Don't let the name fool you, the Mohonk Mountain House is nothing like a house. It is, in fact, a magnificent fortress like hotel with the most beautiful cliffs and waterway. Melinda and Scott knew that this would be the perfect place for their marriage to one another. 

The day started with Melinda getting ready with both mothers, her daughters and her flower girls. Melinda looked beautiful and was full of smiles. 

Scott was getting ready in another room at the resort with his son. Both he and Melinda were such nice, down to earth people. It was really such a pleasure being able to witness and document the love between the two of them.

A beautiful arch made by Scott and Melinda was set inside for the ceremony. What I really loved about their decor was the flowers at the entrance of the aisle, so that as Melinda walked down there were flowers behind her as well. During the ceremony the couple and all of their children performed a sand ceremony which was a really special touch.

The reception was in a beautiful open air building located on top of the cliffs. Round tables were set with sweet hydrangea centerpieces and twinkle lights hung from the ceiling. The newlyweds started the party off right with an impressive choreographed dance. The dance had spins, dips and lifts and they executed it perfectly. 

Just as the sun was setting we made our way out to the cliff tops to take some stunning portraits overlooking The Mohonk Mountain House. I love how Scott and Melinda had so much fun taking photos, they were just dancing with each other in the evening sun.

Photography and videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Mohonk Mountain House
Hair and Makeup:
Officiant:
Cake:
​DJ:

Claire and Ryan are a power couple. One of those couples that have it all together and that everyone secretly wants to be like. Their wedding was a perfect representation of who they are and their love for one another, it was just perfect.

Claire, her mom and a few girl friends were getting ready at a nearby house. She was truly a classy bride and looked stunning in her mermaid style bridal gown.

Just up the road Ryan was getting ready at their weekend home. The newlyweds bought this house together and worked on making it their own, which made it the perfect spot for their first look. Not only did it have sentimental value, it also had a beautiful lawn and forest area, which worked beautifully for photos. 

A beautiful chuppah was setup on the dock for Claire and Ryan. Friends, family and loved ones gathered around as the couple exchanged their promises of love and commitment with one another.

The reception was held in the boat house. Round tables decorated with florals and gifts of honey were scattered throughout the room. 

Photography: Bella Luz Imagery
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Venue: Sedgewood Club
Florist: Shoving Leopard Farm
DJ: DJ Dulce Productions
Caterer: Heritage Food and Drink and The Fresh Company

Aaron and Urmi were such a pleasure to work with. They are both such sweethearts and so easy going, it is impossible not to get along with them. The couple held their wedding ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Kingston and then the reception was held nearby at La Mirage in Ulster, NY. An intimate group of about 80 guests joined the newlyweds to celebrate. Since the wedding took place during the day, I wasn't sure if people would take to the dance floor, but boy was I wrong! This wedding group didn't care what time of day it was, they were happy and in the mood for dancing. 

The morning started with Urmi getting ready. She was full of giggles and had her bridesmaids and mother with her. I love that Urmi stayed true to herself and wore her glasses on her wedding day. She said that she wears them everyday and doesn't feel herself without them, she looked so stunning! A delicate tiara added the perfect touch to her ensemble. 

Urmi had a very emotional first look with her father. It was such a touching moment for everyone who witnessed it.

Aaron is a man of many ties, so I've heard. His tie collection is impressive, and he enjoys very much wearing them. This was not one of those grooms who has to YouTube how to tie a tie, or even how to fold a pocket square. In fact, he is so versed when it comes to dressing well, that he was giving his groomsmen lessons on how to fold the pocket square. I was very impressed to say the least.

As the two families came together at the church you could feel the joy exuding from them. To me, church weddings have a certain amount of solemness to them. It is a joyous occasion, yet very serious at the same time. What I loved about Aaron and Urmi's ceremony was that the priest added just enough humor to the ceremony to keep things lighthearted. 

Aaron and Urmi arrived to La Mirage in style. They were warmly welcomed in by all of their guests and took straight to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 

The reception came to an end just before the sun went down. Urmi and Aaron said their goodbyes and made their way outside to the garden area of La Mirage where we took their portraits.

Photography and Videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: La Mirage Restaurant and Catering
Church: St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie
Flowers: Roberts for Flowers
Cake: The Pastry Garden
DJ: R&R Entertainment
Hotel: Residence Inn

I first met Evie and Tejorn at their engagement session. From the very start I could see that these two had something really special. On their wedding day, their love for one another and for their families radiated ten times over. 

The day started with Tejorn getting ready with his groomsmen. I am not entirely sure how he felt but from the outside Tejorn seemed calm, cool and collected. I could tell that he was excited, and couldn't wait to see his beautiful bride. He kept things classy with a grey suit accented with a plum bow tie and pocket square.

