Maddie & Gyasi's Blenheim Hill Farm Wedding
It’s always a huge honor when a friend asks me to photograph their wedding, so when my old SU friend Gyasi reached out to me about his wedding to his fiancée Maddie, I was thrilled. Gyasi and I met while attending school at Syracuse University. He was a few years ahead of me but let’s just say he was A PRESENCE in the a cappella community and was super kind and welcoming to me as a shy newbie. I knew that his fiancée must be a really special, fun person to keep up with Gyasi, and I was definitely right. I video chatted with the two of them to officially meet Maddie and chat about their vision and I was so excited to find that 1. Maddie was super sweet and the two of them together seemed to be a perfect match and 2.
Their vision for their wedding photography matched my documentary wedding photography style exactly.
Maddie & Gyasi live together in New York City. The pair met in typical millennial fashion, on the apps. Coffee Meets Bagel was the one that brought them together. It was Maddie’s FIRST EVER date on said app (how’s that for luck?). 4.5 hours and a good number of margaritas later, their first date was over but their story had just begun (I’m sorry for the schmaltz, I know).
Fast forward to October of 2021, when Gyasi surprised Maddie by asking her to marry him! She said yes - and luckily he did too when she asked him in return (true feminism is thriving in this marriage, people!).
As a New England wedding photographer, I typically don’t venture outside of those bounds for weddings, but for these two I made an exception. We started with an engagement session in Manhattan in January 2022 where we explored Grand Central Terminal and Fort Tryon Park. Then, about 9 months later in October, Maddie and Gyasi had their wedding at Blenheim Hill Farm in Jefferson, New York. The venue was gorgeous, especially in its vibrant autumn colors. They were able to stay on location at a house on the venue and we had a wide array of beautiful scenery and foliage to choose from when it came to first look and portrait scenery.
Maddie and Gyasi had a low key morning on the property.
This quiet moments while getting ready before the day really begins are some of my favorite to be present for as a documentary wedding photographer. I tend to capture an array of emotion; from giddy, excited energy to calmer, quiet meditative moments and I have the time and space to get creative.
Maddie got ready at the farmhouse with her mom, her bridesmaid Hannah and bridesman, Adam, and Gyasi had his best man Chris with him in the barn. Gyasi and Maddie had a first look out on a bridge by the pond and we took some portraits along the water where the foliage was most vibrant. We also had to get some photos of Maddie tossing the frisbee in her dress (she’s an avid ultimate frisbee player).
Both Gyasi and Maddie are Jewish, so I documented them signing their Ketubah with their cantor, their families, and some friends and then got in place for their ceremony. The ceremony took place on the lawn in front of the pond. Their autumnal florals were done by Rose Red and Lavender and their Chuppah was made from Maddie’s mom’s wedding dress (love a meaningful touch). The ceremony had some traditional Jewish themes, and ended with the African wedding tradition of jumping the broom immediately followed by the Jewish tradition of smashing the glass. So fun!
After their ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio, then headed into the barn for the reception festivities. The festivities were filled with fun, candid moments for me to capture - dances, toasts, a song performed by Gyasi and friends to Maddie, and one of the best dance floors I’ve seen (partially due to who Maddie and Gyasi and their guests are and partially due to the amazing band, The Metropolitan Players).
Here's a few of my favorites from Maddie & Gyasi’s wedding day. Enjoy!
Vendors
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Blenheim Hill Farm
Photographer: Kayla Rice Photography
Second Photographer: A Voce Behind the Lens
Videographer: Magic Flute Videos
Band: The Metropolitan Players
Officiant: Hayley Poserow
Hair: Twisted Sister Salon, Candace Rudd
Makeup: Sarah Salvioli
Photobooth: Wanderbus Photo Booth
Florist: Rose Red & Lavender
Dessert: Donuts, Walkill View Farm Market; Truffles, Twisted Truffles
Planner: The Wedding Plan & Company, Christie Napurano
DIY Intimate Block Island Wedding | Jill & George
Backyard weddings have such a unique feeling. The memories held in the place make everything feel important. I find myself wanting to photograph every detail; family photos on the walls, the dogs bounding around the yard, the flowers hanging under the deck; once planted and cared for in the yard by Jill's mother, then cut and arranged for her daughters wedding day. This was the house that Jill’s family owned on Block Island for most of her life. It then became a special place in a different sense for Jill and George as they fell in love and the place they chose to have their wedding. Here’s a little glimpse into the details and moments of their day and a reminder of the magic of backyard weddings.
A SUMMER WEDDING ON BLOCK ISLAND
Backyard weddings have such a unique feeling. The memories held in the place make everything feel important. I find myself wanting to photograph every detail; family photos on the walls, the dogs bounding around the yard, the flowers hanging under the deck; once planted and cared for in the yard by Jill's mother, then cut and arranged for her daughters wedding day.
This was the house that Jill’s family owned on Block Island for most of her life. It then became a special place in a different sense for Jill and George as they fell in love and the place they chose to have their wedding.
