Looking for a Westchester wedding photographer or Hudson Valley wedding photographer? John and Keely’s wedding is a perfect example of a heartfelt, elegant celebration in the Hudson Valley region of New York.


From chickens wandering through their backyard to emotional vows beneath stained glass windows and sunset portraits overlooking the Hudson Valley, John and Keely’s wedding day was filled with unforgettable, emotional moments from start to finish. From getting ready at their home in Patterson to a stunning outdoor reception at Las Mañanitas in Brewster, every part of their celebration reflected who they are and the love they share. Here’s a look back at their wedding day and why their celebration is a beautiful inspiration for couples planning a wedding in Westchester County, Putnam County, and the Hudson Valley.

A flowing white wedding veil blows gracefully in the wind while newlyweds kiss on the lawn at Las Mañanitas in Brewster, NY .
A detail photograph taken by Joliette Marie Photography of blue and white elegant wedding details highlighting a Hudson Valley wedding.
A wedding taking place at St. James the Apostle in Carmel, NY shot by Westchester wedding photographer.
Outdoor cocktail hour display with colorful appetizers, fruits, and snacks arranged on a blue tablecloth at Las Mañanitas in Brewster, NY.
Colorful cocktails and drinks displayed on a wooden table with menu cards and decorative elements.
A bride and groom cut their wedding cake with custom bobbleheads at their reception in Brewster, NY in Hudson Valley.
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Getting Ready at Home in Patterson, NY

The day began at John and Keely’s home in Patterson, where the energy was calm, joyful, and full of excitement. Keely got ready surrounded by her bridesmaids, her mom, John’s mom, and his sister -- a beautiful blend of both families coming together. One of the most special parts of the morning was that Keely’s mom, who is a professional hairdresser, did everyone’s hair and makeup.


Adding to the charm of the morning, John and Keely’s home is also home to a few chickens, and they made a cameo in their wedding gallery! We stepped outside for a few getting-ready portraits with the chickens wandering around in the background, which made for some of the most fun and uniquely "them" images of the day.


Keely’s details were just as meaningful as they were beautiful. She wore stunning Betsy Johnson heels with delicate blue floral accents, and carried a bouquet charm featuring a photo of her late grandmother which was a touching way to honor her and keep her close throughout the day. Watching her excitement as she got dressed in the wedding dress that she had kept a surprise for her bridal party and seeing their reactions also added an extra layer of love to the morning. It was such a sweet, intimate start to the day.


Keely looked absolutely stunning in her strapless mikado gown — timeless, elegant, and perfectly suited to her. John looked equally sharp in his white tux, which gave his look a modern, confident edge.



A Meaningful Ceremony at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church

After getting ready, the bridal party traveled to St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in Carmel, NY in separate limousines. This meant that John and Keely didn’t see each other until the ceremony, and their first look happened the traditional way, right down the aisle.


As Keely walked toward him, John’s expression said everything. He’s not someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve, but seeing his bride brought tears to his eyes; a quiet, genuine moment that was incredibly moving.

The church itself was breathtaking, with gorgeous stained glass windows that filled the space with colorful light. I loved getting creative with these windows and using them to frame some of their portraits during the ceremony.

Their vows, the music, and the presence of their closest family and friends made the ceremony feel deeply meaningful and full of reverence and joy.


Family Photos, Furry Friends, and a Special Stop at Home

After the ceremony, we made a quick but meaningful stop back at John and Keely’s home. John’s grandmother wasn’t able to attend the wedding, so we took time to capture beautiful photos with her. This moment that meant so much to the entire family and they will forever have these photos to remember how excited she was for them on their special day.


We also made sure to include John & Keely's dogs in some portraits, which added so much personality and fun to their gallery. These little in-between moments are often some of my favorites, and this stop was such a perfect reflection of how much family means to them.


A Stunning Outdoor Reception at Las Mañanitas in Brewster

From there, we headed to Las Mañanitas in Brewster for the reception. While I had been there before, this was my first time photographing an event on their grounds, and I was blown away.


The cocktail hour took place on a beautiful hill overlooking the landscape, surrounded by white hydrangeas and sweeping views. It was the perfect setting for guests to relax, mingle, and enjoy the summer evening.

The reception was held under an elegant tent, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere while still letting everyone enjoy the outdoor setting. Between the lighting, florals, and layout, the space felt both elevated and welcoming. Plus, the Mexican food was excellent!


Thoughtful Details & Personal Touches

John and Keely infused their day with so many thoughtful, custom details that made their wedding uniquely theirs.

One of my favorites was their cocktail signage featuring their dogs — such a fun and personal touch that guests loved. They also had custom bobbleheads made to look just like them, complete with accessories. John’s included a baseball glove and ball, a nod to their love for the Yankees (and a sweet reminder for me of their engagement session at Yankee Stadium).


It’s details like these that turn a beautiful wedding into a truly memorable one.


Golden Hour Magic & Sunset Portraits

As the evening went on, we were treated to the most gorgeous sunset. The light was soft, warm, and absolutely ideal for romantic portraits. John and Keely were naturals in front of the camera by this point, and these sunset photos ended up being some of my favorites from the entire day. They captured not only how stunning everything looked, but how happy and connected they were in those quiet moments together.


A Day Full of Love, Family, and Joy in the Hudson Valley

From beginning to end, John and Keely’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and intention. Every part of the day from Keely’s mom doing hair and makeup, to John’s emotional reaction at the altar, to sunset portraits and dancing under the tent reflected how much thought and heart they put into their wedding.

It was truly an honor to document their story and preserve these memories for them.


John and Keely, thank you for trusting me with such an important day in your lives. I’m so grateful to have been part of your journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both.

A white wedding dress hangs on display while someone in a white robe admires it near a window.
Three elegant wedding rings including a diamond engagement ring displayed in a white ring box with floral decor.
Delicate white and blue paper butterflies arranged with wedding invitation cards and decorative elements on light surface.
Three bridesmaids in light blue dresses pose playfully outdoors under a willow tree.
Black and white photo series showing the process of putting on a wedding dress with assistance.
Close-up series of someone putting on earrings while getting ready.
Two women share an emotional embrace, one wearing a royal blue dress and the other in a white wedding gown.
A wedding couple walks down a modern hallway with stone floors and wooden walls in a sequence of progressive shots.
Groomsmen in white tuxedo jackets and black bow ties pose for formal portraits.
A stunning cathedral wedding ceremony with guests watching as the bride's lace train trails down the aisle.
Wedding ceremony in a church with stained glass windows and guests standing in formal attire.
Wedding guests gather inside a church with colorful stained glass windows.
A sequence of candid moments during a church ceremony showing interactions at wooden pews.
People in white attire dancing and celebrating at a formal event with a golden backdrop.
Romantic wedding couple sharing intimate moments in an elegantly lit venue with golden backdrop and candles.

Planning a Wedding in Westchester or the Hudson Valley?

If you’re planning your wedding in Westchester County, Putnam County, or anywhere in the Hudson Valley and looking for a photographer who values genuine moments, thoughtful details, and joyful storytelling, I’d love to connect with you.


I specialize in weddings, engagements, and proposals throughout Westchester, the Hudson Valley, NYC, and Connecticut, and I’m passionate about helping couples feel relaxed, confident, and fully present on their wedding day.

Inquire here to learn more about working together!