Melanie may not know this, but she is one of my favorite people in the whole world. She is warm, kind, fun, patient, intelligent, and accomplished. She lights up every room she walks into, and I can’t help but think that the kids she teaches music to are beyond fortunate to be able to learn from her.
When she asked if I would photograph her quickly-planned microwedding to her love (military things, amirite), I couldn’t not be there. I said yes right away.
THE COUPLE
The benefit of knowing a couple before you photograph them is that you remember their milestones. You remember when they met. You remember when they started dating. You remember waiting to see how things would progress, and you wonder if you’ll get the ask to be a part of their precious wedding day.
The way Melanie and Elmer are together is effortless. Two sides of the same coin. Happiest with each other. Understanding of each other. It’s like they speak their own language together - that’s how in-sync they are.
THE VENUE
Melanie and Elmer got married at the Hudson House River Inn in Cold Spring, NY right on the Cold Spring waterfront. The indoor ceremony and dinner space was beautiful, with large windows that let in natural light. Melanie and her mom (one of the cutest people I have ever met) got ready at the Pig Hill Inn, a short walk or drive away from the wedding venue itself.
For family and couple portraits, this precious couple had access to the waterfront and nearby green areas, only a short walk from the venue. Even though this space is open to the public, there are usually so few people there that it almost feels like you have the entire area to yourself.
THE DETAILS
Smaller weddings usually have less focus on details…because what tends to be the biggest focus is the actual reason everyone has gathered together: the marriage itself. But, what Melanie and Elmer did put together for details were absolutely lovely. Melanie wore a simple white dress from David’s Bridal, and Elmer wore his military uniform. The florals they chose for both Melanie’s hair and her bouquet were colorful and summery - my favorite type of florals to photograph.
THE RECEPTION
Melanie and Elmer didn’t have a traditional reception with lots of dancing - just a first dance followed by dinner.
It was exactly what they wanted, and it was perfect.
I photograph sessions often in the Cold Spring area, and every time I am in there, I think of Melanie and Elmer. I think of their cuddles in the greenery, and the beautiful flower crown Melanie wore. I think of them twirling as they walked back to their venue, and the way they giggled together (while giggling at me).
I loved July 5, 2021. And I loved it because of them.
FROM THE COUPLE
“Planning our wedding was stressful enough, and Erica made everything fall together so easily. The calls leading up to the wedding helped calm my nerves and our wedding day was so much more amazing than we could have imagined! Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she thinks of all of the little details! She had a small fan for my mom and me while we waited for the ceremony to start. Also, my favorite part about the day was when she took me and my husband aside right after the ceremony and let us enjoy a few minutes alone together. She truly made our day so much more special and we can not thank her enough for that!”
House House River Inn Wedding Vendors
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Wedding Venue: Hudson House River Inn, Cold Spring, NY // Getting Ready Venue: Pig Hill Inn, Cold Spring, NY // Gown: David’s Bridal // Florals: Adams Fairacre Farms
Wedding date: July 5, 2021
Looking for a Hudson House River Inn wedding photographer? Send me a note so we can chat more about your big day!
