Let’s reminisce about the West Hills Country Club wedding of Anna + Brian - because it was one of my favorites.

I believe one of the most generous things a wedding photographer can do is to treat every wedding as if it were brand new - because it really is, if we think about. Brand new to the couple. Brand new to the guests. Even though us wedding photographers capture dozens of weddings a year, that shouldn’t mean that we don’t capture every single one with heart eyes as if we had never seen a wedding before. To me, that is loving our clientfriends well; it is cherishing what they cherish, adoring what they adore, getting excited about what they are excited about.

This sense of importance also lives on in our memories. We get to become nostalgic about other people’s big days. We get to reminisce on various moments during the event. If we have a second photographer with us that day, we get to say to each other, “Remember this one’s wedding day?” ::sigh:: over coffee when we meet up during the slow months.

THE COUPLE

I know I say I love all my couples, but it’s true, and wholeheartedly not a lie, and it was no different with Anna + Brian. I first met them in a Starbucks on a warm day, and was immediately taken with how gorgeous Anna’s smile and spirit were, and how kind and adoring Brian was. Sitting across from them, drinking coffee and talking about photos was like communing with a star - bright and sparkling, spending time with them felt like spending time with the kindest of lights.

THE VENUE

Anna + Brian got married at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY on a warm July day. You all know my love for West Hills already, but allow me to share again - this venue is one of the absolute best in the Hudson Valley. Their reception tent is gorgeous, their ceremony space is beautiful, and the lush greenery that abounds on the grounds in July is a joy to photograph.

THE DETAILS

Anna + Brian chose a blue and yellow color scheme which was perfect for their July wedding. Their florals were blue hydrangeas (some of my fave flowers!), and their people wore shades of yellow. Anna’s gown was one of the most beautiful I have ever photographed, and turned me into a Kitty Chen fan for life.

THE RECEPTION

There is a special kind of joy that inhabits most receptions. All of the formalities are over, the pictures are wrapped up, and all that is then required is to CELEBRATE. Anna + Brian and their guests were great at celebrating. Watching them dance and sway the night away was a joy.

Anna + Brian, I think about you every July, and still feel so thankful that I got to join you on your wedding day those few years ago. ✨