Stonehill’s Wedding // Jess + Stephen
Stonehill’s in Accord, NY is one of those Hudson Valley venues that is genuinely hard to categorize, and that is part of what makes it so special as a wedding destination. The property features a hilltop ceremony space, open fields, a classic black barn, and beautiful accommodations spread across the main house and on-site cabins, making it a true destination experience for couples and their guests. Jess and Stephen's August wedding there was one of those days that reminds you why outdoor venues in the Hudson Valley are so sought after. Bright light, lush greenery, colorful florals, and a couple who were just genuinely happy to be getting married surrounded by people they love.
The Couple
Jess and Stephen are just adorable people. They met through a running meetup, went to a comedy club for their first date, and have spent the years since exploring, reading, traveling, and building a life that clearly reflects who they both are. Jess grew up in Manhattan; Stephen is originally from England. That combination of city energy and a slightly more understated warmth made for a wedding that felt personal in every direction.
What struck me most about both of them was how present and sweet they were - both on the verge of happy tears all day. Not in a performative way, just genuinely tuned in to each other and to everyone around them. Before the ceremony, Jess got to spend precious moments with each member of her family, including her godmother, who was so enamored with her. Watching those minutes unfold, it was easy to see how deeply loved she is. Stephen, calm, steady, and with the cutest attitude, was the perfect complement to all of it.
The Venue
Stonehill’s in Accord, NY is the kind of place that photographers dream about. The ceremony was held at the top of the hill, which gave the whole moment a sense of occasion without needing any extra decoration. After the ceremony, we moved into the surrounding fields for portraits, where the late summer light was doing exactly what you hope it will do in August in the Hudson Valley.
The black barn on the property is a standout backdrop. It has real character, and the contrast it creates against the green landscape and colorful florals made for some of my favorite images of the day. If you are considering Stonehill’s for your own wedding, know that the property genuinely photographs beautifully from every angle. The accommodations are also a huge draw, with rooms in the main house and private cabins on site, so guests can stay close and the whole weekend can feel like more of a gathering than a single-day event.
One of the unexpected highlights of cocktail hour: sheep roaming the property. Guests loved it, and honestly, so did I. It added something relaxed and a little playful and whimsical to the whole afternoon.
The Details
Jess and Stephen leaned into color, which I loved. The florals were vibrant and sweet, and they worked beautifully against the natural backdrop of the venue. Everything felt considered without being overdone. And then there was the cake, which was actually a tower of donuts. It was such a good call. It fit them perfectly, it made people happy, and it photographed so fun! The details told a story about two people who know what they like and are not interested in doing anything just because it is expected.
There was an intentionality to every choice that made the day feel cohesive. Nothing was trying too hard, and nothing felt like it was there just to fill space. It was perfection for Jess and Stephen.
The Reception
The reception dinner and toasts moved into the large barn, which has a warmth to it that feels right for an evening celebration. Then, as the night picked up, dancing moved outside under a clear tent. The combination worked really well: the structure and intimacy of the barn for dinner, and then the openness of the tent for everything that came after.
Watching Jess and Stephen on the dance floor, surrounded by people who had traveled from near and far to be there, it was clear that the day had delivered exactly what they wanted. Relaxed, joyful, full of people they love.
Jess and Stephen are the kind of couple you root for from the very first conversation. Their day at Stonehill’s was a genuine reflection of who they are: warm, thoughtful, a little adventurous, and completely devoted to the people in their lives. It was an honor to be there for it, and I miss them and their precious day dearly.
From the Couple
"The Absolute Best - We feel so lucky to have found Erica!
My husband Stephen and I got married at Stonehill's Farmhouse in Hudson Valley on August 23rd, and hiring Erica from Sweet Alice was truly one of the best decisions we made for our big day without a doubt!
We met Erica a few months before for our engagement shoot and despite the unfortunate weather we had that day (it was freezing), Erica was incredibly warm and endearing and did her absolute best to pivot and make sure we still got beautiful photos regardless! On our wedding day from the moment she arrived, Erica brought such a calm, joyful energy that made us feel completely at ease. As two pretty introverted people, we weren’t sure how we’d feel about having a photographer with us all day - but Erica made everything feel so natural and comfortable. She blended into the day seamlessly, never making us feel posed or pressured, and somehow managed to capture all the most breathtaking moments, including so many emotional, candid ones we didn’t even realize were happening in real time.
She turned what could have been stressful moments into light, easy, and even fun experiences. Any time I felt the slightest bit nervous, she was right there with reassurance and warmth. And it wasn’t just us - our friends and family adored her and her entire team. They felt like part of the celebration, not just vendors.
Our wedding album is beyond anything I could’ve hoped for. Every time I look at it, I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Erica has such an eye for emotion and beauty - she didn’t just document the day, she captured the soul of it.
I genuinely miss her and can’t wait to book her again for future shoots. If you're still searching for your photographer - stop. You’ve found her. Erica and her team are the absolute best."
Stonehill’s Wedding Vendors
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Stonehill’s, Accord, NY // Catering: Plate & Graze // Hair & Makeup: Larina Makeup // Florals: Poppy Flowers // Video: LP Video // Band: Silver Arrow Band // Planner: Hudson Valley Trendsetters
Wedding Date: August 23, 2024
Looking for a Stonehill’s wedding photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
