Apples and Leaves! A Portrait Session near Newburgh, NY

Hudson Valley Wedding and Portrait Photography based in Rhinebeck, NY

Apples and Leaves!

(near Newburgh, NY)

Fall family portraits are very popular and this family session was no exception. They  brought together grandparents, sisters and children in a scene that combined apples, leaf piles and lots of fun.

A Walkway Over the Hudson Wedding!

Hudson Valley Wedding and Portrait Photography based in Rhinebeck, NY

We were lucky enough to be able to photograph  Patrick and Kathryn’s wedding at Walkwayover the Hudson in October.

We met the bride and groom thru a referral from the Officiant Rev Laurie and met them one Sat at Upper Landing Park in Poughkeepsie, NY to go over the details. They had decided that they would have a small ceremony with family and have a party in the spring to celebrate.

 We decided to use the park at a spot to do some formal couple’s images before the actual ceremony up on the Walkway.

The Walkway at sunset is a beautiful and busy place on a Friday evening! Patrick went up in the elevator with Jeff to meet with Rev Laurie and make sure that the families were there. Then Kathryn and I went up a few minutes later.

Folks were very friendly as we walked  along, we heard many “Congratulations” as the bride walked toward the ceremony in her beautiful dress, holding her bouquet.

As the sun went down, the wind picked up and ruffled the bride and groom’s clothes as they took their vows.

But the words were said, the rings were exchanged,

And there was a kiss.

There were family pictures at sunset

And then Patrick and Kathryn walked back to the elevator to start their new life together!

A family dinner followed at Shadows on the Hudson and the opportunity for a view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge

Our best wishes to Patrick and Kathryn!

Barton's Orchard and Deane Arnold - the Pumpkin Artist

September is prime apple picking time, and the Hudson Valley is not short on places to take the family for a fun-filled day at an orchard. Barton's Orchard in Poughquag, NY is one of those places. They also do pick your own veggies and other fruits in season.

While we were there they had a corn maze, a whole kids play area, hayrides to the apple trees, a pumpkin patch, a farm market, and lots of food choices.

 Many thanks to my sister, nieces and their friend for joining us and posing amid the pumpkins!

 Don't the mums wear this color well?

But one of the best things during this "Pumpkin Festival" weekend was Deane Arnold - pumpkin artist.
Deane is a graduate of Arlington High School, and I have to admit that I never realized what a talented artist he is when we were in high school together.
Jeff and I were lucky enough to grab a few photos while he was working on his pumpkins. He uses clay modeling tools to create scary/funny expressions. It's just amazing to me! Check out this YouTube video

Such a treat! Mark in on your calendars for next year! Deane was at several venues as he visited from Ohio. If you like his Facebook page, you'll find out early where he is. Or order your pumpkin calendar for 2015 now.

Thornton's Hillside Gardens, seasonal changes in the gift shop!

Hudson Valley Wedding and Portrait Photography based in Rhinebeck, NY

Sometimes we get lucky enough to work with vendors that we really respect. Thorton’s Hillside Gardens Florist is one of those vendors. Paul and Janet are the heart and soul of Hillside Gardens. They are an excellent source of fresh flowers and seasonal plants and create all their own floral design work.

They all have a very unique gift shop and strive to find unique, made-in-America items that you can’t find in the Mall and often not on-line either.

As the seasons change, the stock in the gift shop changes too. So we go over to the shop and check out the new (and very cool) highlights.

 Beautiful flags for your porch or garden (or I have one hanging in my office).

 Dishtowels that are made in America, and are so lint-free you can dry your wine glasses quickly.

 And turkeys! Because everyone loves turkeys!