September Wedding at Brotherhood Winery - Shannon + Richard

Wedding
Written By Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels

An Autumn Brotherhood Winery Wedding Full of Heart, History, and Celebration

A Brotherhood Winery wedding in the Hudson Valley is something truly special - especially when it’s layered with rich history, intentional design, and a couple as grounded and joyful as Shannon and Richard. As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to celebrations that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Their wedding day in Washingtonville, New York felt like a love letter to autumn, family, and the kind of partnership that’s been growing steadily for more than a decade. From golden autumn light to meaningful family moments, this day was a beautiful reminder of why the Hudson Valley is one of the most romantic places to get married.

From the moment I arrived at America’s Oldest Winery, I knew this day was going to be one I’d carry with me for a long time.

A Love That Grew Up Together

Shannon and Richard are school sweethearts in the truest sense. They’ve been side by side through the formative years - growing, learning, and choosing each other again and again. There’s an ease to them, a quiet confidence that comes from knowing someone deeply and still feeling excited about what’s ahead.

Their love shows up in the small moments: the way they laugh together (head thrown back in pure joy kind of laughter), how naturally they settle into one another’s presence, and how intentionally they planned a wedding that centered family, friends, and FUN above all else.

How They Got Engaged

“On a Friday Winter night in December 2023, Richard told me to pack a bag for the weekend. We went to dinner and checked into the Hudson House River Inn in Cold Spring, NY. The following day, we had breakfast and then went out shopping, grabbed coffee, and shared lots of laughs. When we returned to the B&B, the room was decorated. He proposed right there in the room, it was very intimate and special. After popping champagne on the balcony overlooking the river, he told me to get ready for dinner. He said we’d have a drink at the bar downstairs before heading out, but when we walked downstairs, our family and closest friends were all there to surprise me. So many came from near and far, and the room was filled with so much love. While I figured he might have been up to something, I never expected that many people to be there celebrating us. There were signature drinks, favors, and a three-course meal with personalized menus. I was completely overjoyed by the love and support in the room. I will never forget that night.”

Getting Ready at Brotherhood Winery

The day began with that perfect end-of-September Hudson Valley weather - warm sun, a gentle breeze, and just enough crispness to hint at fall. Shannon got ready surrounded by her closest people, and there was a calm anticipation in the air.

A First Look Full of Emotion

Just before their first look, everything caught up to Shannon. As she walked toward Richard, she held back tears - overcome not by nerves, but by the magnitude of the moment. Even after more than ten years together, this wasn’t something they were taking lightly.

When Richard turned around and saw her, his reaction was immediate and genuine. You could feel Shannon’s anxiety melt away as soon as they were together. It was grounding, emotional, and profoundly beautiful - one of those moments that reminds me why I love documenting weddings the way I do.

Wedding Looks that Stand the Test of Time

Her Justin Alexander dress from Lambs Hill was everything she had envisioned: a square neckline, basque waist with boning, and a low back finished with a row of delicate buttons. It was classic, architectural, and quietly striking. She paired it with a pearl veil and pearl-covered heels - details that felt timeless and intentional.

With her hair swept up and soft bangs framing her face, and makeup that made her feel like the most beautiful version of herself, Shannon absolutely glowed.

Richard and his wedding party wore navy suits from The Black Tux, a perfect complement to the warm, peach-forward color palette that would carry throughout the day.

“My hair and makeup turned out exactly how I envisioned. Skye Studio was amazing with my hair and the bridal party, and my makeup artist, Samantha Dametta, went above and beyond for both my rehearsal dinner and wedding day. I felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt.” 

What Was the Color Palette and Why Was It Chosen?

“Our overall color palette was peach. The bridesmaids’ dresses were from Revelry in shades of peach and tangerine, which translated into a lighter and darker peach.

I chose the florals to be a mix of wildflowers; white, yellow, pink, peach, orange, etc from Hudson Valley Floral. While the colors may have seemed bright, the venue had so much greenery, original stone, and wood that darker neutrals would have blended in too much. I wanted something that really stood out.

Since we got married at a winery "the oldest winery in America" I wanted the day to feel like a magical winery wildflower garden party - that later turned into “Club Jones”.”

Why Did You Choose Your Wedding Venue?

“We both always knew I wanted to get married outdoors. We toured a few venues, but none of them felt right. I visited Brotherhood Winery on short notice with my sister, and the moment I walked into the reception room, I knew it was the one. There was so much character in the space. I immediately pictured us there. A few days later, we returned together and not only did we see a rainbow, but it also happened to be our 10-year anniversary. We looked at each other and just knew. The venue had everything we were looking for: an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour with an indoor reception.”

