Keepsake at The Academy Wedding | Hudson Valley Photographer

This wedding was one for the books, and one I’ll always remember and cherish. S + B chose Keepsake at The Academy in Poughkeepsie for their Hudson Valley wedding venue, and it ended up being the perfect blank space to gather all of their friends and family.

Before the ceremony, we spent some time at the Beatrix Farrand Garden for portraits. If you’ve never been, it’s one of those Hudson Valley hidden gems which includes beautiful gardens all year round, old stone walls, and winding paths that look different every season. It gave the couple a quiet space for a private first look, followed by portraits throughout the garden before their wedding party and families joined in.

This day is a great example of why a first look can be so beneficial. For this couple, it allowed us the flexibility to travel to the gardens before the ceremony. It also gave them a private, emotional moment to see each other without all eyes on them and read their own personal vows to each other. Doing portraits ahead of time meant that once the ceremony was over, they could head straight to cocktail hour to celebrate with their guests (and enjoy the incredible food, which is always one of my favorite parts too).

Keepsake at The Academy is one of the newer wedding venues in the Hudson Valley, and it has quickly become a favorite. The mix of clean lines, tall windows, and plenty of natural light during the day makes it such a versatile space. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the room transformed into a cozy, candlelit party that felt warm and inviting.

S + B worked with Lauren of Wild Blooms Bridal for wedding planning and Angela of Mira Mira Floral to create a colorful, modern, and romantic design for both the ceremony and reception. The ceremony florals were repurposed as a backdrop behind the couple’s sweetheart table, which made for the perfect setting during speeches and toasts. Long family-style tables, dozens of glowing candles, and thoughtful details elevated the space without taking away from its clean, modern aesthetic.

Some of my personal highlights from the day were the vintage photo booth brought in by Saratoga Photobooth, the couple’s private first dance before guests entered the reception, and most of all, the warmth and love that surrounded them. They are such kind, genuine people, and documenting their day felt effortless. I found myself leaning into the moments, capturing candid expressions, laughter, and quiet in-between moments. I also brought out my film cameras to capture the day in a softer, more timeless way that perfectly fit the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a candid-focused wedding photographer to capture your wedding day with a mix of film and digital, reach out to me here to see if I am available for your date! I hope to work with you!