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A bride and groom kiss as the groom dips the bride in an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests blowing bubbles, with flower petals on the ground and sunlight streaming through the trees.

Kara and Daniel chose a Wednesday in late summer for their Briarcliff Manor wedding, and it suited them perfectly. Their day blended a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, a playful surprise, three beloved dogs, and a soft serve truck. As a result, this intimate wedding felt personal from the first cup of tea to the last song. It is a great example of the micro weddings we love to photograph and film.Two white dresses and one red dress hang on a large ornate gold mirror in an elegant room with white walls and vintage-style pink furniture reflected in the glass. Flat lay of wedding items: invitation, perfume, necklace, ring box with rings, photo locket, lace handkerchiefs, and mask on a pink background. Close-up below shows rings and locket with a dog photo inside. Two-panel image: left, a pair of white lace high heels on a pink tufted surface; right, a bottle of Perfect Marc Jacobs perfume with a colorful cap on the same pink background.

A Westchester Venue Built for Weekday Micro Weddings

The Briarcliff Manor sits in the village of Briarcliff Manor, NY, right in the heart of Westchester. The manor house offers a front yard, a grand front staircase, an open backyard, and a garden side yard. As Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we appreciate having so many distinct settings on one property. Because everything sits close together, small groups move easily from one moment to the next. For a weekday micro wedding, that ease keeps the whole day relaxed and unhurried.A woman in a red embroidered dress with pearl details smiles. Her dark hair is styled in an elegant bun with a red and silver floral hairpin, shown from both the back and the front. Split image: On the left, a woman in a red beaded dress smiles at the camera. On the right, she poses in the same dress, standing with hands folded, next to a white furry stool and a small table. A woman in a lace dress with fringe stands smiling in front of tall windows with sheer curtains, her hands clasped in front of her. Three photos show a man in glasses helping two different men, both in suits, adjust their bow ties inside a warmly lit room with a fireplace and couch visible.

A Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony to Begin

First, the day began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Kara and Daniel both wore traditional red outfits, and the color looked stunning on them. Family gathered close as the couple honored their elders by serving tea. Meanwhile, we stayed quiet and focused on the small gestures between generations. We love documenting cultural traditions like this one. This tradition gave their Briarcliff Manor wedding a meaningful and grounded start.Two couples in traditional attire participate in a tea ceremony; the elders sit while drinking tea, and the younger woman receives a bracelet from an elder in a bright, sunlit room. An elderly woman in a floral red jacket sits on a beige couch, smiling in one photo and drinking from a small red cup offered by a younger person in the other. Five gold bracelets on a white cloth. Below, two people in red traditional attire are placing gold bracelets on a womans wrist during a ceremonial event. A person wearing an ornate red dress and multiple gold bangles stands with hands clasped. The focus is on the jewelry and dress, with a blurred background.

Portraits in Red Before a Quick Change

After the tea ceremony, we stepped outside for a few portraits in their red outfits. The bold color stood out beautifully against the late summer greenery. Next, Kara and Daniel changed into their Western wedding looks. Kara wore a white wedding dress, and Daniel wore a sharp blue suit. Having both looks in one day gave their gallery a wonderful range of color and style.Two people in red traditional attire stand smiling on the steps of a white mansion with tall columns. One image shows them full-length, while the other is a closer view of them holding hands and posing together. Two people in traditional red clothing smile at each other outside a building. In both images, the woman gently holds or touches the mans arm, and they appear joyful and affectionate. Two images of a smiling couple in traditional Chinese attire walking down steps, arm in arm. Left photo is black and white, right photo is in color showing the womans red dress and the mans dark red jacket. A couple in red and gold traditional attire embraces in front of a large white building with columns and steps, posing closely in one photo and dancing in the other. Split image of a couple embracing, touching foreheads. Left side is black and white, right side is in color with the woman in a red dress and the man in a red jacket, both adorned with bangles. Two photos of a couple in traditional attire embracing and smiling; the left is color, the right is black and white, both showing their joyful expressions and affectionate pose during a celebration. Side-by-side photos of a woman and a man, both smiling and wearing traditional red attire. The woman stands on steps outdoors, and the man stands against a backdrop of greenery. A woman in a red dress poses on steps outside a white building, then smiles in a close-up shot. Both images highlight her elegant look and joyful expression. A woman in a red traditional dress with gold jewelry smiles in two side-by-side outdoor portraits. Her hair is styled in an elegant bun with floral accents.

A Surprise First Look at The Briarcliff Manor

Before the real first look, Kara planned a surprise for Daniel in the backyard. He waited with his back turned, expecting to see his bride. Instead, their officiant, a good friend of Daniel’s, stepped out wearing a wedding dress. He gave Daniel a tap on the shoulder, and the reveal was priceless. That laugh set a joyful tone for the rest of this Briarcliff Manor wedding.Collage showing a wedding welcome sign with floral decor, brown dress shoes, a blue boutonniere, a perfume bottle, and a close-up of a gold wristwatch with a brown leather band. A man in a blue vest is helped by another man to adjust his tie in a warmly lit room, preparing for a formal event. Two images: In the first, a woman in a red dress helps a bride in white. In the second, the same woman and a man help the bride fasten the straps of her white shoes. Two photos: On the left, a woman in a red dress helps a smiling bride with her white gown. On the right, the bride smiles while putting on an earring, seated near a white chair. A man in a light blue suit adjusts his bow tie in a mirror in the first photo and buttons his jacket while standing in a warmly lit room in the second photo.

The Real First Look in the Front Yard

After the laughter settled, we moved to the front yard for the real first look. This time, Daniel turned around to find Kara in her white dress. Kara then presented him with a pin honoring their beloved late dog. It was a quiet and emotional moment, so we gave them space to take it in. That pin carried their dog’s memory into the whole day. Details like this are exactly what we watch for as documentary photographers.A smiling bride with long dark hair in a white dress holds a colorful bouquet and looks out a window, shown in two side-by-side photos. Two people at an outdoor wedding; one in a white dress, veil, and sneakers approaches another in a light blue suit for a first look. The second image shows them laughing together as the veil is lifted. A bride and groom share a joyful moment outdoors; the bride bows her head and the groom smiles, reaching toward her. They stand under a decorated arch, surrounded by greenery. Side-by-side photos of a woman in a white dress smiling, one in black and white, the other in color. She has long dark hair, pearl jewelry, and is seated near a window with soft natural light. Two people in wedding attire share a joyful hug outdoors by greenery. The top image shows them embracing tightly, while the bottom image captures their happy expressions as they continue the hug. Two photos: On the left, a person in a wedding dress and veil stands beside another in a blue suit. On the right, the same person in the dress poses indoors with someone holding a bouquet. A woman in a strapless white gown holds a colorful bouquet, smiling indoors under a chandelier and near a staircase with white railings.

Couple Portraits Around Briarcliff Manor, NY

Next, we spent some time on couple portraits around the property. The grounds give us plenty of variety within a short walk, which helps on a tighter timeline. As a Beacon-based photography team, we keep portraits relaxed and guide couples gently rather than posing every frame. Kara and Daniel were easy to photograph because they simply enjoyed being together. As a result, their Briarcliff Manor wedding portraits feel natural and full of personality.A bride and groom stand back-to-back, smiling, in front of a large, elegant white mansion with columns and a fountain in the garden. A bride in a white dress hugs and stands with a groom in a blue suit outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The couple shares an emotional moment in a lush garden setting. A woman in a white dress hugs a man in a suit from behind in a garden, both smiling. A vintage streetlamp and manicured bushes are visible in the background. The photo is in black and white. A bride in a strapless gown helps a groom in a light blue suit adjust his boutonniere outdoors. Both are smiling and focused on the task. A bride adjusts the grooms boutonniere and pocket square on his light blue suit as they smile and share a moment outdoors before their wedding. A groom in a light blue suit smiles at his bride in a white dress outdoors; then, the couple holds hands and walks together on a brick path, surrounded by greenery and string lights. A couple in wedding attire embraces and smiles in front of a fountain outdoors, holding a bouquet of flowers. The groom wears a light blue suit; the bride wears a strapless white dress. A bride and groom in wedding attire share a romantic dip and kiss outdoors, with a bouquet and fountain in the background. The bride lifts her bouquet in celebration. A couple dressed in wedding attire smiles and laughs together outdoors. The groom wears a light blue suit; the bride holds a bouquet with orange and blue flowers. One image is black and white.

Family Photos on the Front Stairs with Three Dogs

After portraits, we gathered everyone for family photos outside on the front stairs. The stairs create natural levels, so every face stays visible in larger groups. Kara and Daniel’s three dogs joined in for these photos too. Getting everyone looking the same way took some patience and plenty of encouragement. Still, those frames are some of our favorites from this intimate wedding.A bride and groom stand on the steps of a grand white mansion, posing happily together; one photo shows them close up, the other shows the full mansion exterior. A bride and groom in blue and white wedding attire embrace and kiss outside a white building with large windows and steps. The groom lifts the bride in one photo, while in the other they hold a bouquet and look at each other lovingly. A groom in a light blue suit lifts and kisses his bride in a white dress outside a white building with columns and stairs. A bride in a white dress and a groom in a light blue suit smile at each other outdoors, holding a bouquet with orange and blue flowers. Two people hold matching bouquets with blue hydrangeas, orange roses, white flowers, and greenery. One person wears a blue suit; the other wears a white dress. A woman in a white strapless dress holds a colorful bouquet and smiles outdoors. She has long, dark hair styled in loose curls and is wearing delicate jewelry. Greenery and a brick wall are visible in the background. A man in a light blue suit with a bow tie poses outdoors, looking to the side in both photos. In one, he has his hands in his pockets; in the other, he adjusts his jacket. Green foliage and lights are visible in the background. A bride in a white dress and a groom in a light blue suit embrace and smile at each other outdoors, standing by a brick wall and greenery. Top: A woman in a white dress kneels outside, smiling, holding a leashed curly-haired dog. Bottom: Close-up of hands petting the happy, light-colored dog against a dark background. A happy brown and white dog wearing a black and white tuxedo bandana is shown in two photos, one close-up and one full body, standing outdoors.

A Backyard Ceremony in Late Summer Light

Then, guests settled into the backyard for the ceremony. Late summer light fell softly across the lawn and gave everything a warm glow. Having Daniel’s friend officiate made the ceremony feel personal and full of heart. Meanwhile, we moved quietly along the edges to capture reactions from both families. With a small guest list, every seat at this Briarcliff Manor wedding felt close to the couple.Two photos of a wedding party posing happily on outdoor steps; the top is in color, the bottom is black and white. The group smiles, some making peace signs and joyful gestures, with bouquets and formal attire. Two women in orange dresses and one in a white dress stand on steps holding flower bouquets, smiling at the camera. White double doors with glass panes and floral decor are in the background. A bride and groom embrace outdoors, smiling and holding a colorful bouquet. The groom wears a light blue suit, and the bride wears a strapless white dress. They stand surrounded by green foliage and white flowers. Two images: A couple in wedding attire walk hand-in-hand down a garden path. In the second image, the groom dips the bride for a kiss under a decorated arch outdoors.

Cocktail Hour in the Garden Side Yard

After the ceremony, cocktail hour moved into the garden along the side yard. Guests mingled among the plantings while the couple caught up with loved ones. Soft late afternoon light also made the garden glow. Because the guest list was small, Kara and Daniel had time for real conversations. That is one of the biggest advantages of a micro wedding. As a result, we captured plenty of candid moments between friends and family.A wedding arch draped in white fabric, adorned with orange, peach, and white flowers, stands outdoors on a stone patio, with greenery and lanterns around it. A chair with a memorial sign for a dog named Boomer and a white ribbon, next to a photo of a small dog wearing a tuxedo bandana, standing outside on a patio. Top: Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and floral arch. Bottom: Round tables with white cloths and chairs arranged on green lawn, surrounded by trees and string lights. Split image: Left, a cornhole game with bean bags on grass; right, a colorful block structure resembling a house, outdoors with greenery and white chairs in the background. Split image: Left shows a table with destination cards and a sign reading Find Your Destination. Right shows a young girl in a blue dress playing with large colorful blocks outdoors. Elegant wedding table setting with wine, menus, bread rolls, and glassware. Centerpieces include greenery and a framed Banff art print. Soft lighting and neutral decor create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A floral arrangement with orange, white, and peach flowers decorates a white arch. Nearby, a lantern with a candle sits on grass scattered with orange and white rose petals.

