There’s something about early fall in upstate New York that feels cinematic—the light softens, the air carries a crisp edge, and the landscapes turn into a painter’s palette of warm tones. For this September wedding, that cinematic quality was the perfect backdrop for a celebration that blended documentary-style storytelling with an effortlessly luxe vibe.

From the very beginning, this wedding felt like it was going to be something special. The couple had a vision: nothing staged, nothing forced—just real, unfiltered moments captured in a way that felt timeless yet fashion-forward.

Getting Ready

The morning began with quiet anticipation. Instead of rushing, there was a calm, and very fun energy in the air. Private vows hanging poolside, friends lounged with laughter, and the couple leaned into the intimacy of the day with inviting their guests to do a morning plunge in the pool that set the tone for the day: unposed, free-spirited, and unforgettable. Every detail—the textures of fabrics, the way light streamed through the windows, the energy of people truly living in the moment—felt like it belonged in your favorite magazine. Before the ceremony, the couple shared a series of first looks that carried so much weight and tenderness. The quiet exchange of glances, the way a hand lingered on a shoulder, the tears that welled up and quickly turned into laughter—it was intimate and grounding. These moments gave the day its heart.

The Ceremony

Set against the backdrop of early autumn trees, their ceremony felt both grand and deeply personal. Guests gathered in chic attire, and the whole scene carried a sense of understated glamour. It wasn’t about over-the-top décor; it was about presence, connection, and the way the couple looked at each other when no one else seemed to exist.

Family was at the heart of this wedding, and the portraits reflect just how meaningful that was. Surrounded by parents, siblings, and little ones, the couple’s group photos carried both sophistication and ease. With everyone dressed in black-tie elegance—paired with bold florals and soft pastels—the images feel elevated yet completely natural. The kids brought the perfect dose of spontaneity, from shy smiles to playful grins, softening the formality. These weren’t just posed portraits; they were living, breathing moments of connection, captured in a way that feels both timeless and modern.

The Celebration

The reception brought the luxe factor to life. Long tables lined with glowing candles, elegant floral designs that felt organic and uncontrived, and music that kept the atmosphere alive well into the night. The dance floor was full of movement, laughter, and raw joy—the kind of moments that documentary-style photography thrives on. Every frame told a story. Every photograph felt like an invitation back into the memory.

For couples dreaming of a wedding that blends editorial fashion with real, lived-in moments, this New York celebration is proof that you can have both—the luxe and the laid-back, the glamorous and the real. My piece of advice for couples planning their wedding is to carve out time to be intentionally present, a well tailored timeline is great & allotting specific time to soak it all in is needed.

Leaving you with a few of my favorite newlywed photos to wrap it up xx