On the hottest Friday in July I went to Hobart New York, located in the heart of the Catskills to capture the dreamy backyard estate wedding of Hannah and John. I was particularly excited to be capturing this wedding because this is the third wedding I’ve photographed for the bride’s family; first I shot her cousin Rebecca’s wedding, followed by her sister Rachel’s, and finally, Hannah’s. To be the documentarian of an entire family is an honor I don’t take lightly - I was so excited to be there for this momentous day.
The property Hannah and John chose to marry at is a private estate owned by a family friend on the top of a beautiful mountain with fantastic views. A perfect little tree house is perched in the woods overlooking their ceremony location. A large tent was set up out in the field, with panoramic views of the valley below. It is stunning. John grew up vacationing down the road at his family’s summer home which is where Hannah and John first fell in love over eight years ago, a particularly sentimental location for them both.
Hannah and John went all out and DIYed so many aspects of their day, with deeply personal touches throughout. Hannah hand stitched the table numbers, made infused syrups for their bar, put together her own bouquets, charcuterie boards…everything! She even baked her own cutting cake the night before. On that experience, Hannah explained that she found a recipe, test drove it about a week ahead of time, and then baked the cake and mixed the frosting the day before her wedding. On the morning of, she decorated it! I love her commitment to doing things herself - she is an amazing and talented force!
To top off the perfect details, Hannah wore her mother’s wedding dress, altered simply to fit her body, and in her hair she wore accessories designed by her sister. The result was akin to a Grecian goddess, composed of pieces of the women in her life that love her. Talk about amazing style and sentiment.
To paint the scene, the respite of the shady woods was a beautiful setting for their ceremony. In between the trees, the sun peeked through directly over their chuppah (which has been in Hannah’s family for over a 100 years!) and shined down on them below. At cocktail hour, I found their friends doing cartwheels and making pyramids - the fun energy was contagious. Under the tent the party continued, with beautiful toasts, a hopping dance floor, and even live music by their friend’s awesome band. Since I have photographed three different weddings within this family, I can attest that they are always vibrant, intimate, and full of love. Hannah and John did not disappoint.
Thank you John and Hannah for trusting me to capture your day, it was pleasure.
Wedding vendors
Venue, a private estate in Hobart NY.
Wedding dress, family heirloom, designed by the mother of the bride, 1979
Bride’s hairpieces, Epona Valley
Groom’s suit, Century 21
Wedding rings, Ronda Kass
Floral arrangements, DIYed using Trader Joes blooms and wildflowers found onsite.
Rentals, Big Top Tent Rentals, Cairo NY
Catering, Brooks BBQ, Oneonta NY
Charcuteries boards, DIYed using Harpersfield Cheese and Trader Joes
Band/emcee, Cranston Dean Band
Videographer, Addy Vázquez
Coordinator, Carine Bray
Officiant, Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein
