The beautiful thing about outdoor wedding venues is that nature provides the most glorious backdrop to any wedding style. From bohemian garden weddings to elegant chic estate weddings, an outdoor setting has a charming and romantic appeal that many couples desire. This special couple retreated to the Catskills in upstate New York for a charming backyard gathering-inspired ceremony. This Handsome Hollow wedding will make you want to escape the bustling city life and dance under the stars. A weekend seems to fly by surrounded by the rolling Catskill Mountains.

To make this wedding even more remarkable, I loved the balance between time-honored cultural traditions and the couple’s own unique style. Before the ceremony, the bride donned a traditional Chinese wedding qipao in reverence of her heritage. She looked stunning in the elegant red cheongsam with gold accents. The groom wore a complementary tang jacket. The traditional tea ceremony is a great way for couples to honor their families by setting aside quality time together.

After the tea ceremony, she slipped into a gorgeous white wedding dress. They met in a wooded alcove surrounded by tall majestic trees to exchange heartfelt vows. Then, it was time to celebrate! They opted for a backyard picnic vibe, complete with yard games, charcuterie boards, and signature cocktails. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect!

From there, we snapped a few more photos and let everyone mix and mingle before heading into the beautifully prepared reception in the restored Amish barn. We concluded the night with touching toasts, epic dance moves, and of course…CAKE! Congratulations, you two!

Handsome Hollow Weddings

For a little more about the venue, this is one of my favorite options in Upstate New York. It’s simple and understated, perfect for an intimate outdoor wedding. Yet Handsome Hollow weddings are featured in SIX bridal publications. They’re mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings, BRIDES, and PopSugar because of their thoughtful wedding accommodations and prime Catskills location.

Handsome Hollow sprawls across 93 acres of wilderness, creeks and springs, and blueberry fields. The property features carefully preserved trials, a historic bluestone quarry, and towering Big Fork Mountain. As you can imagine, photo opportunities abound at Handsome Hollow! My creativity runs wild out here, and the glowing natural light is my best friend when it comes to wedding photography.

As wedding venue specialists, the experienced team at Handsome Hollow can help secure trusted vendors, seating and reception plans, and the ideal ceremony site. Because of the large outdoor setting, they can accommodate most guest counts – large or small. And since they view their venue as a retreat, they do not expect you to haul all of your equipment and décor over. Instead, they provide everything you’ll need:

Reliable Audio/Visual access (including a portable PA system)
Wedding party suites
Cozy farmhouse lodging options
Candlelit garden
Linens, towels, and toiletries
Catering kitchen
Banquet tables and chairs
On-site parking
Vintage tableware
Lighting (outdoor/indoor)
A collection of vintage décor
Outdoor furniture
Much more…

This venue is truly a gem you must check out!

To learn more about this venue and photography packages, inquire HERE. Let’s get started planning your breathtaking Handsome Hollow wedding in the Catskills!