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Kaitlin and Robert’s wedding day started with quiet excitement at the Sonesta White Plains Downtown. We arrived early to catch the calm before the celebration began. As a married wedding photography & videography team, we always love the getting ready portion of the day. It sets the tone for everything that follows, and this morning was no exception.Flat lay of a green and gold invitation, green and lavender vow books with gold monograms, flowers, perfume, a watch and rings. Gold rings and a small glass jar of petals near dark flowers, white lace bridal shoes, and a close-up of rings on a burgundy bloom. Green and white embroidered barong laid on cream fabric beside black dress shoes and a watch with a brown leather strap. White wedding dress hanging on a door, then the smiling bride being helped into it by an older woman in a pink gown in a hotel room. Black and white close-up of a woman's hand resting on the shoulder of the bride's lace wedding dress. Bride in a white lace dress sprays perfume on her wrist, then smiles brightly at the camera in a softly lit room. Bride in a white gown smiles and hugs her bridesmaids in matching purple dresses in a bright room with wood floors. Bride in a white dress and a man in a tuxedo smile at each other in a bright room with flowers behind them. Groom in a green barong gets ready, putting on his shoes, smiling on a bench and buttoning his shirt by a window. Bride helps a man in a tuxedo with his boutonniere, then smiles softly at herself in a mirror. Black and white view from above of the bride climbing a staircase, holding her dress, with another person behind her.

Getting Ready for Briarcliff Manor Wedding at Sonesta White Plains Hotel

Robert wore a custom Barong for the day, made in a rich teal color. The tailoring was intentional, and it photographed beautifully against the hotel’s neutral tones. First, we captured quiet moments as he finished getting dressed. Then we moved through the room, documenting the small details before the bigger moments began.Bride and groom smile and hold hands during a joyful first look near a white fence and green trees. Emotional, smiling groom sees his bride in her wedding dress during their first look among trees and stacked logs. Smiling bride and groom hold hands outdoors, surrounded by greenery and white fencing, just after their first look. Bride in an off-the-shoulder white gown and groom in a green Barong Tagalog hold hands face to face by a white fence. Bride and groom stand close together outdoors among trees and stacked logs.

A Meaningful Morning for the Bride in Westchester, NY

Meanwhile, Kaitlin was down the hall sharing a meaningful moment with her mom. There is nothing quite like watching a mother help her daughter get ready. We stayed close but out of the way, letting the moment unfold naturally. After that, energy in the room began to build toward the first look.Bride and groom pose and dance in front of the large white mansion and fountain on a sunny day. Bride in a white dress and groom in a green barong smile and kiss by the fountain in front of the grand white building. Three portraits of the bride in an off-the-shoulder white gown holding a vibrant pink and purple bouquet by the fountain. Smiling groom in a green and white embroidered barong stands by a brick fence surrounded by trees. Close-up of a low bun with a gold and green hairpiece, beside the bride holding her bouquet in front of a fountain. Couple poses in front of a large white mansion with columns on a sunny day, the bride in a long white gown. Bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other outside a white columned building, in a portrait by Hudson Valley wedding photographers Megan and Kenneth. Bride in a white gown and groom in a green barong pose on the steps of a grand white building with tall columns, a flag and flowers. Bride in a long, flowing gown and groom stand on the steps of the grand white mansion at Briarcliff Manor between its tall pillars.

First Look Moments Before this Briarcliff Manor Wedding

As Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we always encourage a first look when timing allows. Kaitlin and Robert chose to see the bridesmaids first, followed by Kaitlin’s dad. Both reactions were genuine and full of emotion. This Briarcliff Manor wedding was already shaping up to be one to remember.Three portraits of the smiling bride in a white lace dress holding a pink bouquet among green bushes and white flowers. Couple poses and kisses among green trees and white flowers, the bride holding a pink bouquet and the groom in his green barong. Bride in a white gown and groom in a green barong pose and kiss on a sunny day with greenery and distant hills behind them. Bride in a white gown stands on a stone path holding a bouquet of pink flowers, with green grass and hedges behind her.

Shuttle Ride to the Wedding Venue in the Lower Hudson Valley

Next, the wedding party boarded a shuttle from Settembre Limousine and headed toward the venue. The ride was full of laughter and last minute nerves. As a Beacon-based photography team, we love capturing these in-between moments. They rarely make the highlight reel, but they matter just as much as the big ones.Pink, orange and burgundy flower arrangements on chairs and a tall gold-framed vase of purple, white, yellow and red blooms. Three photos of the outdoor setup with round tables and white chairs, a table of flowers and a tree guestbook canvas on an easel. Stained glass wedding welcome sign and two trays of colorful fans in pink, green and blue set out as favors. Ceremony setup with rows of white chairs, a stone walkway and a round table of colorful flower arrangements under a sunny sky. Three-tiered white cake with orange and purple flowers beside a black-framed mirror seating chart and candles on a wooden table. Two black and white photos of the bride getting ready, smiling at the camera and then having her long veil adjusted. Older woman adjusts the bride's veil while bridesmaids in lavender dresses watch emotionally and take photos in a bright room. Bride in an off-the-shoulder gown smiles at another woman, beside a close-up of her bouquet of pink and purple flowers. Table setting with a floral centerpiece, wine bottle, glassware, pink candles and bread rolls on a white tablecloth. Floral arrangements in orange, pink and burgundy displayed outdoors on stands, with greenery and a white table behind.

