In 2020, I photographed exactly one (one!) “traditional” wedding, held at Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt, NY. A traditional wedding like this one during the pandemic looked like a guest list of less than 50 people, submitting COVID test results prior to arriving to the venue, always being 6 feet away from everyone, and a first dance being the only allowable dance on the dancefloor. Times were weird.

We missed out on a lot that year, but we also gained so much: gratefulness for the little that could be done to celebrate weddings, perspective into what really mattered, grace for all involved.

Stephanie and Sean’s wedding was important and precious in all of the right ways - in spite of (and maybe even because of) the pandemic.

THE COUPLE

Stephanie and Sean are easygoing and kind. They have a natural and comfortable love for each other, which is incredibly evident in their interactions together. They love the outdoors, and spending time with their pup, Riley, who joined us for their engagement session prior to the wedding.

They’re good souls who radiate warmth. Spending this day with them was a gift.

THE VENUE

Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt, NY is basically my home away from home during most wedding seasons. It’s one of my very favorite venues, and so special in that it makes everyone feel at ease as soon as you walk onto the property. It is well-maintained, but homey; a golf club, but the options for photos are vast and various. The staff are incredible.

It’s a normal occurrence for me to walk to my car after a Hollow Brook wedding, sigh, and think to myself: Today was a good day.

THE DETAILS

The details for this Hollow Brook Golf Club wedding were semiformal, and classic. A navy blue suit with black lapels for Sean. A lace gown for Stephanie. The florals were white and blush. The bridesmaids wore a rich mauve; the groomsmen matched Sean’s attire.

The fact that we were able to be together in such a meaningful way was the best detail of all.

THE RECEPTION

Hollow Brook has one of the prettiest reception spaces that includes big windows with dark wood walls, and so it’s not difficult to dress it up. Stephanie and Sean chose navy blue and white accents, with light blue, blush, and white florals in planter boxes on the tables, and a little hand sanitizer bottle at each place setting.

This wedding was a precious one. I don’t miss the pandemic (who does???), but I miss sweet little days like this.

From the couple

Hiring Erica as our photographer is one of the best decisions we have ever made. She is an amazing person and an even better photographer. Our wedding pictures came out better than we could have imagined. She made working with her feel effortless. When we were nervous to take pictures for our engagement shoot, she made us feel relaxed and comfortable.

We had to move our wedding due to the pandemic and Erica was nothing but flexible and supportive. Her knowledge of the wedding industry is invaluable and came in handy as we navigated the uncertainty around our wedding.

A kind and thoughtful person, you can feel the love Erica puts into every detail of her work. We feel blessed that she was a part of our wedding and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer.