Heritage House

When my wife and I were planning our own wedding, I remember how overwhelming it felt—so many choices and no clear idea of where to even begin. When it came to choosing a photographer, we relied on a recommendation. But looking back, our experience just wasn’t what we had hoped for. That feeling stuck with me, and it’s what inspired me to start Heritage House. I knew there had to be a better way—a more personal, meaningful approach to wedding photography.

Your wedding is so much more than a date on the calendar. It’s your story. Your once-in-a-lifetime moments. And that’s exactly how we approach it. At Heritage House, we don’t just take pictures—we get to know you. What matters most to you? What are the moments you want to hold on to forever? By learning about you and your vision, we can be there not just as photographers but as your storytellers, capturing every glance, every laugh, and every tear in a way that feels real and effortless.

We believe that your wedding photos should be more than just a part of your to-do list. They’re the memories you'll hold close for decades—the only tangible of your wedding. That’s why we create beautiful, intentional imagery that brings you straight back to those moments every time you open your album.

You deserve to enjoy every moment of your wedding day. That’s why we’re here—to make sure your story is told in the most timeless, beautiful and authentic way, so it can be cherished forever.

To me, photographing weddings is more than a profession—it's an incredible honor. Each couple I work with invites me into one of the most meaningful days of their lives, and that’s a privilege I never take lightly. Whether it’s during an engagement session, the wedding day itself, or an event leading up to it, I love knowing the images I create will become treasured memories, not just for the couple but for future generations as well.

What I truly adore about this work is the chance to tell a story—a story filled with all the beautiful, fleeting moments that make the day so special. From quiet, intimate exchanges to the joyous, celebratory moments shared with loved ones, I’m there to capture it all. Being part of the beginning of a couple’s new family is something I find deeply meaningful, and each wedding is an emotional, unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on me.

What makes it even more fulfilling is the connection I build with each couple. Learning their story, seeing their excitement build through months of planning, and being there as it all unfolds—it’s such a joy. Having this front-row seat to the love, happiness, and anticipation is a gift in itself, and being entrusted to preserve those emotions through photography fills my heart every time. It’s truly the best part of what I do.

Every couple brings their own individuality to their wedding, and every celebration is filled with moments that reflect their unique bond. One of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced was at a reception where the groom, a naturally gifted singer but quite shy, stepped out of his comfort zone in the most heartfelt way. His wife had always hoped he would sing for her on their special day, but he had openly shared how nervous he was and said it probably wouldn’t happen.

What the bride didn’t know was that the groom had secretly collaborated with the wedding band to prepare a song just for her. As the band was about to start their set, the bride was invited to the dance floor, only to be surprised by her husband singing the song he had practiced with the band. While his voice was incredible and had everyone captivated, the most touching moment came right after the song ended. You could see in her eyes how much it meant to her, knowing how much he had to overcome just to make that moment happen. Amid the cheers of friends and family, the private, heartfelt connection they shared in that instant—surrounded by love and celebration—was simply unforgettable.

Our specialty lies in creating a photography experience that feels natural, relaxed, and authentic. We want you to savor every moment of your special day, and a big part of that is ensuring you feel at ease in front of the camera, connected with your photographer, and confident that your priorities are understood. Forget stiff, posed shots—what couples truly want is imagery that feels real. We’ll guide you on how to look your best, both individually and as a couple, so that every photo reflects who you really are. You’ll not only have a photographer who puts you at ease but also a calming presence by your side throughout the day.

Our story began with a personal brand—Stephen Mayo Photography. Within just a few short years, the business grew beyond what I originally envisioned, and it felt like the right time to evolve into something that represented more than just my name. We wanted a name that truly reflected our core values, which led to the rebranding as Heritage House. This name holds deep meaning for us—it symbolizes the priceless value we provide to our couples by capturing and preserving their legacies. Documenting these personal moments is a privilege we hold dear, and we approach that responsibility with the utmost care and respect. 

Do you offer custom wedding albums?
Of course! We offer customized fine art wedding albums that are beautifully crafted to tell the story of your wedding. Our goal is to preserve your legacy and heritage.

Do you travel?
We are located in Long Island, New York but we will travel world wide. Some of our favorite destination locations are Santorini Greece, Tuscany Italy, and Maui Hawaii.

Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes, we do! Engagement sessions are a wonderful way to get comfortable in front of the camera and create beautiful memories leading up to your wedding. We traditionally hold our engagement sessions on Long Island or in New York City.

Is there flexibility in the location of my engagement session? 
Yes! It should be at a location that is important to you or that you like. We can definitely offer suggestions.

What areas do you serve?
We are based in Long Island, New York. We frequently photograph weddings in Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, and Westchester County. We do also travel worldwide for destination weddings. We love Europe, most specifically Greece and Italy!

My wife, Barbara, and I met in Kindergarten! We went to elementary, high school, and college together. We were married at 24, and now we have 3 amazing daughters. Both of us are musicians, and both of us enjoy fitness.

Our goal is to make every wedding a one-of-a-kind experience. Every couple has their own story, and we strive to capture that uniqueness. Even if we’ve worked in the same venue before, the people, the atmosphere, and the lighting give each event a fresh perspective. This allows us to see things differently and craft a story that’s truly yours. We want you to look at your wedding album and instantly be transported back to those special moments. What we offer goes beyond a service—we are dedicated to creating a meaningful experience and artwork that you can cherish now and take even greater pride in as you share it with future generations.