Raphael Winery New York Wedding Photographer | Lauren + Josh

With Lauren growing up in an Irish family on Long Island and Josh hailing from Guyana ancestry by way of Canada, their wedding day was all about celebrating a bond that transcends cultures, time and distance while surrounded by the truly heart-warming love of family and friends. Featuring a relaxed affection that's both playful and sweet, the day was filled with ceremony whispers, stolen squishes and kisses, and so many nose-scrunching giggles + knowing looks it's no question they've learned exactly how to make each other laugh. Set to the tune of a family-owned winery where European grapes are harvested entirely by hand, the day's aesthetic took on a beautiful blend of casual rustic elegance with customized corn hole yard games through to wanders amidst sprouting vineyards and working wine cellars.

And their love doesn't stop at just the two of them. Finding ways to highlight the value of family & heritage, details included an antique vanity set from Lauren's grandmother, a bespoke drawing of the bride & groom's wedding day attire gifted by Lauren's twin sister, and party favours of Canadian maple syrup from Josh's homeland Quebec plus coffee beans from Lauren’s uncle's coffee business. Wooden flower planter centerpieces handmade by Lauren's father hosted a bed of peonies, ranunculus, and dahlias across the reception decor while seating signage was designed by none other than the groom himself. Careful attention was paid to each and every detail, from navy, grey and blush tones woven throughout to both Canadian & USA flags flying out front of the reception. 

It's hard to put exactly into words the extent to which an incredible love filled Lauren & Josh's wedding day. From's Josh's gentle gaze to Lauren's blushing glances, it's easy to see how their's is a relationship built on a mutual caring highlighted with a trend toward having a really great time.

If you can't quite get enough of this duo's endearingly playful nuances, be sure to take a peek at Lauren & Josh's Bogota Latin Bistro & Prospect Park engagement photos.

Photography: Melissa Kruse Photography | Ceremony Venue: St John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church | Reception Venue & Catering: Raphael Winery | Bride Getting Ready: Hotel Indigo | Florals: Flowers by Burton | Transportation: Northfork Trolley | Photobooth: Irish Photo Booth | Makeup: Perfectly Blended Makeup | Hair: Pinned and Proper | Cake: Toni Oppenheimer with Almond Cake, Fresh Strawberries & Cream Filling plus Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling & Shavings by Have Your Cake Ltd | Linens: Silk Burlap by Raphael Winery | Invitations: EPC Design | Favour Tags: Elli & Wedding Paper Divas | Place Cards: Vistaprint | Videographer: Yellow Hook Productions | DJ: DJ Excel | Bride's Dress: Alvina Valenta at Bridal Reflections | Bride's Veil: Promise Couture | Bride's Hair Accessory & Jewelry: BHLDN | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka at Nordstrom | Groom's Attire: Tommy Hilfiger at Macy's | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff at Bridal Reflections | Custom Drawing of Bride & Groom's Attire: My Dreamlines | Specialy Cocktail: Manhattan (Groom's) & Red/White Sangria (Bride's) | Rings: Brian Gavin | Second Photographer: Bethany Jones | First Dance Song: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran