Let’s all have a round of applause for Kaitlyn + Ryan, the two cutie pies who I think are some of the most wonderful human beings I could ever hope to get to know, and to document. Kaitlyn is the epitome of being a woman who can do it all. She has this air of grace about her, while also being a total outdoorswoman who hunts, gathers, and explores. Kaitlyn doesn’t need any help doing anything, but that’s where Ryan comes in, a silly goose gentleman who knows and respects her independence, but won’t allow her to do everything herself. Ryan is the kind of person who sits back and assesses people and situations in his own time, but once he decides you’re alright, he is the warmest and funniest person you could ask to be around. Their two personalities are so opposite, and so so so balanced and perfect for one another. I adore them and individuals and as a couple.

Having Caitlinn as my photographer was fate (as well). I had followed her on Instagram for a while because I just loved her work and then saw she was on the recommended list for photographers. I reached out to her the following day and booked her immediately. Best decision I could have made other than picking The Garrison and marrying Ryan. I was on the fence about a videographer, so I actually messaged Caitlinn to see her thoughts on having one and who she would recommend since I really valued her opinion. I’m so happy I asked about that and went with one of her suggestions, Ross Media. Caitlinn, Laurel and Ross worked together like a team that has been with each other for years. All my guests thought they were a team as well and just couldn’t stop complimenting the way they worked together and were stunned by all the final products. I get to relive the best day of my life every time I watch a video or look at a photograph. - Kaitlyn

They were married in late May at The Garrison, and it was such a glorious day. As a wedding photographer, I often find myself chasing the perfect blend of timeless emotion and aesthetics, but on this particular day, love and beauty unfolded effortlessly because these two are madly in love and beyond adorable.

The Garrison, perched above the Hudson River, has one of my favorite views in the Hudson Valley, especially for an outdoor wedding ceremony. A combination of The Garrison itself, and the work of Maple Field Floral, made this day visually STUNNING. The wedding florals were the epitome of spring, an explosion of bright colors.

Every detail of the day reflected the couple's vibrant love story—from the bright floral arrangements to the classic, yet glam, vibe. Tables were adorned with large colorful blooms and endless taper candles, creating a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. The ceremony itself, set against the sweeping views of the Hudson, was nothing short of magical. Officiated by Rev Jim Rooney, their ceremony was both emotional and intimate.

Photographing this colorful spring wedding at The Garrison was more than just capturing images; it was about preserving the essence of a love.

Scroll down to read their love story and their favorite memories from their wedding day. Kaitlyn shares her inspiration, vision, decision making process and following her intuition. It’s worth taking the time to scroll down and read everything from her perspective.

Vendors credits at the bottom.

couple kissing in the aisle during their wedding ceremony at The Garrison

bride getting ready for her hudson valley wedding at the garrison

bride getting dress on in the garrison inn

groom getting ready in room at the garrison

groom and his groomsmen at the garrison for hudson valley wedding

bride with bridesmaids and bouquets at hudson valley wedding at the garrison

flower girl and bridesmaids at the garrison

flower girl surrounded by Maple Field Floral bouquets at the garrison

hudson valley wedding bride bouquet by Maple Field Floral at The Garrison for

bride on her wedding day posing with view of the hudson valley at the garrison

bride and her bouquet posing for hudson valley wedding at the garrison

portrait of bride at the garrison for her hudson valley wedding

photographs of bride at the garrison for her hudson valley wedding

Maple Field Floral ceremony flowers at the garrison

views of the garrison wedding venue in the hudson valley

view of outdoor hudson valley wedding ceremony space at the garrison

hudson valley wedding ceremony florals and ceremony details at the garrison

maple field floral design hudson valley ceremony flowers at the garrison

dog and bride walking down the aisle at the garrison

groom waiting for bride to walk down the aisle at the garrison in the hudson valley

couple look at each other during their wedding ceremony officiated by Rev Jim Rooney at the garrison

couple share first kiss as husband and wife at the garrison

wedding couple during their outdoor hudson valley ceremony at the garrison

wedding couple share kiss and dip in the aisle at the garrison

bride and groom just married at the garrison by hudson valley wedding photographer

- How you met

Ryan and I actually met online on a dating app. I had recently moved to Connecticut and hadn’t dated in over a year. My friends encouraged me to set up a dating profile and I finally did it. I was a little overwhelmed in the first 2 days of having a dating profile and had a lot of messages from guys, but they were all generic to creepy. Ryan and I matched and he actually took the time to message me something funny and interesting. He was the only person I messaged back actually. After a day of talking back and forth getting to know each other just through messaging, I told him to ask me out that night while I had the courage to actually go on a date. We met that night and just hit it off. We saw each other the following day and we knew we had something special. We have been inseparable since.

