Married at Red Maple Vineyard

Melissa and Josh have been lifelong friends. They met at summer camp when they were kids and decided that they would be each other’s “back up plan” in case Mr. or Mrs. Right never came along. Little did they know, that they were meant for each other! I love stories like theirs! To be able to look back and see two kids who had no idea they would one day get married. Who better to spend the rest of your life with than your best friend? Life should be celebrated and spending it with someone who likes to have fun every day. Melissa and Josh are definitely fun. I imagine that life is a party for them, because their wedding certainly was! They even danced through their portraits, and when the music began, they never once left the dance floor!

After a rainy couple of days leading up to the wedding day, the skies cleared just in time for this beautiful outdoor wedding. And I am so grateful too! Often times there is a great alternative for portraits and ceremony for your wedding day. Red Maple Vineyard, though, has such gorgeous outdoor locations it would have been such a shame to miss out. The ceremony site, was high on the hill, overlooking the Hudson Valley. The views were breathtaking!

As the married couple descended the hill, the light was perfectly golden around them as it hit the tall grass. Often times I’m looking out for the golden hour around 45 to 30 minutes before actual sunset, but with the steep hill, the golden hour was perfect almost two hours before sunset!

We don’t often stay through the entire reception, but Melissa and Josh wanted us to stay for some of their after party as well. Sometimes this means we don’t have much to photograph, but their band was amazing. The dance floor was packed all night long, and the energy never waned. I have learned to make an art of dancing with my camera. I don’t know how to dance without it anymore, actually. We danced right along with them, while snapping fun dancing pictures all night long. The next morning, my arm was so sore, I struggled to bring my coffee cup to my face. That’s how you know you had a good time!

Congratulations, Melissa and Josh! We had such an amazing time celebrating you! Have a blast in Greece!

Venue: Red Maple Vineyard, West Park, NY

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Videographer: Tone Media

Coordinator: Elite Planning

Hair/Makeup: Willow House

Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger, Wedding Salon of Manhasset

Jeweler: From Italy With Love Jewelers

Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux

Florist: Athabold

Invitation: Designs by Donna
Transportation: Leprechaun Buses

Caterer: Stone Caterers

Entertainment: Elements