07/21/2026
Friday night I headed down to Poughkeepsie, New York in preparation for Erin & Gerard's wedding the next day!
I met Erin and Gerard through our mutual friend Sage, whom many of you may recognize as one of my friends and trusty second photographers. Sage was part of the bridesquad and recommended me to photograph their wedding, and I was so honored when they reached out. Over the past year, I've had so much fun getting to know Erin and Gerard, and I knew from our conversations that their wedding would be full of personal touches and surprises. It absolutely did not disappoint.
Saturday's forecast called for rain and thunderstorms, so Erin and Gerard came up with an incredible backup plan: the beautiful Poughkeepsie MTA Station. Its stunning architecture made the perfect setting for portraits while keeping everyone dry.
I started the day with Erin and Gerard's first look. As Gerard waited facing the Hudson River, their family and wedding party hid just out of sight behind the station walls. When Erin walked toward him, everyone erupted into cheers. Their first look was filled with happy tears, laughter, and so much emotion. We followed it with family portraits, wedding party photos, and a few portraits of just the two of them before gathering everyone for one epic wedding party photo inside the station. After a few more portraits around The Grandview, it was finally time to get these two married.
Because of the weather, the ceremony was moved indoors, where it was beautifully officiated by their close friend, Duane. Erin and Gerard exchanged heartfelt vows that had more than a few eyes glistening. Then came one of my favorite surprises of the day: hidden beneath one guest's chair was an envelope. Whoever found it earned the honor of signing the marriage certificate as a witness. What a fun and meaningful way to include a loved one in such an important moment.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before everyone gathered for the reception. Erin and Gerard made their grand entrance and shared their first dance while a slideshow of photos from throughout their relationship played behind them.
Then... everything changed.
Suddenly, the slideshow cut to a pirate flag. A pirate and his henchmen stormed the dance floor, shoved Gerard into a burlap sack, and kidnapped him. Erin immediately took off after them to rescue her brand-new husband.
What followed was one of the most creative reception surprises I've ever seen. A video played showing Erin finding a sword and riding off on horseback in search of Gerard, while Gerard sat imprisoned, tallying days on the wall and looking thoroughly defeated. Eventually, Gerard escaped, leaving Erin a note to meet him back at The Grandview so they could finally defeat the pirates together.
The two returned to the dance floor, where Erin faced off against the pirate captain in a full choreographed sword fight. After an epic battle, Erin emerged victorious, the pirates were defeated, and the newlyweds celebrated with a kiss as their guests erupted into applause.
It was the very first sword fight I've ever photographed at a wedding, and it was every bit as incredible as it sounds.
For anyone wondering... yes, there's a reason it was so good! Erin and Gerard are both heavily involved in theater, and Erin is actually a sword fight choreographer. Safe to say they absolutely nailed it.
The rest of the evening was just as thoughtful, filled with personal details and nods to their life together. The dance floor stayed packed all night, and it was impossible not to smile watching everyone celebrate these two.
Erin and Gerard, thank you so much for trusting me to capture such an unforgettable day. It was truly an honor, and I had an absolute blast celebrating alongside you both.
Leave some love for the newlyweds below, and until next time...
xo,
Katlyn
VENDOR TEAM:
Photography: Katlyn Reilly Photography
Venue: The Grandview
DJ: Mario with A Perfect Blend Entertainment
Hair & Make-up: Beautiful Images Hair Salon
Dress: The White Gown
Rings: Hudson Valley Goldsmith & Luxuria Jewelers