There’s something quite magical about late summer weddings that makes me feel both excited and emotional whenever I shoot one. Perhaps it’s the happy air that summer brings or the lovely spring buds now all abloom. Or maybe it’s the bright and genial personality of couples who choose to say “I do” in the warmest season of the year. For Maggie and Ben’s wedding, it was a delightful mix of all of these that created a truly memorable experience.
Maggie and Ben are one of my couples who eventually became our good friends. This year, we’re bound to see each other more as I cover the weddings of their friends. Maggie and Ben are both remarkable, grounded people who have no pretensions at all. This couple is very dear to me and their wedding is etched in my heart. I can still vividly remember how beautiful their cozy wedding celebration was at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Fostering a Connection of Love With People and Nature
Set at the banks of the Hudson River, the Grandview offers an ideal seeking for weddings with its colonial charm and picturesque views that create film-feelingvibes. Panoramic shots by the riverbanks capture the natural beauty of the surroundings. The clouds in the sky, as if enchanted, dance in the dazzling hues of sunset. This idyllic scenery perfectly matched the candid smiles of Maggie and Ben and sparked many unexpected momentsof love and affection–totally dopeimages captured on film!
Minimalistic yet Sophisticated
This wedding is proof that you don’t need to be flamboyant to have a grand wedding. The understated elegance of the bridal gown, the ornate wooden box for the wedding rings, the gorgeous naked cake, the open tent, and other minimalistic elements all the wonderfully together in a low-key chic wedding that’s beyond exceptional. I love how the venue setup and wedding decors made the couple and their guests feel utterly comfortable and relaxed.
Capturing Precious Moments of Love, Fun, and Laughter
Whimsical features such as Maggie’s lace sneakers and the bridesmaids’ mismatched dresses spurred many fun photography ideas. Guests eagerly joined the festivities, gamely posed with comical props, and had a delightful evening feasting, drinking, and celebrating the newlyweds’ special day. While my team and I remained as non-intrusive as possible, we couldn’t just ignore the friendly chats initiated by the wedding party and some of their cordial guests.
The celebrations went on all night. It was thrilling for us to capture both the streaks of yellow, red, orange, and blue in the sky during sunset and the enchanting views of the city skyline and illuminated Hudson Bridge amidst the stark black night sky. Best of all, we were privy to the inspiring exchange of vows and the exciting celebration that marked the new life of Maggie and Ben.
