Jena + Tim | The Greenhouse at Rhinebeck Wedding | New York and Virginia Wedding Photographer

In the hours following a wedding, I often find myself feeling like I am floating home on a cloud. I have usually just spent 8+ hours having my heart filled to the brim by moments, love, and emotion that I have had the privilege of cementing in time. It’s a pretty amazing feeling. And as the days continue to pass, each wedding gets its own little place in my heart where it will always live, enabling me to feel a cozy feeling when I look back on it. This wedding is one of those that, even months later, makes me feel incredibly content and happy.  It was everything a wedding should be – a celebration of love, a gathering of people who mean the world to Jena and Tim, and a beautiful day filled with an immense amount of happiness. I got to know Jena and Tim (and their sweet pup Emerson) especially well in the year leading up to their wedding, and so when the day finally arrived, I was so excited to share in this joy with them!

There are few things I love as much as a wedding that includes a pup, and Emerson was the most handsome little guy for his parent’s wedding! With a bow tie and leather collar for the day, he was the cutest honorary best man anyone could ask for. And that bouquet!! Created by Lisa Riso at The Greenhouse at Rhinebeck, it was simply stunning. When Jena told me she wanted a large bouquet filled with a mixture of brightly colored fall flowers, nothing could have prepared me for how gorgeous it would be. It worked perfectly with the simple orchids in her hair, her Essence of Australia lace wedding gown, and her Steve Madden boots, which where the perfect ‘Jena’ spin on her wedding day attire. All of this aside though, what took center stage for me was the beautiful emotion that was ever-present throughout their day. Moments and tears and the beautiful emotion of it all are the reason I love weddings. And their day was especially full of these things. The moments after the first time they laid eyes on each other were some of my favorites (possibly ever!). The look Tim had on his face as he hugged Jena, followed by the tears from both, were simply beautiful. For their first dance, they chose to do something really unique. Instead of recessing out of the gorgeous space they were married in, they began their first dance at the same spot where they became husband and wife. As they danced, guests blew bubbles from the balcony. It was a really special time and so moving to see the happiness on their faces. Feeling like nothing could top this, I was quickly proven wrong when it came speech time. They were showered with beautiful words by so many of their relatives and closest friends, but it was Tim’s nephew that stole everyone’s hearts. His toast to his uncle, whom he adores, was so moving. The pictures of Jena and Tim during his speech are some of my favorite from the day!

Jena and Tim, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day! You truly made it your own, and it was such an honor to witness your love and share in this day with your wonderful family and friends. From the start, it was always incredibly clear to me how much you love each other, and so watching you join your lives and capturing this day for you will always hold a special place in my heart!

 

Venue: The Greenhouse at Rhinebeck 
Florist: Lisa Riso, The Greenhouse at Rhinebeck
Wedding Gown: Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Livkoff
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Alex and Ani
Jewelry: Borrowed from sister
Shoes: Steve Madden boots
Catering: Blima’s Catering
Hair: Erin Johnson
Make-up: Jayme Rhodes
Cake: The Pastry Garden
Second Photographer: Melissa Kruse (Thank you for all your help that day!)