I vividly remember the first time I met with Erika and Brian to discuss photographing their wedding at Bear Brook Valley. They were sitting together at their home on Zoom, cozy and cuddling while talking to me. Erika was all excitement and celebration, and Brian was happily her teammate. As soon as I got off my call with them, I knew they were my people.

THE COUPLE

Erika and Brian met through Erika’s sister several years ago, and were engaged on Thanksgiving in 2018. They are so effortless together - like two peas in a pod, although they are both very different from each other. Erika likes to chat (like me), while Brian is a little quieter. Brian has a dry sense of humor, while Erika is loud and vivacious with her laughter.

Something beautiful that has always struck me about Erika and Brian is their sense of family. They are old souls in the way they value their time together, and with other family members. Erika is deeply connected to her mom and sister especially, who join and cheerlead her in all of her events. Photographing their engagement session was a family affair, with her mom and sister happily adventuring with us to help us execute the vision for their engagement session.

While having an entourage at an engagement session can be hard to manage and not something I wouldn’t generally recommend as a photographer (the more personalities, the more opinions, you know?), spending time with Erika’s mom and sister during the engagement session was honestly such a fun experience, and all I feel is warmth when I think back on it.

When Erika and Brian first contracted with me, their wedding date was in 2020…and y’all know how that went. So, I photographed their engagement in 2019, then their sweet COVID elopement in the Catskills in 2020, and then finally their big wedding at Bear Brook Valley in 2021. Journeying with them throughout all of these important moments (as odd as it felt during that time, in general) was precious - by the time their 2021 wedding rolled around, I had known and worked with them for years. How special is that?

THE venue

Bear Brook Valley is an absolutely stunning venue. I hadn’t photographed there prior to Erika and Brian’s wedding, but found myself quickly enamored and impressed with both the grounds, the reception hall, and the organization of the staff. Bear Brook Valley isn’t difficult to traverse, but has so many options for photos both inside and outside. Inside, the rustic reception hall and wedding suite are gorgeous and light, with big windows and bright walls. Outside, you have access to wooded areas, a pond, a vineyard, a swing, a bridge - and so many other little spots that are just beautiful to have as a backdrop.

Bear Brook Valley is also nestled in a neighborhood setting, which lends itself to more of a comfortable and homey environment than other venues. And, it plays host to absolutely beautiful sunsets - perfect for romantic end-of-day wedding photos.

THE DETAILS

The details for Erika and Brian’s wedding were all warmth and homespun vibes to play into both the time of year, as well as the elevated rustic feel of the venue. The floral arrangements included pops of yellow, orange, and pink, while being held together with twine. There were subtle hints of rose gold and warm cream tones to everything that brought the wedding together, and the reception tables had some of the most elaborate and unique centerpieces I have ever seen.

One of my very favorite details was how Erika honored her late dad in what she put together for her wedding day. His picture on her bouquet pin was my favorite.

THE reception

These sweet souls were still being careful as the pandemic was starting to take more of a backseat, so they had wristbands available for guests to wear at the reception to let people know their people-proximity comfort level - I thought this was so kind and clever. Regardless, so many guests danced, celebrated, and just enjoyed this wedding. I know I say this a lot, but as the pandemic was beginning to wind down, I found myself more and more awestruck by people at weddings - their ability to come together and celebrate was a gift to witness for so many weddings that year especially.

Erika and Brian, I will never get over how absolutely wonderful and amazing you and your family are. The world is so lucky to have you in it.

FROM THE COUPLE

“Where do I even begin!? Erica was the perfect photographer for not only one of our wedding days, but TWO! My husband loves her and so do both of our families.

From our first Zoom call, I knew I wanted her to photograph our wedding, and my husband felt the same. We booked her on the spot and actually chose our delayed 2021 wedding date based on her availability. It was so important for us to keep her as a vendor for our large wedding reception because she became so meaningful to us and special in our lives!

Erica is responsive, supportive, kind, gracious, knowledgeable and truly just a great human all around. It is hard not to like her, and it's hard to find vendors like her.

Okay, okay... you're probably thinking, 'What about the pictures?' The pictures are PHENOMENAL! She tells you how to pose, which to most people can feel awkward, but she makes it feel so natural and makes you laugh, so that these poses don't feel strange to anyone. My husband hates taking pictures, and she was able to capture some of the best pictures of him and I together. She captured beautiful sunset photos from our wedding day.

In addition, Erica brought another photographer on our wedding day who was just as sweet and nice as she was! They were both extremely knowledgeable regarding poses, lighting, etc. and it really made for some great pictures!

We have loved every picture Erica has taken of us from our engagement photos to our elopement pictures and, ultimately, our wedding day photos. Even if you feel insecure about something while she's taking your photos, I can GUARANTEE that your photos will come out beautiful. Erica knows what she's doing behind the lens and she is phenomenal at what she does.

I can guarantee that if you choose her for your wedding day, you will not be disappointed. Not only will you gain a vendor for your wedding day, but I promise you'll gain a friend in the process! I was sad on our wedding day because I knew it would be the end of our journey with Erica. Erica, we love you and hope that our paths cross again in the near future! We cannot thank you enough for everything!!”