When I was photographing Paige and Zach’s portraits during their Hollow Brook Golf Club wedding day, I turned to Paige and remarked how she has just the most adorable smile - when she smiles, her whole face lights up in welcome. When I said that, Zach giggled and said, “That’s one of the reasons I’m marrying her!” And I think that sums up how they are together - supportive and cute.

THE COUPLE

Paige and Zach’s story begins with and continues to revolve around their love of dogs. They’re avid pup-lovers, and invited their adorable dogs to be a part of their wedding day - and taking portraits with them was one of the most exciting parts of the day. If I remember correctly, they also chose to get married on their dog Piper’s birthday, which was so precious.

THE VENUE

Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor, NY is one of my favorite and most-photographed venues. Being able to spend so many weddings there with so many wonderful people continues to be a highlight of my career. I could spend every day at Hollow Brook, and never be bored - it boasts such beautiful and varied scenery that no two sets of wedding photos there look the same.

A big benefit of getting married at Hollow Brook is that it is dog-friendly, so being able to take photos of Paige and Zach’s pups was no problem on their wedding day! Additionally, it has a covered porch out front, which can be used for photos during inclement weather - and which we took advantage of when an unexpected thunderstorm rolled through on this particular wedding day.

THE DETAILS

Paige and Zach chose neutrals as the basis of their wedding day color palette, with groomsmen wearing black and bridesmaids wearing champagne. They decorated in neutral hues accentuated by pale blues and pinks.

Their pups were also dressed up, with Piper wearing a pink tutu, and Reggie wearing a little tuxedo vest with a bow tie - the most perfect accessories for the most perfect pups.

THE RECEPTION

There aren’t often opportunities to have heartfelt conversations during receptions, but I was able to have one with Paige’s mom right after the toasts had wrapped up. I saw her watching her two children - Paige and her brother - interacting, and she was beaming with joy. She mentioned to me that they had overcome so much, and I reflected back that she must be so proud of them. And she teared up, looked me straight in the eye, and said, “I am - I really am, you have no idea.”

The reception moved forward as most receptions do, full of celebration and dancing, but when I think back on Paige and Zach’s party, this moment with her mom is what I remember most - so defining, and so wholesome.

July wedding days like Paige and Zach’s will always warm my heart.

FROM THE COUPLE

“Words seem inadequate to express the joy we felt after thoroughly immersing ourselves in every moment you captured from our wedding day. We’ve slowly managed to work through the gallery over the last couple of weeks and just finished the ceremony and reception photos, all of which were beautiful. Reliving our special day through your lens has been a beautifully emotional journey.

Your incredible talent and the way you caught every emotion, every laugh, and every secret glance has provided us with a timeless treasure that we’ll cherish forever. From our engagement shoot to our wedding day, you have not just been a photographer but a friend who has been part of some of the most important moments in our journey.

You made us feel comfortable, you provided calm in the moments of storm (quite literally in the bridal suite!), and most importantly, you understood us. Your thoughtful approach to ensuring Paige was comfortable, and your genuine excitement and happiness for our marriage, meant the world to both of us.

The sneak peeks you shared with us the day after the wedding have been circulated among our friends and family, and they’ve brought smiles to all who have seen them. Every frame tells a story, and we're so thankful you were there to narrate ours in such a beautiful way.

We also wanted to take a moment to appreciate Amanda, your assistant, who was absolutely wonderful. Her support and the lovely moments she captured didn’t go unnoticed.

While we'll be pouring over these photos for many years to come, we also look forward to the many life events ahead that we hope you will be part of. The connection we have with you is truly special, and we cannot imagine anyone else documenting our future milestones.

As we navigate through our first year of marriage, we will have the beautiful memories you’ve frozen in time to look back on. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for providing us with such a precious gift.

You're a special part of our story now, and we will forever be thankful for the moments you’ve captured and the friendship that has blossomed from them.

We can’t wait to see you again.”