Nancy & Paul’s wedding at Clifton Inn

• Weddings

Once in a while we get to experience an intimate and lovely wedding ceremony for a couple, often including their immediate family. Such was the case for Nancy and Paul, who recently celebrated their marriage with Nancy’s children at their side at the local Clifton Inn on a warm late fall day. They had wanted to see each other and enjoy a few moments alone before the ceremony, so I arranged for a first sight for them (below). It’s always a treat to be able to witness and document these moments between people who love one another, and is often a highlight of any wedding. Afterwards, we strolled down the hill toward the lake below Clifton’s woods-facing cottages for a few relaxing portraits before returning to the main house to prepare for the ceremony.

To symbolize life and their commitment to one another during good times and bad, they shared wine from two different bottles, one sweet, and one bitter, a nice personal touch. Claire Goodman, the local clergy with whom we’ve had the pleasure of working several times over the years, officiated at the ceremony held at Clifton’s croquet lawn outside the Carriage House as the sun set that afternoon. Following the ceremony, their family walked up the steps to the terrace, where they all enjoyed wine with cheese and crackers and watched the sun set and the moon continue its traverse across the sky. Paul mentioned to me that one prominent bright spot in the sky, Venus, was present when they were first engaged so it was nice seeing it again that evening.

After enjoying some relaxing time with their families, Nancy & Paul retired to the cellar below the main dining room to share their first dance and a delicious meal prepared by Clifton’s culinary staff. The room was decorated with Nancy’s bouquet of course, and a simple yet beautiful arrangement at their sweetheart’s table put together by our favorite local florists, Pat’s Floral Designs. It was so nice spending a few hours on a recent afternoon with Nancy and Paul, and I was delighted and honored to be able to document their intimate celebration. Thank you, you two, for having me out!

Nancy & Paul’s first sight:

Nancy receives a congratulatory text from her sister via her son’s cell phone:

Hanging out, waiting for the ceremony to begin…

Their first dance, held in the cellar where they were to also enjoy a private meal together…