They say weddings are normally only about the bride and groom, and although it is true, that this is their special day, Rachel and Rick effortlessly made this celebration so much about their families as well. Throughout the wedding day there were so many times when you could tell just how important family is to this down to earth and easy going couple. It was such a moving thing for me to see and document. 

Rachel was getting ready with a group of girlfriends, which included her mom and sister. They had rented the quaint Forsyth B&B for the wedding group to do their preparations. The bed and breakfast was a beautiful old building with unique lighting and decor which added a modern look to it. It had great lighting and was a really nice place to photograph in.

Upon meeting Rachel I could tell that her softness would come through beautifully in the images. She was stunning and her beautiful hand beaded dress gave her just the right classic look. Her earrings were a vintage heirloom that her mother had actually worn at her own wedding as well.

Although this couple swore that a first look was too corny for them to do, it worked out naturally to do an informal first look in the historic garden area of the Senate House State Park. We continued with portraits around the building and grounds. I think I can easily say that the portrait session was the least fun part of the day for this camera shy couple. But they were good sports and their silliness with each other made it a bit more bearable. On top of that, you can't even tell that they don't love getting their photo taken as they look like total naturals in the images.

Rick has a really special relationship with his grandparents and that could be seen throughout the wedding day. It was really important to him to get some good photos of all 4 of them together, and this one is just priceless. Right after taking the formal photos Rick played a prank on his grandmother, which is something he has been doing to her since he was little. He led his grandmother to their "seats" for the ceremony, and told her she would be sitting in the last row right behind a man wearing a big sombrero. She immediately knew what Rick was up to and a full hearted laugh broke out from everyone involved. 

Rick, Rachel and their family headed indoors for the signing of the Ketubah. The ceremony took place in the bridal suite of the Senate Garage, and all the family packed into the room to witness this special moment. 

Outside, just in front of the historic Senate House, the ceremony was set in place. A beautiful birch tree chuppah decorated with greenery was awaiting the couple for their wedding ceremony. Rick walked down with his family and then they turned and waited for Rachel and her family to walk down and meet them. Rachel's mom was trying to contain her emotions as they approached Rick's family who they all love so much. What I really loved about this processional is that when the two families met, Rick and Rachel each hugged one of the others parents instead of hugging each other, really meshing the two families together as one. 

After the ceremony the bride and groom stole away to a private room for some time alone together. Guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour in the Senate House outdoor garden area. The afternoon temperature was perfect and the evening couldn't have gone any better.

The reception was held inside the Senate Garage, a historic garage converted into an event room. The room boasts beautiful exposed brick walls and modern industrial lighting, the perfect location for a unique reception. 

The reception started with Rick's grandparents breaking the challah bread, followed by the newlyweds first dance and the most anticipated hora dance. 

After speeches which reiterated the importance of family to both Rachel and Rick they each shared a special dance with their prospective parents. Rick and his mom surprised everyone with a choreographed number to Uptown Funk which got the crowd cheering and on their feet. 

Rick and his buddies participated in a tradition where they all pass around a flask and take swigs from it, ending withe the new Mrs. taking the last sip. Rachel killed it in the badass picture below of her showing she can hang with the guys and keep up with the best of them. 

The beautiful lighting in the Senate Garage was impossible not to take advantage of. The couple left the party for a quick few minutes to get a few night portraits before heading back and kicking the dancing up to the next notch. 

The photo below was the very last photo I took, just at the end of the very last song for the evening. I think it sums up the awesomeness of the wedding, the party and this couple and the love everyone has for them in just one photo. Rachel is in there somewhere, being squeezed by all of the excitement. Just like it says in the title, this wedding was truly an epic day that will never be forgotten. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Senate Garage
Getting ready venue: The Forsyth B&B
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra O'Connel
Hair and Makeup: Beauty on Location
Videographer: Jonathan Cortizo
Officiant: Cantor Kathy Barr
Caterer: Bridge Creek
Florist: Petalos
DJ: DJ Chris Rose

I have been thinking about this blog post for over a month now. And even with that much time to think I am still sitting here writing, and erasing, and rewriting, because I can't seem to find the right words to express all of the love that I have for this beautiful couple and their families. 

I have known Rachel for as far back as I can remember. Growing up, her younger sister Emma, was my very best friend, actually probably my first best friend ever. Our families quickly became friends and we all just meshed together. Play-dates, long weekends and even vacations were shared between our two families. Rachel is like a big sister to me and her family like second family. Even after years of living far apart, I still felt just as welcomed as soon as I stepped into their house. 

