It’s the chaos you’ll never forget, captured in a frame that feels as alive as the moment itself.
A Quiet Canvas in the Sky: Your Guide to Weddings at The Bordone
M + K are two of the most magnetic people we've ever had the pleasure of photographing. From our first meeting—cocktails in the Meatpacking District with the groom behind the DJ booth—we knew their wedding would be something special. And when they chose The Bordone LIC as their venue, everything clicked. Tucked in Long Island City just across the river from Manhattan, this modern space became the perfect extension of their creative, effortless energy. The Bordone isn't just a backdrop—it's a blank canvas that invites couples to tell their story with intention, and M + K used every inch of it to create something authentically them.
Their day began split between two iconic Williamsburg locations. The bride got ready in an enormous industrial loft—the kind usually reserved for photo shoots, with brick walls, vintage furniture, and plants everywhere. Meanwhile, the groom prepared at the William Vale just a few blocks away. When the groom arrived at the loft, their first look happened naturally in the loft—no staging, no stiffness, just pure joy. After portraits with family (and some seriously good natural light), everyone loaded onto a bus and headed down Bedford Avenue to Long Island City, where Julie Guinta of Little Sister Creative had transformed The Bordone's terrace into something unexpected: a ceremony in the round.
An Inspirational Invitation to Tell Your Story
Instead of traditional rows facing an altar, M+K's ceremony featured lounge furniture, couches, high-tops, and flowers everywhere—all arranged in a circle on The Bordone's 6,000-square-foot terrace overlooking the Midtown skyline. But the moment everyone talks about? When the bride walked down the aisle with her father, they stopped at the bar for a shot of tequila before joining the groom. The crowd went wild. Their vows were full of laughter and sincerity, all happening at golden hour with that gorgeous skyline behind them. From the penthouse above, we captured elevated angles of the entire ceremony—one of the unique advantages of this venue's multi-level design.
Cocktail hour unfolded in the lounge setting on the terrace, with just enough natural light for unobtrusive candids. Inside, speeches and their first dance kicked off the reception before the dance floor turned into a real throwdown. Then came the surprise: the groom changed into a casual look because he was DJing his own after-party. To bring guests from the main floor up to the penthouse, dancers in mirrored bodysuits—literal walking disco balls—led everyone upstairs where the groom spun records overlooking Manhattan. It was bold, unexpected, and completely M+K.
As Amanda Savory Events orchestrated the flow and Julie Guinta brought the design vision to life, what emerged was exactly what M + K wanted: casual, cool, and centered on their people. "Our goal was easy and approachable, while being polished and modern," Julie notes. The Bordone LIC made it possible—a venue that holds opposites with ease. It's expansive yet intimate, modern yet warm, energetic yet calm. For couples drawn to art, design, and the unexpected, this Long Island City gem offers rare creative freedom. M + K proved that when you choose a space that respects your vision, you can turn a rooftop wedding into an unforgettable experience that's authentically, unapologetically you.
Before we dive into the guide, I want to express my gratitude to this dream team (full vendor team below): expert planning by Amanda Savory Events, styled by Julie Guinta of Little Sister Creative, and catering by the lovely folks at Cedar Lakes Estate.
The Bordone LIC: Where Story Meets Space
As wedding photographers, we know the power of a venue. New York boasts countless places to host weddings of all sizes and styles, but we believe in spaces that hold moments with intention—venues that are more than backdrops, but places that invite story. There’s a quiet magic to Long Island City—just far enough from the city center that the skyline becomes a living mural, yet close enough to feel the pulse beneath your feet. The Bordone rises here, a modern building of soft edges and clean lines, offering its roof and rooms to couples who see beauty in both the bold and the subtle.
From the street, The Bordone LIC feels unassuming. Inside, it opens up—light pouring in, the city shimmering just beyond the glass. What sets this venue apart is its ability to hold opposites—openness and intimacy, modernity and warmth, the city’s energy and the calm of carefully curated design. As artists who value unguarded moments and considered details, we’ve found that a venue like The Bordone not only frames a gathering but becomes an unspoken part of it. Some places try to impress. The Bordone, in our experience, simply invites.
Spaces That Invite Possibility
The Terrace
The Terrace at The Bordone is a world of its own. High above the city, with views stretching from the Chrysler Building to the water, it feels both infinite and grounded.
