2021 was filled with both new and rescheduled weddings, and Rebecca and Tom were one of those precious pandemic reschedules. I have such a soft spot for the couples who walked through this strange time; although the crisis of the pandemic affected so much in so many ways, the requirement of having to postpone a wedding felt so heavy - no one feels good when dreams are deferred. Originally planning to get married in October 2020, Rebecca and Tom changed their plans to September 2021, and while I am sure it was disappointing to shift gears, their September wedding date left nothing to be desired. The weather was stunning, the golden hour was so dreamy, and the colors of the early fall in the Hudson Valley were just a joy to photograph.

THE COUPLE

Rebecca and Tom first met through mutual friends at a Halloween party several years before their wedding. When they filled out their inquiry form, they noted that they had “been together ever since,” after that first party meeting. I hear this phrasing a lot, and I think it is so dear - it has an air of completion to it, like the path is now filled in because the two are now together.

Rebecca and Tom’s couple portraits are some of my favorites - we really got to enjoy the venue’s space together, and prioritized taking photos in all of the lush greenery that the space provides. The large tree near the reception space had my heart that day, and it played host to what I believe are some of the most beautiful moments documented on their wedding day.

THE VENUE

Rebecca and Tom live in New York City, and chose to get married at Red Maple Vineyard because they love how beautiful the Hudson Valley is (and I have to agree). Red Maple Vineyard is an excellent choice of wedding venue if you really want to highlight how absolutely stunning the local area is. You get the best of the Hudson Valley at this venue - a gorgeous ceremony location that overlooks the valley, beautiful vineyard grounds to take portraits in, and a stunning reception location that is rustic yet clean and modern. Visually, it’s the best of the Hudson Valley, tucked into a private hillside.

THE DETAILS

Rebecca and Tom chose clean and natural whites, pinks, and greens to accent their day, and compliment the grays and dark blues that the wedding party wore. Tom also wore a gray suit, and Rebecca wore a beautiful lace gown that perfectly matched the aesthetic of their day. Their table decor was simple, with eucalyptus garlands running the length of some of the tables, and small floral arrangements adorning each spot.

THE RECEPTION

I love, love, love receptions - once all of the formalities and portraits are done, this is when people let loose, and I just love to see it. All of the drinking and dancing and chaos - it’s so much fun to photograph. And Rebecca and Tom’s reception was just that: dancing, drinking, joy, chaos, and happiness. Pure happiness.