Rachel and Rick's Epic Wedding at the Senate Garage, New York

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