Portraits Begin At The Westchester Wedding Venue

Once we arrived, we found a quiet spot on the property for a second, more private first look. This Briarcliff Manor wedding photography session moved quickly, but never felt rushed. We worked through portraits of Kaitlin and Robert together, followed by a few with the wedding party. The light that afternoon was soft and forgiving, which made every frame feel effortless.Smiling groom with curly hair in a green Barong Tagalog stands outside a white building with columns. Groom in a Barong Tagalog smiles as the bride walks down the aisle with an older man outside a white building. Bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with an older man in a tuxedo as guests look on. Groom in a green barong wipes away tears beside the bride and officiant while guests watch from behind. Bride and groom at the outdoor altar with guests seated on either side and sunlight streaming through the trees. Three ceremony photos showing the couple holding hands at the altar, the wedding party in sunlight and guests watching the vows among flowers. Wide view of the ceremony lawn with the couple at the altar, bridesmaids in pink, groomsmen in beige barongs and guests on white chairs. Couple stands at the altar with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in barongs, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. Bride in a veil and gown and groom in a Barong Tagalog smile and hold hands at the altar, a bridesmaid standing behind them. Bride and groom hold hands during the ceremony with their wedding party around them and the sun shining brightly behind. Bride in a white gown faces the groom in a green barong, flanked by bridesmaids in pink and groomsmen in barongs.

Backyard Ceremony With Hudson Valley Views

As guests began to arrive, the property came alive with conversation and anticipation. The ceremony took place in the backyard, overlooking the Hudson Valley in the distance. It is one of our favorite settings for a Westchester wedding photography session. The natural backdrop needs very little styling to feel complete.Outdoor ceremony at Briarcliff Manor in Westchester, with the couple before the officiant and the wedding party in pink dresses and barongs. Bride and groom share a fist bump at the altar, both grinning, while the officiant smiles behind them. Bride and groom exchange vows under sunny skies with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in embroidered barongs beside them. Bride reads her vows to her smiling groom during the outdoor ceremony, with friends and colorful flowers around them. Vows in the sunlight, with bridesmaids in pink dresses holding flowers and a smiling officiant looking on. Bride and groom exchange vows under a bright sun, surrounded by their smiling wedding party and officiant. Three photos of the bride and groom exchanging vows and rings, smiling and holding hands, with the officiant behind them. Bride and groom kiss at the end of the ceremony while bridesmaids in mauve dresses and guests smile and clap. Newlyweds walk back up the aisle and stop for a kiss, with the wedding party in pink and white and sunlight filtering through the trees. Bride and groom kiss at their outdoor ceremony, framed by guests and colorful bokeh lights.Signature cocktail menu on a reception table with a colorful floral centerpiece, glassware, a wine bottle and a bread roll. Banquet room with white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, wine bottles, ivory chairs and a decorated fireplace.

Inside This Briarcliff Manor Property

Briarcliff Manor sits on a property that blends formal elegance with a relaxed, garden like feel. The backyard ceremony space opens up to sweeping views that change with the light throughout the day. Indoor rooms offer a more classic backdrop for portraits and quiet moments. As photographers who have shot here before, we appreciate how the venue adapts to each couple’s style.Reception tables set with salads, bread rolls, wine and floral centerpieces near an ornate fireplace covered in colorful flowers. Buffet table with assorted breads, pasta, roasted potatoes, red sauce, chips and dips in trays and chafing dishes. Wedding party on the steps of a white building, the bride in white, bridesmaids in mauve and groomsmen in Barong Tagalog, sharing group hugs. Smiling bride in a white gown and veil and groom in a green barong stand close outside a white building, holding a bouquet of pink orchids. Bride poses in the gardens at sunset with her long veil trailing behind her, in color and in black and white. Bride and groom embrace at sunset with the sun bursting into a starburst between them and trees behind. Collage of golden hour portraits at Briarcliff Manor, with the couple kissing at sunset and the bride's long veil glowing in warm light. Groom kisses his smiling bride's cheek as they embrace under her flowing veil in bright sunlight. Reception details including a flower-adorned sweetheart table, a three-tiered white cake with floral accents and candlelit dining tables. Bride and groom sit on a pink vintage sofa gazing at each other as she signs a document on a glass table.

Family Portraits During Cocktail Hour

During cocktail hour, we gathered family members for a series of quick, organized portraits. Robert’s side and Kaitlin’s side each brought their own energy to the group. Then we moved on to full wedding party photos around the property. Everyone was relaxed by this point, which made for some of our favorite images of the day.Bride and groom make their reception entrance, celebrate with guests and share a kiss on the dance floor. First dance with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a barong, shown in one color photo and one black and white. Groom twirls the bride during their first dance, then holds her close on the dance floor. Guests watch and smile as the bride and groom twirl and embrace during their first dance in the Briarcliff Manor ballroom. Groom in a green and white barong twirls the bride in her white gown across the wooden dance floor. First dance at the reception, with bridesmaids in pink dresses and men in traditional barongs smiling around the newlyweds. Bride's dress twirls as she dances with the groom in the ballroom while guests in formal attire watch and smile.

