Risa and Adam got married at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, New York on September 20th and it was one of those perfect late summer days where everything just falls into place. Warm weather, the most beautiful light on the water, and two people who were absolutely made for each other. Scroll on for a look at their day!
Starting with the Details
First, the details. Risa’s invitation suite from The Knot was so beautifully done. It had soft floral watercolor designs in lilac and blush with a RA monogram woven throughout. Paired with her engagement ring and gold bands, Chanel Chance perfume, and white orchids, it set the tone for the whole day perfectly. Elegant, romantic, and cohesive.
Getting Ready
Risa and her girls got ready in the most beautiful bridal suite at Glen Island Harbour Club. The space has such clean, bright interiors with gorgeous natural light and it makes for some of my favorite getting ready photos. Everyone was in the softest lavender robes and the energy in the room was so happy and excited. Risa’s Justin Alexander gown was breathtaking. It had a fitted lace bodice with a dramatic train and the most delicate details. She held it up and just beamed and that moment is always one of my favorites from the whole day.
Adam got ready in the groom’s suite upstairs which has equally beautiful light. His custom cufflinks with a little cat detail were such a sweet personal touch. I love a customized cufflink so much.
Her bridesmaids wore the most gorgeous dusty lavender Dessy gowns which complemented the whole color palette so beautifully.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held in Glen Island Harbour Club’s stunning glass room overlooking the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows, the Long Island Sound as the backdrop, and soft natural light pouring in from every direction. The aisle was lined with gold chairs dressed with white ribbon and florals by Arcadia Floral Co., and rose petals covered the floor leading up to the altar. Risa walked in with her parents. Adam’s face when he saw her said everything. Their vow books were a sweet his and hers set and the whole ceremony felt so intimate and warm despite how grand the space is.
About Glen Island Harbour Club
Glen Island Harbour Club is one of the most stunning wedding venues in the New York area and I am so glad I got to photograph here. The venue sits right on the water in New Rochelle, New York, with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound from almost every room. The glass ceremony room is unlike anything I have seen at another venue — floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides means you have natural light and water views throughout the entire ceremony. There is also a beautiful outdoor terrace and grounds for portraits with the water as your backdrop.
Some of my favorite things about shooting at Glen Island Harbour Club:
- The glass ceremony room with floor-to-ceiling water views!
- The outdoor waterfront grounds for portraits at golden hour
- Perfect location surrounded by Glen Island Park with lots of beautiful greenery
- The beautiful bridal and groom suites with clean natural light
- The warm tones on the water at sunset
- The grand reception space with plenty of room for a full dance floor
Glen Island Harbour Club is located on Glen Island in New Rochelle, New York, easily accessible from Manhattan, Westchester, and Connecticut. The venue accommodates up to 300 guests and is known for its all-season waterfront setting. It’s one of my most requested Westchester wedding venues and I photograph here each year.
Portraits on the Water
After the ceremony we headed outside for portraits and the light was just perfect. That warm late September golden hour on the Long Island Sound is something else. Risa’s cathedral train spread out across the rocky shoreline with the water behind her was such a dream! The two of them together were so natural and relaxed. They were laughing, kissing, completely in their own world. We also got some stunning shots right in front of the Glen Island Harbour Club sign with the water stretching out behind them which I absolutely love.
The Reception
The reception room was so beautiful. Pink and lavender floral centerpieces by Arcadia Floral Co. towered over every table, the menus were perfectly placed, and the whole room glowed with the most romantic light. DJ Live Entertainment had the dance floor packed from the very first song. The energy in that room was incredible and it just kept building all night.
The cake cutting was so sweet and then things really took off. At one point Risa & Adam jumped behind the drums and played with the band which had the whole room going absolutely wild. That is one of those moments you just cannot plan for and I am so glad I was there to capture it. The dancing was non-stop and every guest in that room was having the time of their lives.
Risa and Adam, thank you so much for having me. Your day was so full of joy and love and it was such an honor to be part of it. Wishing you the happiest life together!
If you are planning a wedding at Glen Island Harbour Club and searching for a New Rochelle or Westchester County wedding photographer, I would absolutely love to be there to document your day. You can see more Glen Island Harbour Club wedding photos in my portfolio, or contact me here to check your date.
See their wedding highlight video by Ever Ember Films below:
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Karina Mekel Photography
Videography: Ever Ember Films
Venue: Glen Island Harbour Club
Florist: Arcadia Floral Co.
Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy
Stationery: The Knot
Entertainment: DJ Live Entertainment
Cake: Glen Island Harbour Club
See more wedding photos from this Park Savoy Wedding | Florham Park, NJ and this Rushmore Estate Wedding | Highland Mills, NY! Or contact me anytime to inquire about photography for your wedding!
Karina Mekel is a New York and New Jersey wedding photographer capturing special moments throughout the East Coast. Follow along on Instagram @karinamekel or get in touch here.
