back

Weddings

New York Love Story: Sabrina & Aaron’s Candlelit Celebration at Chelsea Hotel.

Bride and Groom are getting married in Chelsea Hotel NYC

Sabrina and Aaron’s wedding at the iconic Chelsea Hotel in New York City was nothing short of enchanting. New York’s famously unpredictable weather had them hoping for a lovely outdoor ceremony, but as the day arrived, so did a gentle rain that softened the city’s edges and cast a cinematic glow over the hotel. Rather than dampening the day, the rain became part of their story, adding intimacy and romance to Sabrina and Aaron’s celebration. This beautiful wedding, set in one of New York’s most iconic spaces, turned into an unforgettable day filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of close family and friends.

The day began with Sabrina getting ready in one of Chelsea’s timeless suites, surrounded by her closest friends and family. The room was filled with laughter and quiet anticipation, creating a blend of energy that felt both exciting and calm. We captured these moments in a mix of digital and film photography, using the Contax 645 to bring their day a soft, romantic feel that only film can deliver. Sabrina’s gown, a masterpiece of classic-meets-modern design, seemed made for the Chelsea’s unique charm, creating beautiful contrasts and enhancing the day’s intimate ambiance. Aaron prepared for the ceremony nearby, supported by his friends, in a suite filled with laughter and anticipation. There was a calm excitement in the air, making these getting-ready moments a joy to capture.

As the rain continued, the decision was made to move the ceremony indoors, gathering everyone into one of the hotel’s inviting event spaces. Instead of detracting from the day, this shift added a cozy intimacy, bringing loved ones even closer. Candlelight flickered against the walls, casting a warm, golden glow that fit Sabrina and Aaron’s love story perfectly. Friends and family gathered close, and as Sabrina walked down the aisle, the room fell silent, captivated by the beauty of the moment. The rain outside seemed to amplify the love inside, creating a scene that felt almost magical.

The ceremony was both deeply personal and meaningful, reflecting Sabrina and Aaron’s commitment not just to each other but to the life they were building. Each vow spoken, every glance shared, felt genuine and full of love. As we captured these tender emotions on film, we felt honored to be preserving the raw beauty of the moment. This is why we love using film—it captures every nuance, every subtle expression, bringing a natural, heartfelt quality to each shot.

Following the ceremony, the celebration continued with an elegant reception at the Chelsea Hotel. The décor was a perfect blend of classic and modern, filled with candlelight that wrapped the room in a cozy glow. Each table was adorned with delicate floral arrangements, thoughtfully chosen to reflect Sabrina and Aaron’s style. The historic charm of the Chelsea Hotel served as a textured, layered backdrop, enhancing the images with a sense of timelessness.

One of the highlights of the evening was Sabrina and Aaron’s first dance. Set against the intimate candlelit ambiance, it was a moment of pure joy and connection. Family and friends looked on, some wiping away tears, others cheering them on, as they danced together, lost in the moment. The rain, which had felt like an obstacle earlier, now seemed like a blessing, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to the evening. Guests mingled, laughed, and celebrated, their spirits lifted by the love and joy filling the room. Every toast, every hug, and every laugh was a testament to the love and support surrounding Sabrina and Aaron.

As the evening drew to a close, we captured the final moments of the day with a sense of gratitude and awe. Sabrina and Aaron’s wedding at the Chelsea Hotel wasn’t just a celebration of their love—it was a testament to resilience, joy, and the beauty that comes when we embrace life’s unexpected moments. The rain, rather than hindering the day, had become a part of their story, adding romance, depth, and authenticity to their memories. With the Contax 645 capturing so many of these moments on film, we knew they’d have timeless images that would preserve the emotions and elegance of their day for years to come.

+ view the comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BEHIND THE LENS

Hi, I'm Xenia.

As an internationally-lauded wedding photographer with decades of experience, Xenia brings her signature timeless, editorial style and classic, romantic aesthetic to modern love stories. 

Learn More

 01

We share five essential secrets to creating a relaxed wedding day timeline that will save you from the chaos and help you make the most of your big day.

02

In this article, I’ll break down what each style entails, the key differences, and why I believe the wedding day has different parts that benefit from different photographic styles.

bride and groom at Greystone Mansion

03

Let’s explore why wedding film photography is more popular than ever, what makes it unique, and how to incorporate it into your wedding day.

featured

Let me take you through why a Greystone Mansion wedding is a dream come true and how to make the most of this spectacular venue.

Want to know what’s blooming? join our email list!

MORE TO EXPLORE