I’m SO excited to share this sweet and serene wedding at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY, that was captured so beautifully by our talented team photographer, Amanda. Erika and Mike’s day was everything a brunch wedding should be - elegant, relaxed, and filled with quiet moments of joy. From their heartfelt first look to the soft color palette and sunshine filtering through the clouds, this wedding was a joy.
THE COUPLE
Erika and Mike are the kind of couple whose calm energy instantly puts you at ease. They met while working at Americorps (Mike even still works there today) and their shared values and compassionate hearts were evident in every interaction we got to witness. Erika now works as a psychotherapist, which didn’t surprise us at all - she is so warm and grounded.
Amanda shared how sweet their first look was: quiet and intimate, with soft wind blowing, tucked along the side of the castle. When Erika and Mike saw each other, it was like they were immediately at ease. It was so cute, and one of those moments that remind us how precious it is to be able to do what we do.
THE VENUE
Whitby Castle, located in Rye, NY, was the perfect backdrop for Erika and Mike's understated elegance. The castle’s unique architecture and the beautifully manicured grounds gave the entire day a fairy-tale-like glow without being over the top. It’s one of those venues that feels like a well-kept secret - full of character, but still quiet and peaceful.
And let’s talk about the weather! After what felt like weekend after weekend of rainy weddings during this particular season, Erika and Mike lucked out with a warm, sunny day - the kind of day that makes you want to linger a little longer on the lawn with a glass of champagne in hand.
THE DETAILS
Every detail of the day was soft, intentional, and deeply personal. Erika did her own hair and makeup, and she looked absolutely stunning. Her look was fresh, natural, and perfectly suited to a brunch wedding - nothing overdone, just effortlessly beautiful.
The color palette was a dreamy mix of blush pinks and classic whites, carried through from the floral arrangements to the wedding party dresses to Mike’s tie, which featured a delicate floral pattern that pulled it all together.
One of the best details from the day was how the reception tables were labeled - each table was named after a special spot in New York City, and guests were able to look at a map to see where they were sitting.
THE RECEPTION
Because it was a brunch wedding, the reception had this wonderful lightness to it - sunlight pouring through the windows, coffee and mimosas flowing. Guests mingled at the tables and danced just enough, but the vibe was more about connection than spectacle.
There were heartfelt toasts, a few happy tears, and a first dance that felt more like a quiet moment shared than a performance.
Weddings like Erika and Mike’s remind us that celebration doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful moments are the quiet ones - the ones full of warmth, intention, and love.
Congratulations, Erika and Mike. Your day was as genuine and wonderful as the two of you.
FROM THE COUPLE
"Booking with Sweet Alice Photography was one of the best decisions I made for our wedding! We had our engagement shoot with Amanda - this was a great experience. It was helpful to practice different poses and get used to having the camera on us! Thank you to Amanda and [second photographer] Erika for doing an AMAZING job on our wedding day. We got so many compliments from family, wedding party, and guests about their professionalism. The wedding party loved their energy and kindness. If you book with Sweet Alice, you'll be more than happy with the experience. We appreciated all the details, and gifts from the team! Thank you thank you!!!!”
Whitby Castle WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography via Sweet Alice Studios lead photographer Amanda // Venue: Whitby Castle, Rye, NY // Gown: Jenny Yoo // Florals: Floral Fashions // DJ: Theo Phillip Entertainment
Wedding Date: September 16, 2023
Looking for a Whitby Castle photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
