One of my favorite places in the whole world is Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY - it is especially one of my favorite places to photograph a wedding. Things feel simpler there. The air feels cooler and crisper. The days feel nostalgic even while you’re in the midst of living them. Getting back into your car after a wedding day there feels like a bubble bursting, as if getting back into your car is the first step back into a reality that is pretty ok, but may never feel as beautiful as staying at Mohonk just a little longer would.
It was the perfect venue for Sam and David’s sweet little microwedding.
THE COUPLE
Sam and David met in Washington, DC at a networking event that turned into a day-long date - they enjoyed each other’s company that much. They love the outdoors, spending time with their precious rescue pitbull pup, and spending time with each other. They got engaged at home during the pandemic without any pomp and circumstance. Everything about them is real and authentic.
Their story and their love is organic. You can feel it when you’re near them.
THE VENUE
Sam and David embody comfort and a sense of a breath of fresh air, so getting married at Mohonk Mountain House fit them perfectly. David also grew up visiting Mohonk every summer, and being able to get married there brought him such joy that day - you could see it on his face. As we adventured around the venue in the golf cart (and got a little lost, but we didn’t mind), David shared memories of his childhood at Mohonk that were so sweet and endearing. His main request for a photo was to go up to Copes Lookout, where the view is absolutely breathtaking, and you are able to see Sky Top Tower in the background.
In addition to taking photos at Copes Lookout, we also created beautiful images near the lake, alongside the Mohonk Mountain House itself, and by the wooden structure draped in wisteria, blooming gorgeously during that time of year.
THE DETAILS
Sam and David enjoyed a simple, non-fussy day, and so the only details that mattered were the ones near and dear to their hearts and personhood. They signed a beautiful ketubah during a lovely ceremony that included family and friends prior to the ceremony. They got married in a combined Jewish and Christian ceremony under arches dressed in springtime florals. The only real “detail-y” thing was the colors of their flowers - a pretty combination of peach and white.
The details for Sam and David’s wedding day weren’t typical in that they were material - every single one was simply soulful.
THE RECEPTION
Sam and David didn’t host a traditional reception - just a cocktail hour and family dinner after. I didn’t get to photograph it, but I’m sure it was beautiful and everything they wanted from their sweet and intentional day.
I drive by the road to get to Mohonk often on my journeys around the Hudson Valley, and every time I pass that road, I remember Sam and David and their precious springtime wedding there. It’s a memory that always brings me joy.
FROM THE COUPLE
“There are so many great photographers in the Hudson Valley region, but Erica and her assistant made our wedding day so special. It was a “micro” wedding but they understood well after just a few discussions on Zoom what we wanted for our day. Erica was willing to ride all over the resort in a golf cart with us just to get the right shots, and was our number one cheerleader the whole time! We got a sneak peek the next day and we were floored by what she captured. She made the whole process as easy as can be and was an absolute delight to work with!”
Mohonk Mountain House WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY // Hair and Makeup: Spa at Mohonk Mountain House // Videography: Pioneer Media
Wedding date: May 21, 2021
Looking for a Mohonk Mountain House wedding photographer? Send me a note so we can chat more about your big day!
