Any Wedding at the Thayer Hotel in West Point, NY is beautiful, but when you add in two people like Ashley and Steven, you can’t help but shed a few tears and have your heart beat a little faster.

Ashley and Steven met on New Years in 2010. They were both at a bar with friends and happened to meet up, share a dance, and share a first kiss at midnight. This moment became the turning point in their life that neither of them were expecting, but welcomed with open arms. Since their first date five days after meeting they have become inseparable best friends and their love for each other is truly unparalleled.

On the wedding day, the weather was hot. Like really hot! 90 degrees and barely a cloud in the sky. We were doing the first look in the early afternoon and when Ashley and I went outside I greeted Steven, who was already crying in anticipation of seeing his beautiful bride. It was the most emotional first look I’ve photographed to date and Cinnamon and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears ourselves. Ashley looked absolutely stunning in her Sareh Nouri gown and Steven was absolutely speechless. They exchanged hugs, tears, gifts and cards and I am so thankful we got to capture these moments.

From there, we went into the ceremony which overlooked the Hudson River on the lawn of the Thayer. It was absolutely stunning! The shade started to creep in which we were so thankful for. Family and wedding party portraits were next and the heat was killing us!! When it was time for bride and groom portraits we found the most magical spot of land where the sun was glowing through the trees. I had to go pick my jaw up off the ground MULTIPLE times because I was just in awe of how gorgeous and in love Ashley and Steven looked.

Here’s a few things I love that they said about each other when I asked:

Steven, What things do you love most about Ashley?

There are many things about Ashley that I love but above all would be her presence. Whether I have a good day or a bad day I always know I will have someone to listen to me complain but more importantly laugh and joke around with. Most nights we fall asleep historically laughing and I honesty don’t know why. Never would I ever have imagined finding someone with a similar sense of humor and personality. Getting out of work there is nothing better than coming home seeing the smile on the face of the beautiful little blonde woman I have been inseparable from the last 4 and a half years of my life and knowing that I can grow old with her.

Ashley, What things do you love most about Steven?

Steven is the most down to earth, genuine, and kind man. He is patient and understanding, and loves me wholeheartedly, flaws and all. I count down the minutes at work and rush to get home to him, because I know my other half will be there to share in the joy of a day, cheer me up after a bad day, and love me unconditionally. That is what I love most about him, he loves me unconditionally. He helps me be the best version of myself that I can be. I love that I can look at him and see ham as my boyfriend, my fiance’, my husband, a father, a lover, a friend, and a partner in crime. He is everything to me.

Okay, now I’m crying again. Phew! So, as you can see, these two old souls at heart and bound for an entire lifetime of joy, love, happiness, laughter and more and I just can’t wait to see what their next adventure has in store.

Ashley and Steven, I love you guys and can’t wait to see you soon! I am so honored you had me be a part of this day and absolutely loved celebrating the two of you with your friends and family. Cheers to forever!!

This Sareh Nouri dress hanging in the lobby of this historic hotel was just a dream come true.

I am just in love with this invitation suite!!

The chairs in the lobby could not have been a more perfect backdrop for these Badgley Mishka shoes!!

These robes are so adorable!!

This was seriously such a sweet moment between Ashley and her mom!

And the guys were getting super dapper in their tuxedos and bow-ties…

Help from dad!

The most adorable and emotional first look I’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing.

I LOVE Ashley’s reaction!!

West Point Wedding Thayer Hotel - Laura Lee Photography

This was seriously the best moment of the day.

Ah! This ceremony location overlooking the mountains and the Hudson River, you just can’t get any better!!

Oh this gorgeous veil! <3

I absolutely love shooting at the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point!

A champagne toast for the girls!

Love when Ashley and her Dad got to see each other for the first time!

And the moment we’d all been waiting for was finally here!!

WOO! They’re married!!

Beautiful family formals over the Hudson.

I just love the colors and the formalness of the wedding party attire! You did such a great job planning this day Ashley!!

And then it was time for some portraits!! YAYYYY!!!

And after getting kicked off the lawn for another wedding to arrive we found this absolute gem of a location where the sun was coming through just perfectly. I am just in awe of these portraits!!

You guys look fantastic!!!

Ashley being the most adorable stunning bride you could imagine!! Love her bridal portraits!

And my favorite picture of the entire day….

The historic hotel is just amazing through and through. Absolutely loved this room and it’s glamour and historic elegance.

And they’re here!

They shared such a sweet and emotional first dance!

Ashley and her dad danced to Over the Rainbow and it was so beautiful!

Steven’s dance with his mother. Just wonderful.

Ashley’s parents are so in love and Skip took Bonnie right up on the dance floor to spin her around and hold her tight as soon as the band started playing. It was beautiul to watch.