Blue Hill at Stone Barns Wedding : Ashley & Chad : Pocantino Hills, NY
On May 5, 2018, Ashley & Chad held their wedding ceremony and reception at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantino Hills, NY. If you're a foodie, window sill farmer, or avid Hudson Valley day tripper, chances are you've at least dreamt about having your wedding at Blue Hill. Currently regarded as the 12th best restaurant in the entire world, the opportunity to experience this on your wedding day is something immensely unique. At Stone Barns you can have a large event in their barn, or a more intimate gathering utilizing the restaurant itself. Since the dining room is used exclusively for dinner service in the evening, Ashley & Chad opted to have a spritely morning wedding and luncheon. Awaiting the bridal party upon arrival was a simple arrangement of some baked goods and freshly cut pears. As they were surely the most perfectly ripe, meticulously grown pieces of fruit on the planet, I got a chuckle hearing a group of grown men remark at length over the joy they got from a single slice of pear. Ashley & Chad saw each other for the first time in the courtyard with morning sun streaming in. They were so enthusiastic to be together which made things flow effortlessly for their portrait session before the ceremony. When you get married in the morning, there is a special "freshness" and new start feeling to the day. It's romantic, but also exciting. Once the ceremony concluded, we were treated to a tremendously delicious lunch served by the very same people who would be tending to dinner service that evening. Everything ran seamlessly as such, and the meal was accented with heartfelt speeches. For my first time photographing a wedding at Blue Hill, I was blown away, and I hope to return again very soon. 
Wedding at the Roundhouse Beacon Falls : Veronica and Louis : Beacon, NY
Veronica and Louis were married on July 9th, with a ceremony and reception at Roundhouse Beacon Falls. Veronica was actually the sister of one of my old brides—Jennifer, who was married back in 2011 at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. It was an honor to be asked to photograph their family again, not to mention a joy to see Jennifer and Korey again, with not just one by two kids in tow! Watching couples expand from a family of two to three or more is one of the best parts of the job.
I was also excited about shooting at the Roundhouse, since I’ve wanted to visit it for years. I love the little town of Beacon, tucked about an hour up the Hudson River Valley from Manhattan, not to mention the venue itself. The ballroom has been made to feel rustic and industrial despite being a modern construction, and the bridal suite is stunning, with a large patio overlooking the waterfall just out front.
On the day of the wedding, Veronica got ready at the bridal suite with her young nieces. I loved how curious they were about the whole thing, and I’m sure they’ll remember looking on in awe as their aunt got ready! Veronica and Louis had opted not to have a first look as they wanted to preserve that moment of walking down the aisle. But that didn't mean Veronica wouldn't have a moment with her father as he came outside to see her all dressed up for the first time. That was my favorite image of the day, especially because you could see Veronica’s reflection in the window so that you can see both of their expressions.
The weather called for rain, so the ceremony was held inside in front of the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that pulled the outside in. As the sun came down, guests made their way outside for cocktail hour, and by the time they re-entered the ballroom, it was transformed for dinner!
The greatest thing about documenting this particular wedding was seeing the close family bonds that they share. There were so many grandparents as well as deep, loving relationships between parents and their children, and it was touching to witness.
Louis & Veronica, thank you for honoring me by letting me be part of your celebrations. And thank you to the Delahoz family for inviting me to photograph another family wedding.
Vendors
Caterer: Roundhouse
Florist: Frank's House of Flowers
DJ: Josh Torres
Cinematography: Frank Ahn Films
Wedding Gown: Rosa Clara
Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Pappell and Jenny Yoo
Makeup & Hair: Britt & Ellie