Kicking Off an Intimate Wedding Reception

Next, the reception kicked off with the couple’s introduction. Kara and Daniel went straight into their first dance, complete with coordinated moves. Those moves made for some of our favorite reception photos of the night. Right after, they cut the cake while everyone was still gathered. Front-loading these moments freed up the rest of their Briarcliff Manor wedding for celebrating.A man in a blue suit holds a fluffy dog dressed in a tuxedo. Another image shows the same dog standing on a path, also wearing the tuxedo, next to someone in blue pants. A bride in a white gown walks arm in arm with a man in a suit down an outdoor aisle lined with flower petals and lanterns, approaching seated wedding guests. A bride walks down an outdoor aisle with her father toward a floral wedding arch, surrounded by guests seated on both sides, on a sunny day. Left: A man in a light blue suit stands outside, looking ahead thoughtfully. Right: A couple kisses under a floral wedding arch while people, including the man, stand nearby. Two images: A bride walks down the aisle with an older man holding a bouquet. In the next image, they meet a smiling groom in a light blue suit at the altar, with wedding guests visible in the background. A bride and groom stand at an outdoor wedding ceremony, holding hands under a floral arch, guests seated on both sides. The officiant reads from a book in the second close-up image. A wedding ceremony outdoors, with a couple exchanging vows under a floral arch and guests seated. A dog wearing a flower garland stands on grass, looking at the camera.

A Dance Set Followed by Speeches

After the cake cutting, the dance floor opened for a full set. Then everyone took a break for speeches from friends and family. During toasts, we photograph both the speaker and the couple’s reactions. Grouping those frames together tells the whole story of each speech. This approach works especially well at a smaller wedding, where every reaction is easy to see.A bride and groom stand under a floral arch, holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony. Guests and attendants watch from the lawn. The scene is in black and white. Two images: the top shows a beagle lying on grass near people in peach dresses; the bottom shows two dogs—one white, one brown—on leashes, walking on grass with people, and a speaker nearby. A bride in a white dress and veil stands outdoors, holding hands with someone, smiling in one image and appearing emotional in the other, surrounded by greenery and floral decorations. A bride and groom hold hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids stand nearby holding bouquets, and a dog lays on the grass. An officiant reads from a book. The setting is elegant with floral decorations. A man in a light blue suit speaks at a microphone, smiling, while a woman in a white dress stands nearby under a floral arch outdoors, both appearing happy. A bride in a white dress gives a speech, a couple stands under a wedding arch outdoors, and a groom in a blue suit smiles with guests nearby. A bride and groom exchange vows outdoors; the bride reads from a card while the groom listens. A man in a suit, possibly family, looks on emotionally. Flowers and greenery decorate the ceremony space. A bride in a white dress holds a note and feeds cake to a smiling groom in a suit during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with flowers and a microphone stand nearby. A bride in a white dress reads vows at an outdoor wedding ceremony, while the groom in a light blue suit smiles. Orange and white flowers decorate the arch. A bride and groom stand under a floral arch outdoors during their wedding ceremony, with a small group of guests seated on either side of the aisle on a sunny day. A bride and groom share a kiss under a floral wedding arch outdoors. The left image is in color; the right image is in black and white. Both capture the same romantic moment. A bride and groom celebrate their outdoor wedding, surrounded by bubbles and guests. The couple walks hand in hand and shares a joyful kiss under a decorated arch. A joyful bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle, smiling and holding hands, surrounded by floating bubbles and guests. The image is shown in both color and black-and-white.

Soft Serve Treats for Guests and Dogs

Later, the party picked back up and the dance floor stayed full. Then the soft serve truck opened for dessert, and guests happily lined up. The three dogs came back out for this part of the night. Each pup got a little vanilla ice cream treat of their own. It was a sweet detail for a Briarcliff Manor wedding so centered on family.A server holds a tray of orange and dark drinks in glasses, while below, a serving tray filled with red-sauced lasagna sits on a buffet table outdoors. A sign for apple cider sangria stands beside a drink dispenser with citrus slices. Next to it, a wooden tray holds skewered appetizers and a small bowl of dip on a grassy outdoor setting. A buffet table with bowls of salad, fresh fruits, a cheese and meat platter, bread, and various appetizers arranged on wooden trays and stands. Two photos: Top—two women hug warmly at an outdoor event. Bottom—a woman in a white dress points while smiling, standing next to a man holding a young child. People are gathered and socializing in both images. Collage of elegant wedding tables set with glassware and greenery, and a white tiered cake topped with dog figurines and colorful flowers on a gold stand. A cake topped with two dog figurines is shown beside a table card with a Banff, Canada illustration, surrounded by champagne glasses and greenery.

