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Hi! I'm Karina. I love photographing weddings + special moments throughout the East Coast! I'm happily married to my best friend and I LOVE love. I'm overjoyed to share these beautiful love stories with you!

Hi, I'm Karina.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding | Lauren & Max | Brooklyn NY

hero image of Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding ceremony recessional with collage of reception details

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding Photographer

Lauren and Max celebrated their Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding on a beautiful June day in Brooklyn, New York. As their Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding photographer, I was so excited to capture their love story in one of the most stunning venues in the city. This Jewish wedding was filled with meaningful traditions, gorgeous florals by Nava Floral, and a reception that had everyone dancing all night long in the Palm House.

First Look at the Rose Garden

Lauren and Max shared their first look in the Rose Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Surrounded by blooming roses and lush greenery, the two saw each other for the first time and it was pure magic. The brick pathways and garden arches made for the most romantic backdrop. Lauren’s bouquet featured white roses and soft blue accents that tied perfectly into her color palette. We captured portraits throughout the garden and along the way back to the Palm House.

Bride and groom first look under white rose arbor in the Rose Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Couple walks hand in hand under flowering rose arch on brick pathway at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Romantic portrait of bride and groom touching foreheads framed by white climbing roses
Bride and groom smiling together holding white and blue bouquet in Rose Garden
Full length portrait of couple on brick path surrounded by lavender and roses at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Bride and groom walking through rose arbor at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Couple embracing under pink flowering arbor on garden lawn
Groom twirling bride on green lawn surrounded by lush garden hedges
Bride and groom kissing on brick pathway with colorful rose beds in background

Ketubah Signing

Before the ceremony, Lauren and Max gathered with their closest family members inside the Palm House for the ketubah signing. This intimate Jewish tradition was filled with love and happy tears. The natural light streaming through the glass walls made every moment glow.

Bride and groom dancing together during ketubah signing inside Palm House
Rabbi signing ketubah document during Jewish wedding tradition

The Ceremony at the Willow Tree

The ceremony took place at the Willow Tree site at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. With the weeping willow as their backdrop, Lauren and Max exchanged vows under a stunning white floral chuppah designed by Nava Floral. Guests sat on the lawn as the couple said I do in one of the most magical settings in Brooklyn. The moment they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife was pure joy.

Outdoor ceremony setup with white floral chuppah and weeping willow backdrop at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Detail of chuppah florals with white roses pink peonies and blue delphinium
Ceremony aisle marker with lush white and blue floral arrangement
White floral chuppah with draping fabric and willow tree backdrop
Bride walking down aisle with parents during golden hour ceremony
Wide shot of outdoor ceremony with bridal party at chuppah and guests seated on lawn
Bride smiling at groom during ring exchange under chuppah
Rabbi officiating ceremony as couple stands under floral chuppah with tallit
Groom breaking glass under chuppah during Jewish wedding ceremony
Newlyweds kissing while walking back down aisle as guests cheer at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Bride and groom recessional walking down aisle with bridal party and willow tree behind them

Bridal Party

Lauren’s bridesmaids looked beautiful in mismatched dusty blue gowns. Some wore solid blue while others wore a soft blue floral print. Each bridesmaid carried a white and blue bouquet that complemented the color palette perfectly. The groomsmen looked sharp in classic black tuxedos. We captured bridal party portraits throughout the garden and in front of the Palm House conservatory.

Full bridal party walking together in front of Palm House conservatory
Groomsmen in black tuxedos posing by reflecting pool at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Full wedding party portrait in front of Palm House with bridesmaids in dusty blue gowns
Bridesmaids in mismatched dusty blue gowns laughing together in front of Palm House

Family Portraits

Lauren and Max made sure to prioritize time for family photos. We captured portraits with both sides of the family on the garden grounds and in front of the Palm House pond.

Bride with parents and groom by Lily Pool at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Groom with grandmother in navy dress by reflecting pool
Both sets of parents with bride and groom in front of Palm House conservatory

Golden Hour Portraits

After the ceremony, we stole Lauren and Max away for golden hour portraits. The light at Brooklyn Botanic Garden during sunset is absolutely glowy. These are always some of my favorite images from the day.

Wide golden hour portrait of bride and groom kissing on stone pathway at Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
Bride looking over shoulder in cathedral veil with golden sunset light
Romantic sunset portrait of couple embracing by pond at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

About Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the most iconic wedding venues in New York. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this 52-acre urban oasis offers endless photo opportunities and breathtaking ceremony and reception spaces.

What makes Brooklyn Botanic Garden special:

  • Rose Garden with over 1,400 varieties of roses
  • Willow Tree ceremony site with sweeping willow backdrop
  • Cherry Esplanade for spring weddings
  • Palm House reception space with floor-to-ceiling glass walls
  • Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden for unique portraits
  • Lily Pool Terrace overlooking the water
  • Stunning golden hour light throughout the gardens
Palm House reception room with round tables white linens and glass dome ceiling
Centerpiece detail with white garden roses blue delphinium and dusty blue taper candles
Blue escort cards displayed with white and blue floral arrangement
Reception menu card surrounded by white and blue floral centerpiece
Detail of lush centerpiece with white peonies blue flowers and greenery
Three tier white wedding cake with diagonal texture and fresh flowers

The Reception

The reception took place inside the stunning Palm House at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. With its soaring glass ceilings and lush greenery, this space is unlike anything else in New York. Tables were set with delicate white, blue and purple florals and candles by Nava Floral, and the whole room glowed as the sun set through the windows.

DJ James Mulry kept the energy high all night. The dance floor was packed from the first song to the last. Lauren and Max’s first dance was so sweet, and the hora had everyone on their feet. Guests waved napkins in the air as the couple was lifted on chairs. It was the best kind of party.

The night ended with cake cutting and one final portrait by the fountain under the stars. What a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Palm House conservatory exterior at dusk with reflection in Lily Pool
Bride and groom first dance under glass dome ceiling at Palm House reception
Black and white nighttime portrait of couple kissing by fountain at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Congratulations

Lauren and Max, thank you for trusting me to capture your beautiful wedding day. Your love for each other and your families was evident in every moment. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendors

Planning & Coordination: DM Events NY

Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Photography: Karina Mekel Photography

Floral Design: Nava Floral

Beauty: Willow House Beauty

Entertainment: James Mulry

Paper Goods: Lauren Goldstein

See More Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding Photos:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding | Ashley & Dan

If you’re planning a Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding or looking for a Brooklyn wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. Contact me here to chat about your big day.

Karina Mekel is a New York and New Jersey wedding photographer capturing timeless love stories throughout the East Coast. Follow along on Instagram @karinamekel or get in touch to inquire about your wedding.

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