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Kelly and Ray’s Bedford Post Inn wedding was a quiet, joyful celebration with about 40 guests. The couple had already celebrated their marriage in Portugal the month before. As a result, this day felt relaxed and free of pressure. We were thrilled to document it as part of our micro wedding and elopement photography work. Here is a look back at their late summer day in Westchester County.Reception tables with white plates and greenery centerpieces, and a welcome table with a framed sign, card box and place cards. Large arrangements of white flowers and greenery on the sunlit lawn, with a tent visible among the trees. Bride with long dark hair and a pearl necklace holds a bouquet of white flowers, in color and in black and white. Bride holding her bouquet stands on a sunny lawn in front of a large house, in color and in black and white. Bride in a white gown and groom in a navy suit share a happy moment near a white house, surrounded by greenery.

Bedford Post Inn Micro-Wedding Venue in Bedford, NY

The Bedford Post Inn sits on 20 quiet acres of backcountry in Bedford, NY. It is a Relais & Châteaux property with eight guest rooms and two restaurants. First, the lawn offers a peaceful ceremony spot framed by tall, old trees. Meanwhile, the courtyard works beautifully for cocktails and mingling. The inn hosts up to 100 guests, which makes it ideal for an intimate wedding.Bride and groom embrace on the lawn, surrounded by trees and string lights on a sunny day. Smiling bride holding a bouquet of white flowers poses on the grass with trees and a wooden building behind her. Bride and groom exchange vows at their intimate outdoor ceremony, with floral arrangements and sunlight filtering through the trees. Bride in a veil reads her vows from a book to the groom, with white flowers and a house behind them. Bride reads from a card as the couple faces each other on the lawn, in color and in black and white. Bride and groom exchange vows and embrace on a sunny day, surrounded by greenery. Bride and groom exchange vows and rings in the garden at Bedford Post Inn, surrounded by greenery and white flowers.

Micro Wedding Celebration After a Wedding in Portugal

Kelly and Ray had already celebrated their marriage in Portugal just one month earlier. As a result, their Bedford Post Inn wedding had a calm and unhurried feel. They chose a smaller gathering here, focused on time with the people who mattered most. Therefore, the whole day moved at an easy pace. That kind of rhythm always makes our job as a Beacon-based photography team a joy.Bride reads her vows from a card to the groom during their outdoor ceremony, with trees blurred behind them. Black and white photo of the groom dipping the bride for a kiss among flower arrangements, with the inn and trees behind them. Bride and groom embrace with her bouquet of white flowers, and kiss in the sunlit garden. Bride and groom smile and embrace outdoors, in black and white and in color. Black and white collage with close-ups of the couple's hands and attire, and a wider shot of them embracing near blooming flowers. Bridal bouquet of white flowers resting on stone, and the couple embracing under a vine-covered archway. Bride and groom embrace in the lush garden at Bedford Post Inn beneath greenery and stone archways. Black and white photo of the bride in her veil holding the groom's face as they kiss, surrounded by greenery.Bride and groom kiss among greenery and flowers as sunlight filters through the trees. Bride and groom walk arm in arm across a sunny lawn, smiling at each other, in a portrait by Westchester and Hudson Valley wedding photographers Megan and Kenneth. Bride in a veil gazes at the groom in his navy suit and boutonniere as sunlight filters through the trees. Bride and groom kiss under a decorative metal arch, then face the camera smiling with their arms around each other. Groom gently touches the bride's face as they gaze at each other, surrounded by blooming hydrangeas. Bride and groom embrace outdoors, and the bride stands with an older woman in a light blue dress in front of hydrangea bushes. Groom gently holds the bride's face as they smile at each other among greenery and flowers.

Elopement Style Ceremony on the Bedford Post Inn Lawn

First, the day began with a private ceremony with just Kelly and Ray on the lawn. There were no guests yet, only the two of them beneath the trees. They exchanged vows quietly, and we stayed back to give them space. As a result, the moment felt personal and unposed. This approach is at the heart of our elopement photography, even within a larger day.Groom in a navy suit kisses the bride's hand outdoors, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. Groom in a navy suit with a blue tie and boutonniere sits outdoors smiling, in color and in a black and white close-up. Bride holding a bouquet of white flowers stands under a leafy arch, with a close-up of her veil and bouquet. Bride and groom pose under a leafy archway, and he kisses her forehead while she holds her bouquet and smiles. Groom kisses the bride's hand, then they smile closely at each other beside greenery and stone steps. Bride rests her head on the groom's shoulder as they stand together by a stone wall. Bride and groom smile at each other under lush greenery, then the groom kisses the bride's forehead. Bride and groom embrace near the garden pond at Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, NY, surrounded by greenery and sunlight.