A Meaningful Ceremony Among the Vines

Shannon and Richard exchanged vows outdoors at Brotherhood Winery, surrounded by greenery, stone, and the history woven into the grounds. Their ceremony was intentionally short and deeply meaningful - focused on what mattered most.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was Shannon being walked down the aisle by her brother, honoring her late father. You could see her consciously slowing her breath, soaking in every step, every second. The hug they shared at the end of the aisle was felt by everyone present.

It was one of those moments that stays with you.

Soaking in that Just Married Feeling

We stepped away briefly after the ceremony, chasing that late afternoon light as they sipped their signature cocktails. It felt romantic, playful, and effortless - with the magnitude of the fact they are now husband and wife.

Wildflowers, Wine Bottles, and Golden Light

Cocktail hour felt like a magical winery garden party - exactly what Shannon and Richard had envisioned. Peach and tangerine bridesmaids’ dresses from Revelry popped beautifully against the greenery and stone, while wildflower-inspired florals added movement and joy to every space.

One of my favorite details? The seating chart printed on wine bottles - perfectly on brand for a Brotherhood Winery wedding and such a fun nod to the venue’s history.

Describe How You Wanted Your Wedding Day to Feel

“We always knew we wanted a fall wedding. I pictured pre-fall warmth with a light breeze and the sun shining just right and thankfully, that’s exactly what we got. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, just a beautiful end-of-September day.

I wanted a short but meaningful ceremony, an outdoor cocktail hour with an uplifting vibe, and a super fun reception. I wanted everyone to remember the night and for it to leave a lasting impression.”

Below is one of my favorite wedding reception photographs I’ve ever taken.

From Garden Party to “Club Jones”

As the sun dipped lower, the energy shifted - in the best way. The reception transformed from an uplifting garden celebration into what Shannon lovingly called “Club Jones.”

One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Shannon and Richard chose to dance with both of their moms at the same time, after their first dance. Without planning it, both moms had chosen the same song. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room - and the photos absolutely prove it.

Laughter, movement, and pure joy carried the night forward, exactly as Shannon had hoped: memorable, meaningful, and undeniably fun.

How You Decided to Have a Big Wedding

“Because we had been together for 10 years by the time we got engaged, and many of those years we were young, we knew we wanted a big celebration. In other words, I told him, “I waited this long; we're celebrating big!!!”  We have equal amounts of family and friends and we knew we wanted everyone who supports and loves us to be there to celebrate the beginning of our next chapter.”

Favorite Memories from the Day?

 “I truly enjoyed every moment. From getting ready with family and friends in the morning to arriving at the venue and starting the day. I’ll never forget leaving the bridal suite for the first look. I’m so thankful Caitlinn and Laurel were walking with me during that moment. Once I saw Richard, I was calm and ready for photos. Caitlinn, Laurel, and our videographer took charge right away. I mentioned a few photo ideas and locations, and they completely exceeded my expectations. From spending time with our bridal party and families, to the ceremony, cocktail hour with our guests, our reception entrance, and dancing the night away, everything went by so fast, yet the memories replay slowly in my head because they stand out so vividly.”

Why They Chose Me (and Why That Matters)

Shannon found me through Instagram, and a family recommendation. After our Zoom call, she canceled her remaining photographer meetings. She told me she knew - almost immediately - that she wanted me by her side on this day.

That trust is something I never take lightly. From timeline planning to gentle guidance and creating space for real moments to unfold, my role is always to bring calm, clarity, and presence - so my couples can truly enjoy their day.

Any Advice for Couples Planning Their Weddings? 

“Enjoy every moment. Create your vision and make it happen in your own way. Book your vendors, then give yourself time to truly enjoy your engagement. Budgeting can feel overwhelming, but give yourself grace and remember - it will turn out exactly how it’s meant to. Remember: It’s your day!”

A Wedding I’ll Never Forget

Shannon and Richard’s Brotherhood Winery wedding was early autumn at its best: warm, emotional, vibrant, and deeply human. It was a reminder that weddings don’t need to be long to be meaningful, or overcomplicated to be unforgettable.

Vendors :

Planning a Hudson Valley Winery Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at Brotherhood Winery - or anywhere in the Hudson Valley - and are looking for a photographer who will document your day with intention, calm energy, and an artful eye, I’d love to connect.

👉 Reach out here to inquire about wedding photography coverage
I can’t wait to hear your story.

Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels
Previous

A Summer Gather Greene Wedding in Coxsackie, NY - Isabel + Josh
Next

Autumn Wedding at The Garrison - Cynthia + Jonathan