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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.

The Lannin Wedding | East Meadow | Michelle and Kevin

The Lannin wedding East Meadow Long Island bride and groom dip kiss during outdoor ceremony with white floral aisle and parasols

The Lannin Wedding | Michelle and Kevin

Michelle and Kevin got married at The Lannin in East Meadow, New York on May 17th and as their Lannin wedding photographer, this day was so special from start to finish. A beautiful spring wedding, the most stunning florals, a bridal suite with the prettiest light & wallpaper, and two people who were so genuinely happy to celebrate with everyone they love. Scroll on for a look at their day!

Starting with the Details

As always, Michelle and Kevin’s invitation suite set the tone for their wedding day. Their invites featured deep green cards with gold foil monograms and calligraphy, paired with vellum wraps sealed with gold wax seals. A matching RSVP card read “We Can’t Say I Do Without You.”

Michelle’s oval engagement ring and wedding band were such a favorite and I love how beautiful they are surrounded by white orchids, a key flower in her wedding floral design. Her perfume was Chloe Sevigny Little Flower.

Kevin’s details were just as sharp. Black leather shoes, a black bow tie, a luxury watch, and a few sentimental keepsakes. All of the gorgeous florals throughout the day were graciously provided by The Davinci Flower.

Michelle chose a stunning Pronovias gown with a coordinating cape and veil, paired with white Manolo Blahnik pointed-toe heels with crystal buckle accents. The perfect finishing touch.

The Lannin wedding invitation suite with dark green and dusty blue cards gold wax seals and white orchids East Meadow NY
The Lannin wedding stationery details with gold foil monogram wax seals and engagement ring in velvet box East Meadow Long Island
Bridal details flat lay with perfume and engagement ring in velvet box surrounded by white orchids at The Lannin East Meadow NY
Groom details flat lay with black patent leather shoes bow tie luxury watch and white orchids at The Lannin wedding East Meadow
White Manolo Blahnik bridal heels with crystal buckle accents and white orchids at The Lannin wedding East Meadow
Manolo Blahnik bridal shoes in The Lannin bridal suite with botanical wallpaper and Pronovias gown hanging in window East Meadow NY
Pronovias wedding gown with floral embossed fabric and veil hanging in The Lannin bridal suite with botanical wallpaper East Meadow Long Island

Getting Ready

The bridal suite at The Lannin is absolutely stunning. The walls are covered in the most gorgeous botanical wallpaper with soft blue tones, blush leaves, delicate branches, and little birds. It made the most beautiful backdrop for getting ready photos.

Michelle’s Pronovias gown hung from a brass wall hook against the wallpaper and it looked like a piece of art. The gown had a strapless neckline with a folded band across the bodice and the most beautiful floral embossed texture throughout the fabric.

Michelle wore a white satin “Bride” robe while she admired her dress before putting it on. Her bridesmaids helped her get into her gown. They wore gorgeous green satin dresses in slightly different styles, which looked so beautiful in the bridal suite. One of my favorite moments was Michelle and her bridesmaids smiling at each other as they helped her prepare for her first look.

Her bouquet was stunning. White orchids, roses, tulips, calla lilies, and soft greenery spilled over into a cascading shape that was so elegant.

Bride admiring Pronovias wedding gown in bridal suite at The Lannin East Meadow NY with gorgeous botanical wallpaper
Bride in white satin Bride robe looking at her wedding dress in The Lannin bridal suite East Meadow Long Island
Bride getting into Pronovias gown with bridesmaids in green satin dresses in The Lannin bridal suite East Meadow NY
Bride and bridesmaid portrait in front of botanical wallpaper at The Lannin bridal suite East Meadow Long Island
Bride portrait with white orchid and rose bouquet in The Lannin bridal suite with botanical wallpaper East Meadow NY

First Look (and First Look with Dad!)

Michelle and Kevin’s first look took place on the grand staircase at The Lannin. This staircase is one of the most stunning features of the venue. It has dark steps, an elegant iron railing with a gold handrail, and black and white checkered marble floors at the base. The staircase was completely lined with lush white floral arrangements from The Davinci Flower. Roses, hydrangeas, orchids, calla lilies, and greenery covered every step.

After their first look together, Michelle also did a first look with her dad. He stood at the bottom of the staircase waiting while Michelle came down. I always love a sweet (and sometimes funny) first look with dad.