Rachel was getting ready at her parents house with her mom and her sister. Most photographers would cringe hearing that the bride was getting ready at a house, as normally houses are cluttered, don't have great lighting and aren't very conducive to taking photos. But Jamie and Jay's house (Rachel's parents) is so beautifully designed and decorated, it was just perfect. The house looks like a bed and breakfast styled for a magazine. It sits right on the Hudson river with views of the Tappen Zee Bridge, and the big floor to ceiling windows flood the rooms with beautiful natural light. 

Rachel used her mom's pearl clutch from when her mom and dad married one another. Inside the clutch were the very same tissues that Jamie used for her wedding, as well as her seating chart. It was such an unexpected surprise.

Rachel's flowers were gorgeous. Oversized dahlia's with colors similar to a sunset were paired with green buds and ferns. She used a local florist and gave them pretty much free range to use whatever was in season. It was so beautiful and so different from the tropical flowers I am used to.

Bill and Rachel opted to do a first look and take all of their family and group photos before the ceremony. We also did the majority of their portraits as well, which left a lot of time for them to enjoy and mingle later on at the cocktail hour. The first look was done in the backyard of the house, where beautiful gardens were planted all along the sloping property. 

After family photos we continued with newlywed portraits of just Rachel and Bill. The couple even ventured out onto the sandy river shore for some beautiful photos. It was starting to get a little overcast and the rain began sprinkling just as we finished with portraits.

The light rain brought all the good luck it could, including a beautiful rainbow that was cast in front of the river. Once it brought its good luck for the wedding day it stopped as quickly as it had started and the outdoor ceremony was able to go on as planned.

The ceremony was held just a few minutes away at the C.V. Rich Mansion. A beautiful building complete with the perfect patio and backyard for an outdoor ceremony.

Rachel and Bill arrived early and patiently waited in the bridal suite while all the guests were ushered in. The ceremony was officiated by Jay, Rachel's father. He is a smooth talker and full of good jokes. He also happens to be a photographer and has his abstract photography displayed in a gallery in New York City. 

Rachel and Bill exchanged their own vows. Bill's unconventional vows kept a big smile on his bride's face, Rachel had a few jokes of her own as well. 

Immediately after the ceremony we took advantage of the last rays of light to get a few photos on the grounds of C.V. Rich. 

The cocktail hour was held in a few different rooms of the Mansion. Each room had its own appetizer station. In addition to that there were passed hors d'oeuvres that look good enough to make your mouth water. 

The reception was held in a large ballroom that was also part of the Mansion. Beautiful flowers of pale greens, pinks and cream adorned the tables. The couple was announced in and took to the dance floor for their first dance. They invited all of the couples to join them on the dance floor.

Speeches and toasts were made for the happy couple and dinner was served. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: C.V. Rich Mansion
Catering: Caperberry Events
Hair and Makeup: New York Bridal
DJ: BOK Music
Flowers: Festoon on Hudson

The day before this New York based couple tied the knot they treated their wedding party to a delicious brunch at Allswell pub and cafe. I was delighted to be invited to photograph their time together in this intimate setting.

Allswell, ends-well.

I had been excitedly awaiting the wedding of Sydney and Derek for what felt like forever. And when the day finally came they did not disappoint! Sydney and Derek married one another in one of the trendiest areas of Brooklyn: Williamsburg. The ceremony and reception were held at MyMoon, which is this little gem hidden in between industrial like buildings. It is a restaurant with a quaint garden area, just perfect for ceremonies. 

Sydney had contacted me about a year before her wedding. She was so sweet and enthused about her marriage to Derek, and about the wedding in general, it was just contagious. I met her on a trip to New York months before the wedding, and I could just see the excitement in her eyes. I think her excitement was not only contagious to me but to all of her friends and family that attended the wedding. Everyone there just seemed so extremely happy to be there and so happy for these two sweethearts to marry one another.

Sydney made her wedding day preparations at McCarren Hotel, just a few blocks away from MyMoon. The weather the entire week before had predicted thunder storms, but luckily we were blessed with a beautiful day full of sunshine. The girls had a view of the McCarren pool, which was a happening place on this hot summer day. 

Sydney's sister helped her get dressed in her delicate silk and lace wedding gown. Sydney looked absolutely stunning. 

The girls walked from the hotel to MyMoon and we stopped along the way to take a few photos. The light pinks and purples photographed beautifully together.

A large unique metal gate marks the spot of the MyMoon restaurant. I stepped off the New York City sidewalk into a cozy garden area with a rustic charm. The ceremony was held on their wooden deck, where Derek awaited his beautiful bride.

Immediately after the ceremony the couple was ushered indoors for a special moment with their closest family and friends. There they had a champagne toast to celebrate the special moment that had just taken place. Afterwards family photos and a cocktail hour proceeded.  

