Jessica + Ashlin are famous once more! We’re thrilled to see their wedding photos and story published at the Best Hudson Valley Wedding Ever bridal blog! This beautiful actress and her dashing playwright husband provided all the things we love to see in a wedding day, not the least of which was their brilliant personalities that brought a rockin’ celebratory vibe to the event from beginning to end. Make sure you check out the story. And don’t forget to leave your comments and questions there for the couple enjoy!

More with Jessica + Ashlin.

Brooke + Dylan’s day started out with the threat of rain, which caused a little bit of anxiety. But when the time came to actually make the call for indoors or outdoors for the ceremony, Brooke’s instinct was on the same page with Dylan’s — OUTDOORS! Even though there were some light sprinkles at the time of the decision, we were so proud and happy to hear this (our readers know we love couples who simply GO FOR IT!) And wouldn’t you know it — once the ceremony started, the clouds parted, and we even saw rays of warm, welcoming sunshine peeking through the clouds. It was as if we’d special-ordered it just for them and their photos! We couldn’t have been happier for this awesome couple.

The complete gallery will be available soon in the “Boutique” area of our main website. Until then, we’d love to hear your comments below. And please be sure to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends!

• venue: Onteora Mountain House
• bridal attire: Mikaella
• floral design: Green Cottage
• hair: Brigette of Signature Braids
• catering: Blue Mountain Bistro
• cake: Pastry Garden
• stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
• music: Bill’s Toupee
• Honeymoon: Cap Jaluca, Anguilla
• More with Brooke + Dylan

When an actress and a playwright decide it’s time to wed, you know it’s going to be a story that will be remembered for a very, very long time to come. Each of them were excited and yet laid back at the same time. This was completely fitting because the ceremony took place in the heart of the very laid back but hip town of Woodstock, where love, peace, and friendship were definitely in the air. We couldn’t have been happier on this September day than to have joined this amazing and talented duo. We not only got to spend quality time with each of them separately and as a couple, but we also got to celebrate our own anniversary on this day with a little table for two at Onteora Mountain House, our very favorite Catskill venue. Their signature drink was a cool Dark ‘N Stormy, which helped refresh everyone during the humid but festive cocktail hour. We’re thrilled to have been a part of such a storybook day.  We couldn’t have scripted it better ourselves!

The complete gallery will be available soon in the “Boutique” area of our main website. Until then, we’d love to hear your comments below. And please be sure to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends!

• venue: Onteora Mountain House
• bridal attire: Jim Hjelm
• bridesmaids dresses: After Six
• floral design: Steven Bruce Design
• music: BOSS Systems
• hair: Courtney Benedetti
• makeup: Jennifer McCarthy at True Grace
• stationery: Minted
• catering: Blue Mountain Bistro
• More with Jessica + Ashlin

Julie + Greg blew us away! They’re a pair of genuine rockstars (no.. really… Julie performed with her rock band at her own wedding!). They thought of so many little ways to queue everyone in on the things they love and what this all-important day was all about. Even though we saw details galore, prepared with thought and handmade with obvious love and attention, things never looked or felt frantic or crammed in at the last minute. But all of those things pale in comparison to the overwhelming joy, high-octane energy, and loving consideration that Julie + Greg brought for one another. Their expression of their feelings, not only in their heartfelt vows, but also in their surprise song performances for one another, spoke volumes to everyone about their intense devotion. After a joyous final song, everyone was treated to a farewell table of homemade beer with Julie + Greg’s own custom label, a perfect way to end a spectacular day! We’re so glad to have been there to photograph this amazing day for them.

The complete gallery will be available soon in the “Boutique” area of our main website. Until then, we’d love to hear your comments below. And please be sure to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends!

• venue: Onteora Mountain House
• bridal attire: Christos + Diane B
• bridesmaids dresses: Watters & Watters
• floral design: Green Cottage
• hair + makeup: Dorothy Pretty Bird Bridal
• catering: Blue Mountain Bistro
• cake: Jane’s Ice Cream
• earrings: Ellie Rose Designs
• rings: Salt + Stone
• music: The Subscribers Foundation + DJ Gaza (74 Events)
• signature drink: Mint Julep
• honeymoon: Lake Sebago, Maine
• More with Julie & Greg

We have no doubt that everyone is anxiously awaiting the photos from Julie + Greg‘s gorgeous wedding in the mountains. We are busily preparing the photos, but wanted to give you a quick sneak peak at this rock star couple.

Keep your eye on this blog … lots more coming soon!!

