I’ve photographed so many weddings at Hollow Brook Golf Club by now, but every single one never ceases to be different and magical in its own way. This venue just seems to call in the most endearing souls, surrounded by the best people. And this is exactly how I felt about Courtney and Steve’s wedding day there - they and their families and friends are just the most endearing and enjoyable people ever.

THE COUPLE

Courtney and Steve were high school sweethearts, and married several years after their graduation. They’re animal lovers, so I felt right at home with them. They are bright-hearted; spending time with them feels like spending time on vacation on a beach - warm, relaxed, and exciting. They’re up for anything, and never sweat the small stuff. It rained on their wedding day, but it didn’t bother them in slightest - they were more excited to get married to each other as soulmates than anything else that the rain could have put a damper on.

THE VENUE

Hollow Brook Golf Club is a charming venue in Cortlandt Manor, NY, on the border of Dutchess County and Westchester. Whenever I ask my clients why they chose this location for their wedding, they always note that they wanted a rustic feeling to their wedding without having to worry about all of the logistics of putting together an actual barn wedding. Although the ceremony and reception space is situated on a golf course, it does not feel like it is; it presents more as a warm and homey space rather than sterile or stuffy, as some country clubs tend to be.

Hollow Brook Golf Club is also one of the best locations to be getting married if you have a rainy day. There are a good handful of spots close to the venue that are protected from the rain, but still offer cute backdrops for photos. If you are courageous in inclement weather like Courtney and Steve were, there are also plenty of places to be outside where you won’t get soaked by the rain if you have an umbrella, but will still give the nature feeling that you will want from your images. Kind note to please be flexible and adventurous on your big day; your photos will thank you later, even if your attire and shoes get a little wet. 😊

For this wedding day, we took group photos in the covered ceremony space, and some of Courtney and Steve’s portraits on the covered front porch.

THE DETAILS

Courtney and Steve’s wedding day details were truthfully some of my favorite ever. While I am typically someone who gravitates toward bold colors, there was something so comforting and ethereal about the dusty rose, ivory, and gray color scheme that they chose. All of the colors and details just photographed so beautifully together. Courtney’s gown from the Wedding Embassy was also so unique and gorgeous, with its translucent lace train.

Special shout-out here to Courtney’s amazing mom, who was her biggest champion and cheerleader on her wedding day. This woman is a dear soul, and deserves all of the honorable mentions (she and I still keep in touch via Instagram, and I always feel so excited to see little messages pop up from her in my inbox 🥰).

THE RECEPTION

The sun came out for the end of Courtney and Steve’s wedding day, which you could see through the windows in the Hollow Brook Golf Club reception space - it felt like such a celebratory way for the weather to wink at us on such a meaningful day. Their dance floor was packed, and everyone’s vibe was so incredibly happy.

I left Courtney and Steve’s wedding day joyfully exhausted - as I leave most wedding days. These two souls are precious to me in every way, and amazing examples of the kind of individuals I always hope to work with - warm, flexible, compassionate, positive. They are simply the best of the best.

FROM THE COUPLE

“Erica is absolutely phenomenal! From beginning to end, she went above and beyond for us. She is incredibly thoughtful, starting with a welcome gift to a little pick-me-up right before our special day. She is professional, personable, kind, funny, and energetic. From our engagement session to our wedding day, she makes you feel like a model. All of our pictures were outstanding - they captured every moment possible. Better yet, we received them earlier than expected! All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to make us feel so incredibly special on a day that meant so much to us.”