Just because you say “I do” seaside, doesn’t mean you need to fill your celebration with that classic nautical decor. With a love for all Montauk has to offer, this couple decided to amp up their oceanside wedding; with black and white stripes, gorgeous florals and a soft, stylish color palette, it’s beach chic perfection. James A. of Judy Pak Photography captured it all – see more in our Vault right this way!
From Judy Pak Photography… What happens when two quasi-New Yorkers meet on a hot summer afternoon at The Surf Lodge, fall in love over delicious food and touring SoHo shops, and aspire for a ceremony that captures past, present, and future and pays homage to a shared love for the Hamptons? A summer wedding in Montauk.
Bride and groom, Risa and Doug, chose Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa for their wedding celebration. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Atlantic and dramatic views of the dunes, Gurney’s pays homage to the classic style of old Montauk while infusing chic modern elements into every part of the hotel. Their love for the beach, for simplicity and elegance, made no concessions here.
Risa has a love for design and brought together all of the detailed elements to make her dream wedding come true: romantic bistro lights, black and white stripe napkins, glass beaded charger plates, a sprawling outdoor tent, flower arrangements with texture and depth, green moss, mercury glass, farm tables covered with candles, an overall feeling of “perfection.” Every last detail was captured by the talented James A. from Judy Pak Photography. James has an eye for detail and knows how to capture real moments authentically. They could not have achieved their wedding day aspirations without him.
Risa and Doug were married on the Forward Deck, overlooking the ocean underneath the most beautiful and chic lush green chuppah designed by Pola Rebisz from Rosehip Social, on a foggy yet romantic September afternoon. Their officiant, Cantor David S. Wisnia, has a remarkable life story: he was a holocaust survivor, a composer and also married Doug’s parents over 45 years ago. They were so honored to have him marry them given his history with Doug’s family. Their bridal party was large, 25 to be exact, but they couldn’t have imaged it any other way. Risa and Doug had their best friends and family walk down the aisle along with eight rowdy, but adorable children. From the laughs under the chuppah to the smiling faces of their guests, it was a moment they will never forget.
The cocktail hour was held outside the tent on the Spa’s rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. The cocktail hour was quite a spread and featured many of Risa and Doug’s favorite food: lobster tails, shrimp cocktail, oysters, sushi, pigs in a blanket and some of Risa’s favorite rose. A dinner of filet mignon with red wine and shallot butter sauce followed, lit by table candles and lanterns overflowing with flowers created by Pola and her team.
The reception was held under a canopy of bistro lights and featured one of New York’s most talented bands, Radio Underground, from Element Music. The dance floor was never empty and the band left everyone wanting more.
It was important that the day felt personal to them. They wanted to capture themselves, where they found each other, and where they hope they’re heading.
Risa and Doug’s wedding celebration ended up capturing them, expressing the pure joy of their love for one another and for their guests so effortlessly that the only thing they could do and wanted to do was get on the dance floor and enjoy each and every minute of it.
Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Cinematography: Forged In The North | Wedding Coordinator: Peter Pizarro | Floral Design: Rosehip Social | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Invitations: A Fine Press | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Wedding Library | Makeup Artist: Kari Ellen Winik | Band: Element Music | Officiant: Cantor David Wisnia | Wedding Venue: Gurney's Montauk Resort And Spa