After a rainy summer in the northeast, the skies cleared to allow for Johna and Tuck to have the dreamiest countryside wedding at Kirby Hill Farm in Pawling, New York!
The day began with Johna getting ready at their airbnb with her bridesmaids and both her and Tuck’s mothers. Everyone was relaxed, because the hair and makeup from Beauty Alchemy was ahead of schedule! So, we were able to fully soak in the good vibes for the day. Meanwhile, I snapped photos of their gorgeous invitation suite from Minted, surrounded by all of of Johna’s wedding day details
With the help of her bridesmaids, Johna zipped up her elegant Jenny Yoo dress with a lace bodice and drop sleeves. Johna stepped into her Loeffler Randall heels, and with one last spritz of perfume, was ready for the First Look!
Tuck got ready separately, wearing a dark blue Peter Millar suit and tie with pink tones to bring in the warm colors of the day.
On the way to the venue, both Johna and Tuck finished up writing their vows, and then, filled with emotion, met each other on the grass for the First Look. Underneath huge leafy trees, they saw each other in their wedding attire for the first time. The moment together was both powerful and emotional. Then, while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we took portraits with the stunning red barn in the background, providing excellent contrast.
The ceremony took place on a hilltop overlooking the fields and barns. The bridal party walked down the aisle, wearing warm tones like burnt orange and deep magenta, and then came Johna with her flowing veil behind. Her aunt Esta officiated the ceremony, adding a family touch to the day. When it was time for vows, Tuck started crying, overcome with emotion. Guests cheered and threw flower petals as they were pronounced man and wife!
While guests enjoyed the cocktail hour overlooking polo fields, we took portraits with Johna and Tuck and their bridal party around the grounds, including at the barn. We got the typical mix of serious and funny photos that are great for a large wedding party!
Then, it was time to enjoy the reception inside The Glass Barn, which has huge glass doors that open up, providing a lovely crossover of indoors and outdoors. I loved that Kirby Hill Farm was so chic and elegant—even though we were technically inside a barn, you wouldn’t think that we were!
The reception seating chart had a special twist. Both Johna and Tuck are teachers and met while volunteering for Teach for America, so they incorporated books into their seating chart. The books each had a faux library card with a guest’s name on it. Each book matched a category, which was where they were assigned to sit. I love seeing couples incorporate something that’s special to them into their day. Once everyone was seated, a meal by Odeen’s Catering Company was served.
Now the full swing of the reception began, and the dance floor was packed, with help from a great band, Clark Eno Orchestra! I particularly enjoyed the couple’s first dance, because the song, First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes, was the same song my husband Joe and I played for our first dance at our wedding! It transported me right back to that day.
The cake cutting and tons more dancing wrapped a great day, where everything went smoothly, with help from Blossom Events for day-of coordination!
I loved capturing this day, particularly because the rolling green hills reminded me of me and my husband’s own wedding many years ago! Kirby Farm was truly an exceptional location, too. If you’re looking for a Northeast wedding photographer for your wedding in New York and beyond, let’s get in touch!
