Erica & Daniel Married | Thayer Hotel Wedding, West Point, NY

Erica and Daniel were married at the majestic Thayer Hotel Wedding in West Point. The Thayer is a famous Gothic revival hotel situated on the banks of the Hudson river. When most people think of the Thayer hotel they perhaps are familiar with its history serving the military academy and the long list of dignitaries and guests that stayed there ( from Edgar Allan Poe to General Douglas MacArthur). Still, as a photographer, I must admit to being more swept up in the beauty of the surroundings. It is easy to see how the Hudson Valley inspired its own school of art, one that perhaps best captured that 19th century American sense of discovery, exploration, and limitless possibility. That open eyed wonder, even if only idealized by painters, is a lovely sentiment to reflect on for marriage – both to begin with and retain in the years ahead.

Erica and Danny’s personalities were perfectly reflected in a wedding that was romantic, simple, and down-to-earth. They both live in New Hampshire now, so they are very familiar with the outdoors. So, Erica didn’t care about walking in the woods barefoot-which made taking portraits a joy. There are few brides I have had that were as cooperative in getting good shots- to the point of stoically ignoring some rather humongous ants that crawled onto her. :)

There were so many elements of deep meaning that were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the wedding. Erica and Danny met in the eighth grade and dated throughout high school and college. Over the many years, they travelled widely together. This was reflected in the décor during the reception with pictures of special places which the couple had visited together. There were also numerous artistic touches including programs explaining all the different religious traditions with beautifully hand designed elements and sprigs of lavender. Wildflowers of every sort surrounded the wedding while candles helped illuminate the beautiful decorations that florists, caterers, and Erica and Danny themselves helped create. Erica’s own gorgeous landscape photos were fashioned into postcards for table numbers next to the centerpieces. And Jenah from Xylem and Phloem, did a spectacular job as always with the flower design, especially crafting her designs to match Erica’s personality. Erica’s did her own hair and it was complemented perfected by Jenah’s inspiring hairpiece.

The creativity was not limited to the Bride and Groom alone. Erica’s friends made the fabric for the chuppah. And all of their siblings each partook in an essential element in bringing the wedding alive, from creating artistic elements to singing or presenting speeches. Even one of the most important guests of honor did his part- their delightful dog Duke posed with the Bridal Party pictures and gracefully walked down the aisle :)

Thank you Giordano Benacci for joining me as a third shooter, it was great having you.

Vendor List-
Wedding Venue: The Thayer Hotel at West Point, NY
Floral Design: Xylem & Phloem
Video: Shlomotions
Make Up Artist: Donna Lance
Hair Stylist: (A friend of the make up artist)
Bridal Gown: (Private designer)
Bridal Shoes: Nine West
Groom’s Shoes: Steve Madden
Invitations: Nepalese Paper

Here is some more information about some of the DIY (Do-it-yourself) Elements in the wedding, from Erica:

Danny’s sister made the chuppah tapestry using the wedding colors and having a natural growing tree/bloom theme
My sister designed the benchers and front cover for the programs which I printed myself and weaved with dry lavender.
I made the escort cards and vintage map that they were displayed on. I pinned in the names with map pins.
The “family tree” entrance arrangement was florally prepared by Jenah from xylem-phloem but I printed parents and grandparents wedding photos and put them on vintage scrapbooking paper- then strung them to be hung with vintage lace.
The table “numbers” were all photographs from mine and Danny’s travels which I mounted on cardstock and attached to bamboo sticks. Then I filled small vintage bottles with sand to display the photographs in.
I also made my shoe clips.

Update: I just received this wonderful email from the bride:

“Shira, I am absolutely speechless!! Firstly, what perfect timing with the post as we are leaving for Tanzania in a couple days. We happened to be home with my family as well since we are leaving from new York and therefore had the pleasure of looking at the slideshow with my parents. We ALL were in awe of the way you were able to capture so much emotion. The pictures are truly stunning and totally brought me back to June 10. I’m sure the rest of the 2000 are beautiful as well. Thank you for being amazing!” -Erica

The photo below is by Giordano

The two photos below are by Giordano

Here are some of the details from Erica’s wedding day.