Hempstead House Wedding in Sands Point, Long Island
Hempstead House Wedding with Vintage Theme
While I don’t often photograph weddings on Long Island, every occasion I do is truly special. This stunning wedding at Hempstead House in Sands Point Preserve was no exception. Capturing the joy of the couple and their guests was an absolute delight. Their celebration was brimming with love, laughter, and thoughtful touches that made it uniquely theirs. From the personalized details to the breathtaking backdrop of Hempstead House, every moment reflected their individuality, creating a wedding day that was as memorable as it was beautiful.
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.
The estate began with constructing 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 inspired Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.)
A Theme Fit for Kings and Queens
This couple highlighted the old-world Celtic castle vibe – and it was amazing! First, they exchanged their vows 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 always, feel free to ask questions about the venue, vendors, or wedding photography/videography packages.
