A Summer Wedding at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Kimberly Coccagnia | Candid, Documentary Wedding Photographer

Kate and Colin got married at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on a summer afternoon that felt like it was made for photography: soft light, green everywhere, Kate wore an off the shoulder Sareh Nouri gown, and she had this ease about her all day, like she wasn't performing "bride," she was just herself. Colin, for his part, couldn't stop looking at her.

They got married under a wooden arch wrapped in baby's breath, guests on either side, trees doing their thing overhead. It was a small, intimate setup, and it felt that way... quiet, close, no sense of performing for a crowd.

My favorite part of the day happened in between everything else. After the ceremony, before the reception pulled everyone back in, Kate and Colin snuck off for a few minutes so we could grab a few more unposed portraits. Nothing posed, nothing directed, just the two of them, together, decompressing from the last hour. Those in-between moments are always the ones I end up loving most.

By evening, the party moved into the Garden's glass domed conservatory. Candlelight, big floral centerpieces, a string quartet playing somewhere in the background, the whole space just glowed. Kate and Colin had their first dance under that glass ceiling, surrounded by everyone who'd come out for them, and then the floor opened up and stayed full for the rest of the night: cake, speeches, dancing, the whole thing, right up until the end.

This is why I practice documentary wedding photography. Not to make a day look a certain way, but to actually remember what it felt like to be there.

Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY Photography: Kimberly Coccagnia — Hudson Valley & NYC Documentary Wedding Photographer Season: Spring | Brooklyn, NY

Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with short hair, wearing earrings and a collared shirt, looking to the side.
Black and white photo of a woman with eyes closed, smiling softly, wearing pearls and a collared shirt.
A smiling woman in an off-shoulder dress with short hair, holding her hands together, standing against a plain background.
A woman in a wedding dress hugging an elderly man in a suit, both smiling, in a black and white photo.
A smiling woman with blonde hair in an elegant white off-shoulder dress, preparing for a special occasion, with someone adjusting her dress.
A group of people dressed in formal attire walking outdoors on a sidewalk, with trees and parked cars in the background.
A smiling bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of white calla lilies, walking outdoors on a garden pathway shaded by green trees.
A bride and groom sharing a joyful moment at their wedding, with the bride holding a bouquet of calla lilies and smiling at the groom.
A black and white photo of a couple kissing outdoors, with blurred trees in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their outdoor wedding.
A bride and groom sharing a tender moment during their wedding ceremony outdoors, with greenery and trees in the background. The bride is wiping away tears and the groom is smiling at her.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other outdoors in a lush green setting.
A bride and groom standing on a pathway beneath a leafy tree, sharing an emotional moment during their wedding. The bride is wearing a white off-shoulder wedding dress, and the groom is in a black tuxedo.
A smiling man wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie and a boutonniere on his lapel, outdoors with blurred trees in the background, in black and white.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other. The groom is wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, and the bride is in an off-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride and groom holding hands, walking outdoors in a garden with trees and bushes.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman with eyes closed gently holding a man's face. The man, wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere, is giving her a kiss on the cheek. They are outdoors with blurred trees in the background.
A bride in a white off-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of white calla lilies, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.
A woman smiling outdoors with her eyes closed, wearing pearl earrings and an off-shoulder white dress.
A black-and-white photo of a happy bride in a white wedding dress holding hands with a groom in a tuxedo on an outdoor staircase, with trees in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other on outdoor stairs, black and white photo.
A bride and groom in wedding attire holding hands and smiling at each other outdoors near stairs and trees.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing on outdoor stairs. The bride is in a wedding dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves, and the groom is in a tuxedo. The bride has her hand on the groom's face and is holding his hand. They are surround
Black and white photograph of a newlywed couple smiling and embracing on outdoor stairs, with trees in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand on a pathway surrounded by lush green trees and bushes during their wedding.
A woman kisses a smiling man on the cheek during a wedding, with the woman wearing earrings and her hair styled in an elegant braid, and the man wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie and a boutonniere, outdoors with a blurred background.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors, smiling, with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
A smiling bride and groom in wedding attire, standing outdoors in a wooded park, holding hands and enjoying their special day.
A young girl with red hair, wearing a pink, ruffled dress with a sequin top, white socks, and glittery shoes, is playing outdoors under trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Two young girls in matching pink dresses with ruffled skirts and sparkling bodices standing outdoors on grass, surrounded by green trees.
A black and white photo of a woman in a wedding dress laughing, with three men in tuxedos standing outdoors among trees.
Black and white photo of two women embracing at a wedding, one in a wedding dress and the other in a black dress. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling. Two men are standing nearby, one with a tie, all outdoors with trees and other pe
A wedding scene with the bride and groom smiling, surrounded by bridesmaids and guests in an outdoor garden setting.
Black and white wedding photo of a bride and groom with six bridesmaids and four groomsmen standing outdoors beneath a large tree, all smiling at the camera.
Bride in white wedding dress with four bridesmaids in black dresses holding bouquets, standing outdoors under green trees, smiling and looking at each other.
Three smiling women in formal attire at an outdoor wedding or celebration, surrounded by bouquets of white flowers and greenery.
Two men in tuxedos, one smiling, sharing drinks outdoors during a formal or wedding event, black and white photo.
Two men dressed in tuxedos, one smiling, holding drinks, outdoors in a garden or park setting.
A group of six men in tuxedos walking outdoors, smiling, with trees in the background; they are holding drinks and appear to be celebrating, in black and white.
A bride in an off-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of calla lilies, smiling, surrounded by friends in tuxedos, some drinking from glasses, outdoors with trees in the background.
A bride and an older man, likely her father, share a dance at a wedding outdoors, smiling at each other. The groom and wedding guests are visible in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple at their wedding, with the bride and an older man in formal attire holding hands and leaning their foreheads together, while a woman and man in elegant clothing smile in the background.
A girl in a pink dress and a boy in a black suit balancing on a fallen tree in a park surrounded by green trees.
A young boy in a tuxedo standing outdoors in a black and white photo, looking to his right with a slight smirk.
Large green tree in a park with clouds and blue sky in the background.
Close-up of a wedding arch made of wooden branches, decorated with white fabric and baby's breath flowers, set against a cloudy sky.