More with Julie + Greg.

Rebekah + Harry’s dream day had finally arrived. Harry had the widest, happiest smile you’d ever want to see as he walked around the corner of the bridal suite to see Rebekah for the first time. She looked simply amazing! You could literally feel her joyful anticipation as she turned to see Harry during their private Reveal. It was only the beginning of this incredibly beautiful day, with so many fleeting but heartfelt moments to capture. We loved seeing her invitations, programs and place cards, which were each decorated with a hand-painted design inspired by one of our own photos of the uniquely beautiful view from the Onteora Mountain House. We had such a wonderful time with them that we’d repeat every moment of the day with them if we could.

The complete gallery will be available soon in the “Boutique” area of our main website. Until then, we’d love to hear your comments below. And please be sure to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends!

• venue: Onteora Mountain House
• bridal attire: Demetrios
• bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
• floral design: A Night in Bloom
• music: Hudson Valley Entertainment
• hair: Chelsea Harris, Salon 52 Hair Studio
• stationery: Momental Designs
• catering: Blue Mountain Bistro
• More with Rebekah + Harry.

“A beautiful actress and dashing playwright first laid eyes on one another in the theater” — it sounds like the beginning of a wonderful story, doesn’t it? Well, it was exactly that for each of us. We had a ridiculously enjoyable time with Jessica & Ashlin (she really IS an actress, and he really IS a playwright). They pretty much gave us cart blanche throughout our time with them. Putting them on stage to share a spotlight, both literally and figuratively, seemed the ideal way to get their photo shoot, and all we had to do afterward was watch them go! It was such a joy to spend this valuable time with them, and we’re especially eager for their approaching autumn wedding day at Onteora Mountain House.

More with Jessica + Ashlin.

Rebekah & Harry drew us immediately with their friendly and open personalities, and their deep love for photography sealed it for us. We simply had to photograph them! Their engagement photos were taken in Central Park and other portions of NYC, which was ideal for showing off not only their enjoyment of open spaces, but also their attachment to the beauty of New York City. Such a unique place for this marvelously unique and adorable couple. Inspired by Rebekah’s love of “Alice in Wonderland”, our time with them was especially fun and playful. We are so thrilled to be their photographers, and we can’t wait to join them for their autumn wedding at Onteora Mountain House.

More with Rebekah + Harry.

What could be better than to enjoy the autumn season in the Catskills of New York? And what better place to hold a wedding in the Catskills than at the Onteora Mountain House, with its breathtaking views over the scenic Esopus Valley! Erika & Mick couldn’t have chosen a better location and season for their wedding. Even the bumblebees were enjoying the flowers they’d found in the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets. There was a truly joyful spirit that filled the air as their friends and family celebrated with them and gave their whole-hearted support to the happy couple. It was such a privilege to be there with them to witness their union and capture all the emotion surrounding it.

The complete gallery will be available soon in the “Boutique” area of our main website. We’d love to hear your comments below. And please be sure to click the button to “Recommend” us to your friends!

• Venue: Onteora Mountain House
• Floral design: Steven Bruce Design
• Hair: Courtney Benedetti
• Music: Boss Systems
• More with Erika & Mick

Take one part Julie + one part Greg, throw in two shots of rock star, add a dash of romance, garnished with a whole lot of fun, then stir it in a Brooklyn shaker, and you get the most incredibly delicious drink — I mean engagement session — you’d ever ask for! Julie really does sing in a rock band, and Greg totally looks like he could, too! After joining this fun-loving couple near a little chocolate shop in DUMBO Brooklyn, we wound our way towards the magnificent blue Manhattan Bridge. The fun began immediately as they played and laughed together on the lawn, giving us total freedom to show off their utter uniqueness and completely cool vibe. We were probably the loudest little group in the park (there were at least two other groups taking photos, but they looked bored). Whether climbing fences, nearly taking a dip in the East River, enjoying an embrace while seated on a stoop, playing a guitar, or having a bit of fun boxing together — yes, I said boxing — these two are completely devoted to making one another happy. We’re even more eager to join them for their summer 2011 wedding at Onteora Mountain House.

More with Julie & Greg.

Michele & Matt put so much thought into their wedding plans and details. It’s no surprise to us that the site Best Hudson Valley Wedding Ever chose to feature their elegant wedding and celebration at Onteora Mountain House for the latest in their series of Real Weddings. Michele & Matt, you’re famous yet again! We’re so happy for you two.

It makes us feel great to get such enthusiastic words as we did from Michele & Matt. We just had to share it here.

