!

The dance floor at this wedding might have been my favorite part of the whole day! I forgot to mention that Ashlee & James’ décor was slightly 1920’s themed, and Gastby himself would’ve been jealous of this party! Enjoy some of my favorites below!