A Fall Wedding in the Catskills

Driving up through the Catskills, I immediately felt sentiment for the years of road trips my husband and I have taken over the years, heading north. From day trips to West Point to weeklong trips to the Adirondacks, I have such fond memories of the New York State Thruway. This trip would be just as wonderfully memorable, as we headed to Ghent, NY in the heart of the Catskills to photograph Kaitlyn and Rich’s wedding at the Barn at Liberty Farms.

Kaitlyn and I go way back to our days at Pryde Brown Photographs. We both worked at the iconic portrait photographer’s studio based in Princeton, NJ. There we learned not only what running a full film studio looked like, but how to make people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down, get to know them, and ultimately take their real portrait. It’s hard to believe that I went from working alongside high school age Kaitlyn in the darkroom to marrying age Kaitlyn on her wedding day!

When I arrived at the Barn at Liberty Farms’ guest cottage, Kaitlyn had so many amazing details, I got straight to work! She brought photographs of all the women in her live’s wedding portraits. What a great idea! When I photograph a wedding, I think about granddaughters, and how they’ll dote over their young grandmother’s wedding portrait, and here is Kaitlyn doing exactly that. I couldn’t help but include these prized possessions in Kaitlyn’s details.

Kaitlyn had her dressing process completely orchestrated with her Aunts there to help her dress. The light in the cottage was heavenly, which Kaitlyn told me ahead of time, and she knows exactly what she’s looking for!

After seeing her Dad and brother as a newly dressed bride, they drove her to the Barn at Liberty Farms, switched to a cart and we were off to the highest point where Rich was waiting. The pictures on top of this hill are very likely some of my favorite portraits ever taken! Every direction was stunning, with the rolling hills, barns and horses in the background.

Reluctantly, we came down the hill. After all, they had to get married some time! When we arrived at the ceremony location, it was stunning! The decomposed archway of fall florals matched every detail beautifully, and that’s where Kaitlyn and Rich exchanged vows.

While the newlyweds rested up for their reception, we muscled our way (quite literally, these barn doors are the real deal!) into the main reception room and were blown away by the stunning details. The blush colored ceramic plates and the gold flatware blew us away! The room was set up in a triangle of three long tables surrounding the dance floor as the new Mr. and Mrs. were introduced for their first dance.

After some meaningful toasts by the Best Man and Maid of Honor (one of my former brides!), the parent dances, and some party dancing, Kaitlyn surprised Rich with his own cigar bar! That’s when the real party started! Half the party was out by the fire pit with cigars, and marshmallow s’mores. Hands down, the best way to end the evening.

Thank you so much Kaitlyn and Rich for having us as your photographers, and moving your wedding date and your wedding venue (ha!) We were so honored to be part of your day, and loved every minute of the celebration! Thank you Barbara Wentzel and Maggie DiVirgilio for being part of the team and making the long weekend road trip!

Be sure to check out images from Kaitlyn and Rich’s Princeton University engagement session HERE!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns Photography and Barbara Wentzel

Venue: The Barn at Liberty Farms

Hair/Makeup: Krystal Rose Studio 

Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero, Madeleine’s Daughter

Engagement Ring: Long’s Jewelry 

Florist: Flower Blossom Farm

Caterer: Main Course

Band: 74 Events