I feel like I’ve known Nicole and Matt for ages now - maybe because I actually have, or maybe because they have always felt like kindred spirits to me, as if we have always been connected.

Nicole and Matt were one of the last of my pandemic postponements, and witnessing the way they navigated their change of plans with such grace, optimism, and humor (their new save-the-date featured a photo of them wearing masks and riding scooters - I remember because I thought it was so clever that I have it saved and featured on the love notes wall in my office) kept my heart afloat when things felt less than ideal. In 2020 and 2021, it was my clients’ sense of love, duty, and desire to protect those around them that brought my heart such joy and comfort.

THE COUPLE

Nicole and Matt are the best of the best. They have such an amazing sense of humor (as mentioned before), such down-to-earth attitudes, and such warm demeanors - you can’t help but want to find every way possible to extend any time spent with them.

Long before their wedding, we planned to photograph their engagement session at Mohonk Mountain House without realizing that the $28 fee to park was to leave your car at the bottom of the mountain (not the top) leading up to the resort, and then hike the almost two miles up. When we got there and realized our (my) error in planning, I offered to go to a different location. They decided not to, and we collectively hiked up to the resort - Nicole and Matt in their formalwear, and me with a heavy camera backpack on my back. We must have looked like some kind of bizarre band of travelers to all who passed us, and we were all definitely a little sweaty and winded when we reached the top, but their session was still incredibly fun, and even now, years later, I continue to feel like that impromptu hike was so worth it.

THE VENUE

I have mentioned West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY in a few of my other wedding blog posts. I find it to be one of the prettiest locations to host a wedding, with some of the kindest and warmest staff around. The grounds are a golf course, so they are immaculate, but they also provide so many different options for photos. The property is large, so you can always find a new spot to take portraits that hasn’t been used before. Even on days with less-than-ideal weather (a cold wind and a sky that threatened rain were a part of Nicole and Matt’s day), the grounds still provide stunning backdrops if you’re willing to brave it.

THE DETAILS

I won’t lie and say that the perfectly peak foliage wasn’t THE most beautiful detail of the day (I mean, the photos are clear proof), but, honestly, all of the details from Nicole and Matt’s wedding were just gorgeous. The bell sleeves on Nicole’s lace Madison James gown. The velvet on Matt’s suit (!!!), and loafers as his choice of footwear. The warm pink, wine, and black color palette for the wedding party. Everything was just absolutely stunning - the most ideal for a late October wedding day.

THE RECEPTION

I LOVED Nicole and Matt’s reception. Their parent dances and toasts were so beautifully heartfelt (the family and friends involved in these traditions were especially top notch people). Their guests were so incredibly happy. As I moved around the reception space, I just felt content and celebratory - because all of the people around me felt that way, too, and it just radiated from them.

I get to see these incredible souls again next year at Nicole’s brother’s upcoming wedding, and, like, HOW EXCITED AM I to spend 8 more beautiful, glorious hours with this incredible gift of a family?

Too excited, that’s how.

Nicole and Matt, you and your people are the most amazing. I hope we are always connected, forever and ever.