LOVE AT THE END : DANIELLE & MICHAEL’S CROW’S NEST MONTAUK CELEBRATION
There's something magical about a couple whose love story comes full circle, from childhood connections through lacrosse to a pandemic reunion that sparked forever. When Danielle and Michael chose The Crow's Nest in Montauk for their June wedding, they weren't just picking a venue. They were choosing a place that held years of summer memories, where the Atlantic breeze carries stories of their past and promises of their future.
WHEN FATE Plays Matchmaker
Sometimes the best love stories start with "we always knew of each other." For Danielle and Michael, their paths first crossed through lacrosse. Mike's brother founded Prime Time Lacrosse and coached Danielle's brothers, creating an invisible thread that would eventually draw them together. Though they'd met briefly when Mike transferred to Syracuse, it wasn't until a June 2020 walk at Pound Ridge Reservation that their real story began.
"It's basically the date that never ended," Danielle shared with us, and honestly, isn't that what we're all looking for? That first date where conversation flows so naturally you forget to check the time, where a simple walk becomes the beginning of everything.
The Proposal at Their Beginning
Two years later, Mike brought Danielle back to that same spot at Pound Ridge Reservation. They'd made it their tradition: returning for walks, bringing wine to share at the picnic tables, revisiting the place where it all began. This time, though, Mike had something more than wine in his pocket. With both their families waiting back at Danielle's parents' house, he asked the question that would lead them to this beautiful day in Montauk.
Why The Crow's Nest?
If you've spent any time in Montauk, you know The Crow's Nest isn't just a restaurant. It's an institution. For Danielle and Michael, who'd spent countless summers in the Hamptons and Montauk together, it represented everything they wanted their wedding to be: casual yet elegant, fun but meaningful, and absolutely delicious.
"Crow's Nest is one of our favorite spots," Danielle shared. "The food and vibe is amazing." And she's right. There's something about the way the light hits the water at golden hour, the way the nautical charm meets modern sophistication, that makes it the perfect backdrop for a couple who values both tradition and living in the moment.
A Day Designed Around Joy
Working with the brilliant team of Nicholas Jones and Justin Davis, Danielle and Michael crafted a celebration that felt refreshingly unconventional. They flipped the traditional reception timeline, serving dinner and toasts first, then letting the party flow uninterrupted into the night. No awkward pauses for formalities. No stopping the momentum for cake cutting. Just pure, unfiltered celebration.
The aesthetic was perfectly Montauk chic. Bright pink florals from Sag Harbor Florist created a stunning contrast against the coastal backdrop. Under a Sperry tent (because even in June, you plan for Montauk weather, 178 guests gathered to celebrate a love that felt both destined and hard-won.
Fashion That Tells a Story
Danielle's Monique Lhuillier gown was a revelation. Floral lace caught the ocean breeze, fitting perfectly with both her personality and the venue's vibe. "My mom picked it for me to try on and as soon as I did we both knew," she remembered. The finishing touches were deeply personal: her mother's diamond earrings and a blue sapphire ring from her sister, keeping family close even in the midst of the celebration.
Michael cut a striking figure in his white tuxedo, but the most meaningful detail was hidden inside. A photo of his late father pinned to his jacket ensured his presence on this important day. The wedding party embraced the relaxed elegance of the affair, with bridesmaids in mismatched pink florals and groomsmen in classic black tuxedos.
When Mother Nature Has Other Plans
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or should we say, the wind on the beach. If you've planned a Montauk wedding, you know the weather can be spirited. And boy, was it spirited on June 3rd. But here's what we've learned after photographing hundreds of weddings: the ones with a little chaos often make the best stories.
Danielle's veil took flight during their first kiss as husband and wife, creating a moment that was simultaneously hilarious and cinematic. The wind shortened their ceremony (even their 93-year-old reader kept it brief), but it also gave their images a dramatic, editorial quality you simply can't plan for. Every photo captures movement, energy, life. Just like their relationship.
Moments That Matter
When we asked Danielle about her favorite moment, she didn't hesitate: "Our first dance was my favorite moment ever. I'll never forget it." They swayed to "Honey Hold Me" by The Morningsiders while the Atlantic crashed nearby, creating a soundtrack that was uniquely theirs.
The evening unfolded with Element Music keeping the energy high (that surprise drummer during cocktail hour? Genius.). Signature cocktails included a watermelon cooler and margaritas that kept the summer vibes flowing. And that coconut cake from Bambou at Marram Montauk? Let's just say there were no leftovers.
The Beginning of Everything
After dancing until the ocean swallowed the moon, Danielle and Michael jetted off to Mallorca and the South of France for their honeymoon. But in many ways, their journey is just beginning. Now she's Danielle Daniello (yes, the name coincidence is as charming as it sounds), and they're building a life that honors both their Westchester roots and their Montauk hearts.
Their wedding reminds us why we love what we do. It's not about perfect weather or flawless timelines. It's about capturing the truth of a couple's love, wind-whipped veils and all. It's about documenting the joy that radiates when two people who've known of each other their whole lives finally realize they've found their person.
To Danielle and Michael: thank you for trusting us to tell your story. May your marriage be filled with as much laughter as that windswept ceremony, as much joy as your packed dance floor, and as much love as we saw in your eyes during that unforgettable first dance.
Ready to create your own Montauk magic? Whether you're dreaming of a Crow's Nest celebration or exploring other stunning Hamptons venues, we'd love to capture your story. As award-winning photographers recognized by Brides Magazine's Top 50, Over the Moon, and The Wed, we bring nearly two decades of experience to every celebration. Let's chat about your vision, because your love story deserves to be told beautifully.
CREATIVE Partners
Photography: by Trent Bailey | @bytrentbailey | Planning: Nicholas Jones & Justin Davis | Venue: The Crow's Nest | @crowsnestmtk | Florals: Sag Harbor Florist @sagharborflorist | Tent: Sperry Tents | Entertainment: Element Music | Cake: Bambou from Marram Montauk | Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Stationery: Sam Crosby | Videography: NST