LUXURY NEW YORK WEDDING
A Luxury New York Vineyard Wedding Venue in the Hudson Valley: Spring in New York
RACHEL + JAMES
Rachel & James Tie the Knot at luxury New York Vineyard Wedding Venue
A Day to Remember
Before we even made it to the wedding venue, we started the morning at a quaint Airbnb in Kingston NY, and Rachel's crew was there holding it down. Makeup maestro Kelly McNamara of Bridal by Alexandria was wielding her brushes like a wizard, and Katie Kelly from Kindred Beauty is doing things with hair that, frankly, defy gravity. If you’re on the fence about hair and make up, and you don’t reeeaaally know how to do your own, just go for it! They are so good at what they do and it’s nice to not have to stress about it.
Rachel’s dress was absolutely made for her. I can’t imagine a more perfect dress for her. Enter the Loulette Bridal gown, cue the collective gasp. Rachel, you're not walking down the aisle, you're about to stop traffic!
Groom gets ready at the Vineyard
Cut to James and his band of merry men, kicking it in the Pavilion to beat the heat. There were beers and sandwiches and some youTube videos on how to properly tie a certain tie knot, the name of which I can not remember, but is probably also not important. Ha. It was nice chill morning and everyone was having great banter and laughs.
The First Look in the lush Vineyards and Gardens
The first look. Oh, folks, I just love the anticipation of this moment. No matter how you chose you to do it, and it is totally up to you, it really just is so lovely. We can start calling it the “Seeing Each Other” if that feels better.
The look on James face when he turned around? It’s part “I’m the luckiest guy alive” and part “How did I get this right?” Vineyards, take note: this is how you do romance.
Do you want to know what Rachel said to James to make him crack up like that?? She said “Even my wedding dress has pockets!” and then proceeded to show him. Ladies, we just can’t help it! Pockets in dresses is just about the best thing ever.
Friends and Family Photos
It is always my goal to keep Wedding Party and Family Photos efficient, well thought out ahead of time, and light and fun. This should NOT be the most stressful part of the day. I never ever use the words "fake" or "pretend" and all the chaos and emotion you see are real! Always. I find that all of my Red Maple couples really suit my vibe and style- I adore all of them!
We took to the manicured grounds of this luxury New York Vineyard wedding venue, where I found a nice spot for Rachel and James to be with their closest friends, in a casual way.
The Ketubah Signing
Upon arriving at Red Maple Vineyard, a quintessential Upstate New York Vineyard Wedding Venue, we were greeted by an explosion of spring. The vibrant greenery and blooms seemed to dance a jitterbug to welcome us in . The Ketubah signing, an intimate and significant tradition, was held upstairs in the Barn in one of my favorite rooms with gorgeous stained glass windows, surrounded by the closest of family and friends. It was a moment of solemn promises, enveloped in the warm embrace of those who mattered most.
Outdoor Ceremony with a View
The ceremony? No big deal- it's just on a rolling hill with Hudson River river views that are basically showing off at this point. Florist extraordinaire Amanda Kingsley from Allora Farm Flowers turned the place into a floral wonderland. I mean, if fairies were real, they’d get married here.
They had a beautiful chuppah with her Grandfather’s tallit draped over it and their cups for wine on a small table. The Rabbi brought the ketubah with him and read from it during the ceremony. They had friends and family come up to recite the Seven Blessings and they drank wine in the Jewish tradition. Straying from tradition, they decided to both break a glass at the end, symbolizing their partnership where one is not greater than the other. With a huge cheer of “Mazel” at the end, they shared a just married kiss and processed back up the aisle, full of smiles and joy.
I Do’s on Deer Ridge overlooking the Hudson River
New York Vineyard Wedding Portraits: Capturing that Just Married Energy
At The End of the Aisle
The emotion after the ceremony was so palpable. There were moments when I had to trust my focus because I was tearing up at all the love. These are the moments that I love standing back and documenting for my couples because they end up being such a blur by the end of the night. There is so much joy and laughter- I really love flowing through it, grabbing moments as quickly as I can.