Bride and groom first look on grand staircase at The Lannin with white floral arrangements lining the steps East Meadow Long Island
Black and white first look moment with bride and groom on grand staircase at The Lannin East Meadow NY
Bride and groom first look on floral lined staircase at The Lannin wedding venue East Meadow Long Island
Bride and groom walking up grand staircase together with white floral arrangements at The Lannin East Meadow NY
Overhead view of bride and groom on grand staircase with gold pendant chandelier at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island
Black and white portrait of bride and groom embracing on staircase at The Lannin wedding East Meadow NY
Bride portrait next to grand staircase with long train and white floral arrangements at The Lannin wedding venue East Meadow NY
Bride first look with father on grand staircase at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island wedding
Father and bride holding hands on floral lined grand staircase at The Lannin wedding East Meadow Long Island

Outdoor Ceremony I The Lannin Wedding

The outdoor ceremony space at The Lannin is breathtaking. A white pergola with columns stood at the center of the grounds surrounded by lush green lawns, mature trees, and a fountain visible in the background. The Davinci Flower covered the pergola in a full floral arch of white roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and cascading greenery. White floral arrangements and pillar candles lined the aisle on both sides. A white aisle runner stretched between rows of white chairs.

On a sunny May afternoon, guests were given parasols to stay cool. The bridesmaids stood on one side of the pergola in their green dresses while the groomsmen stood on the other in navy suits. Their pup was there too, held on a leash by one of the groomsmen, wearing the sweetest white tulle dress.

Michelle walked down the aisle with both of her parents. Her mom wore a beautiful traditional Korean hanbok in soft lavender, which was such a special cultural touch. The officiant spoke at the microphone while Michelle and Kevin exchanged vows under the floral arch. Kevin received the rings from his best man and placed the band on Michelle’s finger.

After they were pronounced married, they shared a kiss and then walked back down the aisle together. Kevin dipped Michelle in the center of the aisle while all of their guests cheered and took photos. Her veil and gown swept across the ground and the lighting was *chefs kiss*.

Outdoor ceremony setup at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island with white pergola floral arch white chairs and fountain in background
The Lannin outdoor ceremony pergola with white rose and orchid floral arch by The Davinci Flower East Meadow NY
Groom and groomsmen at outdoor ceremony
Bride walking down the aisle with parents
Full wedding ceremony at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island with bridal party under white floral pergola
Bride and groom exchanging vows under floral arch at outdoor ceremony
Aerial view of outdoor wedding ceremony at The Lannin East Meadow NY with white pergola floral arch and guests with parasols
Groom receiving wedding rings from best man during ceremony
Bride and groom ring exchange under white floral arch at The Lannin wedding ceremony
First kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony at The Lannin East Meadow NY with bridesmaid cheering
Bride and groom dip kiss in ceremony aisle at The Lannin East Meadow NY with guests cheering and white parasols

Bridal Party

Michelle’s bridesmaids wore green satin dresses in a mix of styles. Her sister had spaghetti straps, and her cousin had a romantic V-neck cut. They each wore white floral wrist corsages tied with ribbon instead of carrying bouquets. The groomsmen wore navy blue suits with bow ties and white floral boutonnieres. They were a great bridal party!

Full bridal party portrait with bridesmaids in green dresses and groomsmen in navy suits
Bridal party walking together on the grounds
Bride with bridesmaids in green satin dresses holding hands
Groomsmen and groom laughing for fun bridal party photo
Candid of bride laughing while walking with bridal party at The Lannin East Meadow NY

Bride & Groom Portraits

The grounds at The Lannin have so many gorgeous spots for portraits. Winding stone pathways through gardens full of pink azaleas and flowering bushes. Big beautiful trees with sweeping branches. Manicured hedges and colorful blooms everywhere you look.

Michelle and Kevin walked the garden paths together, danced under the trees, and snuck back to the ceremony pergola for a few more with the full floral arch behind them. The late afternoon light was warm and golden and it was just perfect.

