Jon and Tara wanted to marry each other in some place different, an alternative wedding location. So they traveled from California with family and friends, all the way to Salem, Massachusetts. The vibe of Salem perfectly embodied what Tara and Jon pictured for their wedding, and photos in a historical graveyard topped it all off. 

The wedding was held at The Hawthorne Hotel, which is located just steps from the Salem Witch Museum. The hotel itself has an interesting history, which includes a handful of movies being shot on premise. The beautiful ballroom has high ceilings with long ceiling to floor windows, perfectly fit for a elegant wedding. 

Tara, her bridesmaids and a few family members were all getting ready in one of the rooms at The Hawthorne Hotel. Her color palette was purple and magenta, and she even matched her hair which was tinted a pastel violet grey. Her dress was a big princess style ballgown and it fit her perfectly. Tara made such a stunning bride.

Jon and his groomsmen met with me just before the ceremony. We ventured outside and across the street to get a few shots outdoors. I asked Jon's groomsmen to say something to make him laugh, I won't repeat what was said but they sure did a good job!

The ceremony was held in the ballroom at the hotel. It was a very chilly day so it was actually really nice being indoors. Large windows flooded the room with natural light. 

We walked just around the corner from the hotel to the historic graveyard. It was the perfect backdrop for this couple's portraits, and I am so glad they braved the cold to capture these.

While guests were enjoying cocktail hour and we were taking photos the amazing staff at the hotel switched the ballroom over from ceremony to reception. Beautiful violet up-lighting set the mood for the evening and purple hued centerpieces dressed up the tables. 

Tara and Jon received a roaring welcome as they entered into the party as Mr. and Mrs. They immediately took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 

Wedding photography and videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: The Hawthorne Hotel
Hair and Makeup: Love and Hair Peace
Florist: Flowers by Darlene
Cake: Montillio's Bakery
​DJ: MCO Productions

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

Erin and Evan marry one another at Rustic Rose Barn Weddings. 
Venue: Rustic Rose Barn Weddings
Catering: Wheelhouse Farm Catering
Dj: DJ Greg
Rentals: Classical Tents

Erin and Evan's wedding was hands down amazing. This lovely couple planned and executed a beautiful event in less than 3 months, and did it with such calmness and grace. They were married at a new barn venue located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. The farm was perfect for the laid back,  outdoor fall wedding feel they were going for. 

Erin and her girlfriends were getting ready in the farmhouse bridal suite at Rustic Rose. The farmhouse was build in the 1800's, but has been redone and has the perfect touch of elegance for a wedding. Erin's dress was entirely covered in lace, and had a beautiful choker neck line, just perfect for an autumn wedding.

Erin and Evan decided to do a first look. Evan waited to see his bride for the first time on an intimate wooded pathway, I could sense his excitement and anticipation. Erin looked stunning. 

The ceremony was held on the bank of the Green River where a simple arch was accented with greenery. Stunning handmade signs were found throughout the wedding decor, made by Erin's very talented friend. 

After the wedding a cocktail hour was held. Farm-to-table appetizers were passed to guests as they enjoyed good conversations and drinks. 

The reception was held in the rustic horse barn of the venue. Guests were seated at large farmhouse tables that were made from re-purposed wood from the horse stalls of the barn. Green garlands lined the tables, and candles and marketplace lighting lit the venue creating a warm atmosphere. Last minute Erin decided to splurge and rent gold utensils instead of traditional silverware, I think it was totally worth it and looks gorgeous. Guests were treated to a delicious family style meal. 

During the planning process I remember Erin and Evan asking if they could extend the reception an extra hour, they wanted to make sure they had ample time for dancing, and now I understand why. Not only did the newlyweds love to dance, but just about every guest at their wedding as well. Once people hit the dance floor they never stopped. I have photographed over 200 weddings and this was one of the best dance parties I have ever witnessed, it was so much fun. From group sing a longs, to a Michael Jackson Thriller performance this party had it all. 

Photography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Rustic Rose Barn Weddings
Caterer: Wheelhouse Farm Catering
DJ: DJ Greg (who rocked, we love you Greg!)
Officiant: Lauretta St. George-Sorel
Florist: Maia Mattson
​Signs: http://www.knortherly.etsy.com/ ​
Hair and Makeup: Karolann Kuter
Rentals: Classical Tents