As a seasoned (14+ years, y’all!) photographer in the Hudson Valley, I get to photograph so many wonderful weddings in beautiful locations, and The Garrison is one of those beautiful locations. Tara and Dylan chose to get married here because they love the beauty and simplicity of nature, and the grounds at The Garrison provide exactly that - beauty and simplicity, surrounded by gorgeous greenery.

We were so lucky with the beautiful weather on Tara and Dylan’s wedding day - the sun was shining, the air was warm, and even though it had rained the day before (and we had to strategically avoid some puddles), it didn’t hamper any documentation of their gorgeous day.

THE COUPLE

Tara and Dylan have been together for years, and are just the most comfortable of people around each other. They laugh and share warm moments. They are two peas in a pod, and mindful of everyone around them. They love their friends and family fiercely. One of my favorite memories from their day is driving on a golf cart to their portrait location (we drive golf carts a lot on wedding days; who would have known?!), knowing the warm breeze was enveloping them as they ate some cocktail hour snacks and shared light celebratory conversations about being so freshly married. Those types of moments are magic, friends.

THE VENUE

The Garrison calls in to individuals who want to have a wedding that feels like it is in the mountains, but is not completely remote. It is situated on a now-unused golf course with overgrown greenery and mountains in view, but is so easy to get to from both the Hudson Valley and the NYC area. One of the prettiest parts of The Garrison is its unique reception room, which features tons of windows to let in daylight (it’s absolutely gorgeous during sunset), and a wooden floor as opposed to carpet.

THE DETAILS

Tara and Dylan chose simple details that emphasized how special their love of nature and their venue was for them. The illustration inside their invitation envelope was a hand-drawn image of the ceremony space at The Garrison, and they chose other decorative elements that highlighted their love of nature, with white florals and leafy greenery.

THE RECEPTION

Tara and Dylan’s reception was so fun, as most receptions are. I think it was especially heartwarming to know that their DJ had been friends with Dylan’s family for years - it almost felt like a little homecoming for everyone in the room to be together that evening.

When I think of perfect June days, I think of Tara, Dylan, and their warm and beautiful wedding.

FROM THE COUPLE

“It is obvious that Erica's work is stunning, but she is also an amazing person to work with!! From the first meeting, she made everything feel so effortless and easy. She is so kind and personable, and made us feel so comfortable throughout the process. The wedding day can be so hectic but she kept things fun and light-hearted. The photos we received were amazing! I was shocked to wake up to sneak peeks so quickly after the wedding, and it was the best surprise. I felt like our wedding was a fairytale, and Erica captured that feeling perfectly! Picking vendors can be tough but this was an easy one, and I am so glad we went with the best! We are so thankful for you, Erica!”