Why Location is Key for Cinematic Wedding Photos: Photos From Planting Fields Arboretum and a Backyard Wedding

Wedding photos shouldn’t just document what happened; they should bring you back to how it felt. The nerves, the calm, the warmth of your people, the way everything around you quietly supported the moment. And one of the most influential pieces of that storytelling is the location. Where you get married, or even where you choose to take portraits, shapes the atmosphere of your gallery. The light, the architecture, the landscape, the textures, the movement of guests through space… it all plays a role. For Emma and Ryan, their day unfolded between the historic grounds of Planting Fields Arboretum and then a heartfelt backyard wedding, giving their photos depth, contrast, and a sense of place that feels true to who they are.

Photos at Planting Fields Arboretum

Planting Fields Arboretum in New York is filled with the kind of elegance that feels effortless and understated, and it couldn’t be more gorgeous. It’s historic, it’s beautiful, and every inch of this place is filled with gorgeous settings for portraits. As a destination wedding photographer, I love a space that has a variety of backgrounds for your gallery, and Planting Fields brought it ALL. When Emma and Ryan told me that we would be getting photos here, I was so thrilled to get to explore this area. Here are my favorite spaces where we got photos in on their wedding day:

The West Portico

With stone walls and elegant arches, the architecture at the West Portico is crazy gorgeous. It’s newly renovated, and they made something truly timeless. The photos we got here feel like something you’d see in a vintage Italian movie.

The Brick Cottage

There’s a small house on the property that looks like it appeared here from The Lord of the Rings. It’s so full of whimsy, and the photos I got here of Emma and Ryan had me speechless. They were full of romance and giddiness, and it shows! 

The Circular Pool

There’s nothing like a pool to add some vibrance to your gallery, and that we did. Emma and Ryan wandered around the circular pool while I snapped photos, feeling like I was third-wheeling the cutest date in the world. They danced and laughed; it felt like I was witnessing their own private world.

The Gardens

Ten uniquely designed gardens mean ten opportunities for storytelling. Color, depth, movement, texture, all working together. If a certain flower or plant holds meaning in your relationship, this is the kind of place where we can intentionally incorporate it.

Photographer tip: Use this map to check out all the flowers, and if there are any flowers that maybe your partner got you on your first date, or if you have a favorite flower, seek those out to get pictures with them!

One of my favorite spaces in the gardens where we got photos was the lavender-lined walkways. The pictures of these two running through the gardens?! Cinema. 

Architecture, Texture & Design Tell Their Own Story

For couples who care about aesthetics, location matters because it adds visual storytelling without forcing it. That’s why I love Planting Fields Arboretum: Stone, greenery, wood, arches, water, glass, cliffs… These elements create mood, scale, and variety in a gallery.

These things? They make such a difference in your gallery, especially for editorial portraits, film-inspired sequences, and fashion-forward couples. 

A cinematic story needs visual dimension, and location gives you that.

Photos from their Backyard Wedding

You don’t need a castle or coastline for emotional, artistic photos. Sometimes the most cinematic place is a backyard, a neighborhood park, or the city street where you had your first date! If the space matters to you, the photos will too.

That’s why I love a good backyard wedding. Every detail feels intentional and special, and that was absolutely the case for Emma and Ryan. They had the cutest setup: lace-lined tables, vintage motifs, hand-written accents… The kinds of things that show how much heart went into planning this day. 

Their setup made it easy to capture photos of their guests here that the couple can now cherish forever. A dance floor under string lights, thoughtful touches, and tons of love and support made the reception photos both beautiful and nostalgic, and I cannot get enough of them. 

How Location Shapes the Emotion of Your Gallery

The setting influences how a couple feels in front of the camera. A crowded, overly structured space can make people stiff, but a relaxed, intentional location, whether it’s a historic estate, a coastal overlook, or a quiet backyard, gives room to breathe, be present, and actually enjoy the moment. When couples feel grounded in the space, the photos follow!

Consider the Logistics, Not Just the Aesthetics

A stunning space is great, of course, but can it support the flow of the day? Think about:

• Distance between ceremony + reception

• Parking + guest access

• Restroom + vendor needs

• Permit requirements

• How long does it take to walk between portrait spots?

A well-chosen location removes stress, which always translates into better, more natural photos.

Why Variety Matters in Cinematic Wedding Photography

Your gallery shouldn’t feel repetitive. Having multiple backdrops in one location, like Planting Fields Arboretum, allows the story to unfold in chapters rather than one visual note. This means more depth, more mood shifts, more storytelling opportunities.

How Lighting Can Tell a Story

Cinematic imagery relies heavily on light. Some locations are naturally made for it with open shade, reflective surfaces, textured walls, and pockets of natural light that fall in interesting ways. Before choosing a location, ask:

• What direction does the light hit?

• Is there shade nearby for midday portraits?

• Does the space allow movement?

Beautiful light > beautiful location. Always. 

My Role in Helping You Choose the Right Location, as a Destination Wedding Photographer

I don’t expect couples to know what photographs well; that’s my job. With that being said, as your photographer, I’ll help you:

• Scout locations

• Evaluate light + timing

• Navigate permits + access

• Build a portrait plan into your timeline

• Choose spaces that match your personalities and visual priorities

You don’t have to figure it out alone!

The Heart Behind Emma and Ryan’s Wedding Day

These two… They’re so damn in love. There are not enough good things I can say about Emma and Ryan, but their small, intentional touches, their full-of-emotion vows (that actually made me sob), and their approach to the day of, “nothing matters except that we’re starting forever together,” made their wedding so amazing. 

That’s the kind of energy I hope all my couples experience, no performing, no pressure, just being in love and actually enjoying the day.

TAD Photos | Destination Wedding Photographer

The location should support your story, not overshadow it. The most cinematic images come from people who are fully present, comfortable, and connected, no matter where we are.

So, if you want wedding photos that not only look good, but also really tell the story behind your day, you can inquire with me right here. I’m a destination wedding photographer, so whether it’s a backyard wedding or across the sea in Italy, I’ll follow you there. You bring the love, I’ll bring the camera!