,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

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

What better way to remember the innocence of your child then with a newborn photography session. Newborn sessions are best done before your baby reaches 10 days old, while they are still very sleepy and malleable. Bella Luz Imagery offers newborn session in the comfort of your own home, where your baby will feel most cozy and at ease. Contact us for more information on newborn and newborn lifestyle sessions.

This little nugget is my son Axel at 7 days old.

Axel, my beautiful baby boy was born on October 10th of this year. I knew I wanted to document his first days in this world, and I think these photos are a testament to just how important it is for families to do just that. Giving birth is a very intimate event, yet such a special moment that you do want to remember and be able to share with friends and family. Having a photographer document your child's birth allows you to keep the moment intimate, yet still be able to share the magic of welcoming your newborn to your life. 

I couldn't imagine actually photographing my child's own birth, but some of the special moments afterwards I was able to capture. I hope you enjoy the innocent moments of the first two days of my son's life, and his sister meeting him for the first time.