A Heartfelt North Fork Wedding: Kevin and Joanna’s Perfect Day

You know that saying, "home is where the heart is"? Kevin and Joanna’s wedding was just that, minus the cheesiness. Long Island will forever be home, specifically the North Fork, and celebrating their love story among familiar faces made it all the more special.

Kevin and Joanna’s love story began in China, where they met while Kevin was studying abroad in 2017. Despite the distance, their connection endured, and they reunited in 2022 after nearly four years of long-distance. Honoring their journey and heritage, Joanna wore a custom Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, for their rehearsal dinner—a beautiful nod to her family who couldn't travel from China.

To include Joanna’s family in the celebration, we set up a livestream of the ceremony. Even at 4 a.m. their time, they were able to witness this special moment.

Getting Ready at The Cliffside Resort

I began the day at The Cliffside Resort, where Joanna and her maid of honor, Amanda, were finishing their preparations. North Fork Bridal Hair worked their magic on Amanda’s high ponytail and Joanna’s sleek minimalist bun. Joanna was a vision in her timeless strapless gown from Jenny Yoo NYC, a modern fit-and-flare dress with covered buttons down the back of the train. Her single-tier veil completed the sophisticated look. The detail shots were followed by a beautiful first look, with the stunning backdrop of the Long Island Sound on a sunny day. The portraits captured the essence of their love against this breathtaking scenery.

Ceremony and Reception at A Lure Restaurant

We then headed to A Lure Chowder House and Oysteria, a short five-minute drive away. This waterfront seafood restaurant by chef Tom Schaudel and restaurateur Adam Lovett offered a gorgeous backdrop overlooking the Southold Bay, perfect for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

The wedding party included familiar faces, with PJ and Amanda (from their Peconic Bay engagement shoot) serving as best man and maid of honor. The sunny ceremony was filled with tears and joy, especially poignant with close friends and family, including Caralee and Roy (see their wedding at Brecknock Hall here).

Fresh passed seafood appetizers like crab cakes set the tone for a delicious dinner. Guests enjoyed a choice of salmon, chicken, or shrimp linguine, each dish a culinary delight. PJ and Amanda delivered heartfelt and hilarious speeches, followed by a scrumptious flourless chocolate cake.

The evening continued outdoors with dancing and live music. A saxophonist from Long Island Sound complemented the DJ, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere. The beautiful flowers by North Fork Flower Farm, locally grown, added a touch of familiarity and home.

A Perfect Weekend

The festivities didn’t end there. The following day, the celebrations continued with a family BBQ and boat ride through the Peconic Bay, concluding a perfect wedding weekend before Kevin and Joanna escaped to Montauk for their honeymoon.

Vendor Love

Getting ready: @cliffsidenf
Venue: @alurerestaurant
Hair: @northforkbridalhair
Florals: @north_fork_flower_farm
DJ: @lisounddj
Video: @mkhurimedia
Saxophonist: @kevnmilr
Dress: @jennyyoonyc

Kevin and Joanna’s wedding at A Lure was a true testament to love, culture, and the beauty of the North Fork. If you’re planning a wedding in Long Island or looking for a photographer who captures the essence of your special day, I’d love to help make your vision come to life.