I drive by Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie, NY often - usually, on my way to eat tex mex or shop at our local department stores. But not one day goes by that I drive by and don’t think about Mary and Tom’s January wedding there. The weather was cold, but not unbearable. The indoor reception space was decorated in one of the most beautiful ways I’ve ever seen. The families were literally the most endearing families, and I wanted to hug each and every one of them. This wedding day felt like walking into your happy childhood home on a holiday morning.

THE COUPLE

Mary and Tom are adventurers in every sense of the word. They travel frequently, and work in land conservation. They are joyfully and unapologetically themselves; choosing to use a photo of their camper van on their save-the-date card instead of anything more traditional. They are an amazing pair. Comfortable and kind with each other. Aware of the people around them, and aware of one another. They speak in hushed and sweet tones with each other, but laugh eagerly and loudly. They’re obsessed with each other, and you can recognize it from the moment you meet them.

THE VENUE

Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, NY is such a gorgeous little hidden gem. Located on a main road, you would never know that walking through the gates would transport you onto the most beautiful and tranquil estate. It’s a perfect spot to host a wedding.

Locust Grove has a beautiful indoor space for your winter ceremony and reception, but if you host your wedding there in the warmer months, there is no shortage of spaces to plan your ceremony outside, as well. Additionally, there is a beautiful outdoor location for cocktail hour, offering a sense of garden romance that not every venue can offer.

Even in colder months, the grounds of Locust Grove offer stunning backdrops for photos, with its evergreens and mown garden. It’s a special place.

THE DETAILS

Mary and Tom’s reception decor was some of my most favorite ever. Because of their deep love for adventure and the outdoors, their tablescapes were filled with natural and DIY elements, in addition to the trees (whole trees!) they used for both their ceremony and reception. Of course, they had other elements that were important to them (like their wooden rings and signed skis), but their indoor decor really was the highlight.

THE RECEPTION

Mary and Tom’s reception was all heart. Darling speeches from dear parents. Tears from brothers. Hugs from siblings. Offering homemade mini desserts instead of anything more traditional.

It’s a gift that I get to drive by Locust Grove almost daily, because it brings back such good memories of this good day with these good people.

FROM THE COUPLE

“Oh gosh, where do we begin? Tom and I had the greatest experience working with Erica. From our first video chat, it was obvious she loves what she does and really cares about her client-friends. I felt so close to her throughout the wedding planning process. Since this was my first wedding and I had no practice throwing this kind of event before, Erica was my north star. Her contribution to the day extended beyond the scope of just photography. She helped us put together our timeline, answer all of our questions, and really got to know us. We couldn't arrange an engagement shoot due to my and my husband's schedule, so Erica was thoughtful in getting to know us remotely so that things felt easy on our wedding day.

Before we knew it, the day had come and I was honestly so excited for her to arrive at our Airbnb. When she arrived I wanted to sit and chat over a cup of coffee, but she got straight to it, captured the entire day, helped us set up our first look, and was so easy to work with. We thought we were camera shy and would be uncomfortable doing our portraits. But when it came to it, Erica and her second photographer, made us look and feel good. They were so sweet, listened to our apprehensions and fears, and eased them all. They both coached us with a gentle hand into our photos and, boy, do we look freaking good!!

The Sweet Alice team was so great with our families; they were truly a joy to work with. We dragged our loved ones outside in January to get some nature photos, and Erica helped them stay warm (she brought hand warmers for everyone!), reminded people to stand tall in the cold, and helped get the shot quickly so folks could get back inside. After our family photos, we wanted the rest of our event to feel less posed and more candid. Erica and Debbie were incredible, never asked for a posed shot, but I'm sure captured the rest of the day beautifully. We are so excited for the gallery to come. There has not been a day since the wedding when my husband and I haven't gushed over the sneak peek photos. She really cares about people.”