Leslie and Billy’s October microwedding at a small bed and breakfast in the Hudson Valley is one that I think back on often. It feels so clear in my mind - like it just happened yesterday. I vividly remember the overcast skies and cool breeze; the bright colors of the foliage on the property; the smile Leslie greeted me with when I first arrived; the way Billy seemed to just link right up to Leslie for their photos; their cute families; the joy. All of the joy.
THE COUPLE
Leslie and Billy are the kind of couple that you instantly feel at ease around. They are warm, kind, friendly, and down-to-earth. They make you feel like you have known them forever even when you have only known them for a few minutes. They’re easy to talk to, and a pleasure to spend time with.
I watch Leslie’s Instagram stories often, and they are filled with little vignettes of their home life - candles burning on a cool morning, the curtains blowing in the breeze, books stacked neatly on a table in a cozy living room.
How she shares their life online is exactly how they feel as people in real life - cozy. Comforting. Home.
THE venue
Leslie and Billy hosted their microwedding at the Bykenhulle House in Hopewell Junction, NY, which has since closed (sadly). It was a perfect space for a small wedding - large enough to have varied options for photos outside, small enough to host an intimate party inside.
Leslie and Billy hosted a bigger celebration at the Hilton Pearl River in Hilton, NY a year after their microwedding, where we enjoyed a gorgeous September day with bright blue skies, warm sun, and ample space for photos - both inside and outside.
THE Details
Leslie and Billy chose classic dusty rose, white, and gold accents for their fall wedding day (colors that are appropriate for any time of year!), and they had such fun other little details - a donut station, gorgeous little cupcakes, mini hand sanitizers, and confetti for guests to throw as they announced their marriage. Leslie wore the same wedding dress for both her microwedding and larger celebration, but adjusted it slightly for each event by changing the details in the back. Billy wore a blue suit, which he looked absolutely dapper in. When I think about the style and intention that Leslie and Billy put into the details for their wedding, all I can think is: classy.
THE Reception
I didn’t photograph Leslie and Billy’s 2020 reception since not much dancing was to be had, but their reception in 2021 was pure elation. The excitement and joy on the dance floor was palpable - all anyone wanted to do was celebrate and party. Which all wedding day receptions should be like, in my opinion.
I saw Leslie by chance a few weeks ago, and seeing her big smile and warm spirit took me right back to her celebrations - it was the best feeling of nostalgia ever.
FROM THE COUPLE
Before I can even begin sharing about the amazing moments Erica captured, I have to share about who she is to us. She’s someone who is there for you every step of the way, always. She is someone who cares about her clients and she treats those clients like family. She is calm in the midst of the storm - our storm being the pandemic. Erica was part of our support system amid constant changes and difficult decisions. She called to make sure we were okay, sent sweet text messages checking in on us, and emails with the latest updates on regulations. She truly helped keep us leveled during so much uncertainty. And our family, they love her! She made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.
When we had to make the decision to postpone our wedding she was there to capture our elopement. She brought the same energy that she had throughout our engagement session. As the date got closer, she helped us with a timeline that was highly beneficial to me and the other vendors.
Our pictures, we LOVE them. From our engagement session to finally being able to celebrate on the dance floor she photographed moments we will cherish forever. She made my husband and I laugh and feel ourselves, and we see that every time we look at our wedding pictures. There was also something special about receiving the sneak peeks the next day. We were soaking up all the love we felt the day before, and to then wake up and see those moments captured was perfect. We cannot thank you enough!
HUdson Valley WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venues: Bykenhulle House, Hopewell Junction, NY (closed) and Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River, NY // Dress: David’s Bridal // Suit: Men’s Wearhouse // Hair and Makeup: La Belle Visage // Florals: Bed of Roses
Microwedding date: October 24, 2020 // Wedding date: September 25, 2021
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