Evie and her bridesmaids were getting ready nearby at a house. Her dress was a simple silhouette but had beautiful beading covering it in its entirety, she looked absolutely gorgeous in it.

Evie and her girls has a special surprise planned for the groom and groomsmen. The girls all pulled out Smirnoff Ice beers from behind their backs and "Iced" them all. Talk about an awesome wife! Tejorn stepped up to the challenge along with all of the other groomsmen and chugged his beer in style.

The ceremony was held in an outdoor courtyard at Anthony's Pier 9. A beautiful candle alter was setup for the bride and groom. The bride's brother officiated the ceremony while different family members and friends contributed throughout. By the time the ceremony ended is was completely dark out and the only light that was given off was from the candles. 

The reception was held in the ballroom at Anthony's Pier 9. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling while delicate flower arrangements were set on each table. The newlyweds made a grand entrance as they rose out from the stage floor to join their wedding party. 

Photography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Anthony's Pier 9
Hair: Candice Buckett, Jamie Boo, Maddie
Makeup: Desiree Leigh 
DJ/Photobooth: Empire Sound
Bride's Bouquet: Batts Florist
Cake: The Pastry Garden

Damian and Evalina met when they were just kids, being neighbors in the small village of Harlemville. Even as young children they had a fondness for one another, Damian often being teased for having a "crush" on Evalina. But as life would have it Evalina moved away to Canada, and continued her childhood and transition into adulthood there. Years later the two reunited when Evalina took a trip to Costa Rica, where Damian was now living. The sparks flickered and quickly turned into a committed relationship. 

The couple decided to have their wedding in their hometown where they first met, surrounded by many people from the community that have known them since they were young kids. The wedding took place at Mettabee Farm, under a beautiful willow tree. The reception was held in the barns beautiful event space. 

The ceremony started with rituals from Ecuador, honoring Damian's background. A conch horn was blown and Damian's father, David, played on a flute as the bride and groom descended from two separate hills each on horseback, adjoining together just before reaching the ceremony space. For the ceremony, the officiant requested that he not be photographed. This was a new challenge for me, but I think the photos turned out beautifully. 

The reception felt so cozy with overhead bistro lights and wood paneled walls of the venue. Friends and family shared a meal together as well as stories about the newlyweds. Performances were given by a local juggling troupe, as well as a few other talented guests.
A fun wedding game from Canada was played by the couple, which revealed some funny truths about each of them. Then Damian and Evalina shared their first dance as husband and wife, sneaking in a few salsa dance moves at the end of the song. After dinner the newlyweds cut into a beautiful "birch tree" wedding cake, which was made by Damian's sister, Ana.

Photography and Videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Mettabee Farm
Band: Andes Manta
​Cake: Ana Gallardo

Emily and TJ married one another on a spring day at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, New York. They were one of the sweetest couples, very easy going and easy to get along with. Their entire wedding group and family were all very fun and full of joy and kindness. They were joined by about 150 guests who celebrated this couple's love all night long!

The day started at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. It was drizzling out, but Emily didn't let that damper her spirit, not even in the slightest. We were actually surprised to find her so energized and excited, even with the less than perfect weather. Her bridesmaids as well were all very laid back and just ready to have the best day ever, which they did!

Emily's dress and details were absolutely beautiful. Her satin strapless gown was the perfect touch of simplicity and elegance all at once. Her bouquet was made of fragrant pink peonies, just perfect for the spring season. 

TJ and his groomsmen were also getting ready at the Grandview Hotel. He was cracking jokes and full of smiles as he prepared to marry the love of his life. 

The ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel - St. Peter's Church, also in Poughkeepsie. It is a beautiful stone church with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The inside of the church is quite dark, with the alter lit up. 

Emily and TJ joined their guests at a magnificent cocktail hour at the Grandview. There were so many stations of so many different types of foods, it all just looked amazing. From the cocktail room and adjoining terrace guests could enjoy a great lookout over the Hudson river and and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. 

A beautiful ice sculpture served as an ice luge for the couple's special martini drink that was being served. Emily and TJ's faces lit up when they saw the drink trickle down through their "B" initial. 

The reception was gorgeous! Tall arrangements of bushy white flowers were set as centerpieces, while pink toned uplighting brought the atmosphere to a whole other level. They even had a table set for the vendors to eat at, which was unbelievably kind of this lovely couple. 

Photography and Videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra O'Connell
Venue (reception): The Grandview
Venue (getting ready): The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Venue (ceremony): Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel - St Peter's Church
Hair and Makeup: Celeste Von Damon
Flowers: Lucille's Floral of Fishkill
Transportation: A Hudson Valley Limousine 
DJ: DJ Dolce Productions
​Cake: The Grandview