A Modern Wedding at Prospect Park Boathouse in Brooklyn
Some weddings just feel like the couple – every detail, every laugh, every lyric on the dance floor. Carolyn (she/her) and Katlyn (she/they) planned their Prospect Park Boathouse wedding in Brooklyn to be exactly that. It was thoughtful, vibrant, and joyfully queer, filled with moments that reflected their story: a meet-cute years in the making, late-night Twilight marathons, and a shared love for big families and big feelings. With help from vendors who truly saw them, they created a celebration that was creative, intentional and full of heart.
What made you choose Prospect Park Boathouse for your Brooklyn wedding?
The Boathouse was the dream venue. We wanted somewhere that felt historic and romantic but still grounded in the city we love, and the setting overlooking the water in Prospect Park had everything we were looking for.
It helped that we had a solid vision and a guest list ready to go before we even toured it.
You were engaged for quite a while. Tell us about that.
We were engaged for two and a half years, and it was honestly perfect for us. Katlyn was preparing for (and passed!) the New York Bar Exam during that time, and we really wanted to enjoy being engaged before diving into full-blown planning.
The extra time gave us space to be present, explore ideas and get creative together.
How did you plan the wedding, and actually enjoy it?
We genuinely loved the planning process. It felt like building a giant, creative project together. We had shared checklists, spreadsheets and even a dedicated Notes app folder. We bounced ideas off each other constantly, especially when it came to signage and stationery. The vibe shifted a bit over time, but we always came back to the feeling we wanted, one that reflected both of us, individually and together.
Poppy + Lynn helped coordinate everything on the day so we could actually be present for it all.
Did you take on any DIY projects?
Absolutely. Our stationery and signage were the big ones. We sketched and brainstormed a lot, especially once we started leaning into the personality of the venue. Bringing those little details to life made the day feel even more personal.
What mattered most to you when choosing vendors?
Representation was really important to us. We found most of our vendors on social media, and we were drawn to businesses that proudly worked with diverse couples. Photography was a top priority – Marilyn Lamanna was one of the first vendors we booked, right after locking in our venue and Purslane for catering.
Let’s talk about the ceremony. What made it special?
We kicked off with a blessing from Katlyn to honour the queer community, those who’ve fought, are fighting, and will keep fighting for liberation. Carolyn’s aunt officiated and surprised us with a speech that touched on rainbows, chosen family and, hilariously, the epic love story of Kermit and Miss Piggy.
We wrote our own vows and read them for the first time during the ceremony. It felt really sacred. There were even people watching from the bridge across the water, and apparently not a dry eye in the park.
We also lit a unity candle, which was especially meaningful since Katlyn’s parents had one at their own wedding.
How did the day unfold?
We got ready together in the morning with our siblings, parents and best friends at Ace Hotel Brooklyn. There was music, snacks, and a pit stop in the hotel photo booth before heading to the venue. Once at the Boathouse, we took portraits in the park and then lined up for the ceremony.
After the ceremony, we took a few quiet minutes on the balcony before joining everyone for cocktail hour. Then came dinner, heartfelt speeches, dancing, a t-shirt toss and so many hugs. It was truly the best night of our lives.
Tell us about your outfits and styling.
Katlyn wore a suit from Emanuel Ungaro, and Carolyn wore a gown from Jenny Yoo. Our rings came from Frank Darling and DeAguiar Designs, and our wedding party wore dresses from Revelry.
Hair and makeup were by Curled + Contoured, and our florals were designed by Poppy Flowers.
What were some of the reception details?
Our cake was made by Velvet Valley Cakes — a dreamy vintage design topped with a queer couple figurine. We danced the night away with Stylus DJ Entertainment, and had live music by Alexandra & Ensembles. The whole vibe was warm, joyful and community-focused.
We also had an audio guestbook and custom wedding newspapers. Everything tied back to our story — with a little fun layered in.
Any favourite memories?
Our vows. Seeing our people gathered all in one place. And dancing until we couldn’t feel our feet. It felt like the truest celebration of who we are and who we love.
Photography by Marilyn Lamanna Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses Revelry
Cake Velvet Valley Cakes
Caterer Purslane
Coordinator Poppy + Lynn
DJ Stylus DJ Entertainment
Dress Jenny Yoo
Florist Poppy Flowers
Hair & Makeup Curled + Contoured
Hotel Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Live Music Alexandra & Ensembles
Rings DeAguiar Designs & Frank Darling
Suit Emanuel Ungaro
Venue Prospect Park Boathouse
Videographer Fleet Street Studios
