A Summer Gather Greene Wedding in Coxsackie, NY - Isabel + Josh
This summer wedding at Gather Greene in Coxsackie, New York was the kind of Hudson Valley celebration that feels both deeply grounded and effortlessly elevated - so reflective of Isabel and Josh themselves. Set among rolling hills, quiet forest paths, and open sky, Gather Greene is one of my favorite venues to photograph as a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, especially in the height of summer when the landscape feels lush and alive. Their wedding was thoughtfully and intentionally planned by Corinne Van Arsdale of Canvas Weddings, focusing on Isabel and Josh’s priorities on how they wanted their wedding day to feel. From slow, intentional moments while getting ready - to a dramatic and cozy ceremony beneath the pavilion as summer storms rolled in. Followed by a joyful evening of connection and celebration - Isabel and Josh’s wedding day was calm, meaningful, and rooted in the kind of love that feels steady, thoughtful, and true.
Wedding Venue : Gather Greene
Wedding Planner : Canvas Weddings
Florals and Decor : Athabold
Catering : Topnotch Events
Hair + Make Up : Kindred Beauty Co
Wedding Dress Designer : Anna Campbell
Dress Shop : Kleinfeld Bridal
Suit Designer : Suit Supply
Lighting : Bearfly Designs
Entertainment : Mod Society
Officiant : Rabbi Ben Spratt from Rodeph Sholom in NYC
Rentals : Columbia Tent Rentals
Photographer : Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels
If you’re drawn to venues like Gather Greene, you’ll love exploring more of the Hudson Valley wedding venues that I’ve photographed and written about - from mountaintop estates to historic wineries with rich character and meaningful ceremony spaces. My Best Hudson Valley Wedding Venues guide breaks down favorites like Lambs Hill, The Roundhouse, Mohonk Mountain House, and more, including why Gather Greene stands out for couples who love nature, flexibility, and intentional design.
And if you want more inspiration from real weddings at this very venue, check out another beautiful Gather Greene wedding I photographed - a September celebration that showcases how light, landscape, design, and emotion can come together to create a deeply personal and joyful experience.
A Grounded Love Story Begins
Isabel and Josh met on Hinge, and their first date took place at Katana Kitten, a cocktail bar tucked away in the West Village. From the very beginning, their relationship felt easy and thoughtful - built on shared interests, curiosity, and a love for being present with one another. They’re the kind of couple who enjoy slow mornings, board games, bird watching, travel, and spending time with their two beloved cats, Maisey and Kona.
Those little details - who they are in everyday life - shaped their wedding day in the most beautiful ways.
How you got engaged :
“We got engaged in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is a special place for us. We both love it there and have visited it together many times throughout our relationship and still go back to the spot where Josh proposed.”
Photographing Couples Who Don’t Love Being Photographed
Isabel and Josh found me through their planner, Corinne of Canvas Weddings. From our very first conversation, they were honest about something many couples feel - they were excited to get married, but not particularly excited about having their photos taken.
Challenge accepted.
I deeply relate to this, because I don’t love being in front of the camera either. I know that feeling of getting into your head, wondering what to do with your hands, or just wanting the moment to be over. My role on a wedding day is to gently “steer” the “photo ship” - to create structure, bring calm, and make the experience feel natural and even enjoyable.
By the time the rain cleared and golden hour arrived at the start of the reception, Isabel and Josh were laughing, relaxed, and fully present. Those moments - soft light, genuine connection, zero pressure - ended up being some of their favorite images from the day.
Why They Chose a Gather Greene Wedding
When Isabel and Josh began planning their Hudson Valley wedding, they knew they wanted to be surrounded by nature, but still close enough to New York City for guests to travel easily. Gather Greene was one of the first venues they toured, and it was an immediate yes.
With its open-air pavilion, cozy cabins tucked into the woods, and a one-of-a-kind quarry space for late-night celebrations, Gather Greene feels both expansive and intimate. It’s a venue that invites people to slow down, breathe, and truly experience the day - and that aligned perfectly with Isabel and Josh’s vision. The Gather Greene team was also wonderful to work with, which always makes a meaningful difference on a wedding day.
A Summer Day with Unexpected Magic
Like many outdoor weddings, the weather had its own plans. Isabel and Josh had envisioned a sunny summer ceremony outdoors, but as the day unfolded, dramatic clouds rolled in and rain began to pour just as the ceremony approached. The ceremony was moved into the pavilion, and honestly - it couldn’t have been more perfect.
The pavilion is open and airy, and as storms rolled through the surrounding hills with thunder and flashes of lightning, the atmosphere felt dramatic, cozy, and deeply romantic. The sound of rain on the roof, the mist in the air, and the intimacy of the space created a moment that felt cinematic and unforgettable.
