Meet Cocoon Community Makers: Spotlight on Wedding Photographer Marilyn Lamanna

Who is Marilyn Lamanna?

Instagram Handle: @marilynlamannaphoto
Website: marilynlamanna.co

Marilyn Lamanna is a dedicated wedding photographer who has been capturing intimate moments since 2018.
Originally from New York, Marilyn moved to the city in 2014 to study photography at NYU.

Over the years, she has honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail, making her a sought-after photographer in the wedding industry.

Our community maker feature, Marilyn Lamanna, in Caeli’s living room.

A day in the life of a wedding photographer

A typical day for Marilyn starts early, often with a morning shoot or a planning meeting with clients. “The best part of my job is capturing people’s most intimate and special moments and translating that into art for them,” Marilyn explains. Her work is not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story and capturing emotions that will be cherished for generations.

Marilyn loves the challenge of working with different couples and families, each with their unique stories and personalities. She believes that every wedding is a new adventure, and she approaches each one with fresh eyes and an open heart. “A wedding day is a time we cherish and often pass on for generations through photographs and keepsakes, so it’s incredibly special to be a part of that documentation,” she says.

Marilyn shoots at Casa Caeli rooftop — with views to both Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

Collaborating with Cocoon Flex Spaces

Marilyn recently had the opportunity to work with Cocoon during a wedding reception at Casa Caeli. She was impressed by the venue’s aesthetics and the professionalism of the Cocoon team. She recalls that:

“The space was not only gorgeous but tidy and clean and offered a unique opportunity to celebrate in a home that felt expertly curated.”

Marilyn shoots the couple at Casa Caeli Rooftop during sunset.

One of the standout aspects of working with Cocoon Flex Spaces is their one-stop-shop approach, making it incredibly easy for clients to host wedding receptions in unconventional venues. For Marilyn, this meant that all logistical concerns were handled seamlessly, allowing her to focus on capturing the special moments. Cocoon’s ability to coordinate satellite services, rentals, food and beverage, and more ensures a smooth process for all involved.

One of the many toasts to the happy couple, with amazing aesthetic buildings and a clear skyline as background.

“The Cocoon team provided exceptional support during the event, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The staff was warm and welcoming, so organized and willing to help me out as the photographer. It was a lovely experience doing work with them!”

A key part of this support comes from Cocoon’s SuperConcierge and Casa Manager services. The SuperConcierge team helps clients plan and produce the event they envision prior to the day of the event, taking care of everything from venue setup to vendor coordination. On the day of the event, the Casa Manager ensures everything runs smoothly, handling any last-minute needs and allowing clients to fully enjoy their special day without stress.

Catering hand-picked by the couple: Cafe Spaghetti.

Why Marilyn Recommends Cocoon

Having had such a positive experience, Marilyn is eager to recommend Cocoon Flex Spaces to her future clients. She also notes:

“I would love to recommend these spaces Cocoon offers to future wedding clients that are looking for a unique and more affordable way to host a party in New York.”

Marilyn shooting during sunset, amazing city views as background.

Marilyn’s experience with Cocoon highlights the importance of having a supportive team and a beautiful venue to create the perfect wedding day. “The space was not only gorgeous but tidy and clean and offered a unique opportunity to celebrate in a home that felt expertly curated,” she recalls. The professionalism and organization of the Cocoon team made her job as a photographer much easier, allowing her to focus on capturing the couple’s special moments.

Bride and guests have fun by the chef kitchen at Casa Caeli from where Cafe Spaghetti comandeered catering.

Future Aspirations and Content Suggestions

Marilyn sees potential for even more collaboration with Cocoon Flex Spaces. She suggests utilizing more video content to showcase the venues, which could be highly effective on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This visual approach can provide a more immersive experience for potential clients. And we couldn’t agree more with Marilyn! So stay tuned with Cocoon via our blog, instagram and Youtube channel for more video content with Casa tours, BTS, interviews and more.

As for her future aspirations, Marilyn hopes to continue documenting love stories and creating beautiful art through her photography. She is passionate about capturing authentic moments and believes that every couple deserves to have their unique story told through stunning photographs.

Casa Caeli offers the perfect natural background for events. There were about 50 guests and the space’s capacity is 75.

What Makes a Perfect Wedding Venue?

Marilyn believes that the perfect wedding venue is one that reflects the couple’s personalities and provides a beautiful backdrop for their special day. “It’s all about finding a space that feels like a blank canvas where the couple can bring their vision to life,” she explains.

Casa Caeli, with its elegant design and intimate atmosphere, was the perfect setting for the wedding Marilyn photographed. “The venue offered a unique opportunity to celebrate in a home that felt expertly curated,” she says. The beautiful interior and outdoor spaces provided plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs.

Casa Caeli stands out as a premier choice for planners looking to host their wedding-related events in unconventional venues due to several key factors:

Prime Location:
Located in the heart of Greenpoint, in the North section of Brooklyn, Casa Caeli offers easy accessibility while providing a unique urban charm. The neighborhood’s vibrant energy and picturesque streets set the perfect scene for a memorable wedding day.

Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Spaces:
The venue offers both indoor and outdoor options, catering to weddings with up to 75 guests. This flexibility ensures that the celebration can proceed smoothly regardless of weather conditions. Should the weather turn unfavorable, the entire guest list can comfortably be accommodated indoors, maintaining the event’s flow without any hiccups.

Comprehensive Amenities

Casa Caeli comes fully equipped to handle all aspects of a wedding reception. The space includes: A full kitchen and a large countertop that can operate as a bar area and food presentation area. A Sonos Sound-System operated from a phone app, with speakers in the living room and rooftop areas, ensuring seamless music throughout the event. Entertainment options such as a pool table and a projector room to keep kids entertained. Three well-maintained bathrooms to cater to all guests’ needs.

The projector room at Casa Caeli is used to showcase memories of the couple for the wedding bookings.

Stunning Rooftop Views

One of the highlights of Casa Caeli is its rooftop, which offers unique and breathtaking views of the city skyline. This feature not only enhances the visual appeal of the wedding but also provides an unforgettable backdrop for photographs, making the entire wedding experience truly one of a kind

Outstanding open view of Caeli Rooftop, with 50 guests.

Casa Caeli: Space Transformation

Words from Cocoon

Marilyn Lamanna is a shining example of the talented professionals who make up the Cocoon community. Her passion for photography and her dedication to capturing authentic moments align perfectly with Cocoon’s mission to provide unique and beautiful spaces for all types of events. We are thrilled to have Marilyn as part of our community and look forward to more collaborations in the future.

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