Gurney's Montauk Wedding || Alex & Dan in Montauk

Growing up on Long Island has its perks. It's a beautiful and unique place that has something to offer for everyone.

With just an hour-long train ride west, you can reach arguably the greatest city in the world - New York City. The City that never sleeps, the melting pot of cultures and the center of finance and art, NYC has it all. From the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, from Broadway shows to 5th Avenue shopping, you can spend a lifetime discovering all that this city has to offer.

And with a ninety-minute drive east, you can find some of the best beaches in the world. Long Island's beaches are known for their pristine beauty, and the variety of activities they offer. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in the sun or something more adventurous like surfing or kayaking, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

If you stay south of the 495 and drive east, you'll end up in Montauk - a small fishing town that becomes one of the most popular spots from late spring until the early days of fall. During this time, hotels and restaurants are packed, and prices reach new heights not seen in any other season. It truly is a unique experience. In the winter, it's quiet with just a hint of the madness of summer - and by "hint," I mean complete chaos.

But Montauk is not just a summer destination. It's a great place to visit year-round. In the fall, the town transforms into a colorful and cozy spot, with pumpkin patches and apple orchards, perfect for a weekend getaway. In the winter, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll on the beach, admiring the snow-covered sand and the beauty of the ocean in the cold season.

A few miles west of the center of Montauk is Gurney's - a waterfront resort offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, a world-class spa and restaurant, and possibly the best view for any outdoor wedding ceremony on Long Island. It's a place that has become synonymous with luxury and relaxation.

I had the opportunity to capture Alex and Dan's ceremony and reception at Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, and it's a wedding I won't forget anytime soon. The weather was perfect with clear skies and a light breeze sweeping in from the waterfront. The stunning sunset made for a beautiful backdrop for Alex in her gorgeous Kleinfeld Bridal dress, and the soft light glistening off the Atlantic added something to the already perfect ceremony that can't really be put into words. The light coming off the bistro string bulbs added bokeh perfection, and the early fall sunset offered the softest of lights making it a perfectly captured ceremony. We headed down to the waterfront to capture formal pictures, and with the waves of the Atlantic crashing just feet away from us, we had to make sure Alex's Kleinfeld dress didn't get kissed with saltwater before the reception.

Overall, Long Island has a lot to offer, from the hustle and bustle of the city, to the peace and quiet of the beaches and small towns. It's a place that can cater to different tastes and preferences, and it's definitely worth visiting if you haven't been there yet.

Capture by Alex | Long Island Wedding Photographer