Some wedding days are just pure joy from start to finish - full of laughter and big emotion. Ciara and Frank’s wedding at Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor was exactly that kind of day. Yes, it rained. But that didn’t put a damper on their energy, their love, or their epic dance floor.
This one was especially close to my heart. I’ve known Ciara and Frank for a while now - I first met them years ago when I photographed Frank’s brother’s wedding. Since then, I’ve kept in touch with the family, and getting to reconnect to photograph this celebration felt like being welcomed back into something really special.
THE COUPLE
Ciara and Frank have one of those love stories that runs deep. High school sweethearts turned lifelong partners, they’ve navigated long-distance stretches and Frank’s military deployment together…and come out stronger every time. You can feel it in the way they look at each other. There’s history, but there’s also playfulness, gratitude, and so much excitement about what’s ahead.
They were so happy the entire day. Even as rain clouds rolled in and plans shifted slightly, Ciara and Frank were all smiles - simply thrilled to finally be getting married, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.
THE VENUE
Hollow Brook Golf Club is tucked into a sweet neighborhood in Cortlandt Manor, and it’s such a beautiful blend of open views and cozy corners. The rain made the grounds feel lush, quiet, and moody in the best way; and gave their post-ceremony portraits this cinematic, romantic edge. They embraced it all: umbrellas in hand, heads close together, shoes slightly damp, hearts completely full.
It was the kind of setting that made everything feel a little more magical.
THE DETAILS
The color palette was rich and autumnal - burgundy, green, blue, and white - with thoughtful touches throughout. Ciara wore a sleek, modern gown that moved beautifully when she walked. She looked absolutely stunning: timeless but bold, with a radiant smile that lit up every frame. Frank wore a sharp blue suit, looking confident and completely smitten the whole day.
The wedding party wore shades of burgundy and navy, which paired beautifully with the greenery of the venue and the cloudy fall skies. And one of my favorite details? Small white pumpkins woven into the table décor - simple, seasonal, and such a charming nod to the time of year.
THE RECEPTION
What. A. Party.
From the moment the dance floor opened, it exploded in the best possible way. Ciara and Frank were right in the middle of it all: dancing with each other, their families, their friends, and looking like they were having the time of their lives. The energy was electric, and the love in the room was palpable.
There were heartfelt toasts, huge hugs, and laughter that echoes - the kind you remember for years. I could feel how close this community is, how loved Ciara and Frank are, and how long everyone had waited for this exact celebration.
Getting to photograph Ciara and Frank’s wedding was a true full-circle moment - reconnecting with a family I’ve adored, and capturing the next chapter of a love story that’s been years in the making.
Rain or shine, their day was filled with everything that matters most: deep love, long friendships, and the kind of joy you can feel in every photo. Ciara and Frank, thank you for trusting me, for being completely yourselves, and for throwing one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever documented.
FROM THE COUPLE
“Choosing Erica & her Sweet Alice Photography team for our wedding was hands down one of the best decisions we made. These photos are truly above and beyond what we could have ever imagined!! They capture the story of our day and our love is shown in a way that only Erica and her team know how to do. Not only did our photos completely exceed expectations, but the presence of Erica and her team in and of itself was a blessing. Erica has such a beautiful gift of making people feel seen, heard, loved and so very supported. There were countless times during the day where I heard her say, ‘You’re doing everything right!’ My anxious heart needed that more than she knows!
My husband and I aren’t the most comfortable in front of a camera - but with Erica, it really feels like you’re just spending time with a good friend.
This team is one of one. It was so refreshing to connect and work with people who radiate nothing but light and love…especially on the most special day of your life!
To Erica and her amazing team, THANK YOU. You are the ones ‘doing everything right.’ 💜”
Hollow Brook Golf Club WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Hollow Brook Golf Club, Cortlandt Manor, NY // Gown: Justin Alexander from Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique // Hair: Kaylin Turner // Florals: Adams Fairacre Farms // Videographer: Live Picture Studios
Wedding Date: October 20, 2023
Looking for a Hollow Brook Golf Club wedding photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
