May 30, 2015 - The Alice Austen House

Hello! We're so excited for you to join us at the Alice Austen House this May to celebrate our marriage! You'll should find all the details on this website, but if you still have any questions or concerns, just email the bride (amy.brisson@gmail.com) or groom (sflanigan80@gmail.com).

The Important Stuff

Our wedding ceremony will be May 30, 2015, at 10:45 am. Please plan to arrive by 10 am (there will be coffee!). The ceremony will be held outdoors on the front lawn of the Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10305.

What happens after the ceremony?

After we officially tie the knot, you can enjoy celebratory brunch cocktails on the waterfront while the bride, groom and families whisk off for a few photos. Then we'll move back to the main lawn for an outdoor brunch buffet, with lawn games and general merriment. There will be toasts, and of course, cake! We expect to wrap up by 3:30 pm.

What about dancing?

Don't worry! After the wedding you can take a siesta or a city tour, and then party with us some more. We have a private space reserved upstairs at a Brooklyn bar, 61 Local, for an after-party beginning at 8 pm on Saturday evening. Our space will be primed with music, space for dancing, snacks... and of course you can purchase craft beers and wine from the main bar downstairs. They kick us out of the room at midnight, but the public bar stays open until 1 am.

Who is Alice Austen, and what's the deal with her house?

So glad you asked! Alice Austen (1866-1952) was one of America's earliest female photographers, and her Victorian cottage home is now restored as a small photography gallery and historic museum. Austen had a fascinating life, which you can learn more about in this six-minute film. Her house (named Clear Comfort) has a beautiful front lawn that looks out over the New York Bay, with views of the Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.

Can we go in the house?

Yes, all our guests will have free admission to the museum and gallery, and can also go inside to use the bathroom facilities. Please be mindful that the building is historic and protected, so we need to be respectful and follow certain rules - like no open flames/candles and no food or drinks in the house. The museum will be open to the general public during the wedding, but public visitors will have signs guiding them to a separate entrance.

How do I get there?

Check out the Directions page for maps, public transit info and phone numbers for some local car service companies.

What should I wear?

We encourage you to check the weather and wear something festive but comfortable for the outdoors. The entire ceremony and brunch will be outdoors and mostly on a grassy lawn, so we recommend steering away from the stilettos. Men, the groom will not be wearing a suit or tux, and you don't need to either! Ladies, there is sometimes a strong breeze coming off the water, so you might want to bring a sweater or shawl and throw some shorts on under that cute summer dress.

Are kids welcome?

Kids are welcome, but we're not necessarily including them in our current guest count. If you are planning to bring a child, please let us know on your RSVP or in an email so we can be sure to have enough chairs and food!

Can I bring a date?

We are not planning for +1s for the ceremony and brunch, as the Alice Austen House has some restrictions on the size of our party, and we are trying to keep the guest list limited to friends and loved ones. That said, if you feel like there is a very important person to you who was not included on the invites, send us an email. Feel free and encouraged to bring a date or friend to the after-party!

Can I take pictures?

We'd prefer for you to be engaged with us during the vows, so we ask you to please hold back until after the ceremony. Don't worry, there will be a photographer there to capture all the great moments, and a few of the awkward ones.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the weather seems iffy leading up to the wedding day, we will make the call to set up a tent on-site and can plan to do all or part of the ceremony/brunch under cover. If the weather is REALLY bad, we may opt to shorten our time at Alice Austen and do some of the event (like toasts and cake) indoors that evening at 61 Local. Please keep an eye on the weather so you can dress appropriately, and if it looks inclement, then please check this page of our website for updates.

I heard that you are also having a party in Rochester. Is this true?

Yes! We wanted to be sure that we could celebrate properly with the many friends and family members in Rochester who may not be able to join us in New York City. To that end, we have reserved the Olmsted Lodge in Highland Park for a party on the evening of Friday, July 3, 2015. Exact start time and details to be announced.

The invitation is open to friends and family in the Rochester area, those who cannot make it to the wedding on May 30, or anyone who just wants to welcome us back from the honeymoon!

When is the RSVP deadline?

Last week. Stop putting it off! (If you do decide to procrastinate, April 15 is your panic day.)

There are things I can't eat. How do I let you know?

If you have an allergy, drop a line to the bride or groom and we'll make sure things are labeled clearly. The food will be served buffet-style, so there will be an option for everyone!

Do you have a registry?

Why, yes! Since there's only so much stuff we can fit in a New York City apartment, we chose instead to create a travel registry for our honeymoon. The day after the wedding, we'll be flying out for three weeks in Morocco, Spain and Italy. We are SO excited for this trip, and we would be delighted for your help in making it unforgettable.

All the details are at https://wanderable.com/AmyStephen