Here’s a little glimpse into the details and moments of their day and a reminder of the magic of backyard weddings.
JILL & GEORGE
The couple both attended RISD, had tons of mutual friends, and graduated the same year, but they didn’t meet until a New Years Eve party in Cambridge years later and they didn’t get together until a couple of New Years Eves later in 2017. George was living across the country in California but that didn’t stop them from trying to be together.
After hours and hours of phone conversations they decided to meet in the middle of their two cities, booking a getaway together in Cuba. George had already been thinking about moving back to Boston but it was through their shared collaborative mentality of 'we might not know what we’re getting into, but let’s figure this out together' that inspired their relationship. Two months later, George packed up his apartment in San Francisco and road his motorcycle cross country back to Boston.
GETTING READY AT HOME
Seeing the old photos on the walls of Jill and her sister as kids and Jill’s parents as a young couple enjoying time on Block Island showed me just how special this place is to them all. We packed into a bedroom where Jill and her mom and sister had their hair and makeup done. This wedding was filled with DIY touches made by Jill and her family and friends. Speaking of....let’s talk about Jill’s gown. The fabric was selected by Jill and she had the dress of her dreams created by a friend. She then hand sewed some additional flowers to the dress to add more of a 3D effect. SO amazing.
CEREMONY WITH A VIEW
Jill and George’s ceremony was held on a scenic overlook in a neighbor’s backyard. The dress code was “Colorful, Flamboyant, Be Somebody” which made for a great mix of color and unique accessories. Guests gathered around a large rock that the couple and their officiant stood on; the ocean and the cloudless blue sky as their backdrop. Guests tossed dried flower petals as the couple recessed and then walked or drove back up the road to Jillian’s family home for the reception.
LAID BACK, DIY BACKYARD RECEPTION
The reception was hosted at Jillian’s family’s home on the island. The space was already lush and beautifully landscaped by Jillian’s parents but colorful furniture and boho touches made it even more cozy and inviting. Jillian’s mother created amazing floral installments beneath the eaves of the deck along with Jillian’s bouquet. So much talent in one family!
George, his friends, and dad cooked a whole lamb for dinner. It was quite a spectacle and drew a crowd as it was roasted, taken off the spit and cut up.
Guests enjoyed yard games and a delicious, greek dinner buffet accompanied by George’s roasted lamb. There were also some traditional Armenian desserts (George’s family is Armenian). It was such a beautiful evening and I wish only the best for these two!
Cape Cod Backyard Wedding | Kaitlin & Noa
Will I ever tire of backyard weddings? Probably not. There’s something so special about the transformation of a home into a beautiful venue and about all of the family history and love that exists there. Kaitlin’s family home in Brewster, Massachusetts was the setting for this lovely, intimate summer wedding for Kaitlin and Noa.
A SUMMER WEDDING IN BREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS
Will I ever tire of backyard weddings? Probably not. There’s something so special about the transformation of a home into a beautiful venue and about all of the family history and love that exists there. Kaitlin’s family home in Brewster, Massachusetts was the setting for this lovely, intimate summer wedding for Kaitlin and Noa. I had met the two brides during their winter Boston engagement session back in January at the Arnold Arboretum. They were so great and meeting them before the chaos of the wedding day made it feel like a fun reunion.
WEDDING DAY PREP AT HOME
This mid June Cape Cod wedding began with hair, makeup, and prep right on site for both Noa and for Kaitlin. The two got ready in the same space but chose to get dressed separately to maintain a bit of mystery for their first look. Kaitlin chose a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder bridal gown while Noa wore a fantastic teal custom suit that she had made in Brooklyn (yes she drove all the way there for fittings).
FIRST LOOK
Noa and Kaitlin opted for a first look before their ceremony; I always recommend first looks to couples for many reason - see my previous blog post about it here! The images from this part of the day are some of my favorite. You can see the joy and love so clearly in their expressions. It also served as a moment where the couple could take a breath and be together before their guests arrived and the ceremony began. After some couple photos (did I mention the property is also home to goats, a donkey and a horse who were all dressed for the occasion? We took photos with them too), we took family photos and wedding party photos to make sure that everybody would get to enjoy the amazing cocktails and delicious food** during cocktail hour.
**cocktails made by friends of the couple. Truly delicious and beautiful creations. Food from two local vendors that both blew me away. Check out my vendor list below for their info.
COVID WRENCH
Due to last minute Covid diagnoses, Noa’s parents who live in Israel could not fly to the U.S. This wrench in the plans was understandably upsetting for everyone, but Noa’s sister filled in beautifully for her missing family members. She walked Noa down the aisle, gave a speech, and the sisters had a very fun “Father Daughter” dance together. Noa’s extended family also helped by recording video and live streaming the entire day for those who could not be there.