Neither Isabel nor Josh love being the center of attention, so the goal was to keep the energy relaxed and fun - and despite the rain, or maybe because of it, that’s exactly what the day became.
How you decided to have a large-ish wedding :
“We both didn't want anything toooo big, but also wanted to share the occasion with our closest family and friends, which gets us to a medium sized wedding with 130 guests.”
Thoughtful Style and Personal Details
Isabel enjoyed dress shopping with her family and friends, but what she was most excited about was her outfit change for the second half of the reception and the after-party. Her look throughout the day was effortless and true to herself - simple hair and makeup that felt natural and comfortable. Josh skipped the tie, keeping his look casual and relaxed, which suited him perfectly.
Their color palette leaned into summer tones that complemented the natural surroundings of Gather Greene. Nothing felt forced or overdone. The entire day felt elevated without being flashy - beautifully designed while still honoring the landscape.
One of my favorite personal touches? Their signature cocktails, named after their cats. The Maisey was a spicy margarita, and the Kona was a hugo spritz - playful, personal, and very them.
Isabel + Josh, opted out of a dramatic traditional wedding reception entrance. They attempted to join their guests and sit without making it a “thing”. Their guests has other plans by swinging their napkins around and cheering them on. The joy that radiated from them was so organic and beautiful, it was better than any planned entrance ever could have been.
Photographing Couples Who Don’t Love Being Photographed (Continued)
By the time the rain cleared and golden hour arrived at the start of the reception, Isabel and Josh were laughing, relaxed, and fully present. Those moments - soft light, genuine connection, zero pressure - ended up being some of their favorite images from the day.
Surrounded by People Full of Heart
What stood out to me most throughout the day, though, was the kindness and joy of everyone present. Isabel has the most contagious smile - it’s like being around pure sunshine. Josh, on the other hand, feels grounding and steady, like the earth itself. Together, their energy is beautifully balanced, and you could feel that harmony throughout the entire Gather Greene wedding.
Isabel’s entrance back into the reception with her dress change was absolutely epic. She was radiating with joy and comfort, and Josh loved it.
Surrounded by People Full of Heart (Continued)
One of the most touching family moments came as a surprise. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Isabel’s dad brought out an Entenmann’s chocolate cake (see above) - one of Isabel’s longtime favorites - topped with a classic bride and groom figurine. It was sweet, nostalgic, and incredibly meaningful. I did not know this the day of their wedding, I found out afterward. Thankfully I saw it sitting on the table where their seats were located and took a photograph of it.
Isabel + Josh’s wedding planners’ favorite moments and perspective to their wedding day approach -
“One my favorite moments was during their ceremony - the weather forecast was calling for rain, so we move their ceremony into the Pavilion. Right as they were saying their vows it started to thunder - it was really cozy and pretty special. Isabel and Josh are what I'd call “earthy minimalists” - they didn't really like things that were overly fussy or ornate, they like things that are very fresh, summery, and look like they are coming from the Earth. We incorporated a lot of mossy and green textures with yellows, oranges, and blushes, and lots of colors and textures that you would find in nature. They are very grounded and very present people, and I think their wedding really reflected that.”
Any advice for couples planning their weddings?
“ We got married at city hall before our actual wedding day. It's stressful enough to pull off this large event and better not to conflate that with feelings about your partner. Also, make sure you have a rain plan that doesn't bum you out because you never know what could happen. We had a great one and were very lucky!”
Your favorite memories from the day, and anything else you wish to include.
“Best day ever! When Isabel paused at the top of the aisle before walking down, there was a huge thunder clap that was very dramatic. We also loved dancing with our friends and family, and the band was great!”
Black and White Photography
There were many moments throughout the day that felt especially powerful in black and white. Stripped of color, those images allowed the emotion to lead - the quiet breaths before the ceremony, the way Isabel smiled at Josh, the softness of their connection as the storm rolled in around them. Black and white photography has a timeless quality that draws attention to light, texture, and feeling, and for a day as grounded and emotionally rich as this one, it felt like the most honest way to tell parts of their story.
A Relaxed Celebration, Start to Finish
From the stormy, romantic ceremony to the golden hour glow and their epic dance party reception - this Gather Greene wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful days aren’t about perfection - they’re about presence. Isabel and Josh created a celebration that felt true to who they are, and it was an absolute joy to document.
If you’re planning a Hudson Valley wedding and looking for a photographer who values connection, calm, and an experience that feels good - not forced - I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch here to learn more about working together and documenting your day in a way that feels natural, grounded, and uniquely yours.
