Nicole & Garrett: Oheka Castle Wedding, NY

Nicole and Garrett’s amazing wedding at The Oheka Castle, just outside New York City this past week was a study in beautiful contrasts.  Exquisite details, thoughtful preparation and incredibly high quality were contrasted with a bride and groom who were laid back, and simply delighting in the excitement of their celebration.  Their wedding was a true union of souls, of families and of friends.

The details were everywhere.  Her ring is inscribed with “forever”… his reads “and ever”

The anticipation builds…

A creative and unique perspective on Nicole being walked down the aisle by her dad.  Christine and I planned this shot (and a series of others) so that we could silently, seamlessly capture photos while staying out of each other’s way.  Easier said than done… but it worked!

Nicole & her dad, silhouetted with the castle in the background sets the scene.

Another scene setter showing the elaborate gardens, the exquisite day.  Notice how at the exact moment that I’m photographing the image above, Christine is shooting this one… yet I’m not in her photo.

I’ve always loved watching the groom’s reactions, and though we always get the shots of the bride walking down the aisle, we also try for the groom.  Because I’m so tall, I have an opportunity to shoot over the shoulder/heads of Nicole and her dad and capture this important moment of the day.

The chuppah was gorgeous, the rose petals on the aisle, the pumpkins… the flowers… it was beautiful.

A great series of natural moments.  So genuine, so real.

Rose petals tossed as they walk down the aisle.

Garrett turned and looked at his wife for the first time after the ceremony concluded just as they finished walking down the aisle.  His glance to her is timeless, sincere and loving.

Their walk through the Oheka Castle’s gardens.

First dance…

Another really touching moment: Nicole’s dad turns to address the couple directly during his toast.  There wasn’t a dry eye left in the house.

The chair dance… Garrett was all over it.  Nicole (intelligently) held on for dear life.

One of my favorite images of the day:  here Garrett is tearing it up solo on the dance floor.  But find Nicole (in the white dress) shielding her eyes.  Classic!

It was a joy to support Nicole and Garrett.  Amidst the exquisite details, the grandeur of Oheka Castle, and the hundreds of people present… they managed to create a wedding that was intimate, fun, and most of all genuine.

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of talented photographers in the New York City area, and when I asked Garrett and Nicole why they chose to bring Christine and I in from Maine after conducting an exhaustive search… Garrett said “because your photos just seem so genuine, so natural, that people are having fun and the images magically become beautiful.”  What a wonderful compliment… but that “magic” resides in the fantastic people we are lucky enough to support on one of the biggest days of their lives.

It was a true honor to share in your celebration!!  Thank you!

Want to see the complete wedding photos?  They’re all right HERE.

Vendors information coming soon:

Wedding location: Oheka Castle