Lauren and Joe’s Family-Focused June Wedding at Watermill

From the beginning, Lauren and Joe were clear about one priority.

They wanted to spend their wedding day with their families, not simply move from one photo opportunity to the next. Coming from large families themselves, they wanted the celebration to feel personal rather than performative. Every decision throughout the day reflected that intention.

Anyone who saw their engagement session at Planting Fields Arboretum months earlier had already seen the same philosophy. Their Watermill Caterers wedding simply expanded it into a day shared with everyone they loved.

Getting Ready in Two Different Worlds

Lauren spent the morning getting ready at a nearby hotel with her bridal party. The atmosphere was joyful and relaxed as everyone prepared together.

Joe’s morning looked very different. He got ready in his childhood home.

There was something fitting about beginning the day in the place where he grew up before leaving to begin a new chapter alongside Lauren. Although the locations were different, both mornings shared the same calm pace.

A Church Filled With Family

Lauren and Joe exchanged vows at St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Westbury, the oldest Catholic parish in Nassau County.

The church was filled with family on both sides, exactly as they had hoped.

One detail stood out immediately. Rather than relying on a familiar script, the celebrant spoke personally about Lauren and Joe’s relationship. Those specific observations gave the ceremony a warmth that felt authentic to them.

It was the first reminder of something that would continue throughout the day: the people mattered more than the production.

Rain Didn’t Change the Experience

After the ceremony, everyone traveled to Planting Fields Arboretum for portraits.

It was raining.

For many couples, unexpected weather becomes one of the biggest sources of stress on the wedding day. In reality, rain rarely determines whether great photographs happen. Preparation matters far more.

Instead of cancelling portraits or rushing through them, we moved beneath one of Planting Fields’ covered areas and continued exactly as planned.

Lauren and Joe never stopped laughing.

They never watched the weather.

They simply enjoyed being together.

Those photographs became some of the most genuine of the afternoon because the experience remained more important than perfect conditions.

Watermill Caterers Welcomed the Celebration

By the time everyone arrived at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown, the rain had eased just enough to step outside for a few portraits on the grounds before the reception began.

That brief opening gave Lauren and Joe exactly what they needed without disrupting the rhythm of the day.

Inside, Watermill’s reception spaces comfortably accommodated their large guest list while allowing the evening to unfold naturally. Large family weddings require a venue that can handle both logistics and atmosphere well. Watermill did exactly that, giving guests plenty of space while still feeling connected throughout the evening.

If you’re considering the venue yourself, our complete Watermill Caterers venue guide explores the property in greater detail, while Jenny and Chris’s Watermill wedding shows how differently the venue can feel in another season.

A Reception That Felt Like Family

Everything about the reception reflected the same thoughtful planning that had shaped the day from the beginning.

Flowers by Brian created elegant floral arrangements that complemented rather than dominated the room. Unique Entertainment gradually transformed the evening from dinner conversations into a packed dance floor. Every vendor contributed without competing for attention.

Most importantly, Lauren and Joe were present for it.

Because portraits had been planned thoughtfully throughout the day, they spent the reception where they wanted to be: surrounded by family.

By the end of the evening, it was clear they had accomplished exactly what they set out to do.

Their wedding was elegant without ever feeling formal.

Beautiful without feeling staged.

Most of all, it was built around the people who mattered most.

Vendor Team

Planning: Forever and a Day Coordination
Venue: Watermill Caterers
Florist: Flowers by Brian
Videography: Onphilm Productions
Dress Designer: Stella York
Bridal Boutique: Claire’s Fashions
Hair: PR Creations
Makeup Artist: Total Beauty by Chrissy D
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie
DJ & Lighting Design: Unique Entertainment
Transportation: All Star Limo
Invitations: Minted
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux
Ceremony: St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church
Bakery: Dortoni Bakery
Favors: Ba Dash Crystal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guest capacity at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown?

Watermill Caterers hosts receptions ranging from intimate celebrations to large weddings, accommodating up to approximately 350 guests in its reception rooms and up to 500 guests depending on the event layout.

Does Watermill Caterers offer outdoor ceremonies?

Yes. Watermill features landscaped gardens and outdoor ceremony spaces alongside elegant indoor reception rooms, providing flexibility if weather conditions change.

What happens if it rains during wedding portraits?

Rain rarely changes the overall experience when the timeline has been planned well. Lauren and Joe’s portraits simply moved beneath a covered area at Planting Fields Arboretum, allowing the session to continue naturally without sacrificing meaningful moments.

Can Planting Fields Arboretum be used for wedding portraits after a Westbury church ceremony?

Yes. Planting Fields Arboretum is a popular portrait location for Long Island weddings because it is conveniently located between many Nassau County churches and reception venues.

How do you photograph a large family efficiently?

Preparation is more important than size. A detailed family photo list, thoughtful timeline planning, and clear communication allow large family portraits to move smoothly without taking couples away from their celebration longer than necessary.

Do you need a first look for wedding portraits, or can they happen after the ceremony?

Not every couple needs a first look. Lauren and Joe took a traditional approach, keeping portraits after the ceremony at Planting Fields Arboretum. That timeline works well for couples who want the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the altar, and it can still leave enough time for a full cocktail hour with guests when the schedule is planned well.

Planning Your Watermill Caterers Wedding

Every wedding unfolds differently because every couple values different moments.

Lauren and Joe wanted to protect time with their families, even when unexpected rain required flexibility. Their wedding is a reminder that thoughtful planning is never about creating a perfect schedule. It is about protecting the moments that matter most.

If you’re planning a Watermill Caterers wedding, we would love to help you build a timeline that allows you to experience your wedding day fully, whatever the weather brings.

For a wider look at what else is out there, our guide to Long Island wedding venues covers the estates, clubs and waterfront properties worth touring.

Reach out to begin the conversation.