When I think about Crystal and Joe, I think about their fun senses of humor, their smiles, their warmth. I think about Crystal’s adorable mom and sister, and Joe’s generous laugh. And I think about their beautiful West Hills Country Club wedding day on a perfect spring day with the breeze gently flowing through their ceremony space, smelling of flowers. I almost tear up when I remember it.

THE COUPLE

Crystal and Joe were together for about five years before they got engaged during a trip to Georgia. Both in helping professions (Joe is an EMT, and Crystal is a behavioral specialist), they are such a good team. They’re fun to be around, warm, friendly, and hosted a wedding that was so perfect for them that it is hard to think how it could have been any different - everything was exactly as it should have been that day.

THE VENUE

Crystal and Joe got married at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY - one of my favorite wedding venues. The grounds at West Hills are gorgeous for photos, and the outdoor ceremony space is one of the nicest I have ever seen. The tented reception space is also lovely, with beautiful fabric draping and tasteful (yet still pretty) chandeliers.

One of the best things about this tented space is that it can be both heated and air conditioned; it’s great to have those options in the Hudson Valley, where both the spring and fall months can have unpredictable weather.

Crystal and Joe were able to take couple portraits near the willow tree that has since been excavated (I won’t lie; I do miss that tree!), and they are some of my very favorite couple portraits ever.

THE DETAILS

Crystal and Joe’s wedding details were a gorgeous sight to behold, primarily due to the pink and blue tones that were showcased in their florals and in the bridesmaids’ dresses. I remember feeling SO excited to photograph everything together, because it all just coordinated so nicely! The lace detail on Crystal’s gown was also absolutely stunning. As you probably know, I’m a sucker for lace, and think it’s one of the prettiest options you can choose for wedding attire.

THE RECEPTION

Crystal and Joe’s reception was one of the first weddings in 2021 where people were able to really dance after the pandemic, and the joy that people felt in being able to celebrate together on the dancefloor was so evident in the moment and in the photos. It felt so exciting to be able to gather together again in a way that felt “normal,” and I’ll never take these moments for granted. They were so special, they felt almost breathtaking.

I don’t think there could have been a better couple to usher back in celebratory and packed dance floors at weddings than Crystal and Joe. Being able to celebrate with them and their amazing people felt like a gift that I will never be able to properly thank them for.

Crystal and Joe, I hope you know that you are some of the most darling people out there, and I think back on your wedding day often and fondly.

FROM THE COUPLE

I'm not sure how to put into words how special and talented Erica (Sweet Alice Photography) is. We just went through our gallery and are just so enamored by the incredible shots her and her second shooter got. Her style is so natural and beautiful, and the moments they captured will help us to remember our incredible day for years to come. From literally our first meeting, we knew we had met the perfect person not only to photograph one of the most important days of our lives, but also to go on the wedding planning journey with. She went above and beyond, between talking us through possibly postponing our wedding because of COVID, to sneaking my dress out of the bridal suite for pictures so my bridesmaids wouldn't see it! Erica was a support system for us which meant the world to us - we didn't have to stress ANYTHING when it came to photography. You WILL NOT be disappointed by booking with Sweet Alice Photography. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts.