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

Lauren and Dave married one another with their toes in the sand at Dune Beach in South Hampton. They were surrounded by a great group of friends and family, all of whom were so excited for this couple to be marrying one another. Dave's family owns a beautiful house in the Hampton's, so it made sense for the wedding to be at this breath taking location. Lauren grew up in Hawaii and tastefully incorporated a few details into the wedding that represented the culture of her island upbringing. 

Lauren prepared for her wedding day at a nearby house with her immediate family. She looked absolutely stunning, and in the words of my 7-year old daughter, who peeked over my shoulder while I was editing these photos, "she is the most beautiful bride I have ever photographed." Lauren wore a stunning two-piece lace dress, perfectly paired with shark tooth earrings that she designed herself. 

Lauren arrived to her in-laws house where she was crowned for her first look with Dave. She met him out in the lawn, near the vineyard, and placed a Hawaiian lei on him. 

The reception was held at The Spur, a restored warehouse with rustic charm. The venue boasts a working elevator from the early 1900's which is a very cool feature for guests to enjoy. Surf boards were hanging on the ceiling beams, while beautiful roses and succulents adorned the tables. Lauren and Dave shared their first dance as husband and wife, and then speeches were given. Next guests enjoyed a delicious steak and lobster meal before heading downstairs for dancing. 

Photography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: The Spur
Makeup: Richard Grandinetti

Lani and Gregg were so much fun! They had such a great vision for their wedding day and the theme was all tied together perfectly. The wedding was held at Gedney Farm, a beautiful venue located in Berkshire Massachusetts. The couple love to travel and love a good adventure and that was evident in their wedding day decor. The teardrop, featured in the photo above, was taken on the road for many months as the couple visited national parks throughout the United States. 

For Lani and Gregg's photos they knew they wanted something artistic to match their style and personality. So I was able to capture really interesting depth of field images using the "free lensing" technique. 

Lani and her mother are florists and have provided flowers for many Berkshire weddings over the years. But wanting to be able to actually enjoy the wedding and not work it she had good friends Sandy and Carey of Stems Flower Design bring her flower vision to life. The ceremony flowers were out of this world, and the rest of the flowers were just as beautiful! Lani's antler headpiece goes to show just how fun and funky she is. 

Guests were greeted upon arrival with a welcome champagne flute. From the main barn area of Gedney Farm they followed the pinwheel pathway up the hill to the ceremony area. A beautiful vine wreath hung from a tree branch and awaited the couple. It was decorated beautifully with flowers and antlers. Gregg played the ukulele as Lani was escorted down the aisle. 

Cocktail hour was held outdoors in the garden adjacent to the barn. Friends and family enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres and had fun in the teardrop photo booth. 

For the reception the party was moved indoors, inside the barn. Round tables were set below the high ceiling barn, with string lights hung between the large wooden beams. There were so many personal touches that the couple had worked on for months prior. To name a few, the handmade shell flowers and mini photo albums of natural hearts found on their travels at each place setting. 

Photo and Video: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Gedney Farm
Florist: Stem Flower Design
Officiant: Brielle Collings
Lighting: Gillooly & Co. Design
Hair: Jaylynn Salon and Spa
Makeup: Anna Maziero
Caterer: Gedney Farm
Cake: Gedney Farm
Dress Alterations: 5 cents a dance

Sam and Rachel held a beautiful wedding at Clermont Historic State Site in upstate New York. The wedding ceremony was held on a grassy knoll overlooking the Hudson River. A beautiful arch adorned with pastel pink and white flowers awaited the sweet couple.
After the ceremony dinner and dancing were held on the grounds in a tent. Complimentary tours of the Clermont House were offered to all the guests as well. It was such a beautiful day for a wedding and we are honored to have been there to document it. 

Vendors:
Videography: Bella Luz Imagery
Venue: Clermont Historic State Site

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,Samantha and Patrick held an intimate backyard wedding in the beautiful Berkshires. They were surrounded by family and friends and one very special guest who was snuggled safe and sound inside of Samantha's belly. I overheard Samantha later saying that when she and Patrick shared their first kiss as husband and wife, their little one gave a big kick, as if she was excited for their marriage as much as everyone else was. 

Samantha and Patrick wanted things to be laid back and easy. Their wedding day went so smoothly, and I don't think there was a single minute that went by without smiles on their faces. Samantha was so graceful and beautiful, you would have never thought she was carrying a child with her the entire day. Especially once the dancing started, she danced like no ones business, I was so impressed. 

This sweet couple were not interested in doing the typical portrait session after the ceremony, they really just wanted to spend as much time as possible enjoying the time with their loved ones. Instead, they really wanted all candid shots, which worked out perfectly for there easy going, stress free day. 

The ceremony was held out on the lawn of the house. There was not a cloud to be seen on this beautiful day. Patrick's dad officiated the ceremony.

The reception was held outdoors as well. During cocktail hour guests enjoyed passed appetizers and outdoor games and during dinner a lovely speech was given by the bride's sister. 

Photography: Bella Luz Imagery
​Venue: Long Pond 250
Rentals: Mahaiwe Tent
Caterer: Rita Welch Catering
Transportation: Abbott's Limousine
Flowers: Jayne's Flowers
Hair and Makeup: Seven Salon Spa

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

Not only did I participate in photographing this beautiful styled shoot, but I also designed and organized the entire thing. It was a lot of work, but really fun. It was almost like planning my own wedding all over again. Amy from Events with A Starr stepped in without hesitation on the day of the event and coordinated it as if she had planned it from start to finish. I am so grateful for her help, as I would not have had the chance to take photos if it were not for her. 

For those of you who don't know what a styled shoot is, it is basically a fake event used to take photos for rebranding purposes and also for exposure for all of the vendors involved. All of the items for the shoot are donated, and in return the vendors receive images and exposure through social media and other online outlets. 

This was my first time doing one of these, and I was so lucky to secure so many amazing vendors to work with. Pictured above are Cassandra and Dave, a real life couple who also model for fun in their downtime. They were amazing to work with and looked so good together.

The shoot was full of stunning details. The stationary and place cards were custom made for the shoot by The Chatty Press. Jen, owner and designer of the beautiful paper goods also came on the day of the shoot to help with styling. The actual invite is laser cut, which really gave it a delicate look. 

The bride's jewelry was also custom made by Vice and Virtue NYC. Chunky crystals fit perfectly with the boho theme. The headpiece that Cassandra wore was provided by Kraftology, a wedding fabric and dress store that has some amazing custom details that they can add to your wedding day. 

The groom's burgundy tux was provided by Steven Valenti's Clothing for Men. The color went perfectly and tied all of the other burgundy touches together. Cassandra wore her own dress, which we were lucky to have as the custom made boho-dress that I had secured unfortunately fell through at the last minute. 

Dave wore a handmade wooden bowtie provided by Chic Bowtie, a company based out of Canada. I loved the modern look of it. And I am sure you are wondering who made the amazing flowers, right? Ablelisa from Maple Field Floral outdid herself with the gorgeous florals she provided. Succulents and air plants again gave the boho feel, while king protea took the main stage. 

Kraftology also provided the flower girl dress, wore by my sweet daughter Maya. 

The whimsical macrame was handmade by Ropes and Roses. I am so grateful that they trusted me to handle their delicate pieces that worked perfectly with the theme. 

The cake was provided by Simply Sweet Berkshires. The top of the cake was "naked" and tasted absolutely delicious!

The wonderful Kaitlyn Barry from from Mulberry Hair Company did the hair of both the bride and flower girl, while Sabrina from Sabrina Maria Makeup Artistry did the makeup. They both did a great job of giving Cassandra that boho look. 

The romantic tablescape was made possible by the rentals from Mahaiwe Tent. I absolutely love how the entire styled shoot turned out, but the tablescape was one of my very favorite aspects. 

Rachel and Rick married one another at the beautiful Senate Garage in Kingston, NY. They were surrounded by a group of happy and high energy friends and family who were all just beyond thrilled for this couple to be marrying one another.

Rachel and her bridesmaids were preparing for the special day at the quaint Forsyth B&B. She looked absolutely stunning in her hand beaded dress, and vintage heirloom jewelry. 

The couple held their wedding ceremony outside in the park are of the Senate Garage, where guests were invited to join a cocktail hour immediately after. 

The reception was held indoors, in a beautifully restored space, full of vintage decor and lighting. The party was kicked off with a traditional Jewish Horah dance, followed by speeches, dinner, first dances and of course an amazing dance party into the late night. 

Venue: Senate Garage
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies

Rachel and Bill married one another at the beautiful C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains, NY. The weather that day had tittered back and forth between sprinkles and sunshine, but luckily the rain held off and their outdoor ceremony took place as planned. 

A good group of friends and family joined the newlyweds to celebrate their union. After the ceremony a cocktail hour took place where beautifully displayed hors d'oeuvres were passed around the room while live musicians serenaded the guests.

The party then moved into the ballroom where dinner, dancing and speeches took place.

Rachel and her mom and sister were getting ready at her parents house. The house worked perfectly for photos as it was beautifully decorated and located right on the Hudson River. Bill and Rachel did a first look down by the river and took portraits and family photos at that time. 

Venue: C.V. Rich Mansion
Catering: Caperberry Events
Hair and Makeup: New York Bridal
DJ: Bok Music
Flowers: Festoon on Hudson

Meimay and Ryan were married in front of family and friends at the beautiful and historic Montgomery Place in Annandale, NY. The day couldn't have been more perfect. From the perfect weather, the amazing venue, and the pure love this couple had for one another. 

After the ceremony the party didn't stop as the dance floor filled up with dancers of all ages. Speeches and first dances took place and then the party just continued, topping the night off with a sparkler farewell to the bride and groom.
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This beautiful bride and her bridesmaids were pampered all morning at the Beekman Arms Inn in Rhinebeck, NY. 

Venue: Montgomery Place
Venue (getting ready): Beekman Arms Inn
Wedding Planner: Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Wedding Coordinator: Sandra O'Connel
Florist: Adams Fairacre Farm
Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Marcy
Caterer: Hickory Smoke House
DJ: Charles Young