Ring Exchange and Dip Kiss at an Intimate Wedding in Bedford, NY

After their vows, Kelly and Ray exchanged rings. Next came their first kiss, and it was a full dip. We loved it, and it set a playful tone for the rest of the day. Small ceremonies like this leave room for moments that feel completely their own. It was one of our favorite moments of this Bedford Post Inn wedding.Long dining table set with flowers, plates, glasses and napkins in a bright room with wooden chairs and large windows.White bridal bouquet on stone and on a blue armchair, and ring boxes on white petals holding a diamond ring and two gold bands. Trays of appetizers and guests mingling at the garden cocktail hour, with tables and greenery behind them. Server holds a tray of shrimp cocktail with sauce and lemon wedges during the outdoor cocktail hour. Two men in suits share a joyful hug, and guests in formal attire mingle outdoors with drinks. Three guests in formal attire smile outdoors, then pose with three more guests in front of the greenery. Bride and groom walk together smiling on a sunny day past green trees and neatly trimmed bushes. Bride holding her bouquet smiles as she walks through the garden with the groom in his navy suit. Newlyweds kiss while guests cheer, then turn to face the smiling crowd in the sunlit garden. Bride hugs a man in a blue suit and kisses a woman in a light purple dress while greeting guests outdoors.

Couple Portraits by Westchester Wedding Photographers

After that, we spent time on portraits around the grounds. The property offers so much variety, from open lawns to shaded paths and historic buildings. We moved at a relaxed pace and let Kelly and Ray settle in together. Meanwhile, we guided them with simple prompts instead of stiff poses. As Westchester wedding photographers, we know how to make the most of every corner here.Bride and groom stand between a man in a blue suit and a woman in a light purple dress, all smiling in the garden. Bride holding her bouquet poses with a woman in a light blue dress, and then with a man in a blue suit. Bride with her bouquet poses with a man in a blue suit, who playfully kicks up one leg as he kisses her cheek. Bride holding her bouquet poses with two women and a man, who then smile at each other in front of the greenery. A man kisses the bride on the cheek while another smiles beside them, and the groom warmly hugs a woman among green trees. Bride and groom pose outdoors with their wedding party, bridesmaids in purple dresses, with close-ups of the group smiling.

Late Summer Micro Wedding Photos Before Autumn

The wedding took place on a late summer day, just before autumn officially began. The greenery was still lush, and the light had a soft warmth. That seasonal shift gave this Bedford Post Inn wedding a golden, gentle feel. In addition, the trees still held their full summer color. We love this window of the year for outdoor portraits.Guests in formal attire talk in the garden, beside a tall welcome mirror with white lettering and a small table. Man in a blue suit smiles, and elegantly dressed guests chat and laugh in the sunlit garden. Bride in her veil talks with a woman in a blue dress, and an older couple chats over drinks during the garden cocktail hour. Micro-wedding reception room at Bedford Post Inn with long tables, white flowers, greenery, candles and large windows. Three candid photos of guests talking and dining in a bright room with white walls, flowers and dressed tables. Woman in a blue dress hugs and kisses the seated bride, then kisses the smiling groom's cheek as the bride looks on.

Courtyard Cocktail Hour at a Small Wedding in Westchester

Next, guests arrived for cocktail hour. The courtyard is a lovely spot for drinks and conversation. Kelly and Ray joined their friends and family right after portraits. Since the ceremony was private, this was their first chance to greet everyone as a married couple. With about 40 guests, the small wedding felt warm and connected from the start.

Family Photos at the Bedford Post Inn

We photographed family portraits during cocktail hour. First, we gathered each group efficiently so no one missed much of the party. Because the guest count was small, this part moved smoothly. As a result, Kelly and Ray still had plenty of time to celebrate. Family photos are one of the most treasured parts of any Bedford Post Inn wedding gallery.

Intimate Wedding Dinner Reception in Bedford, NY

Then the dinner reception began. Inside, the dining spaces feel elegant yet cozy, which suits a micro wedding perfectly. Guests settled in around the tables for a relaxed evening meal. Meanwhile, we moved quietly around the room to capture candid moments. Our documentary approach lets the evening unfold naturally without interruption.

