West Point Academy Wedding :: Pamela + Michael

Weddings

July 11, 2017

If you haven’t been to upstate New York and drove through the tree covered mountains, you’re missing out on one of the most gorgeous places in the country. West Point Academy is nestled in those rolling hills along the Hudson River. I ran through these very mountains with Pam and Mike for their engagement session at Bear Mountain. Let us start off by saying that these two are extraordinary people with hearts of gold and we were so very excited to join them for their big day. The girls were running around the suite in their silky pink as hair and makeup were wrapping up the morning. While the girls were sipping champagne, the guys were down the hall helping each other get ready. Jeff was cracking up at Mike and his friends. Mike and some of the other guys wore their military blues which required the placing of medals on his jacket. They couldn’t quite figure it out. So what do you do when you don’t know the answer to something? Why, you google it, of course! With the use of multiple phones and all hands on deck, they finally figured it out! I remember culling through the images and running across a photo with a flame of fire. I immediately ask Jeff, “What in the world?”!! Apparently, they couldn’t find a pair of scissors to cut a string and decided to use an open flame to burn it off. Mike’s face said it all!! Meanwhile, Pam was putting her gown on with her mom and sisters. This dress was unbelievable. All hands were on deck as she slipped on the dress that she would be married in. We were all doing pretty well to not cry until Pam’s father came into the room. The whole room erupted in streaming tears as Pam welcomed her dad in for a hug. In that moment, I think we all realized it was almost time to get married!!

The ceremony was also at West Point atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Hudson Valley. Pam and her parents arrived in a Rolls Royce as Mike waited at the end of the aisle for her. The priest gave such a refreshing sermon and spoke with such energy. I remember smiling while he was speaking and loved his modern view on tried and true scripture. The grand exit was like a fairytale of sorts. The groomsmen in uniform led the way as bagpipes and drums filled the air with magic. Pam and Mike sealed their ceremony with a kiss as the Sabers went up celebrating their first day of marriage. Everyone wanted a photo of the newly married couple…even the tourists! HA! The reception was absolutely jaw dropping. The sun was pushing through the windows lighting up the amazing work of Christine from CBC Events. The towering centerpieces, candlelit tables, and touches of gold really gave them room a luxurious feeling. Chic and sophisticated, just like Pam and Mike. The bagpipes and drums led the way as the guests made their way into the gold adorned room. What an epic celebration it was. We have never experienced a dancefloor this action packed!! Military weddings are insanely awesome! Our favorite part of the evening was the cutting of the cake! They used a giant saber!!! Yeah! By far the funniest moment of the night was when the hoisted the couple into their air on chairs. HA! Pam wasn’t a fan and Mike was just plain scared! Man, what a party. We had the best of times with everyone.

Pam and Mike…we adore you guys. You are truly incredible inside and out. Thank you for welcoming us like family and for entrusting us with your wedding. We are thrilled beyond words for you both. Congrats again!

Leaha + Jeffrey

Thank you to Krystal Pratt for assisting and 3rd shooting this wedding.