[Wedding] Tonia & Raj – Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, NY

Throughout all the weddings that I’ve photographed over the years, their details become occasionally muddled, but the names, faces and feelings occasionally remain (for the most part). Those feelings are mutual, I’m sure. As another client recently told me, “People don’t always remember what you said, or what you did – but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.” I’d never quite thought about it that way; when clients remark on how wonderful it was to work with us, I’d always thought I was simply trying to be a service-oriented business owner and an all-around decent human being. It’s what we’re supposed to do. But apparently, that type of mom-and-pop attitude is a rarity these days. Imagine my surprise when Tonia & Raj turned the tables on me, by being two of the most gracious, grateful, and thankful clients we’ve had in long time – from the very first phone call (Raj was so nice on the phone, I almost thought he was prepping me for some really, really bad news) to rolling out the red carpet for us during their engagement session and on their wedding day so that we could create some beautiful images for them. Seriously, who’s serving whom here?!

As for the details, I’ll always remember that Tonia & Raj tied the knot at the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac (and not the Bronx!), as well as the warmth her family showed me when they invited us into their home. There were lots of celebrating, lots of drinking, and lots of laughter (with more drinking to follow). The most memorable line of the night? “When you’re dating and holding her hands, it’s love. When you’re married and holding her hands, it’s self-defense.”

Yes – to all of it!

Bravo, to both Tonia & Raj – for such an memorable celebration. We hope these images will preserve those memories for lifetimes to come.

Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Villa Barone Hilltop Manor wedding in Mahopac, NY, captured by NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Venue & Catering: Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac NY // Ceremony/Officiant: Church of Saint Joseph in Bronxville NY // Hair & Make-up: Mode De Vie Hair Studio in Eastchester NY // Dress: Demetrios //Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein // Floral/Décor: Westchester Floral Design in Pelham NY // Entertainment: Yousef Shamoun and Band & DJ USA // Stationery: Always Impressive Invitations in Mamaroneck NY // Favors: Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital Donation // Cinematography: LVL 13 Cinematography

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