A Magical Sunset Wedding at Le Chateau | Josh Wong Photography

Nestled in the rolling hills of South Salem, New York, Le Chateau is a breathtaking venue that embodies timeless elegance and modern luxury. It’s the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding, and when the golden hues of a sunset cascade over the grounds, it becomes pure magic. Recently, I had the incredible privilege of photographing a stunning sunset wedding at Le Chateau, and the experience was nothing short of enchanting.

From Victoria (The Bride)

On September 29, we woke up to one of the most beautiful days on record. The entire day was like walking through a cloud. Jeff and I shared the most intimate of moments during our first look in the stone garden I had always hoped we’d be standing in, we breezed through photos with our family and bridal party of a combined 22 and just like that, I donned my veil and with my parents by my side, began taking the walk I’d always imagined but still couldn’t quite believe, rose petals and lanterns abound. Led by our Rabbi and one of my closest friends, and with acoustic guitar and keyboard trilling in the background, we exchanged our own vows – I may have stopped the whole thing to ask for a tissue – and we had a few of our dearest friends recite the seven blessings. Once Jeff broke the glass, we kissed like giddy teenagers and made our way back down the aisle, a married couple! We shared a quick toast with the bridal party, stole a few moments together in the last bits of the sunset hanging over the lush Hudson Valley, and then it was time to party! The cocktail reception featured a hyper-curated selection of passed and stationary appetizers including a raw bar, a fine Italian cheese spread, a trio of sliders, a live stir-fry chef and mini tacos with accompanying margarita shooters, as well as two signature cocktails. Guests meandered through rooms and hallways of the storied mansion (J.P. Morgan once owned it) and into one grand bar after the other until just like that, it was time for the Grand Ballroom to swing open its doors.

In achieving my ideal aesthetic of clean lines and refined romanticism to match the elegance of the mansion, our tables featured a stunning mix of hydrangeas and complimentary whites in highs and lows with the glow of candlelight underwriting it all. With large, glittering chandeliers hanging overhead, Jeff and I bounded into the room and spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor with, as we hoped, almost the entirety of our guests getting down to the musical stylings of the Dane Wright Band. Jeff and I danced our first dance to “Have A Little Faith in Me” – a song very personal to us that dates back to one of our very first dates, and when he dipped me that one last time, while we were both very much there, in the middle of a dancefloor littered with everyone we loved in the world, it felt like we were flying, and the only people in the universe. The night raged on through epic speeches from my mom as well as Jeff’s brother, a photo booth and multiple free-flowing bars, and even more culinary fun with a Viennese Station that ran almost the entire length of the ballroom, as well as a late-night to-go station of sweet and savory pretzels. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the incredible (and massive) cake I designed with DiMare Pastry. We closed out the night with final pictures to the backdrop of night and an afterparty to take us into the wee hours. To say that our wedding day was the best day of our lives would be an understatement.

Badgley Mischka Gigi Flats

Le Chateau Banquet Wedding Photos

The first look.

Why Sunset Weddings Are Magical

There’s something uniquely special about a sunset wedding. The soft lighting, the dramatic sky, and the sense of calm and intimacy all combine to create a day that feels truly magical. Photographing this wedding at Le Chateau reminded me why I love what I do—it’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing memories, emotions, and the fleeting beauty of a moment in time.

To the couple: Thank you for allowing me to be part of your beautiful day. Your love was the perfect complement to the natural beauty of the venue, and I’m honored to have captured these moments for you to cherish forever.

If you’re planning a sunset wedding or looking for a venue that combines luxury and romance, Le Chateau is an exceptional choice. And for photography that captures not just the day but the emotion and beauty of every moment, I’d love to be part of your special day.

The All-Stars that made this wedding possible:
The Couple: Victoria and Jeff
Photography: Josh Wong Photography, New York City
Wedding Videography: NST
Reception: Le Chateau Banquet, South Salem NY
Floral Design: Enza Events, New York City
Wedding Dress: Hailey Paige
Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair: Cosmopolitan Hair Salon
Makeup: Brian Dean

The post Le Chateau Wedding Photography appeared first on New York City Wedding Photographer - Josh Wong Photography.

Kaitlin and Eddie were married at the Highlands Country Club in Garrison, New York. The Highlands Country Club is an exclusive club founded in 1898 nestled in the Hudson Valley Highlands. Kaitlin wore a gorgeous Amsale halter neck gown with soft luxurious white lace, sparkling crystal beading, and a mermaid-style flared skirt which she paired with blue rose patterned peep-toe Michaelangelo heels. Eddie was the quintessential macho bad boy dressed in a cool 3 piece khaki suit with a white muscle T-shirt, black shades, and a Russell Simmons stainless steel dog tag with a black leather backing (a gift from his beautiful bride). The bridesmaids wore short BCBG blue cocktail length strapless dresses that had a flower pattern on the skirt and pockets! What a great idea!

Kaitlin and Eddie met at the gym. He asked one of Kaitlin’s sisters whether she thought that Kaitlin would go out with him and she told him it was worth a shot…..Kaitlin recalls that although Eddie was not like any of the guys that she normally dated, she thought, “What the heck, at least it will be fun….” Kaitlin and Eddie ended up getting along so well and had such a great time that what began as a casual date was the beginning of something special.

Here is what Eddie shared with me of what he thought of Kaitlin when he first met her….
The first time I met Kaitlin, I thought she had a beautiful smile and was super sexy, but after hanging out with her a few times I found out how no-nonsense she was. She was really easy to talk to and I really liked being with her. I knew I had fallen in love with her when I didn’t want to leave to go home or for her to leave. She made everything so much better. I wanted to experience everything with her because I loved having her around. We still have so much fun together and so much to laugh about.

Kaitlin and Eddie were married outdoors on the golf course and celebrated with their family and friends in the grand ballroom of the stately Highlands Country Club Manor House. One of my favorite parts of the day and also for Kaitlin as you will see below, was the father-daughter dance. Kaitlin picked Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin because it is most definitely her dad’s favorite song. It was a wonderful surprise for him and they had a blast. You can really tell that Kaitlin is very close to her family and it was heartwarming to see a family that cares so much about each other. I think a close second moment of the day was probably when Eddie did the Irish dance even though he isn’t even Irish.

I asked Kaitlin and Eddie to tell me about their favorite moments of the wedding day and this is what they said:

Kaitlin: The wedding day was kind of a blur for me but I really enjoyed taking pictures at the lake, my favorite place to be. Eddie crying during the vows is definitely unforgettable and my all time favorite memory is my family and I all dancing together during the father daughter dance…
Actually, the moment that made me smile the most was my sister’s speech about the dining room table….it is a big deal for us having dinner together and talking so it was nice to officially welcome Eddie to that place.

Eddie: It was definitely the speeches that I will always remember and smile about.

Congratulations to Eddie and Kaitlin! Here’s to a marriage full of laughter and wonderful moments! What a joy it was to photograph your wedding! Thanks for the great memories! Here are some of my favorites of the day!

Vendors:
Hair & Makeup: Cathy Lanza

A Highlands Country Club Wedding by Top Hudson Valley Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

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