Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac is an elegant venue for a wedding reception and Saint Kateri Church is a majestic setting to be married in. Christina & Paul, with the help of their family and friends, spared nothing to make their wedding day complete from beginning to end with all they imagined their day should be.
As a wedding photographer, I see couples across the full spectrum of how they express their wedding day, their way. Every couple asks themselves at some point, “What does it take to do our wedding just right?” It’s quite a concept, and since it’s one of the biggest events of a lifetime, it’s great when two people methodically put together the day they’ll remember with a full heart forever.
For Christina, that meant having her best girlfriends and her parents help her get ready in her childhood home. With all the details in tact, Christina wanted pictures of all of it in order to cherish for years to come. For Paul, his family and groomsmen were there to share those special hours before the ceremony.
Saint Kateri Ceremony
As soon as the church filled with loved ones, the skies threatened a big storm as Christina stepped out of the limo. Her dad hurried her inside, just in time. Monsignor Desmond was a little funny and very moving with all that he said for their ceremony. Afterwards, Christina and Paul shared their pure joy with one another as we took time for their portraits outside the church. One of the features of the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor is the use of their lakefront property about 5 minutes from the venue. The rain held out as the happy couple and their wedding party posed for pictures and had a great time.
Villa Barone Reception
Arriving at the reception, everyone was impressed with the beautiful decor of the room, but also ready to party. The whole night was filled with tradition, incredibly heartfelt toasts, and more dancing than anyone could imagine. What’s amazing about Christina and Paul is their connection, which anyone can see when they’re around them. I wish for them all the best. I know marriage and life can get really hard sometimes, but this beautiful couple has a great start.
Christina read Paul’s letter to her and almost held it together. Happy tears can’t be stopped.
Christina and her mom pause to reflect as she puts on her beloved Grandmother’s bracelet.
As Christina was getting dressed, I spied Dad rehearsing his reception speech in the empty living room.
Paul’s dad and brother helped him with the finishing touches, complete with an important cuddle with his pup.
Letter exchanges are one of my favorite things to witness and photograph. It’s a timeless way to solidify your thoughts just before becoming newlyweds.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in Lagrangeville has these amazing arches with the best light, even on stormy days.
Then there are coordinated socks among the groomsmen, and they are fun to want to have their pictures of them.
Sometimes it’s fun to have the wedding party give me some “attitude” in the pictures. Everyone here nailed it, except for the uncontrollably happy Christina and Paul. They simply couldn’t look at one another without a big grin.
Stormy skies may not seem like dream weather for a wedding day, but I love them. Especially on a roof top.
Villa Barone Hilltop Manor NY Wedding Details
Wedding Photography: Stilwell Photography & Films | Alisa Stilwell
Additional Photographer: Teresa Horgan
Church: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church, Lagrangeville
Officiant: Msr. Desmond
Reception Venue: Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac NY
Dress: Kenneth Winston
Hair: Hair and Style by Charlie
Makeup: Alexandria Ayers
Florist: Sabellico Greenhouse and Florist
Video: Lazy Lambs Films
Limo: ANN Transportation
Entertainment: Next Generation DJ Entertainment
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