Four men in tuxedos and bow ties walking in a garden, black and white photo.
A woman sitting on a white chair labeled reserved, playing a violin outdoors during the evening, with sheet music on a stand in front of her, surrounded by bushes and trees.
A groom walking down the aisle with his mother during a wedding ceremony, with guests seated on both sides of the aisle in an outdoor setting.
Black and white photograph of a bride in a white wedding gown and veil, and a groom in a black tuxedo, walking arm in arm through a garden.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding gown holding a bouquet of flowers, walking arm-in-arm with a man in a tuxedo with a boutonniere, outdoors in a park with trees.
Bride walking down the aisle during an outdoor wedding ceremony, flanked by seated guests on either side, with a church building and trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a bride walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with a man in a tuxedo, surrounded by wedding guests outdoors.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors with the bride and groom kissing under an arch, surrounded by seated and standing guests, trees, and a building in the background.
An elderly man in a tuxedo and a woman in a wedding dress share a kiss at a wedding ceremony outdoors, with guests watching in the background.
Black and white photo of a bride and another woman sharing a kiss, with the bride wearing a wedding dress and veil.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated, officiant, bride and groom exchanging vows, and wedding party, set in front of a historic building with a clock tower surrounded by greenery.
Black and white photo of a bride with a serene expression, wearing a wedding dress and veil, standing outdoors among flowering trees.
A couple getting married outdoors with officiant and bridesmaid under a floral arch.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony taking place outdoors under a floral arch. The bride and groom are facing each other, with the bride wearing a veil and the groom in a tuxedo. An officiant is speaking into a microphone, holding a book, w
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with a bride and groom exchanging vows, standing in front of an arch decorated with flowers, smiling and looking at each other.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with the bride and groom exchanging vows under a floral arch, surrounded by guests and officiant.
A black-and-white photograph of a wedding ceremony outdoors showing a bride in a white dress and veil and a groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, standing before each other with greenery around them. The groom is smiling, and several guests are vis
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with a bride and groom holding hands, standing in front of a floral arch, with a officiant and bridesmaid nearby.
A bride and groom exchanging vows outside, smiling at each other, with a flowering tree in the background. Black and white photograph.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony where a bride and groom are kissing under a floral arch, surrounded by guests, with some smiling and clapping.
Black and white photo of a wedding kiss between a bride and groom under a flower arch with bridesmaids in black dresses and smiling officiant in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony showing a bride and groom smiling at each other under a floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids and guests.
A black and white photo of a smiling bride in a wedding dress and veil, standing outside during a wedding ceremony, with a groom facing her, near a large floral arrangement.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing during their outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated and standing guests clapping and smiling.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride and groom walking together at their outdoor wedding, surrounded by guests, with trees and a building in the background.
Black and white photo of two men in suits smiling at an outdoor event, with a group of people in the background.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception, showing a woman in a wedding dress hugging a woman in glasses holding a bouquet of flowers, with guests in formal attire in the background.
Black and white photo of a group of people at a wedding, with a smiling man in a tuxedo in the center surrounded by family and friends outdoors.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress and veil holding a bouquet, smiling and being emotional, outdoors with trees, surrounded by guests dressed formally.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding celebration showing a man in a suit hugging a woman in a floral dress among smiling women holding bouquets, with trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress with a veil, looking surprised, surrounded by people at an outdoor wedding reception, including an elderly man with his hands clasped in front of his face, and others smiling and looking towards her
A black and white photo of a man and woman hugging tightly, likely at an outdoor event, with trees in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding scene outdoors with a bride hugging someone, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding gown and veil, surrounded by guests in formal attire, outdoors with trees in the background.
A black and white photo of a wedding scene in a park with a bride in a white gown and veil, holding hands with a groom, surrounded by bridesmaids in black dresses and groomsmen in suits, with large trees in the background.
People outdoors, with trees and cloudy sky in the background, sharing a joyful moment. One woman in a hat and veil holds flowers and hugs another woman with a veil. Other individuals stand nearby, smiling.
A black and white photograph of a bride and groom sharing a kiss during their wedding ceremony, with guests in the background.
Black and white photo of a woman in a wedding dress, smiling and looking to the side, outdoors near a large tree.
Profile of a smiling bride outdoors in sunlight, wearing a wedding dress and pearl earrings.
A bride in a white off-shoulder wedding gown holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling and looking down, with three women in black dresses in the background in an outdoor setting.
An outdoor evening event with people dressed in formal attire around a rectangular pond with water lilies, reflecting a partly cloudy sky and surrounding trees, in a garden with glass structures in the background.