CEREMONY
The brides’ close friend officiated the wedding and incorporated stories of the couple’s first dates and first love letters that made everyone laugh and cry. It made the ceremony really unique and special. Fun fact: Noa’s first date with Kaitlin was also her very first dating app date EVER. She literally downloaded the app, matched with Kaitlin, went on a date with her, and eventually married her. Such a great story.
RECEPTION UNDER THE TENT
After the ceremony & cocktail hour, the brides gave a welcome toast followed by toasts by Noa’s sister (in place of their father) and the maid of honor. The night continued with first dances, all with piano accompaniment by the brides’ friend and pianist, Yotam Ishay, and finally some fun and wild dancing to traditional Klezmer music played by The Klezwoods.
Congratulations to Kaitlin and Noa on their Cape Cod backyard wedding! It was a highlight of my 2022 wedding season so far and I’m excited to share some of my favorite highlights with you below!
Wedding Vendors:
Catering: @thechubbychickpea
Catering: @thehandsomeoysterco
Bar: @robolife823
Piano: @yotamishaymusic
Band: @klezwoods
Hair & Makeup: @lisa_george_hair_and_makeup
Remis & Kali's Intimate Wedding at Walden Pond
Remis and Kali were married at sunset at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. The ceremony was gorgeous with the sun setting behind them, and they added lots of special details like readings from “Walden” in their ceremony.
I was introduced to Remis and Kali less than a week before their December wedding after their original wedding photographer had to back out. Despite the stressful circumstances, they were so easy going about everything and I could tell that they were a lot of fun. They told me that their wedding was “Roaring 20’s” theme and that guests were encouraged to dress the part - the guests (and the couple) did not disappoint! Everyone took the instructions seriously and looked amazing. Their wedding was a small, intimate ceremony with close friends, family and their children which made it feel really special. They were married at sunset at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Walden Pond is a special place to the two of them and I loved that they incorporated readings from “Walden” in their ceremony. Passersby couldn’t help but stop and listen and watch as they couple were married next to a gorgeous sunset over the pond.
“The scenery of Walden is on a humble scale, and this pond is so remarkable for its depth and purity as to merit a particular description. Walden is blue at one time and green at another, even from the same point of view. Lying between the earth and the heavens, it partakes the color of both.”
(Henry David Thoreau)
Congratulations, Kali & Remis!
Reception Venue: Colonial Inn, Concord, MA
Jacob and Lisa's City Hall Wedding (Manhattan, NYC)
Lisa and Jacob got married at City Hall in Manhattan. Due to Covid regulations, they were only allowed one guest inside with them, so I acted as both their photographer and their witness.
Lisa and Jacob got married at City Hall in Manhattan. Due to Covid regulations, they were only allowed one guest inside with them, so I acted as both their photographer and their witness. The experience at City Hall is a bit like the DMV, but much less stressful and way more romantic. Happy couples lined the street outside in various formality and waited anxiously inside for their number to be called. Lisa and Jacob were called in to the waiting room and given their number. After a brief wait, they were called up to a desk to fill out paperwork and sign their official marriage certificate and then sat back down to wait for their turn in the ceremony room. Their officiant called them up and delivered a straight to the point, but friendly ceremony. They said their vows, kissed, and were officially married. After the ceremony, we took some photos on the Brooklyn Bridge and in some nearby parks. Congratulations, Lisa & Jacob!
Lily and Rafet's Wedding (Mt. Tremper, NY)
Lily and Rafet’s wedding was one that was booked in early March of 2020 and ended up being altered a handful of times in order for it to happen when they wanted it to. Luckily for them, the plan all along had been to have the wedding in the backyard of Lily’s childhood home in Mt. Tremper, NY.
Lily and Rafet’s wedding was one that was booked in early March of 2020 and ended up being altered a handful of times in order for it to happen when they wanted it to. Luckily for them, the plan all along had been to have the wedding in the backyard of Lily’s childhood home in Mt. Tremper, NY. This allowed the venue to remain the same while the guest list had to be cut down to just 50 people. Lily got ready with her bridesmaids and mother at the house while Rafet and his groomsmen got dressed at nearby Hotel Kinsley. Lily’s mother’s home and backyard were absolutely gorgeous with lush green fields and a gorgeous black walnut tree that the ceremony took place beneath. The home’s artsy vibe and family home details like childhood photos on the fridge added so much to the images.
The family dog made sure he was a part of the big day by wildly running through the aisle during the ceremony (chased down by Lily’s brother) and attempting to steal some charcuterie goodness from the table during cocktail hour. The reception included wood fired pizzas made to order, emotional speeches, and some wild and crazy dancing under the tent. Congratulations, Lily and Rafet!
Vendor Details
Catering/Bar/Cake/Decor: DIY, Pizza: Itsa Pizza Truck
Floral: Samantha Brown @samanthafrappiedbrown , Gown: Theia , Tux: Todd Snyder
DJ: Renaissance Noiz (Sal Busciano), Makeup: Alex Leskevich Makeup , Hair: Caitlyn Rauh
Wedding Planner: Jeanne Starke, Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Hotel: Hotel Kinsley
