An Elegant, Easygoing Midsummer Wedding with Thoughtful Vows & a Big Saratoga Dance Floor
From their very first email, I knew Kristen and Adam’s wedding at Saratoga National was going to be awesome. These two have the kind of connection that’s just easy to photograph: laidback, in love, and always making each other smile.
Their July wedding was a perfect mix of timeless black tie style and down to earth moments. We’re talking personal vows at the reflecting pool, signature cocktails on the terrace, golden hour veil tosses on the green, and a dance floor that did not quit.
Oh, and it was hot. Like, folding fans and “should we jump in the pool?” kind of hot. But honestly, no one cared. It was one of those days where everything just felt like a breeze.
“Working with Caitee for our wedding and engagement shoot was the best! She was so personable, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process. On our actual wedding day she was a rock star coordinating with all our friends and family and other vendors to make sure everything got done. All our photos came out amazing, we'll be cherishing these forever. She caught lots of beautiful moments throughout our day and aligned with our vision. We'd highly recommend her!”
The girls got ready at the cutest Airbnb right by the track. Lots of natural light, good vibes, and excited getting ready energy.
Kristen was surrounded by her bridesmaids, each rocking their own black dress style (which looked sooo good together). Meanwhile, Adam and the guys were just a few minutes away suiting up at The Adelphi Hotel in downtown Saratoga.
Once everyone was dressed and ready, we headed to Saratoga National for Kristen and Adam's first look. Adam was looking sharp in his black tux, and Kristen was looking effortlessly chic in her perfect dress.
(Also, quick shoutout to Blooms Floral Design for a seriously genius move: Adam's boutonniere was secured with a magnet instead of a pin. No wrestling with fabric, no stabbed fingers, no crooked florals. Just quick, easy placement and one less thing to mess with before seeing his bride.)
The first look was such a cute moment. Kristen walked up behind Adam with the biggest smile, and as soon as he turned around, you could feel a sense of relief between the two of them.
From there, we hopped into golf carts (which is always so fun) and explored the grounds for portraits: bridges, trees, tucked away spots, you name it.
We squeezed in wedding party photos: 9 bridesmaids, 10 groomsmen, and zero chill (in the best way). This crew brought the energy and the best hype team vibes. Everyone looked amazing in their black dresses and tuxes, and even in the July heat, they were down for anything. We knocked out the group shots, individual photos, and some fun candids, all while dodging the sun and throwing on our sunglasses in between takes.
From there, we rolled right into family portraits, which were quick and easy thanks to some rockstar planning and a very organized crew. Everyone knew where to be, there were no missing aunties, and we kept things moving without sacrificing those sweet, meaningful moments. Honestly, dream family photo situation.
Then it was ceremony time. The wedding party watched from the balcony as guests arrived, and let me tell you, it was HOT. Like, I wished I had one of those fans. Like, a few of us vendors had neck fans on hot.
Thankfully, most of the guests did have one of those folding fans, and jokes about diving into the reflecting pool were being tossed around. But even with the heat, all eyes were on Kristen and Adam as they exchanged the most thoughtful, personal vows. There were laughs, tears, and a big ol’ kiss to seal the deal.
Cocktail hour kicked off up on the patio and terrace, with signature drinks in hand: a margarita for her and a Tom Collins for him.
Kristen and Adam snuck into the reception tent before guests came in and got to see their setup for the first time: white and green florals, wood chairs and tables with soft white linens, glowy candles everywhere. Just stunning and warm. We even grabbed a few extra portraits by the fluffy hydrangea bushes (because yes, they were in full bloom).
“Thank you for everything this past year! You've been so thoughtful and helpful and insightful. You've done so much more than just be our photographer and I don't think everything would've gone this smoothly without you! Thank you for making us feel comfortable and getting all the shots!”
Guests found their seats via the chicest black bow seating chart gently blowing in the breeze, and once everyone was settled, the party really got started. Introductions! Parent dances! Toasts! All the good stuff. And then: the dance floor. The New York Players absolutely brought it, and the crowd did not disappoint.
As the sun started to dip below the trees, we snuck out onto the golf course for a few golden hour portraits. It wasn’t a dramatic sunset, just a soft, glowy one with a few clouds rolling through, but it was perfect.
Kristen’s veil caught the breeze just enough for some epic tosses, and the two of them got a quiet moment to soak it all in, away from the noise and excitement. You could just tell how happy and at ease they felt, wrapped up in that “WE'RE MARRIED” energy!
After some sweet, playful spins, forehead kisses, and a few deep breaths in the evening air, we slowly made our way back toward the tent. Guests were still buzzing from the first dance set and starting to pile back onto the dance floor, ready for round two of the celebration.
From start to finish, this day was sheer magic. Kristen and Adam are the real deal, and it was such a joy to capture every hug, happy tear, and sweaty dance move.
This is what Saratoga summers are made of, and I'm here for it every single time.
