I feel lucky to have photographed as many precious wedding days as I did during 2020. While they all looked vastly different than their original plans, they were all incredibly beautiful and meaningful - almost more so than they were initially planned to be.
Michelle and Joe got married on a cool September day atop a hill overlooking the Hudson Valley at Red Maple Vineyard - the perfect setting for their intimate pandemic wedding.
THE COUPLE
Michelle and Joe are some of my very favorite people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. They are incredibly sweet with each other; when I asked if they would be willing to snuggle up for a photo on their wedding day, Michelle replied with, “Oh sure! We love to snuggle. We are big snugglers.” Can you even? 🥹
I love when couples are so open and authentic and accepting of who they are. No airs. No machismo. Just two comfortable snugglers, ready to get married with their closest family and friends.
THE VENUE
Red Maple Vineyard in Milton, NY is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of main roads, but easily accessible, and a lovely location. The ceremony space sits atop a hill that overlooks the valley, and is such a special and unique place to share your vows.
Although a big reception was not in the cards for Michelle and Joe’s wedding day, the reception space at Red Maple is large and open, with beautiful wood accents and a white wood ceiling. It feels rustic, but elevated. We spent some time there on Michelle and Joe’s wedding day, but mostly around one table - it felt like a sweet moment amongst the vastness that surrounded us, literally and figuratively.
THE DETAILS
Joe wore a green suit (my favorite color suit to see on a wedding day!), and Michelle wore a lace gown with a small flower crown. The florals were rustic-inspired, with hay sprigs and sunflowers stealing the show. The table for guests after the ceremony was set with succulents, each one lovingly potted by Michelle and her family.
My favorite detail? It was a tie between their pup Champ as the ringbearer and the custom lining of Joe’s suit, featuring a collage of photos of he and Michelle together over the years.
THE RECEPTION
As I mentioned before, the reception space at Red Maple is beautiful - it’s one of the main draws when couples book their wedding spaces there. Although the large room couldn’t be utilized in its full capacity on Michelle and Joe’s wedding day, it offered a lovely space for them to gather with their closest family and friends to celebrate their union.
There were speeches, and little dances, and it couldn’t have been more perfect on that sweet September day.
I think back on this day often, and feel immense gratitude, appreciation, and the warm fuzzies for being able to be there. It was such a good day, and these were such good people. I miss ‘em.
Wedding date: September 26, 2020
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