Photographing Kierstyn and Steven’s wedding at Monteverde at Oldstone was an absolute dream. This stunning venue in Cortlandt Manor, New York, provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. Just forty miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The beautifully restored 18th-century estate features a variety of unique settings, from the elegant Mansion and the Grand Tented Pavilion to the picturesque Grand Lawn overlooking the Hudson River. It truly set the stage for a memorable celebration.
We began the day by capturing the “getting ready” moments of Kierstyn and her bridesmaids in the mansion’s beautifully decorated rooms. There was an air of excitement as the ladies sipped champagne, shared laughs, and helped each other prepare for the day ahead. Kierstyn looked radiant as she got ready, surrounded by her closest friends who were all dressed in elegant, coordinating gowns. The soft light streaming through the mansion windows created a perfect ambiance for these intimate and joyful moments. Meanwhile, Steven and his groomsmen were just a floor below, in the mansion’s bar area. The gentlemen were in high spirits, sharing jokes and enjoying a few drinks as they donned their suits. It was clear that both the bride and groom were surrounded by love and support, and we were thrilled to capture these genuine moments of friendship and anticipation.
As the ceremony time approached, we took some stunning photos of the ceremony site set up on the lawn, overlooking the majestic Hudson River. The guests began to arrive, filling the seats with anticipation and excitement. The ceremony itself was a beautiful, heartfelt affair. With the river as a backdrop, Kierstyn and Steven exchanged their vows surrounded by family and friends. The soft rustling of the leaves and the gentle sound of the river created an idyllic setting for their commitment to each other. When the ceremony concluded, there were tears of joy, warm embraces, and plenty of smiles. We took extended family photos on the lawn, capturing the joy and connection that filled the air.
The celebration continued with a lively cocktail hour in front of the mansion. Guests mingled on the stone patio, enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the sounds of a live band, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. As the sun began to set, everyone transitioned across the lawn to the Grand Tented Pavilion for the reception. The tent was beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights and elegant floral arrangements. The newlyweds made their grand entrance, greeted by cheers and applause, and went straight into their first dance. It was a magical moment, and the love between them was palpable.
Following their dance, Kierstyn and Steven shared touching dances with their parents, which brought even more emotion to the evening. There was a special moment when all the UConn graduates were called to the dance floor for a group photo, highlighting the couple’s shared college history. The rest of the evening was filled with lively dancing, heartfelt speeches from the bride’s father, maid of honor, and best man, and a delicious dinner that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
As the night went on, Kierstyn changed into a beautiful after-party dress, adding a fun twist to the evening’s festivities. We captured some stunning photos of the bride in her new look, alongside Steven, as they continued to celebrate their love surrounded by friends and family. The evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and joy, and it was the perfect way to cap off a truly magical day.
Being part of Kierstyn and Steven’s wedding day was a true honor. The beauty of Monteverde at Oldstone combined with the couple’s love and the support of their family and friends made it an unforgettable event. As NYC Wedding photographers, we love capturing these special moments that couples will cherish forever.