A Celebration of Legacy and Joy

A soft November sky set the tone for Jon and Taylor’s elegant and emotionally rich wedding day. From timeless portraits at Planting Fields Arboretum to their heartfelt ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church and a lavish Fox Hollow reception, every moment of their celebration felt personal, intentional, and deeply joyful. Their Long Island wedding, featuring portraits at Planting Fields and a vibrant reception at Fox Hollow, perfectly reflected a love story grounded in legacy and connection.

Getting Ready at Home

Jon and Taylor each began the day in the comfort of their childhood homes, surrounded by family. There’s a quiet intimacy to getting ready in a familiar space. Taylor’s mother helped her into her gown while the warm hum of laughter drifted through the house. Bridesmaids moved with joyful energy, while the bride took small emotional pauses before the ceremony began.

Meanwhile, Jon shared a calm, grounded morning with his groomsmen. He prepared for the moment he would see Taylor for the first time at the altar. These separate spaces reflected their personalities beautifully. Together, they carried the anticipation, gratitude, and deep love that would soon fill every corner of their day.

Ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church, Huntington

St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington, NY offered a sacred space for their ceremony. The historic building, known for its soaring ceilings and warm natural light, created a reverent atmosphere for the vows they exchanged. As Taylor walked down the aisle and met Jon’s eyes for the first time, the room filled with quiet emotion.

The ceremony focused deeply on family, featuring heartfelt readings and meaningful roles for their loved ones. As the newlyweds exited the church, they were met with an unforgettable tribute. A fire truck waited outside in honor of Jon’s service as a volunteer firefighter. This quiet gesture reflected both gratitude and pride, adding a powerful layer to the day’s legacy.

This St. Patrick’s Church wedding in Huntington, NY was not just a ceremony. Instead, it became a moment that honored where they came from and who they were becoming together.

Wedding Portraits at Planting Fields Arboretum

After the ceremony, we traveled to the stunning Planting Fields Arboretum for portraits. The gardens, bursting with autumn richness, provided an exquisite natural backdrop for both the bridal party and couple portraits. 

These garden portraits at Planting Fields were soft, timeless, and luminous. The arboretum’s classic architecture and seasonal color came together in perfect harmony. Moreover, the soft natural light allowed us to focus fully on the couple’s calm presence. This peaceful setting reaffirmed our belief that beautiful imagery begins with authentic connection.

Reception with Intention at Fox Hollow

The Winter Garden at Fox Hollow provided a warm and elegant setting for their evening celebration. The reception space, filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and tasteful decor, welcomed guests into a night filled with laughter, memory, and genuine joy. Speeches rang out with heartfelt emotion, and their first dance took place by candlelight, framed by quiet smiles and shared glances.

As the evening unfolded, the dance floor came alive. It reflected Jon and Taylor’s vibrant spirit and commitment to celebration. Their Fox Hollow wedding reception was more than just an event. Rather, it became a heartfelt continuation of the day’s emotional resonance. Everyone in the room could feel it.

Planning Your Own Planting Fields Wedding Portraits and Fox Hollow Reception

If you are dreaming of a wedding day that blends timeless tradition with breathtaking natural backdrops, consider the magic of this venue pairing. Here are a few insights to help shape your vision:

• Choose your season with intention. Although Planting Fields is beautiful all year, autumn provides warm light, rich tones, and a soft atmosphere that flatters every image.
  
• Allow time for portraits. By building in a dedicated photo session between your ceremony and reception, you’ll gain space to be present and relaxed during both.
  
• Consider the Winter Garden at Fox Hollow. Especially during cooler months, this space offers warmth and intimacy while still feeling grand and open.
  

Couples often share that the smooth flow of the day, from sacred vows to relaxed portraits and finally, to a joyful reception, helped them feel fully immersed in the moment. Ultimately, that presence is what creates lasting memories.

Thinking About Your Own Celebration?

Whether you’re planning wedding portraits at Planting Fields and a reception at Fox Hollow, or envisioning a different location entirely, I’d be honored to help you create photographs that feel deeply personal and beautifully timeless. If connection, legacy, and emotional storytelling matter to you, let’s start the conversation.

Learn more about our wedding photography experience.

Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Winter Garden at Fox Hollow
Dress Designer: Luce Sposa
Bridal Boutique: Eleven Eleven Bridal
MUA: Porcelain Brides
Hair: Prevail Bridal Hair and Makeup
Bakery: Dortoni Bakery Co.
DJ + Photo Booth: Hart to Hart Entertainment

About the Photographer

Stephen Mayo is the founder and lead photographer of Heritage House, a boutique wedding photography studio based in New York. Known for timeless, emotional imagery and legacy-driven storytelling, Stephen’s work has been featured in Sophisticated Weddings, Fearless Photographers, and trusted by couples and planners across the Tri-State area.