Some wedding days feel like exclamation points. Others feel like quiet, poetic love letters - tender, intentional, and filled with meaning. Jamie and Chris’s elopement at Troutbeck in Amenia, NY was the latter in every way. With just their closest people present, the two of them spent their marriage celebration day exactly as they hoped: focused on each other, rooted in nature, and soaking in one last perfect afternoon in the Hudson Valley before their next big adventure.
I had the honor of photographing this day, and it’s one I’ll hold close for a long time.
THE COUPLE
Jamie and Chris are the kind of couple who make you feel calm just being around them. There’s something quietly magnetic about the way they interact - gentle jokes, knowing glances, and a kind of steady warmth that speaks to how deeply they know and love one another. Chris is a visual artist who works in entertainment, and you could feel their shared creative spirit woven into the tone of the day: artful, thoughtful, and grounded in beauty.
They didn’t want a big production. What they wanted was to mark the moment simply, in a place that means something to them, with the people who matter most. And they did exactly that.
THE VENUE
While Jamie and Chris had already exchanged vows in a private ceremony prior to arriving to the venue, they chose Troutbeck as the space to gather, take portraits, and celebrate with family. Troutbeck is one of those rare places that manages to feel both elegant and grounded - a historic estate nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, full of winding paths, tall trees, old stone, and soft golden light.
The moment we stepped onto the property, it felt like time slowed down. The air was comfortable and still, with just enough cloud cover to give us the dreamiest light for portraits. It was exactly the kind of setting that suited Jamie and Chris - timeless, a little wild, and full of quiet character.
THE DETAILS
Because the day wasn’t about tradition or fanfare, the details were subtle, but incredibly meaningful. Jamie wore a modern, elegant and lacy dress that moved beautifully with the breeze and felt effortlessly stylish. Chris’s look was understated and sharp, pulling together an easy, refined vibe that matched the tone of the day perfectly.
There weren’t elaborate florals or long timelines - just a short window of peace, golden light, and time to walk, hold hands, and let it all sink in. The way they interacted with the landscape and leaned into the adventure felt like a slow and beautiful goodbye to a place they love deeply.
They were moving out west the very next day, and this entire afternoon felt like a love letter to the Hudson Valley - one last way to say thank you to a place that helped shape their relationship and gave them so many meaningful memories.
When I sent Jamie and Chris their sneak peeks, Jamie texted me saying, “We didn’t even realize it was us at first; we look like we’re in a magazine.” That moment will stick with me. It’s the highest compliment - not just about the photos, but about how they felt seeing themselves reflected in them: seen, beautiful, and deeply in love.
THE RECEPTION
After portraits, their family and a few dear friends gathered for a small celebratory dinner. No big production, no schedule to chase; just good food, soft conversation, and a gentle hum of celebration. Everyone present was clearly honored to be there, and the whole evening felt like a shared exhale.
You could feel how loved Jamie and Chris are, and their joy was quiet, content, and deeply grounded.
There’s something really special about photographing an elopement that’s done for no one’s expectations but the couple’s. Jamie and Chris reminded me that wedding days don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes the quietest celebrations are the most resonant.
Their Troutbeck elopement was a soft, stunning farewell to the Hudson Valley - a celebration of love, of place, and of new beginnings.
Jamie and Chris, thank you for trusting me with your story. I hope Oregon is treating you just as well as New York did (if not better).
Troutbeck WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Troutbeck, Amenia, NY
Wedding Date: October 15, 2023
Looking for a Troutbeck wedding photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