Before the reception started I took this self labeled "awkward" couple on a photoshoot around the MyMoon garden and street area. These two were nowhere near awkward and the photos show for it.

The restaurant area was setup for the reception, with purple orchids adorning every table. Speeches were given and a delicious dinner was served.

Weddings are such a fast flying day for the newlyweds. I remember my wedding going by in the blink of an eye. It was so sweet to see Sydney make time during this exciting day for a quite moment with her little niece. 

I could be wrong, but I have a feeling the cake was Derek's idea.

In Costa Rica we call this drink "Cucaracha" which is Cockroach in English. The idea is that the bartender lights the alcohol on fire and you have to suck it all up through the straw before the fire goes out. I saw this happening out of the corner of my eye and ran to try and get a photo before it was too late.

Just before I headed out for the evening I took Sydney and Derek outside to get some stunning night shots, and I am so happy I did!

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: MyMoon
Accommodations: McCarren Hotel
Hair & Makeup: Amy Cerasuolo
Officiant: Cara DeCostanzo
Cake: Cake Alchemy
Flowers: Opalia Flowers
DJ: Matt Lavanco

Manisha and Sri were married a few months ago in Pittsburgh with a very traditional 6-hour wedding ceremony. They wanted to have a second ceremony for their friends and family that lived in New York, and decided to do so on the beautiful grounds of the Montgomery Place. 

The Montgomery Place is an early 19th century estate that is now a National Historic Landmark.  As you can imagine it is a beautiful place for a wedding, with amazing landscaping throughout the grounds. 

This was my first Indian wedding and I was so excited as I think the culture around Indian weddings is so beautiful. After seeing all the different dresses worn, I now have a longing myself to wear one of these beautiful dresses. Hopefully when my sister and her long time boyfriend (who is Indian) get married I will have an excuse to wear one.

Manisha was getting ready at a nearby hotel with her family and friends. I just love the vibrant colors of her traditional sari and jewelry.

After getting ready we headed over to the Montgomery Place where the ceremony took place outside overlooking the mountains. I loved the subtle touches of marigold flowers in the ceremony decor, a vibrant flower traditionally used in Indian weddings.

Instead of taking all of their photos at once Manisha and Sri decided to take a few photos here and there throughout the evening. We started with some photos at the Mansion just after finishing the family photos. Then the couple joined their guests to finish the co​cktail hour with them. 

The reception was held under a large tent in front of the mansion. It was tastefully decorated with orange and yellow flowers and apples, giving it a feeling of fall harvest. I loved the honey sticks that were waiting for guests on their plates, such a unique idea. 

To kick off the reception Manisha's father gave a toast followed by a song. First dances were danced and then a traditional Indian Garba dan​ce. 

While guests began to enjoy their dinner, the couple and made our way over to the gardens to finish taking photos.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Montgomery Place
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra O'Connell 
Caterer: The Village Tea Room & Cinnamon
Florist: Shoving Leopard
DJ: Jordan Mathews
Rentals: Events Unlimited

Kristen and Philip had a beautiful, rustic wedding at the Duck Walk Vineyard in Long Island, New York, Needless to say there was no shortage of good wine at this wedding! I am from New York but have never been that far out on the island. Driving around (while stuck in traffic), I discovered just how beautiful it is! Kristen grew up in the area so it was fitting for friends and family to join the couple there to celebrate. 

Being a destination wedding photographer I normally don't meet my clients until the day of the wedding. This case was a little different as I met Kristen and Philip about a year before their wedding at their friends wedding in Costa Rica! It is funny how things worked out, but I am so happy that I was able to be a part of their special day. 

Kristen and Philip decided to have a late ceremony so we did a first look and took all of their portraits beforehand. It was just beautiful with the sun setting in the background. 

The ceremony was held on the edge of the vineyards at a beautiful gazebo. 

After the ceremony a cocktail hour was held outdoors on the patio. The sun had completely gone down by this point and it was beginning to get quite chilly. I had forgotten just how cold it got in October in New York, and had only brought sandals with me, which I regretted. 

The reception was held indoors. The newlyweds did a private cake cutting before welcoming the guests to join them for dinner.

After dinner dancing took place outside under the stars. It was really cold by this point but that didn't matter! Everyone kept warm by breaking a move. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Duck Walk Vineyard North
Officiant: Glenn Adone
Hair/Makeup: Kendra Martin
Cake: Swan Bakery
​Caterer: East End Events Catering
DJ: Matt Clennan
Band: Miles to Dayton
Favors: North Fork Chocolate Co., North Fork Chips, Really Good Fruit Spreads

Amanda and Anthony chose to get married on the peak weekend for fall foliage. The wedding took place at a stunning stone church on a hilltop in upstate New York. It was raining when we arrived to the church but stopped just in time for us to take some photos outside after the ceremony. 