Wedding Toasts Captured by Hudson Valley Wedding Photographers

Once dinner was underway, a number of loved ones stood up to give toasts. Each one was heartfelt, and together they told the story of Kelly and Ray. At an intimate wedding, toasts feel more like conversations than speeches. We focused on both the speakers and the couple’s reactions. Those reaction photos are often favorites from a Bedford Post Inn wedding day.

Bride and groom smile from their table while a man in glasses and a tie gives a speech. Bride hugs a man in a blue suit, who then throws his arms up with joy in a warmly lit room. Woman in a light blue dress speaks at the microphone, a man raises a glass, and a smiling woman chats over dinner. Guests listen intently to the speeches, then smile and raise their glasses in a toast. Man in a checked shirt and tie gives a heartfelt speech as guests listen at a table with candles and flowers. Woman in a burgundy dress gives a speech while the laughing bride and guests react at their tables. Guests at a long table raise their glasses, and the bride happily hugs two guests at her Bedford Post Inn micro-wedding. Woman in a black dress gives a speech at the microphone while guests smile from tables decorated with flowers and candles. Older man in a plaid shirt listens at the dinner table, and two guests share a joyful hug. Man in a white shirt speaks into a microphone beside a woman, while guests at the tables watch and smile. Bride and groom smile from their table while a woman in a brown dress gives a speech and guests listen.

Private First Dance at a Relais & Châteaux Wedding Venue

Later, Kelly and Ray shared a private first dance in the courtyard. It was just the two of them, much like the way their day began. The quiet setting gave the moment a sweet, unhurried feel. We kept our distance and let the dance unfold on its own. It was a beautiful way to bookend such a meaningful day.

Documentary Micro Wedding Photography by a Beacon-Based Team

Our style is documentary at heart. We look for real moments rather than directing every frame. As a married team of Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we work quietly and stay in sync all day. This approach suits a micro wedding especially well, where every guest is close by. It is exactly how we approached this Bedford Post Inn wedding.Black and white photo of a hand raising a glass of red wine in a toast, with guests at the table blurred behind it. Bride and groom give a speech, guests sit at decorated tables, and glasses are raised for a toast at their micro-wedding reception. Sliced steak with roasted garlic on a white platter, and baked macaroni and cheese in a skillet beside wine glasses.

Top Beacon-Based Wedding Photography & Videography Team

A wedding like this takes a thoughtful team behind the scenes. Natalie of Driskill Designs planned and coordinated the day with care. Her organization kept everything on track, from the private ceremony to the first dance. Next, Ela Flowers designed the florals for the day. The Bedford Post Inn team also made the venue feel welcoming from start to finish. We are grateful to have worked alongside such a talented group.Bride spins as the groom holds her hand, then they embrace and smile beneath glowing string lights. Bride and groom hold each other close during their first dance at night, surrounded by string lights and trees. Bride and groom dance outdoors under string lights, then embrace and kiss.

Tips for Planning an Intimate Wedding in Westchester County

First, consider a private ceremony if you want quiet time together before guests arrive. Next, plan portraits right after the ceremony while your energy is fresh. In addition, schedule family photos during cocktail hour to keep the evening flowing. Finally, think about a private first dance if the spotlight feels like too much. These simple choices helped Kelly and Ray enjoy every part of their Bedford Post Inn wedding.

Bride and groom dance and embrace at night under string lights, in color and in black and white. Bride and groom embrace and smile at each other under string lights on their wedding night in Westchester. Bride and groom gaze at each other while dancing under string lights, and the groom twirls the bride in black and white. Bride and groom embrace under string lights, then the groom dips and kisses the bride on the stone patio at night.Elopement and Small Wedding Photography in the Hudson Valley

We feel so lucky to have been part of Kelly and Ray’s day. This venue is one of our favorites, and we cannot wait to come back. If you are planning a Bedford Post Inn wedding, we would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, our Beacon-based photography team also covers the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Whether your celebration is a small wedding or an elopement, we are here to help you tell your story.

Bedford Post Inn Micro-Wedding Celebration in Westchester, NY

Megan and Kenneth, Beacon based Hudson Valley wedding photographers
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Hi! We're Megan & Kenneth

We're Beacon based Hudson Valley & Catskills wedding + elopement photographers who love to capture natural, authentic moments for all couples in love.

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Megan & Kenneth are wedding photographers based in Beacon, NY, serving the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
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