A woman in a black dress with jewelry holding a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine at an outdoor gathering near a fountain with other people in the background.
Two women are talking outdoors near a fountain. The older woman is smiling and holding a glass, wearing a light-colored textured jacket with pearl jewelry. The younger woman, with a concerned or questioning expression, is wearing a blue off-the-shoul
Group of four adults dressed formally at an outdoor event, standing around a high-top table with drinks, with trees and a pond in the background.
Three well-dressed adults smiling at an outdoor event, with trees and other guests in the background.
A man and a woman smiling and holding cocktail glasses at an outdoor social gathering, with other people in the background.
A woman wearing a black face mask and with braided hair holds a bottle of champagne while talking to a man in glasses at an outdoor event with blurred background.
A group of people at an outdoor wedding or celebration, with a woman in a strapless dress hugging another woman in a sleeveless dress, surrounded by trees and a grassy area.
Outdoor gathering of people in formal attire around tables and a bar area, near a reflecting pool with water lilies, in front of a large glass greenhouse during sunset.
Guests dining at round tables with white chairs in a glass-domed conservatory decorated with large floral centerpieces and candles.
A bride and groom dancing happily at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests clapping and smiling, with elegant floral arrangements in the background.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a joyful moment at their wedding reception, with guests in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony showing a groom in a tuxedo exchanging rings with a bride in a wedding gown, in front of seated guests.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception. The bride is smiling and looking at the groom, who is holding her close. Guests are seated at tables in the background.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing closely, smiling and embracing at their wedding reception.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception inside a large, glass-enclosed venue with guests seated at decorated tables in the background.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception in a beautifully lit glass venue with guests seated at decorated tables
A bride and groom sharing their first dance at a wedding reception inside a glass-domed venue with guests seated at round tables in the background.
A bride and groom dancing together at their wedding reception in a glass-domed venue surrounded by seated guests and floral decorations.
Bride and groom sharing their first dance at wedding reception inside a glass-enclosed venue with floral arrangements and guests watching.
A woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown laughing and a man in a tuxedo smiling at her during what appears to be a wedding reception.
Black and white photo of a smiling man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere, seated at a formal event surrounded by guests.
Black and white photo of a joyful woman in a white off-shoulder dress at a dinner party, laughing and surrounded by other smiling guests.
A man giving a speech at a wedding reception, with guests seated at tables, smiling and listening, in a decorated indoor venue.
A black and white photo of a woman in a wedding dress sitting and smiling, with three men dressed in tuxedos sitting nearby, in an elegant venue with a domed ceiling.
Black and white photo of a woman in a sleeveless dress holding a microphone and some papers, smiling modestly.
A woman with short hair, glasses, and a pearl necklace laughing at a formal dinner, surrounded by glasses and candles.
A woman in an off-shoulder white gown at a formal event, smiling with eyes closed and hands near her face, while a man in a suit sits nearby. An individual is speaking into a microphone in the foreground.
A woman in an off-shoulder dress smiling while listening to a speech, with a woman holding a microphone and reading from a paper in the background, at a formal event.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie sitting at a wedding reception, smiling at a speech or toast, with guests in the background taking pictures and enjoying the celebration.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception with a bride and groom dancing and smiling, surrounded by guests in a glass-domed venue.
Black and white photo of women dancing at a social event, some with their eyes closed and others smiling, in a room with a railing in the background.
A woman in an elegant off-the-shoulder satin gown dancing and smiling at a social event.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception surrounded by guests.
Bride and groom at their wedding dance with guests clapping and smiling in a glass-domed venue at night.
People dancing happily at a wedding reception in a glass-ceiling venue, black and white photograph.
Back view of a woman with short dreadlocks wearing a spaghetti strap black dress, raising her arm at a formal event with other people, some with long hair, in the background.
A bride and groom share a dance at their wedding reception inside a glass conservatory with guests seated at decorated tables watching and smiling.
A bride and groom smiling and talking with a woman at a wedding reception, with other guests in the background.
A black and white photo of laughing women at a formal dance or party, with a woman at the center wearing glasses, a pearl necklace, earrings, and a floral corsage.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception with the bride and groom dancing in front of guests, in a well-lit conservatory with large windows and floral arrangements.
Black and white photo of a newlywed couple dancing at their wedding reception inside a glass-domed venue, with guests seated at decorated tables in the background.
Black and white photo of a wedding celebration with a three-tiered wedding cake decorated with small white flowers and abstract shapes, surrounded by well-dressed guests, including a smiling bride and groom.
Black and white photo of a wedding celebration where a bride and groom are cutting a wedding cake with two other guests standing behind them, in a domed glass building.
A black and white photo of a smiling bride and groom cutting their wedding cake at a celebration.