In the rolling countryside just outside of Albany, an intimate and deeply personal celebration unfolded. Hattie and Kevin transformed her childhood home—a property dating back to 1735—into the perfect backdrop for their Albany historic home wedding. A chapter in a love story that began in college and flourished in the bustling streets of New York City.

Hudson River School Painting Inspired Wedding Aesthetic

Taking cues from the location, the aesthetic of the event took shape with the help of two key vendors.

Tpel Paper + Press is a luxury letterpress and stationery brand based in the UK – and founded by the sister of the bride. Together they took cues from the Hudson River School and incorporated the artwork for a custom seating chart that sat elegantly on a frame at the entrance of the tent. From there, the details flourished. Each invitation featured delicate botanical illustrations of the Hudson Valley, with text pressed deep into handmade cotton paper. The invitation suite included a historic map of the area. This detail was also included at the reception on custom screen-printed napkins.

Floral designer Deryck DeMatas creating breathtaking arrangements that captured the rich, warm palette of the Hudson Valley fall. A spectacular floral arch nestled in the garden was the centerpiece of the ceremony. Rich burgundies, amber tones, and deep forest greens intertwined with delicate cream blooms. This created a dramatic statement that honored the season.

The ceremony itself took place under the spectacular floral arch, with the autumn garden providing an enchanting backdrop. Wooden chairs created an intimate atmosphere where everyone could fully witness the exchange of vows.

For the reception, guests moved into an elegantly appointed tent.Lush floral installations and warm lighting transformed the tent. As evening descended over the property, market lights illuminated the celebration inside the tent. New York Edge band kept the dance floor filled until well past midnight. By seamlessly blending American classics with Latin rhythms that honored both families’ backgrounds.

Bethlehem House: An Albany Historic Home With Revolutionary History

In Hattie’s own words: “At first glance, our wedding venue looked just like that…a venue. But to me, it’s the house I grew up in. Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Bethlehem House, built in 1735, is where I took my first steps, played with my siblings, celebrated birthdays, studied for tests and navigated the awkward stages of my adolescence. It holds some of my most precious memories, and now holds perhaps the most precious one of all – getting married.”

Alexander Hamilton + Eliza Schuyler attended a wedding here

What makes this venue even more remarkable is its place in American history. “Although Bethlehem House has always been a private residence since the 18th century, we were the second wedding to take place there,” Hattie shared. “In 1785, Elizabeth Nicoll married Major Richard Sill and who was in attendance? None other than Alexander Hamilton. According to my dad, there are records that state Hamilton danced the minuet with his wife, Eliza Schuyler, in our dining room. And while we didn’t have anyone that famous at our wedding, we did have both of our families and closest friends in the place that holds so much significance to my life. That, to me, is a kind of special that can’t be beat.”

Film Photography Captures Luxury Albany Historic Home Wedding

Film has a soft luminous quality that preserves the emotion. When photographing a luxury wedding at home, film plays a key role in slowing moments down. Mary Dougherty is a film and digital photographer with almost two decades of experience. She seamlessly blends mediums and allows clients to experience the day with gentle direction.

At Bethlehem House, historic architecture and thoughtful details perfectly suited this medium. Each frame tells a story—from the golden light filtering through centuries-old trees to the delicate textures of hand-pressed stationery. Film photography honors the intentionality behind a luxury wedding. Every element is carefully curated and deserves to be documented with equal care.