The Green Building | Brooklyn, NY
During this time of change and challenge for the world, wedding celebrations have not been spared. Gathering your friends and family feels impossible at the moment, but when this challenge passes, the original vision for weddings may need to shift. Since many summer events will be moving to later in the year, I thought it might be helpful to offer a beautiful example of what a wedding can look like in the middle of January!
Winter weddings may seem daunting at first, but they can be wonderfully intimate and cozy while retaining the feeling of a formal celebration. The location can go in two directions as well, either embracing the snow, somewhere like Vermont, Maine, or perhaps a more urban setting! Cities offer a lovely neutral backdrop that is not reliant on summer leaves or warmer weather. Annie and Bill celebrated at the Green Building in Gowanus Brooklyn, and although it snowed off and on leading up to their wedding day, it ended up being sunny enough to take portraits in the courtyard. Their use of natural wood and small floral arrangements felt right at home with the Green Building's industrial decor and style while still making it feel personal. Finding the right venue is key for a wedding when the weather can have a more significant impact on the day, but with some intentional design choices, any space can feel inviting and cohesive. From a photographer's perspective, a few off-camera lights on stands can help make large areas appear bright and cozy despite the shorter daylight hours.
Some final tips if you are considering a winter wedding:
1. Look for a venue with large windows and an attractive outdoor area that does not depend on summer leaves to feel inviting. This allows for maximum daylight hours and will make for more variety in your photos.
2. Use your space creatively. The Green Building is one big room, but Annie and Bill made it feel varied by intentionally designating different areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner.
3. Embrace the cozy opportunities during photos and the reception. A fire pit in the courtyard or faux fur and blankets will add texture and something different to your photos. Guests will also appreciate the warmth while taking a break from dancing.
Overall their day felt elegant and intimate, with the main focus on their friends and family!