Golden Hour Portraits At This Briarcliff Manor Wedding

As the light started to shift, we pulled Kaitlin and Robert aside for sunset portraits. The back lawn at this Briarcliff Manor wedding offered the perfect open space for golden hour. We worked quickly to make the most of the fading light. These few minutes often produce some of the most romantic images from the entire day.Bride twirls during her dance with her father, then the groom shares an emotional dance with his mother. Bride hugs a woman in a pink floral gown on the dance floor while bridesmaids in matching pink dresses smile nearby. Group of women in formal dresses stand together smiling as they watch something out of frame. Bride and groom share a slow dance among their guests beneath warm lighting and a sparkling chandelier. Groom in a green and white embroidered barong makes a heart shape with his hands on the dance floor. Collage of reception dancing, with the bride in white and the groom in his barong laughing among friends and family. Joyful bride dances with friends in colorful outfits under vibrant lights. Three photos of the bride in a white gown and pink lei dancing with guests on a crowded dance floor under twinkling lights.

Ballroom Reception Traditions and Wedding Speeches

The reception kicked off with wedding party introductions and plenty of energy on the dance floor. First dance, parent dances, and heartfelt speeches followed soon after. Cake cutting brought its own round of cheers from the room. From there, guests spent the rest of the night dancing without any signs of slowing down.Collage of speeches and toasts, with guests at the microphone and the couple laughing at their flower-filled table. Woman in a mauve dress gives a speech, then hugs the bride, with guests seated at a long table dressed in colorful flowers. Bridesmaid in a lavender dress gives a toast into a microphone while the bride and groom smile from their flower-covered table. Two dinner plates on a white tablecloth with steak, roasted potatoes, green beans, carrots and rice. Guestbook print on an easel showing a tree with colorful fingerprints for leaves and the names Rob and Kaitlin. Bride and groom kiss and embrace in a bright room with large windows, flowers and a piano. Bride and groom share a kiss over boba tea, with boba pearls being prepared and a close-up of the flavor sign.

A Personal Touch On the Dance Floor at this Estate Venue

One detail that stood out was a boba cart from Xing Fu Tang NY. Guests lined up throughout the night for a sweet, unexpected treat. It is these personal touches that make every engagement photo session and wedding feel unique. Little additions like this one always bring extra joy to the celebration.Black and white portrait of the bride in a flowing gown beneath string lights, framed by a wrought iron gazebo and greenery. Two black and white portraits of the bride in a flowing gown under an ornate metal gazebo lit by string lights at night. Two guests in traditional barongs smile and hold dessert drinks during the reception. Black and white photos of the smiling bride and groom cutting their wedding cake and feeding each other a bite. Laughing bride and groom celebrate with their guests on a colorful, warmly lit dance floor. Bubble tea with a straw on a napkin, beside a server holding a tray of small dessert bowls topped with sprinkles.

Fairytale Garden Photos To End The Night in the Hudson Valley

Later in the evening, we pulled Kaitlin and Robert into the garden for a few final portraits. The string lights and quiet setting made the space feel like something out of a storybook. As a married team who shoots weddings across the Hudson Valley, moments like these remind us why we love this work. This Briarcliff Manor wedding photography session ended exactly the way it began, full of warmth.Two men behind the DJ booth, one in a suit and red novelty glasses smiling at the camera, the other focused on a laptop. Cheering guests surround the bride and groom as they dance together on a brightly lit dance floor. Bride and groom dance close together while guests in colorful dresses blur past them on the dance floor. Bride and guests dance and play drums while a disco ball scatters light across the reception room. Bride spins under colorful lights with a live band behind her, then the groom dips her on the dance floor.

Vendors Behind This Westchester Wedding

This celebration came together with the help of a wonderful group of vendors. The Briarcliff Manor served as the stunning backdrop for the entire day. Florals came from Unknown Lands Floristry, and hair and makeup were handled by Makesoul NYC. Just Desserts by Jess provided the bakery items, while DJ Live NY kept the dance floor full all night. Guests traveled in style with Settembre Limousine, and the wedding party got ready at Sonesta White Plains Downtown. Nia Sanders officiated the ceremony with warmth and personal care.Bride and groom kiss and dance beneath the twinkling gazebo at Briarcliff Manor at night, surrounded by string lights and greenery. Bride and groom kiss under string lights with glowing bokeh behind them, shown in color and in black and white.

A Favorite Beacon Photography Team Wedding for The Briarcliff Manor

Kaitlin and Robert were an absolute dream to work with from start to finish. Their day balanced tradition with personal touches that felt true to who they are. This Briarcliff Manor wedding will always stand out among the celebrations we have photographed. We are so grateful they trusted us to document every part of their story.

Briarcliff Manor Wedding Photos with Golden Hour Portraits

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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