A Winter Wonderland Wedding at whitby castle to ring in 2026

As a wedding photographer, I frequently get asked how I feel about New Year’s Eve weddings, and personally, I love them. NYE is a night where everyone wants to have plans, so throwing a big party where everyone can dress up and celebrate takes the pressure off of your guests having to figure out what to do. Win-win.

There’s something incredibly special about a New Year’s Eve wedding, and Laura and Alec’s celebration at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY was the perfect mix of timeless elegance and unforgettable fun. As a Westchester wedding photographer, I love photographing weddings at Whitby Castle, and this one truly stood out for its thoughtful details, seamless planning, and electric NYE energy.

From a chic black, white, and gold color palette to a packed dance floor and midnight pyrotechnics, Laura and Alec rang in the 2026 new year surrounded by the people they love most, and it was such a joy to document.

Before the Wedding

Laura and Alec are both originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, but now live in Austin, Texas. Even while planning from afar, I like to make sure that my couples have a personal experience with me before their wedding day. Typically, I connect with them during a complimentary engagement session, but this wasn’t possible this time.

However, I was able to meet up with Laura in Austin before the wedding to go over wedding details in person because I happened to be in town a few weeks earlier shooting another wedding. Sometimes timing really does work out perfectly. That time together made the day feel even more personal and allowed us to build such a great connection ahead of the wedding. (Future brides: This is exactly why I love building relationships early. It makes everything on the wedding day feel calmer, easier, and more fun!)

A Winter Wedding Day at Whitby Castle

Whitby Castle is a stunning venue year-round, but it’s especially magical for a winter wedding in Westchester. The historic architecture and grand ballroom created the perfect setting for a New Year’s Eve celebration that felt both elegant and cozy.

Laura and Alec had a large wedding party, 21 people between bridesmaids and groomsmen, which meant thoughtful planning and clear communication were key. It was also a super cold day, but we still wanted to get some outdoor wedding party photos. This is where my skills as a former teacher really shine, managing big groups to move quickly while keeping things fun and stress-free. We got the shots, everyone stayed warm, and spirits stayed high!

(Yes, fleece-lined tights were involved. Highly recommend for winter weddings.)

Thoughtful Details & Getting Ready Moments

The details of Laura’s wedding day were a beautiful reflection of her timeless, elegant style and the deep meaning behind every choice. Her gown from Lamb's Hill Bridal Boutique was crafted from luxurious mikado fabric, simple, regal, and effortlessly sophisticated. Paired with her stunning Stuart Weitzman heels, which doubled as her “something blue,” the look felt both classic and personal. Her hair and makeup by Jessica from Make Me Glamorous NY was flawless and radiant, enhancing her natural beauty while still feeling soft and romantic. Laura completed her bridal look with meaningful jewelry from David Yurman and her gorgeous rings, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic from head to toe.

Getting ready was filled with heartfelt moments and sentimental details. Laura’s sister, her Maid of Honor, surprised her with custom silk pajamas made from their mother’s wedding dress, a truly special way to honor family and tradition. She also brought along so many meaningful items for detail photos, including a beloved boar’s hair brush with a beautiful backstory. When Laura was little, she struggled with having her hair brushed, and her grandfather went out of his way to order her a gentle, high-quality brush just for her. She has used it ever since, making it a treasured keepsake. As a photographer, these are the kinds of details I live for. They turn beautiful photos into meaningful memories.

Throughout the day, Laura and Alec also found thoughtful ways to honor family and heritage, including a memorial chair for Alec’s late father during the ceremony and celebrating their Jewish roots with the hora and the breaking of the glass. These deeply personal touches made their wedding not only stunning, but incredibly heartfelt.

An Indoor Ceremony with a Seamless Room Flip

The ceremony took place indoors in half of the Whitby Castle ballroom, creating an intimate and romantic setting while keeping guests warm and comfortable. The florals were absolutely stunning, filling the ceremony space with twinkly lights and gorgeous white blooms. The ceremony was incredibly sweet, and you could truly feel the love between Laura and Alec during their vows.

During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed delicious appetizers in the hallways and in an outdoor heated tent. Meanwhile, the Lessing’s Hospitality catering staff flipped the ceremony space and opened up the full ballroom for the reception. Guests returned to a completely transformed room, which made for such a fun and impactful transition, from heartfelt ceremony to full-on celebration.

Elegant Black, White & Gold Florals

The design of the day was classic and refined, with a black, white, and gold color palette that felt perfect for New Year’s Eve. The florals by Vika Florals were gorgeous, mostly white blooms arranged in lush, elegant designs that complemented the castle beautifully. The custom menus mirrored the couple’s intricate invitations and were designed in black and gold to match the NYE theme.

The florals added softness and romance to an already regal and opulent venue, while still keeping everything timeless and elevated. The décor was a perfect match for both the venue and the overall New Year’s Eve aesthetic.

Seamless Planning by Piece of Cake Event Planning

With the couple coming from Austin, plus a large bridal party, a room flip, and New Year’s Eve timing, having a strong planner was essential. Brittany from Piece of Cake Event Planning did an incredible job making sure the entire day ran smoothly from start to finish.

From managing the timeline to coordinating transitions throughout the evening, Brittany ensured Laura and Alec could stay present and enjoy every moment without stress, which is always the goal. This day truly could not have been as smooth as it was without her, along with the help of Laura’s sister and mom. (Behind every calm couple is usually an amazing planner and a very organized family team!)

A High-Energy Reception & New Year’s Eve Celebration

Once the reception began, the energy in the room was undeniable. The band, Soundtrack Central, was amazing and kept the dance floor packed all night. They created such a fun, celebratory atmosphere that had guests dancing nonstop.

Another highlight of the night was Laura’s bouquet toss, followed by dancing to Chappell Roan with her girls. The energy was contagious, and it was one of those moments that made me so grateful to be there celebrating alongside them.

As midnight approached, the excitement continued to build, and the New Year’s Eve countdown with pyrotechnics was truly unforgettable. It was the perfect way to ring in the new year and begin Laura and Alec’s married life surrounded by joy, laughter, and nonstop dancing! And yes, it was as magical as it sounds!

Why Whitby Castle Is Perfect for New Year’s Eve Weddings

Whitby Castle is an ideal venue for New Year’s Eve and winter weddings in Westchester. Its indoor ceremony options, grand ballroom, and smooth flow for cocktail hour and reception make it especially well-suited for holiday celebrations. It’s also a wonderful option for couples planning from out of town who want a venue that feels elegant, timeless, and guest-friendly.

I hope to photograph a wedding at Whitby Castle in other seasons someday and experience a ceremony on the lawn in front of the grand castle in the future, too!

A Perfect Start to the New Year

Laura and Alec’s New Year’s Eve wedding at Whitby Castle was joyful, elegant, and full of meaningful moments. From thoughtful planning and beautiful design to an unforgettable midnight celebration, it was an honor to photograph such a special day.

If you’re planning a Whitby Castle wedding, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a winter wedding in Westchester or NYC, I’d love to connect and help tell your story.