I started the day at Amanda's parents house where she and her bridemaids were getting ready. I am unaware if Amanda is a model or not, but she looked SO stunning that she easily could be!

The church, like I said, was a beautiful stone structure. It was extremely dark inside except for the alter which was lit up. It had a very romantic and moody feel to it.

The reception was held at the White Wolf Lodge. The DJ really got the party going and made sure that the crowd had a fun time! 

Photography: Yours truly
Ceremony Venue: Cragsmoor Stone Church
Reception Venue: White Wolf Lodge
Hair Stylist: Melissa Tamulones
Makeup: Makeup Art by Bre Kali
Florist: Hearts and Flowers Florist
DJ: Right on Cue Productions
Cake: Homestyles Desserts Bakery

On a beautiful day in early September Christine and Doug had an intimate, low key wedding at Doug's parents house. It was the perfect location for their friends and family to celebrate the couple. I had very little communication with Christine before the wedding but that didn't matter, when I met her she was just so sweet and made me feel like we had known each other forever. Doug had this great calmness about him as he went around the house helping with last minute wedding day preparations. 

The ceremony was held on the back porch. Guests got cozy as they all gathered close, creating an intimate space for the couple to marry one another. The ceremony was a Zen Buddhist ceremony.

The newlyweds didn't want to venture far from their guests so for photos we just moved to the front yard. The house has a beautiful rock wall with greenery that worked perfectly. 

The reception was held under a tent in the backyard. It was beautifully decorated with pastel hued florals.

Since the weather cooperated the party moved from the tent for dancing to under the stars!  

At the end of the night Christine surprised her guests with a send off performance from a bagpipe player. It was such a great way to honor her Scottish heritage.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Private Residence
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordintor: Sandra O'Connel
Caterer: Jill Frieberg
DJ: DJ Wayne and DJ Jay
Florist: DIY
Officiant: Roshi Bohdin Kjolhede
Musician: Peter Lewy

Meimay, Ryan and their friends and family know how to party and know how to dance. Most of the time, at weddings, it is the younger crowd that tears up the dance floor while the "older" crowd sits around and watches. But Meimay and Ryan's wedding was anything but normal. The first ones on the dance floor were the more experienced, so to speak, and they kept up with the newlyweds and their friends the whole night.

Meimay and Ryan held their wedding at the historic Montgomery Place. Friends and family traveled from the city to spend the weekend in the area. It was the perfect day for a wedding, the sun shining and a bit of breeze.

The bride was getting ready at the famous Beekman Arms Inn in Rhinebeck, NY. It is actually the same place that Bill Clinton's daughter got married. One of my best friends growing up lived in Rhinbeck so it was nice to visit there again after so many years.

Ryan and Meimay decided to do a first look and take their family photos before the ceremony. The first look was done at the reflection pools at Montgomery Pla​ce.

The ceremony took place in the courtyard behind the estate. Meimay looked stunning as she walked down the aisle with her father,

After the ceremony we took a few photos around the main house before making our way to the gardens for photos.

The reception was held under a large tent. Beautiful autumn colored center pieces dressed the venue up. Meimay thoughtfully provided flip flops for her female guests who wanted to change out of their fancy shoes for dancing.

Photography: Yours Truly
​Venue: Montgomery Place
Venue: Beekman Arms Inn
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra O'Connel
Florist: Adams Fairacre Farm
Makeup: MakeupC by Marcy
Caterer: Hickory Smoke House
DJ: Charles Young
Rentals: Events Unlimited
Musicians: Paradies Ensemble

Caitlyn and Mark were married on the beautiful grounds of The Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortland, NY. It was a beautiful summer day in July, just right for an outdoor ceremony. The grounds of the golf course were perfectly manicured and made for beautiful photos.

I started my day with the getting ready photos at a nearby hotel. Caitlyn made my job easy as she had a radiant smile permanently on her face that day.

I headed next door to where Mark and his groomsmen were getting ready. They were having fun, joking around but still very much behaving themselves. 

After the majority of the wedding day preparations were done we all headed over to the golf club for the finishing touches. 

Mark and Caitlyn decided to do a first look, as to not take away from the time that they had with their family and friends at the reception. I just love Mark's expression of excitement when he sees his wife for the first time.

The ceremony took place on a terrace with a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains. I had forgotten how beautiful the mountains of New York are.

After a celebratory high five the couple and their guests headed off to start the party.

Photographer: Yours Truly
Venue: Hollow Brook Golf Club
DJ: Paris Creative
Hair: Kyra Tarquinio
Cake: Maya Zung
Flowers: DIY