Bride and groom portrait on garden pathway with pink azaleas at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island
Bride and groom kissing on stone garden path surrounded by colorful flowers at The Lannin East Meadow NY
Bride and groom walking together through gardens
Bride and groom dancing under tree on the grounds
Intimate portrait of bride and groom foreheads together
Bride and groom portrait surrounded by colorful flower gardens at The Lannin East Meadow NY
Bride and groom close portrait with white orchid bouquet

About Weddings at The Lannin

The Lannin in East Meadow, New York is one of the most beautiful and exciting wedding venues on Long Island and I am so glad I got to photograph here. The venue opened in 2023 as a fully renovated space set on the historic Eisenhower Park golf course in Nassau County. It is modern, luxurious, and absolutely stunning at every turn. A few of my favorite things about shooting at The Lannin:

  • The grand ballroom with soaring ceilings and the most gorgeous chandeliers that make every reception photo glow
  • The glass room which works beautifully for ceremonies or cocktail hour and lets in the most incredible natural light
  • The outdoor grounds overlooking the Eisenhower Park golf course which are so lush and green for portraits
  • The bridal suite with its stunning wallpaper and beautiful natural light for getting ready photos
  • The marble floors and elegant architectural details throughout that make every portrait look so editorial
  • The fact that they host one wedding at a time so the whole venue is entirely yours for the day

The Lannin is located at 1899 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, New York and can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 450 guests. If you are considering The Lannin for your wedding, I would love to be considered to be your Lannin wedding photographer.

Reception Details

The sweetheart table had a custom banner that read “Kevin & Michelle Yu” with their wedding date. Two dramatic floral arches framed the couple’s seats with white orchids, roses, hydrangeas, anthuriums, and greenery. Pillar candles lined the base.

A gold-framed welcome mirror greeted guests at the entrance with cascading white florals. Guest tables had green napkins and dark green favor boxes tied with sage ribbon that read “The Taste of Happiness.” Centerpieces alternated between tall glass vases with orchids and stock and low arrangements with calla lilies and greenery.

A round table in the foyer displayed framed photos of Kevin and Michelle from their engagement session at Fort Tryon Park (which I loved seeing printed, of course!) Their four-tier wedding cake had a quilted crosshatch pattern with fresh white florals cascading down. The room looked absolutely gorgeous with the florals by The Davinci Flower throughout.

Sweetheart table with Kevin and Michelle Yu banner and white floral arches
Gold framed welcome mirror with white floral arrangement
Reception table with tall white orchid centerpiece green favor boxes and gold chiavari chairs
Photo display table with white floral arrangement in foyer at The Lannin wedding reception
Full reception ballroom at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island with white and green decor and sweetheart table
Place setting closeup with green napkin dark green favor box and menu
Four tier wedding cake with quilted pattern and cascading white flowers

Sunset

We snuck outside during golden hour for a few more portraits. Michelle and Kevin walked hand in hand across the open lawn with spiral topiaries, manicured hedges, and the fountain in the background. Some of my favorite photos from the entire day.

Bride and groom portrait under white floral arch at ceremony pergola The Lannin East Meadow Long Island
Bride and groom walking together from ceremony pergola at The Lannin with white floral arch East Meadow NY
Golden hour portrait of bride and groom on manicured lawn with spiral topiaries
Wide angle sunset portrait of bride and groom kissing on manicured grounds with fountain at The Lannin East Meadow NY

The Lannin Wedding Reception

Michelle and Kevin’s first dance was romantic and sweet. The speeches were heartfelt with some great humor as well. The MC surprised everyone by speaking and even singing in Cantonese, honoring Kevin’s culture, while also delighting all the guests!

Michelle changed into the cutest little white dress for dancing! After dinner, Michelle & Kevin made sure to toast and take a photo with every table! It was super sweet and fun! There was also a bubble tea station alongside the cake and passed desserts.

Michelle and Kevin, thank you for trusting me to capture your wedding day at The Lannin. The love between you two and your families made the whole day so special. You two are just the warmest and most joyful people and your wedding was such a reflection of that. I am so happy for you both!

Black and white first dance at The Lannin wedding reception
Bridesmaid giving wedding toast in green dress at The Lannin reception East Meadow Long Island
Bride and groom laughing together at sweetheart table at The Lannin wedding reception East Meadow NY May 2026
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing during cake cutting at The Lannin wedding East Meadow NY
Bride in reception dress and groom cutting four tier wedding cake at The Lannin East Meadow Long Island

If you are planning a wedding at The Lannin and looking for a Long Island or New York City wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. Contact me here to check your date.


Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Karina Mekel Photography

Venue: The Lannin

Floral Design: The Davinci Flower

Makeup: Ombre by EJ

Content Creator: Lovely Moments Co

Bridal Gown: Pronovias


Love this garden wedding? Check out another one of my favorites: Alexa and James’s Spring Wedding at The Estate at Florentine Gardens

Alt text: Bride and groom kissing on the steps of The Estate at Florentine Gardens with bridal portrait bouquet closeup invitation suite and ring details spring wedding in River Vale NJ photographed by Karina Mekel

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