THE STORY
When I think about good days, Jamie + Fern’s wedding day is one of my favorites. I am consistently blessed with amazing clients, and Jamie + Fern were no exception. 💕

Like most weddings I photograph, I reminisce on their wedding day often. When I walked into the suite where Jamie was getting ready, and she said, “Erica, it’s RAINING,” I shrugged and said, “Yeah, it is,” because I knew rain never makes for bad pictures - it just adds a little bit more to the logistics. Truthfully, the overcast skies and slight drizzle gave the wedding a feeling of being enveloped; it was like the gray gathered us together and offered us the opportunity to put a magnifying glass on all of the love involved in the day.

Jamie + Fern’s first look was one of the absolute best. The joy, the tears, the excitement, the thrill. There was so much offered and documented in those short moments - their hearts for each other were on full display. And that display didn’t stop for the entire day. It was like they were turned inside out; they were fully in love, fully committed, and fully immersed in the wedding day and what it stood for.

THE COUPLE
As I get older, I realize my memory is not what it once was, but I will say that I vividly remember most wedding consultations and wedding days. I feel blessed by this. To be able to easily recall a couple’s journey with me is a gift, and I remain in awe that I am able to consider so many wedding days as special moments to reminisce on in my mind’s eye. There are often days where I will see one of my teammates, and we will say to each other, “Remember ::insert couple’s name here:: wedding day? That was such a good day.” Sigh.

Although Jamie + Fern inquired with me over four years ago now, I still remember their consultation clearly. They were jovial and funny, sarcastic but warm. Jamie told me how Fern likes to be called “Nando Savage,” and they emphasized how silly, fun, and laid back they are. (And that was no lie; we photographed their engagement session at Playland in Rye, NY). I couldn’t get over how absolutely enjoyable they were to converse with. Their presence made me feel safe and included.

When I think back to spending time with Jamie + Fern, I think about how they are perfectly balanced. They are enjoyable - fun, funny, and outgoing; and they are emotional - teary, and very aware of the their feelings and gratefulness for each other. The balance was beautiful to capture.

THE WEDDING PARTY
Admittedly, I am not the photographer who is obsessed with wedding parties. There are multiple reasons for that, and I can still photograph them lovingly, but the main reason I am not obsessed with wedding parties is because a wedding is planned to celebrate the two people getting married, and I just like to hone in on that. 🥰 However, when I say Jamie + Fern’s wedding party were a dream, I mean it. They were kind, conscientious, sweet, helpful. Completely enjoyable.

Jamie + Fern opted for bridesmaid dresses in shades of gray, and navy suits with black lapels for the groom and groomsmen. It was a stunning combination to photograph, and was especially lovely combined with the colorful florals they chose and the backdrop of Whitby Castle.

THE VENUE
Unless you live in or around the Hudson Valley, you would never guess that there would be an actual castle in the middle of Westchester. It was originally built as a home for a New York City stock professional in the 1800s, and was revived as a golf course clubhouse and wedding venue in the 1990s.

Whitby Castle is a gorgeous place to get married, and their staff is top notch. I’ve photographed several weddings there, and neither I nor my couples have ever been disappointed by the outcome. While the golf course section of the property is traditionally off-limits for wedding photography, the front half of the property offers lots of photography options - particularly, the tree-lined road leading to the castle, the large weeping willow tree, and Whitby Castle itself as a backdrop.

Although getting married a castle may seem “extra,” every affair I’ve photographed there has had exactly the aesthetic that was desired - whether that was slightly understated, or a little over the top. 😉

THE DETAILS
The details showcased as a part of this wedding day were so incredibly intentional, thoughtful, and absolutely gorgeous in every way. The gifts that the couple gave to each other, the custom veil from Elias Gutierrez that Jamie wore, the colorful florals from Whisper and Brook, the gold accents, the confetti cake with the topper offering a nod to The Princess Bride, the live painter - they all paid such beautiful nods to their story.

Sometimes, I believe that people get too caught up in the details because they they think that’s what Pinterest tells them to do, but these details were absolutely perfect because the obsession was on the truth of their story, and not what Pinterest tries to make it seem like a wedding story should be. 💕

THE RECEPTION
When I speak to most of my couples for the first time, they usually tell me that they want their wedding day to be a fun get-together for everyone invited and involved. Jamie + Fern’s wedding reception was exactly that. Everyone danced. Everyone laughed. Everyone just ENJOYED.

And it was beautiful. It was all so incredibly beautiful.