On this extraordinary day, the 6,000-square-foot terrace was softened with intention. Imagine low sofas, velvet chairs, woven rugs underfoot. M+K created pockets of coziness where friends could linger, sheltered by conversation and floor-level meadows of yellow blooms and greenery. It was a rooftop, yes, but also a garden—organic yet shaped by human hands.
There’s a gentle choreography in how people move through this space. You notice the shifting light, the breeze that teases through fabric, the way laughter carries above the traffic below.
The Main Room
Just inside, adjoining The Terrace, walls of windows gather up the daylight. The 5,000-square-foot space is bright, spacious, and exudes a quiet refinement for your vision.
For this wedding, the meadow motif continued inside. Organic arrangements hanging above, greenery tumbling from vases, yellow blooms arching in loose, joyful gestures. Meanwhile, long marble banquet tables invited everyone to share a meal, passing laughs and stories down the line. To balance the look, modern sapphire-blue chairs outlined each table, gold frames glinting in the evening light. Each detail offered a subtle nod to refinement and whimsy in equal measure.
The Penthouse & Rooftop
On the upper level, The Penthouse is perfect for intimate moments—a first look, a post-ceremony breath, or a late-night gathering under the hush of city lights. The Penthouse connects seamlessly to the rooftop for ease. It’s these in-between spaces that often yield the priceless photographs: a father straightening his son’s tie, eyes meeting across a room, or a private moment looking out across the skyline. For M+K’s wedding, the penthouse became the ultimate after-party venue, where Karl DJed as guests danced with the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop.
The Bordone LIC Features and Offerings
–Walls of Windows: Natural light floods every corner. Even on the rainiest afternoons, there’s a soft, silvery glow.
–Flexible Floor Plans: The open design means every couple can shape the space to fit their vision—minimal and modern, or lush with texture and color.
–Private Rooftop: Unobstructed views of Manhattan, with the East River radiant below. Perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, or simply watching the sky change.
–Indoor + Outdoor Flow: Transition easily from rooftop vows to an indoor dinner and on to mixing and mingling on the terrace for sunset sips.
–Thoughtful Amenities: A dedicated suite for getting ready, climate control, restrooms on every floor, and accessibility features that ensure all guests feel welcome.
–Blank Slate Style: The Bordone’s architecture is modern and understated. It never shouts, but instead makes room for every couple’s culture, story, and artistry to unfold.
Style for the Senses
What’s most memorable about The Bordone LIC is its balance—a canvas that’s both striking and subtle. On this wedding day, intentional choices transformed the rooftop into something personal. Sofas, velvet chairs, and layered rugs made the ceremony feel like a family reunion. Inside, hand-picked florals softened each edge, winding through the marble and gold of the reception.
The effect was grounded and elegant. Nothing felt forced. The space echoed with easy laughter, lots of warmth, and electric energy on the dancefloor.
For couples who find inspiration in art, fashion, or nature—who want to merge the structured and the wild or the bold and the soft—The Bordone offers a rare kind of freedom. It waits for you to fill it with meaning, color, and personality. M+K used it to their advantage to dream up a wedding day that authentically reflected who they are as both individuals and a couple—creative, effortless, and full of surprises.
A Collaborative Space
Every couple brings their own quiet magic. Some are drawn to the city’s energy, others to the simple act of sharing a meal with friends. At The Bordone, there’s room for both.
Whether you love clean lines or organic forms, classic elegance or imaginative styling, The Bordone accommodates without ever demanding. It’s a space that respects your vision and the people you gather to share it. If you’re drawn to art, design, and the beauty of the unexpected, this Long Island City venue invites you to co-create something truly personal—just as M+K did on their unforgettable wedding day.
Wedding Day Details | New York Wedding Vendors
Photography: Edward Winter at READYLUCK
Planning: Amanda Savory Events
Florals + Design: Julie Guinta of Little Sister Creative
Getting Ready Suites: The William Vale
Catering: Cedar Lakes Estate
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Bordone LIC
Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore
Tux: Suit Supply
Videographer: Cloudless
Entertainment: William Grand
Day of Paper Goods: Natalie Soud
Event Rentals: Rent Patina
