The Bucket List Wedding - Rob and Sydney's Epic Wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Every year, before wedding season kicks in and when bookings are in full swing, I create a bucket list of things I want to photograph. Last year, I imagined and now have achieved a big one for me—shoot a wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Last year, my husband and I decided to pack a bag, grab our friends, and celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary by dining there. My husband is a chef, and we share a love of slow food and sustainable dining. I blogged about our experience, and at the end of the post, I mentioned how amazing it would be to capture a wedding there.

Fast forward a couple weeks, and I found myself on the phone with Rob and Sydney, who were tying the knot there in January of 2014. Our phone meeting was amazing. I knew we were a fit because they made it clear to me that they really just wanted to celebrate their love for one another. That it was more about a marriage than a wedding. "We really just want to have this big party and invite everyone we love. We want to spend our time celebrating with our kids and extended family. We love music, we love food, and we love a good party." BOOM! Those words were music to my ears. So not only was I accomplishing my dream of booking a wedding at Blue Hill but it was also with such a perfect couple.

Rob and Sydney prove my point that anyone can be edgy and "offbeat," even if they have a HUGE, high-end, black tie wedding. Being "edgy" is NOT about how wild your lifestyle is. It's not about your age. It's not about who has the craziest lifestyle, the nuttiest hairstyle, or the most tattoos. It's a frame of mind. It's about letting your hair down. It's about dancing to the beat of your own drum. Doing things your way. It's a state of mind. Period.

The day started out very relaxed.  My friend and amazing second shooter, Meg Belanger, and I got up and had a leisurely breakfast at Blue Hill Stone Barns. We brought our cameras and just explored every nook and cranny of the space. Set up started early because Rob and Sydney hired some serious entertainment for their celebration, including Lorenzo Laroc —an electric hip hop violin player—for cocktail hour, The Hot Sardines for music during dinner, and last but not least, Trombone Shorty for the after party. All of these acts were amazing. But when you have entertainment like them, you set up first thing in the AM. We captured the floral designers at work, the ambiance throughout Blue Hill, food prep, audio set up and everything in between. There is so much eye candy throughout the place you just can't stop shooting it. I know we couldn't.

Before we knew it, Rob and Sydney arrived with their family, and we set up for formals. Then it was off to get married in the "Hay Barn" in a candlelight ceremony. Rob and Sydney's love for one another filled the room, and everyone could feel it. After that, it was time for cocktails and lots of informal formals. No one was camera shy, which makes my job so easy. After cocktails, the guests were escorted back to the hay barn for a multicourse sit-down dinner that would blow your mind. Then, after dinner, more music and TONS of dancing as Trombone Shorty brought people up on stage to dance and let loose. Even Sydney's mother got on stage and rocked on ‘til the break of dawn.

Rob and Sydney, I can't thank you enough for letting me become part of your family for the weekend and helping me mark one more thing off my bucket list. I just adored you both and your families. I wish we could do it all over again.

The amazing team for this wedding:

Venue: Blue Hill at Stone Barns Ceremony Musicians: Owen Biddle & Adrien Reju Paperie: Sincerely Staci Officiant: Rabbi Dan Wolk Travel/ Hotel: Tzell Travel Specialists - Mary Kenny Hair: Marc Mena Make Up Artist: Aidan Keogh Make Up Artist: Liz Marz Transportation: Leros Point to Point Parking: Harrison JCC DJ: Timka Cocktail Musicians – Lorenzo Laroc Dinner Musicians - Hot Sardines After Party - Trombone Shorty Audio and Visual Production: Greg Miller Floral Design: Lewis Miller Design