As a wedding photographer in the Hudson Valley who has photographed hundreds of weddings by now, it is not often that I get to celebrate a marriage twice, on two different days, in two different seasons - but that wasn’t the case with Jenn and Chris, who hosted a ceremony at the Orange County Arboretum in April, and a reception at West Hills Country Club in October. It was the most joyous of joys to be able to spend two different days celebrating with these two souls, who are some of the warmest and cutest people around.

THE COUPLE

Jenn and Chris are both nurses - Jenn in a school, and Chris in an emergency room. Their kind bedside manner is evident in just who they are as individuals - I am 1000% certain that, when either of them are working with a patient, they are nothing less than supportive, warm, and positive. Jenn and Chris LOVE to spend time with one another, which was incredibly evident throughout the entirety of their wedding celebrations. Photographing their couple portraits felt especially cozy and enveloping - as if the air itself swirled their love around us.

THE VENUE

Jenn and Chris hosted their April ceremony at the Orange County Arboretum, which is a small park in Montgomery, NY. Although it is a smaller space, it really is beautiful, and I noticed that we weren’t the only ones photographing in that park on their wedding day - because it’s so gorgeous, of course it’s naturally a perfect location for any type of photography. Their ceremony was held on the stone path surrounded by fountains, near the visitor center; and we were able to take portraits amongst the blooming pink magnolias and multicolored tulips.

Their reception was hosted at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY, which is a favorite venue of mine to work at, primarily because of how large and varied the grounds are for portrait options, and how lovely the staff are there. We had lots of time and flexibility for their photos on this day, so we were able to really explore the grounds of the country club together, and take photos at some of the lesser known spots amongst the foliage, which is stunning in late October.

After all of their wedding days were said and done, Jenn sent me a text showing three different variations of a twirling photo from each time I had photographed them - their engagement session in January, their ceremony day in April, and their reception day in October. It was such a precious and thoughtful gesture, and such a gift to create and curate these moments alongside them.

THE DETAILS

Jenn and Chris weren’t big on the details for their wedding days, choosing instead to prioritize their love for each other and surrounding themselves with supportive family and friends over anything else. BUT, Jenn DID choose to wear a super cute bridal jumpsuit for the couple portraits on their celebration day in October, and that detail was the absolute most fun to photograph EVER.

THE RECEPTION

Jenn and Chris’ reception was pure joy, like most wedding receptions to be honest, but this day felt just a little bit more celebratory than some others. Everyone was tearily thrilled. Everyone was warm. It was evident that the people that Jenn and Chris surround themselves with are people who want the best for them always. The dance floor felt exciting, as most dance floors do, but also warm and inviting.

What a precious gift to have spent two full celebrations with two such wholehearted individuals. Jenn and Chris, how special you are to me, to everyone around you, and to the world.

Kind readers: Jenn is currently living with metastatic breast cancer. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @journeyofjenn, and can donate to support metastatic breast cancer research at METAvivor, one of Jenn’s research charities of choice.