Why Restaurant Weddings Are Changing How Weddings Feel
Candlelight Wedding Reception Dinner at Delmonico’s Restaurant in Manhattan, NY.
Big weddings are not for everyone and in New York City, you don’t need them to have a beautiful, memorable day. Restaurant weddings have become some of my favorite celebrations to photograph because they’re personal, intentional, and centered around the people who matter most.
And honestly, they are the type of dinner party everyone wants.
THEY ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY AND SLOW DOWN
Imagine a long table set with candles, laughter echoing off the walls of a place that already feels familiar. Food becomes the centerpiece. Guests aren’t spread across a ballroom floor; they’re close enough to toast, talk, and share stories.
All in between the noises of one of the loudest, most chaotic cities in the world, your love slows everyone down. You actually taste your meal. You linger with your people. You remember the moment and the faces around you.
THEY BRING BACK CONNECTION
The beauty of restaurant weddings is how they shift the focus away from “staging” and back onto connection. A few reasons my couples love them:
Smaller guest lists = less stress and tighter circles. No more feeling guilty about not wanting to invite mom’s friend from yoga who you only met once.
Beautiful, ready-made settings mean you don’t have to transform a space because the charm is already there.
A natural flow that allows for candid, heartfelt photography.
When couples choose to celebrate this way, it’s not about cutting corners. It’s about being intentional with time, energy, and presence.
Dinner reception hosted at F&F Restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
They Are Bringing Back the Art of Gathering
The restaurant weddings I’ve photographed, whether brunch receptions or candlelit dinners, have one thing in common: they focus less on grandness and more on gathering.
Guests walk in to the smell of fresh bread and the soft hum of conversation. The day isn’t about a strict schedule anymore. It’s about presence. About enjoying a joyful moment together. From the vows to the last toast, everything unfolds with warmth and ease.
One of my couples described it perfectly after their two-day celebration:
“We had a two-part celebration on Friday and Saturday...Stef and her team gladly stepped up to the plate and delivered photos that were above and beyond our expectations. Every photo made us feel like we were reliving the moment. I'd highly recommend Stef to anyone who's having a small intimate ceremony in the city.” – A + L
It’s a perfect reflection of why I love these celebrations: they allow you to feel fully present. Not just for the ceremony, but for the gathering that follows.
The Collection Made for You
I curated my Intimate (6-hour) collection specifically for these kinds of celebrations. It’s designed for couples who want their day to feel intentional and personal. This collection supports split-day celebrations: City Hall one day, dinner the next.
It gives you space to breathe, to slow down, and to be present for both moments, both of which deserve their own kind of joy. Because at the end of the day, this is what photography should do: honor the kind of weddings that look different but are equally romantic.
