Hempstead House Wedding with Vintage Theme

I don’t do many Long Island weddings, but when I do, they are absolutely magical! Just take a peek at this Hempstead House wedding. I had so much fun photographing the happy couple and all their guests! Not only was their day filled with love and laughter, but they also did such a great job of personalizing their Hempstead House wedding. Every intentional detail reflected their personality for a one-of-a-kind wedding!

About the Hempstead House Venue

The Hempstead House stands majestically on Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, Long Island. The name is a bit misleading. The elaborate estate is so much more than a house. Instead, the grand architecture makes it a sight to behold! You can see it peeking up from the horizon as you approach the island by boat. A wedding here feels like a fairy tale. 

In fact, the estate began with the construction of Castle Gould, modeled after Ireland’s Kilkenny Castle. But when Howard Gould and his wife Katherine Clemmons (the actress) moved in, she decided it was a bit much. The 100,000-square-foot castle did not feel like home. So, he built the Hempstead House just for her. Ironically, they turned the extravagant castle into stables, garages, and staff quarters. The Hempstead House still boasts beautiful matching castle-inspired architecture – I would hardly call it small or homely. The “house” covers a whopping 50,000 square feet over three stories and 40 rooms, taking up 1.5 acres! (Extravagant homes like this during the 1920s and 30s are what inspired Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.)

A Theme Fit for Kings and Queens

This couple decided to highlight the old-world Celtic castle vibe – and it was amazing! First, they exchanged their vows out on the expansive lawn with Long Island Sound and the beachfront as their backdrop. Then, they took the party inside with the most delectable hors d’oeuvres and a regal dinner. Organic, earthy accents, like moss-covered candelabras, complemented the renaissance feel. In addition, formal place settings with vintage beaded glassware added a beautiful touch. And I can’t forget the awesome medieval beer steins they used instead of champagne glasses for the couple’s toasts. These two made the most of every minute of their big day. The entire evening was a blast (literally – check out their send-off at the end)!

Loving the castle ambiance? Be sure to check out another dreamy wedding I photographed at Oheka Castle on Long Island as well. As always, feel free to reach out with questions about the venue, vendors, or wedding photography/videography packages.