- How you got engaged

Ryan knew my favorite place in the world is my family’s property we call “The Farm” and he knew my favorite person in the world was my grandmother (Nanny). My grandmother (Nanny) and grandfather’s ashes are spread on top of a mountain on my family’s property, with a little memorial area for them. He planned the proposal with my parents' help. He suggested we go to The Farm to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday and visit her and my grandfather on top of the mountain. My parents decorated the area with flowers and we drove up there with what I thought was the intent of saying happy birthday to Nanny. Ryan proposed on top of the mountain, with my parents and a picture of my grandparents watching over us. It was perfect and he knew I would want the most important people to be there to witness and celebrate.

portraits of bride and groom in the hudson valley on their wedding day at the garrison

wedding couple in front of the willow tree at the garrison

photo of groom lifting bride during their hudson valley wedding at the garrison

wedding photographer portraits of couple during their hudson valley wedding at the garrison

wedding couple embrace for their photographer in front of the view of the hudson valley at the garrison

wedding couple photo under veil at the garrison

photographs of wedding couple at the garrison in the hudson valley

wedding flowers centerpieces by Maple Field Floral at the garrison

flower centerpieces and taper candles by maple field floral at the garrison

wedding sign and seating chart at the garrison

sweetheart table and wedding cake at the garrison

sweetheart table and centerpieces by Maple Field Floral for a hudson valley wedding at the garrison

sweetheart table flowers by Maple Field Floral at The Garrison

wedding cake and flowers at the garrison

wedding flower centerpieces by Maple Field Floral at the garrison

wedding reception room with views of the hudson valley at the garrison

wedding flowers and taper candles for hudson valley wedding at the garrison

wedding couple at their sweetheart table in the garrison

wedding couple dip during first dance at the garrison

wedding couple during their first dance at the garrison

- How you decided to get married at The Garrison, your wedding size, and any other wedding planning/vendor decisions you hope to share

Ryan let me take the wheel with all planning. We live in Connecticut now, but I grew up in the Hudson Valley. I had always dreamed of a wedding with a beautiful view of the Hudson Valley. After looking through venues online, I reached out to The Garrison to set up a meeting and walk through. I immediately fell in love with everything about The Garrison. The property and view is unbelievable and the venue itself is beautiful and classic. It was so easy to pick The Garrison for our wedding. They have everything there on site you could want. We had our rehearsal dinner at their restaurant, our wedding party from out of state stayed in the rooms at the Inn and we had a farewell brunch the next day. Annie was amazing to work with and they had suggestions for all vendors they have worked with and recommended. They took away a lot of stress and guess work for me and on the day of the wedding, I had nothing to worry about because they had everything covered for me.
Florals were a priority on my list as well. Maple Field Florist was on The Garrison’s recommended list and I could not have picked a better florist for my big day. They took my vision and brought it to life. The floral arrangements were absolutely stunning and magical. I wanted color and to feel like a spring time fantasy. I asked to incorporate pheasant feathers in the arrangements, as an homage to my husband’s love for pheasant hunting. The final florals were beyond anything I could have dreamed of.
To this day, I still have guests talking about our wedding, raving about it and saying how amazing every aspect was.

- Your favorite memories from the day

It’s hard to pick a favorite memory of the day, but if I had to pick, the ceremony was my favorite part. The Garrison’s outdoor venue space is beautiful with a spectacular view of the Hudson River and valley. Rev. Jim Rooney is hands down the most amazing human ever. He mixed in details of our love story, tailoring the ceremony to Ryan and I, as well as getting our guests involved in the ceremony, which made it feel truly personal. Ryan and I wanted something more intimate and meaningful, and that’s exactly what we got. It was the perfect moment to express our love to each other and commit our lives to one another. All of our guests commented on how much love they felt throughout that ceremony. Guests even made comments about how everything seemed perfect; the sun was shining, the birds were chirping. Ryan and I re-watched our wedding video together and to be honest, it was true. It was like a real life fairy tale come true.
I also wanted to do something truly special as our wedding favors, rather than get something most people won't use or end up throwing out. Ryan and I made bottle openers from deer antler sheds that were found on my family's property. He now jokes that I will make him work in a sweatshop churning out those to sell, but no, they are truly one of a kind pieces for our loved ones that celebrated our special day with us.