Dear Jenni & Ulysses

How do we even begin to thank you for capturing our BIG day so elegantly? We love, love, LOVE your work – you’re just so talented! We could not ask for a more beautiful wedding album. Thank you for making us feel confident, comfortable, and plain old happy every step of the way. Jenni, your advice and prompt feedback throughout wedding planning was priceless! THANK YOU!

Love,
Michele & Matt

Michele & Matt, the honor was entirely ours. We hope we get to spend time like this again with you as your family grows.

Michele & Matt put a lot of thought into personal touches that were seen throughout their day. From the handmade invitations to the cookies and cards on the reception tables; from the purple & black argyle socks that the guys wore to the couple’s signature Purple Haze drink; from the beautifully framed family and engagement session photos to their guest sign-in book, there was so much colorful detail to be enjoyed.

Even if there had been no details at all, Michele & Matt would easily have been the attraction of the day. We loved seeing how beautifully emotive Michele was, and how connected Matt stayed with her. They served up one of our favorite first dances ever (these two definitely have skilz), energizing the crowd with how completely overjoyed they were just being together on the dance floor.

Michele & Matt, we’ve truly enjoyed each and every minute with you. Thank you so much for allowing us to spend the day with you. Your family and friends made us feel so included, and we also appreciate the very tasty meal.  It was a wonderful way to spend our anniversary weekend.

The full gallery will be available soon in the “Client Proofs” area of our main website. If you’d like to leave a comment here for the happy couple or for us, just click the “Comments” link immediately above this entry.

• Venue: Onteora Mountain House
• Dress:  Tara Keely
• Makeup & hair:  Jennifer McCarthy, True Grace Makeup
• DJ:Andrew, Enriquez Entertainment
• Live music: Lucky in Love DJ Productions
• Florist: Green Cottage
• Michele & Matt’s Engagement Session

(Click the image to see a larger version.)

Enjoy the following slideshow of teasers from their amazing wedding day!

Their complete wedding gallery will be posted soon in the “Client Proofs” section of our main website, so keep your browsers bookmarked to see their photos. Feel free to leave a comment for the happy couple, or for us, by clicking on the “Comments” link above.

• Dress:  Morilee
• Venue:  Onteora Mountain House
• Caterer: New World Home Cooking
• DJ: Frank of Boss Systems
• Shauna & Steve’s Engagement session
• Honeymoon: Panama

You’ve got to love it when you have a fabulous couple like Matt & Michele to photograph. We had a great relationship with them within minutes of meeting one another, so we knew from the very beginning that this was going to be a completely carefree photo session. They didn’t hold back in showing how they feel about one another. We were ecstatic over the many marvelous opportunities they gave us for beautiful photos.

Michele wore what I believe to be our very first polka dots of the season. Her fun, flirty dress and killer shoes were perfectly suited for her. Meanwhile, Matt sported a cool pair of shades and a great shirt (we noticed some nice cufflinks, too). He provided an ideal rock of loving support for his absolutely gorgeous fianceé. It was clear they were enjoying themselves, and that makes us extremely happy about this fantastic experience. We can’t wait to show them the resulting photos. And we’re very much looking forward to joining them for a beautiful wedding day at the amazing Onteora Mountain House.

The ceremony location at Onteora Mountain House absolutely takes my breath away, so we decided to give you a preview photo showing their ceremony while Ulysses is busily preparing the rest of the gallery. Isn’t it amazing??

Amanda and Jason, thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your lives, and for making us feel so welcome. You are warm and special people. Your entire gallery will be available soon in the “Client Proofs” section of our main site. Until then, enjoy this preview.

• Ceremony and reception venue: Onteora Mountain House
• Amanda’s gown: Casablanca
• Flowers: Green Cottage, High Falls, NY
• DJ: Boss Systems
• Amanda & Jason’s engagement photos

We talked throughout the entire session, getting to know one another better. Almost everyone feels nervous their first time working with a professional photographer, but these two were simply naturals. And that was key to their session — keeping a natural flow to things, while at the same time providing a bit of style and romance to their session. The time they invested with us was so well worth it, and we know they’re going to be thrilled by the results.

Since the Onteora Mountain House is one of our favorite venues to shoot, we’re really looking forward to their wedding. It’s going to be on a beautiful autumn day.

The complete gallery is going to be available soon. Keep your browsers pointed to the “Client Proofs” area of our main website. We hope to hear what you think by clicking on the “Comments” icon below.

(Click any image to see a larger version.)