My wedding season typically begins in April with a few smaller events here and there, but then really kicks off in May, especially taking into account Memorial Day Weekend. While it’s nice to have the weekend off sometimes, I do love photographing weddings on this weekend, since everyone is already in a celebratory mood - it just feels even more exciting to add a wedding to the mix.

With that being said, both April and May often have potential for rainy and/or overcast days, and this wedding day in May showcased just that - it was overcast and slightly drizzly all day, but the beautiful thing was that it literally affected no one. No one mentioned the weather. No one complained about the drizzle. No one worried about the clouds. Everyone was still just as excited and happy to celebrate on this wedding day - and it was truthfully a dream to photograph in the even light that overcast weather offers.

THE COUPLE

I first met Jess and Ricky years ago when I photographed Jess’ younger sister’s New Year’s Eve house party wedding, although we didn’t get to talk much on that evening. So, chatting during the consultation felt both like a reunion and a new friendship beginning. Pretty magical, if you ask me.

Ricky and Jess spent two whole years planning their dream day, and their dedication to what they want in life in general has always stood out to me when I reminisce on my time with them. During their consultation, Jess said, “We do everything backwards - we had kids, then bought a house, and now we’re getting married.” It may have seemed backwards in the more “traditional” sense of starting a life together but considering the aforementioned dedication to planning, it only made sense to me. Just like everything else in their lives, they knew they wanted their wedding day to represent them fully, and they knew it would take time to plan, so they prioritized a long runway in order to be sure they had everything they desired. I imagine this is also how they prioritized buying a house, as well. 💕

THE WEDDING PARTY

It is rare that I have a wedding party dressed in formal black, but I have to tell you - it is always a delight when I do. Black is such a versatile shade on everyone, and a wedding party wearing all black seems to elevate the elegance of the wedding itself. And, looking at the photos, it was evident how gorgeous it truly was on this wedding party. The elegance of the black that was contrasted against the white bouquets was absolutely lovely.

THE VENUE

West Hills Country Club is one my favorite venues to photograph weddings. I can’t say enough good things about the grounds, the staff, and how well they take care of their couples. When I have a wedding at West Hills on the calendar, I always know it’s going to be a good day.

We were able to take photos of Jess and Ricky in several key places that I love on the grounds of the venue: the bridge (which was designed by the architects of the Brooklyn Bridge), the willow tree, and the path near the greenery on the way to the tree. These spots are fabulous because they are all so different, yet all close to each other and easy to get to - which is especially helpful when there is the threat of rain, like there was on this wedding day.

As of 2021, the willow tree on the West Hills Country Club grounds has been taken down, but since the grounds are so large and varied, there are still so many gorgeous places to take photos in its stead.

THE DETAILS

Like I mentioned before, the details for this wedding day were primarily black and white - a truly elevated and elegant choice for a wedding. However, there were also pops of neutrals and blush, which offered some softness against the elegance for a beautiful visual experience.

My favorite detail from Jess and Ricky’s wedding day was how they decorated their ceremony space. Instead of using traditional florals to decorate the arch and arbor, they hung beautiful white curtains and oversized paper flowers that Jess and her family had made themselves. I had never seen something like this on a wedding day, and haven’t seen anything since, but when I look back on the photos of the ceremony, I can’t help but think about how gorgeous that ceremony decor choice was.

For reception decor, they opted for white hydrangeas, which are some of my favorite flowers.

THE RECEPTION

I do love a good reception, especially when they’re held in draped tents. The draping at West Hills Country Club photographs so beautifully and dramatically behind the bodies swaying and moving to the music; reception photos at this venue are some of my favorites to deliver because of this.

I also just love receptions because of the true celebration showcased in them. After all of the formalities are done, then the true party begins, and the fact that we as humans take time out of our days to celebrate two people finding each other - well, I think that’s a beautiful thing.

Jess and Ricky, thank you for being a true joy to be around, photograph, and witness. I miss your day, and I adore you both.