I first meet most of my couples via a half-hour Zoom chat in which we get to know each other, and discuss any wedding questions before deciding whether or not we will be able to work together. I often remember these Zoom meetings vividly - I like to be incredibly locked in to these conversations, no distractions, bright-eyed and eager to hear about and meet the two new souls in front of me so that I can retain a mental picture for our journey ahead together.

When I first met Katelyn and Nick, I was struck by how sweet and kind they seemed on camera. They were no fuss, and just incredibly confident in their love for one another, and comfortable in each other’s company. People like them are my favorite to photograph because there are no overarching expectations for their wedding day except to celebrate their love, and that freedom brings a lightness to the day for everyone involved.

THE COUPLE

Katelyn and Nick met in high school, but didn’t reconnect as a couple until after their graduation. They are introverts who understand each other innately, and see the world with sentimentality. They love being outdoors, and spending time in Maine. I got to spend a few minutes on their wedding day speaking with Katelyn’s adorable dad (who also shared one of the cutest "first look with dad” moments I’ve ever seen), who told me me all about his property in Maine that overlooks the water, where Katelyn and Nick often visit as their happy place.

When Nick saw Katelyn walk down the aisle, he brought his hand to his face, covering his mouth in his emotion. His tears were so sweet, and he was just so excited to be marrying his person.

THE VENUE

Copake Country Club in Craryville, NY is tucked away in a somewhat residential area, and just a dream of a venue. The indoor restaurant space (open to the public on most days) was perfect to host Katelyn and Nick’s microwedding, but the venue also boasts a large tent for bigger weddings in warmer weather. The grounds are beautiful, with rolling golf course hills, and a more rustic feel to the space, with gravel paths and lots of lovely trees, than a lot of other country clubs offer.

THE DETAILS

Katelyn and Nick didn’t focus too much on the details, choosing instead to focus on their marriage over the day’s aesthetic. However, they did employ a winter and slightly Christmas-like theme to their decor, and Katelyn’s dress was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen, with lots of lace and a gorgeous train. They also had wood flowers, which was a unique touch.

THE RECEPTION

Because Katelyn and Nick’s day was a microwedding, their reception primarily consisted of a darling sit-down dinner. While I didn’t stay for this time of the day, I have no doubt it was full of all of the good vibes and sweet moments - it couldn’t not have been because they and their families were such joys.

Katelyn and Nick’s wedding was two hours of bliss for me. I’m sure it was for them, too.

FROM THE COUPLE

“Just received the sneak peak of our wedding pictures the day after our wedding! Erica is an amazing photographer, and an overall amazing and wholesome person to work with! She made two people who hate getting pictures taken feel super comfortable in front of a camera, and I can’t want to see all of the pictures she has taken! She will always be my go-to photographer and I’ll recommend her to anyone I can!”