When I became a wedding photographer in the Hudson Valley, I truthfully had no idea how close I was to all of the magic that the Catskills region has to offer for weddings. But, when I did realize it - man, what a dream. It’s no secret that I love the Hudson Valley, but Catskills weddings just feel different in the best way. There is space and open air; guests and couples feel just a little more relaxed; venues are scarce, but backyards are plenty, which is where Lauren and Scott got married on the most adorable June day.
THE COUPLE
From the moment I met Lauren and Scott, I was enamored with them. They are so lovely in every possible way. They are soft-spoken, caring, intentional, intelligent. They are warm with each other, and warm towards all around them. They’re cat-lovers, and involved in the music community - Scott is a French horn player, and Lauren does administrative work for choral groups. Knowing that they had a stake in the music world felt like kinship to me, a college music major who changed paths but never regretted what I learned from those days in choirs.
What I have always found with most musicians in particular is that they are curious, driven, and kind. True musicians are direct, but aren’t rude. They strive for excellence, but embrace mistakes. Musicians are a rare breed, and I loved being surrounded by them at Scott and Lauren’s wedding.
THE VENUE
Scott and Lauren got married on the grounds of Lauren’s family’s Catskills estate. It was a sweet little space of about a block of land, including a beautiful open field by a stream for their tented reception, and cabins for both the backdrop of their ceremony and for the couple to get ready in. Lauren’s family took care of most of the set-up, and one aunt in particular said to me, “I think we’ve done about 5 of these weddings here now - we all know what we need to take care of.” It has become sort of a family tradition for the cousins to get married on this land. The family worked together like a well oiled machine, and the finished product was absolutely stunning.
THE DETAILS
There were so many special and detailed moments that I just could not get over on Lauren and Scott’s wedding day - chief of which was including their cat Zephyr in their wedding photos! (Note to fellow cat lovers: Bring your cat to your wedding, please and thank you.) I was also completely in love with how adoring Lauren’s mom was; how beautiful Lauren’s custom Anomalie gown was; the “parade” from the ceremony space to the reception; the rocks that people gave to them during their ceremony as everyone wept.
This day was so good in so many intentional and authentic ways - in ways that florals and color schemes never could be.
THE RECEPTION
Lauren and Scott had a tented reception next to a beautiful little stream. It was celebratory, but peaceful. Exciting, yet felt like home. The speeches were incredibly heartfelt, and the dances were gorgeous against the backdrop of the setting sun. Stunning in every way - in our hearts, and in our eyes.
When I think of happy places, I think of Lauren and Scott’s wedding. I think of their warmth that radiated into their entire day. I think of how the Catskills was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. I think of how the air felt fresh, which lent itself to even more of a celebratory atmosphere. I think about the giggles and the authenticity - the kindness and feeling of wanting to be friends forever.
Lauren and Scott, you are so special, and I hope you know that. Your hearts are good hearts. The very goodest, actually.
Catskills WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Bride’s Family’s Estate // Gown: Anomalie // Hair: Meraki Salon // Makeup: Joyce Claire Makeup // Catering: Neversink General
Wedding Date: June 11, 2022
Looking for a Catskills wedding photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
