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