Introducing Wabi Sabi
by Kerry Wilkie
Photos by Michael Cassara
Some styled shoots are created to showcase beautiful details. Others are created to inspire.
For this collaboration at Wabi Sabi, hamptonBRIDE set out to celebrate the artistry, creativity, and collaboration of some of the East End’s finest wedding professionals in a setting that left everyone in awe. For many who attended, Wabi Sabi was one of the most breathtaking properties they had ever experienced, a place where nature, architecture, and thoughtful design exist in perfect harmony.
Bringing that creative direction to life through his lens was Michael Cassara.
Watching Michael work was captivating. His ability to find the light, anticipate moments, and compose every frame with intention is artistry in its purest form. Every movement was deliberate, every composition carefully considered. He has an innate ability to transform beautiful surroundings and authentic moments into timeless imagery, making it a privilege to watch one of the industry’s most accomplished wedding photographers at work.
Our ceremony setting became the heart of the shoot, where Dan Castrogivanni of Waterfront Aisles created the architectural foundation for one of the day’s most breathtaking moments. This beautifully designed aisle allowed the artistry of Jenny Smith-Gugliada of Lily Pad Acres to truly shine.
Watching Jenny thoughtfully layer each bloom, refine every arrangement, and bring her vision to life was like witnessing an artist at work. Every stem had a purpose, every floral placement was intentional. The addition of lush moss, one of today’s most coveted floral design trends, added texture, depth, and an organic elegance that perfectly complemented the Wabi Sabi setting. Together, Waterfront Aisles and Lily Pad Acres transformed the ceremony space into a living masterpiece that felt as though it had naturally emerged from the landscape itself.
Our bride embodied timeless elegance in three distinct looks from Hamptons Bridal. She began in a beautifully understated gown by KYHA, followed by an effortlessly romantic design from Grace Loves Lace. The finale was a show-stopping party dress by Retrofête, bringing an unexpected, fashion-forward twist to the styled shoot. Each look felt perfectly curated for the Wabi Sabi setting, complementing the property’s natural beauty while showcasing a different expression of modern bridal style.
Styled by Black Tie Formals, our groom exuded effortless sophistication. Impeccable tailoring, timeless silhouettes, and understated elegance that created a look that felt both classic and undeniably modern, offering the perfect complement to the bride’s fashion-forward wardrobe.
Nikki Lee of Ink & Ivy Hair has an incredible instinct for bridal styling. She understood not only each gown, but the mood and personality behind every look, creating hairstyles that felt effortlessly elegant and perfectly in harmony with what we were creating. From soft, romantic texture to polished sophistication, every style framed the bride beautifully while allowing the fashion, florals, and setting to shine together as one cohesive vision.
Completing each look was Lauren D’Abramo of Beauty by Lauren, whose signature artistry gave our bride the most beautiful, radiant glow. With a refined touch, Lauren enhanced every feature without ever overpowering it, creating luminous, camera-ready skin that looked just as stunning in person as it did through Michael’s lens. Her ability to achieve that coveted bridal glow is a true testament to her talent and artistry.
A true masterpiece came from Irene Rodriguez Manieri of Veg On Board, whose exquisitely piped sweetheart vegan cake blurred the line between pastry and art. Every intricate detail reflected her remarkable talent, precision, and creativity, creating a centerpiece that was as breathtaking as it was unforgettable. Romantic, timeless, and impeccably executed, her cake perfectly complemented the elegance of the styled shoot and stood as one of the day’s defining works of art.Â
Alongside Michael, Alexis Verdi of AV Content documented the styled shoot through thoughtfully curated video and content creation. Watching Alexis work, you can instantly see her incredible eye for capturing not only the beautifully styled details, but also the movement, interactions, and authentic moments that often happen between the photographs. Her cinematic approach and instinct for storytelling added another creative dimension to the day, preserving the energy and artistry of the collaboration from a unique perspective.
Keeping the creative team energized throughout the day, Lauren Lombardi of Lauren Lombardi Events graciously provided a delicious lunch, giving everyone an opportunity to pause, reconnect, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes collaborations like this so rewarding.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of Teri Whitcraft, who graciously welcomed our team to her extraordinary home, Wabi Sabi. Her warmth and hospitality created the perfect environment for creativity to flourish. Adding to the magic was the opportunity to feature her partner John’s Green Hornet Cadillac, whose timeless character became one of the day’s most photographed and memorable elements, adding a touch of nostalgia and unmistakable style to an already spectacular setting.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our newly engaged contest winners, Olivia and Jack, who graciously stepped into the roles of bride and groom for the day. They made everyone’s job effortless. Their genuine chemistry, joyful spirit, and willingness to embrace every moment allowed each creative partner to showcase their artistry with ease. From quiet, intimate moments to celebratory scenes, they brought authenticity to every frame and were an absolute pleasure to work with. We are so grateful they trusted us to be a small part of the beginning of their wedding journey, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
This is what the hamptonBRIDE Vendor Collective is all about: bringing together the very best creative minds on the East End to create something truly inspiring for couples. It is a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the belief that when exceptional talent comes together, the result is something unforgettable.
As you explore these photographs, we hope you’ll see more than a beautiful styled shoot. We hope you’ll see the passion, craftsmanship, and collaboration behind every image, and the remarkable artists who transformed a creative concept into an unforgettable celebration of East End weddings. This editorial is a tribute to each of them, and we are honored to share their extraordinary work with you.
About Wabi Sabi
Perched atop a dramatic 100-foot bluff overlooking Long Island Sound, Wabi Sabi is a one-of-a-kind private estate designed for intimate celebrations, meaningful moments, and unforgettable East End experiences. Set across five manicured acres with 500 feet of private beachfront, the property seamlessly blends modern architecture with the beauty of the natural landscape. Soaring 23-foot glass walls, panoramic water views, tranquil gardens, and thoughtfully designed interiors create a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply restorative.
Whether hosting an intimate ceremony, rehearsal dinner, proposal, first look, engagement session, or wedding morning, Wabi Sabi offers couples an extraordinary backdrop for every moment. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, Wabi Sabi invites guests to slow down, connect, and celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones surrounded by nature, privacy, and unparalleled coastal views.
Fun Fact: Wabi Sabi’s striking architecture and waterfront setting were selected as the backdrop for an ELLE cover shoot featuring A$AP Rocky, further cementing its reputation as one of the East End’s most visually captivating private properties.Â
For Wabi Sabi booking inquiries, please email your request to hello@hamptonBRIDE.com
Creative Team
Creative Direction
hamptonBRIDE — @hampton.bride
Photography
Michael Cassara Photography — @michaelcassaraphoto
Location
Wabi Sabi— @wabi.sabi.weddings
Content Creation & Video
AV Content — @avcontent
Ceremony Aisle Design
Waterfront Aisles — @waterfrontaisles
Floral Design
Lily Pad Acres — @lilypadacres
Hair
Ink & Ivy Hair — @ink.and.ivy__
Makeup
Beauty By Lauren — @beautybylaurenny
Bridal Fashion
Hamptons Bridal — @hamptonsbridal
Men’s Formalwear
Black Tie Formals
Cake Design
Veg On Board — @vegonboard
Catering
Lauren Lombardi Events — @laurenlombardievents
Champagne
Sparkling Pointe — @sparklingpointe
Media Partner
North Fork Sun — @north_fork_sun
