After documenting Ashley & Tom’s intimate elopement this past June, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic location than the Catskills Mountains. Simply picturesque, Ashley and Tom tied the knot with only their closest family in attendance at a gorgeous (private) Airbnb. Their wedding in the Catskills was romantic and fun-loving – just like the two of them. Both Sagittariuses, the two of them describe themselves as “basically the same person but in different genders”. I absolutely loved connecting with them and soaking in their connection.
Wedding in the Catskills – Review
It might surprise you (or maybe not!) that most of the couples who book me worry about looking awkward in front of the camera. After all, it’s not every day you get to cuddle up in front of a photographer (and this is one of the most important days of your life). I was beyond honored to be trusted capturing Ashley and Tom’s Catskills elopement, and I feel so incredibly grateful they felt the same way in this review.
I truthfully could not recommend a better photographer. We came across Devin through social media and her work stood out to us. Right from the start, she was so helpful with any questions I had and any advice I asked for. A couple months after booking Devin for our wedding, we got engagement pictures done. When I tell you we were stunned by how beautifully she captured our shoot, we were speechless. Not to mention she was also our biggest hype woman during the shoot! We had never had professional photos taken so we were both awkward and were afraid that would show in the pictures but she made everything so natural and comfortable! She hyped us up every step of the way and made us feel confident.
Then came our wedding day and Devin showed up early to scope out the Airbnb we used as our venue to pick all the best photo spots.
She cheered us on throughout the day and again made it such a fun experience! Waiting for wedding pictures is so tough but Devin delivered our sneak peaks and our gallery so quick! Our wedding pictures completely exceeded every expectation we had. Our friends and family are still in awe over our photos and we haven’t stopped looking at them since we got them! Devin is very professional but also feels like a friend during those stressful wedding planning times. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer, you will not be disappointed!
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS AT CROSS ESTATE GARDENS
Ashley and Tom had their first date in Bethlehem – they went to dinner and then headed to the Steel Stacks to walk around. Just over two years later, they spent another incredible day in Bethlehem, and in the evening enjoyed margaritas and a game of UNO where Tom proposed. He wrote on one of the cards “Will you marry me?” and put it down during the game. I love an evening night in with my husband as much as the next person, so this engagement story really had my heart.
A few months after we connected to book their wedding photos, I met Ashley and Tom at Cross Estate Gardens, one of my favorite engagement photo locations in New Jersey. Despite their concerns, the two of them were naturals in front of the camera. I had so much fun capturing their connection and couldn’t wait for their micro wedding in the Catskills.
Getting Ready Wedding Photos at the Airbnb
A secluded Airbnb in the Catskills Mountains was the most picturesque setting. In general, I always caution couples to check with the rules of their Airbnb before planning their wedding, but the smaller your guest list is the more likely it’s a possibility! Ashley and Tom both got ready in separate areas in the Airbnb before meeting outside for their first look. After Ashley’s mom helped her put on her veil, she headed downstairs to have a first look with her dad. Then, she headed outside with me to meet her groom!
Outdoor Wedding Photos before the Ceremony
Tom mentioned that he was most looking forward to seeing Ashley in her wedding dress on their wedding day. Their first look was so sweet, and she twirled and posed and just fully embraced him when he saw her. The variety of backdrops for their wedding portraits was endless. It felt like our own oasis, surrounded by tall trees for what felt like miles. We took their outdoor wedding photos before the ceremony in the forest, and I love how Ashley and Tom were just effortlessly themselves with one another.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in the Catskills
The officiant for this romantic elopement in the Catskills was actually the judge of the town! Ashley and Tom chose to have an unplugged wedding ceremony and exchange personal vows with one another. From the way they looked at each other as Ashley walked down the aisle, to the way they both shot their hands up in celebration as they walked down the aisle, this outdoor wedding ceremony was simply perfect.
A Casual Cocktail Hour Wedding Reception
Instead of a formal wedding reception, Ashley and Tom kept it casual with neutral wedding decor, good old-fashioned picnic tables, and dreamy string lighting. Taking place in the afternoon, as opposed to an evening wedding reception, they offered guests yard games, music, drinks, and lunch. Everyone truly just wanted to celebrate the two of them exactly as they are. It was pure magic to witness and I couldn’t be more grateful to be included in a small part of their wedding day.
Eloping in the Catskills Mountains
After getting to know them, I could not have imagined a more incredible wedding day for Ashley and Tom. Eloping in the Catskills Mountains was the perfect start to the next chapter of their love story (which will no doubt include lots of running errands, trips to targets, and evenings staying in watching Netflix). As Ashley says, “something about running errands with the person you love makes it so much more enjoyable”. Ashley and Tom are both very easygoing and like to keep it low-key, but I am so glad they let me capture their goofy and loving sides in their wedding photos. It was definitely worth the trip to the Catskills (and I’m counting down the days until I return again).
Below are a few of my favorite Catskills wedding photos taken on 35mm film. Make sure to scroll to the end for vendor credits!
Vendor Squad
Flowers: Etsy
Groom’s Attire: Express
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company based in Hoboken, New Jersey. If you are new around here, you should know that we love getting to know each couple personally. Wondering if we would be the right fit? You might be a MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of getting a little up close and personal in photos. We love natural chemistry and a little PDA around here! BUT, also enjoy a night in binge-watching Netflix. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you are, Contact us here to find out about our photography/videography packages. We also love sharing love stories on Instagram. For more wedding inspiration in Upstate NY, check out this stunning wedding at Burkestone Estate.