Full Day Coverage from Hudson Valley Wedding Photographers

We stayed through the very last dance at the end of the night. Full day coverage matters just as much for small weddings as it does for large ones. In fact, intimate weddings often pack more personal moments into every hour. The Briarcliff Manor is one of our favorite spots for weekday and micro weddings. The space feels lively and full with a small group, never empty or oversized.Bride and groom in light blue wedding attire smile and hold hands while walking; in another moment, they stand close together and share a joyful conversation during their wedding reception. A groom in a blue suit dips and kisses the bride in a white dress on a polished wooden floor at a wedding reception; the image is shown in both color and black-and-white. A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception, sharing joyful and romantic moments on the dance floor in a warmly lit venue. A bride and groom in wedding attire dance joyfully indoors; in one photo, the groom spins the bride, and in the other, they smile with arms outstretched on a shiny wooden floor. A couple dressed in wedding attire dances together in a ballroom, with the groom dipping and kissing the bride; one image is in color, the other in black and white. A bride in a white dress dances with her father at a wedding reception, surrounded by smiling guests on a wooden floor under warm lighting. A bride and groom in formal attire cut their wedding cake together, then celebrate happily next to the decorated cake with animal toppers and colorful flowers. A bride and groom dance and celebrate with guests at their wedding reception. People are smiling, cheering, and enjoying the festivities in a warmly lit venue. A woman in a short white lace dress stands by a staircase smiling in one photo and raises her arms joyfully in another, both indoors at what appears to be a formal event. Two women, one elderly in a floral jacket and one younger in a peach dress, dance joyfully together at a lively indoor celebration surrounded by smiling guests.

The Vendor Team Behind Kara and Daniel’s Day

Kara and Daniel’s Briarcliff Manor wedding came together thanks to a talented group of vendors. They celebrated at The Briarcliff Manor, with florals by Decor by Vincenza. Pent Makeup and Hair handled hair and makeup, and the suit and bridesmaids’ dresses came from Birdy Grey. Next, DJ Live NY kept the dance floor full and ran the photobooth. Finally, Jimmy’s Soft Serve served dessert to guests and pups alike.Two photos of a plated meal featuring sliced steak, green beans, roasted baby potatoes, a whole carrot, and a small dish of vibrant green sauce, served on a white tablecloth with glassware nearby. A bride gives a speech with a microphone as the groom smiles and guests listen. The couple kisses, shares a toast, and enjoys festive moments at a decorated reception table with candles, wine, and greenery. A bride and groom serve soft-serve ice cream from a cow-themed food truck at night. They smile and laugh together at the service window, enjoying their wedding celebration.A bride and groom share a kiss while leaning out of an ice cream truck window, holding ice cream cones and smiling in a joyful, playful moment. A joyful couple dressed in wedding attire lean out of an ice cream truck window, playfully feeding each other ice cream, with a colorful menu and sprinkles in the background. A bride and groom enjoy ice cream by a truck, stand with their pets, and smile at their wedding, with a chalkboard sign reading Ill stop the world & melt with you!! and a We Do Parties! sign in view. Three photos show people dancing and celebrating at a party. A woman in a white dress laughs and holds a snack, while others in colorful outfits dance and enjoy themselves in a warmly lit room. A woman in a white dress joyfully dances with guests at an indoor celebration. The room is warmly lit, and everyone appears happy, smiling, and engaged in the festivities. The image captures movement and laughter. A joyful wedding scene: the groom is lifted by friends in one photo, while the couple smiles and laughs together in two other photos, all wearing formal attire at a lively indoor celebration. A bride and groom, dressed in a white dress and blue vest, share joyful, intimate embraces and smiles while dancing together in an elegant, warmly lit reception hall.

Book Your Beacon-Based Wedding Photography & Videography Team

If you are planning a weekday or micro wedding, we would love to hear from you. As a married team, we offer both photography and videography for couples of every size. Weekday dates at venues like this one often come with more flexibility, too. We are based in Beacon and serve the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Westchester. Reach out to check your date, and let’s start planning your day.

Weekday Micro-Wedding at The Briarcliff Manor in Late Summer

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