sarah tew photography

Alexis & Rich’s wedding day was full of spontaneous fun and delight.  With their ceremony and reception all happening at the Tarrytown Doubletree in Westchester, NY, we planned to take the couple and their wedding party for wedding day portraits at a nearby waterfront park a few minutes down the road.  My assistant and I arrived early to scout the park and the hotel and I was inspired to see not only a pretty rocky shoreline and lovely trees but a swingset and other cute elements tucked back in the park.  On our way back to the car I noticed a neighbor of the park was hosting what looked like a family reunion or child’s birthday party, complete with Bouncy House in their little yard by the shore… I knew it was a longshot that a bride would be up for climbing into a bouncy house in her dress but I went down and asked the party-givers if they’d let us take a few pictures inside it if I came back later– needless to say they were all for it!  When I mentioned the possibility to Alexis during her preparation she was totally game!  Not only that but she and Rich were up for swinging on the swingset too– after which they were beckoned over to have a hot dog with a bunch of people having a picnic and barbeque there in the park!  It just goes to show it never hurts to ask a client to try your wild ideas– you just might get something really fun and unique!  After meeting up with the rest of the crew for wedding party and family pictures we all headed back to the hotel and prepared for the ceremony.  Highlights of this wedding included some moving readings during the ceremony, a hilarious moment during Alexis’ mother’s toast, and a series of special dances with Alexis and the many father-figures who have been there for her throughout her life.  I was blown away by how much fun this couple has together on the dance floor– they have serious chemistry and know how to get down out there!  I love the last shot here especially– the couple was sharing a passionate kiss in the middle of the dance floor and this little boy in the foreground was just staring and taking it in… couldn’t resist getting that shot from down lower to emphasize his attention… congrats again to Alexis & Rich, you were such a blast to shoot for!

Vendor Information

Venue & Catering:  Tarrytown Doubletree

Wedding Day-of Coordinator (if applicable): Khadejah Bhutta

Wedding gown: Enzoani

Makeup: Ayana Rhoden

Officiant: Rev. Deacon Rodney Beckford

Invitation Design: Wedding Paper Divas

Floral Design: White Plains Florist

Music: DJ NiceNess and MC Rick Allen

I knew when I met Jaime that her wedding would be sweet and vibrant, just like she is– sure enough this beautiful day at Tappan Hill Mansion was filled with cheerful excitement, pretty pinks hues, and laughter with friends and family.  We arrived early to scout the location and I found some sweet spots up on a balcony that worked well and got excited about shots I could do in the circular lobby and in the front door frame (check out my favorites below!).  Of course for the group shots we had to use the view from the ceremony site, it was so lovely to look out at the water in the distance.  After a sweet ceremomy performed by a family friend, we all headed back into the mansion for their party.  Highlights of this wedding included a moving love letter that arrived over email during preparation and which Jaime had her MOH read to her aloud out of nerves (um, Dave, you rule!)– as well as some pretty great toasts from Jaime’s best friend and a tag team of Dave’s brothers, and last but not least the VERY inspired dance floor action– this couple can seriously shake it!  I was able to steal them outside for a few more portraits when the sun was setting and I love what we got.  Congratulations, Jaime & Dave, you guys are so obviously in it to win it and you deserve every happiness!

Reception Venue: Tappan Hill Mansion
Event Design (if applicable):  Tappan Hill    Ed Steinberg
Wedding gown:  Kleinfelds    Isaac Mizrahi
Bride’s shoes:  Kate Spade
Hair:  Michele Lisa Salon
Makeup:  Michele Lisa Salon
Floral Design: Xquisitevents.com
Catering:  Tappan Hill    Ed Steinberg
Music:  Jimmy Dee Music     Neal Parker
Rings:  Haniken Jewelry

Jessie & Steve live in the city and planned a beautiful wedding weekend just a short drive up into the Hudson Valley where they enjoyed mountain views from The Garrison.  I was delighted to get a chance to shoot at this wonderful venue again– I hadn’t been there since 2009 when I was super impressed with the tight ship they were running up there.  To my delight, Todd is still in charge, and let me tell you that he is fantastically organized and wonderful to work with– the service and food at The Garrison was, just as I remembered, *absolutely fantastic*, so kudos to the venue!  We started the day with coverage of the bride getting ready upstairs at The Garrison while the groom and his men put on their finishing touches and enjoyed a beer (and some World Cup coverage) at the charming bar downstairs.  After a sweet first look I took the couple around for a round of portraits before meeting up with their wedding party and family for the group shots they’d listed for me.  The weather was perfect and their ceremony overlooked a beautiful mountain-scape– it was gorgeous!  Highlights of the reception included some emotional parent dances, a toast by one brave little ringbearer, and a particularly talented guest performing actual flips on the dance floor to everyone’s delight.  I concluded the coverage with a few sunset portraits of the couple just outside the reception with the mountains in the distance.  Congratulations, Jessie & Steve, it was a beautiful start to what is sure to be an amazing marriage!

Vendor Information:
Venue & Catering:   The Garrison
Wedding gown:  Caroline DeVillo
Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair: & Makeup:  Janessa Pare
Officiant: Rev. Barbara Wyso 
Invitation & Paper Design:  Tess Demir
Floral Design:  Petals by Alice  
Cake: The Pastry Garden
Music:  DJ Wells Crandall – Sugartown Industries 
Rings:  Mociun and Stern 
Ceremony Musicians:  The Bardavon String Quartet