Golden Hour: Portrait Time Magic
Golden hour is in full swing at the end of their ceremony and it’s like the vineyard morphed into a movie set. The couple's portraits? Let’s just say if love had a look, this would be it. The vineyard is their runway, and these two are owning it.The lush backdrop of this luxury Vineyard Wedding Venue in New York, with its tree lined road and sun drenched fields, provided such a romantic setting. Each photograph was a testament to their love - candid, genuine, and brimming with happiness. I love taking time out right after the ceremony to capture the "Just Married" energy. I try to keep these post -ceremony shoots to 10 minutes or less so that my couples can join the majority of their Cocktail Hour. I WANT you to be AT your party as much as you do!
Cocktail Hour in the Stone Ruins of the New York Vineyard Venue
Guests hit the stone gardens, cocktails in hand, laughter in the air. Corner Stone Caterers, you guys get a ten for taste and style. The vibe? It's “best wedding ever” meets “why can’t every Friday night be this cool?” From the Pizza Station to the Self Serve Beer Canoe, it’s the perfect way to mingle after the ceremony.
New York Vineyard Indoor Wedding Reception
Pavilion Party: Dance Like Everyone’s Watching
Enter the pavilion, and DJ Monopoli is dropping beats like it’s hot. The dance floor’s lit, and if there’s a better way to celebrate love, I haven’t seen it.
So there you have it – Rachel and James’s not-so-typical day at the not-so-typical Red Maple Vineyard. From Airbnb gatherings to pavilion parties, this New York vineyard wedding venue saw it all. Shoutout to the dream team: Bridal by Alexandria, Kindred Beauty, Loulette Bridal, Allora Farm Flowers, DJ Monopoli, and Corner Stone Caterers. You guys didn’t just deliver; you redefined wedding goals.
Dance party at New York Vineyard Wedding Venue
As the night drew to a close, I found myself so immersed in the energy and joy of the occasion that I set aside my camera to join the dance for one song with the couple! I love a great dance party and this one had family dance off’s, neck tie limbo and even a flash mob! I had so much fun getting swept up in the energy on the dance floor and letting my camera soak in what it felt like to be there. I hope you can feel it too.
Vineyard Vows: Why Nature is Nuptial Perfection
When it comes to saying “I do,” the setting can be as important as the dress (yes, really!). Rachel and James’s vineyard wedding isn't just a story about a couple; it's a testimony to the unbeatable charm of nature as a backdrop for your big day. So, why should you consider a vineyard or a nature-infused venue?
First off, let’s talk about the aesthetics – nature brings the kind of beauty that even the best decorators can’t fabricate. Those vineyards weren't just rows of grapes; they were rows of natural, rustic elegance. Then there’s the vibe – a natural setting brings a sense of tranquility and intimacy that’s hard to replicate in a city venue. Imagine the soft sounds of nature blending with the laughter of loved ones – it's like Mother Nature herself is celebrating with you.
Also, can we talk about the photos? Natural light is the secret sauce of stunning wedding photography, and places like Red Maple Vineyard are practically bathed in it. Every snapshot becomes a masterpiece, with the natural scenery adding a timeless charm to your memories.
Venue Scouting 101: Finding Your Perfect Wedding Spot
Choosing the right venue is like finding the right partner – it takes some searching, but when you find “the one,” you just know. Here are some tips for picking a venue as perfect as your future spouse (well, almost):
Start Early, Like Really Early: Popular venues like vineyards can be booked out years in advance, especially for peak seasons. Begin your search as soon as you have a date in mind. It's never too early to fall in love with a venue!
List Your Must-Haves: Sit down with your partner and decide what’s non-negotiable. Scenic views? Great photo ops? On-site catering? Knowing what you can't do without will narrow your search.
Visit in Person: Pictures are great, but nothing beats the feeling you get when you step onto a venue. Visit your shortlisted venues to get a sense of the space and envision your day there.
Think Logistically: Consider the accessibility for guests, available accommodations nearby (like that awesome Airbnb for Rachel), and the layout of the venue. You want your guests to have as much fun as you do!
Weather Backup Plan: If you’re going au naturel with your venue choice, make sure there’s a plan B in case Mother Nature decides to bring uninvited clouds.
Read the Reviews: Previous couples can offer invaluable insights. They’ll dish the dirt on things you might not have considered, like how the venue handles hiccups.
Choosing a venue like a vineyard is not just about a pretty place; it's about creating an atmosphere that reflects your love story. And starting the hunt early, knowing what you want, and being prepared for any situation are key steps in turning your dream wedding into a reality. Rachel and James’s vineyard wedding wasn’t just a day to remember; it was a masterclass in picking the perfect place to start their forever. Happy venue hunting!
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