An Elegant Montour Heights Country Club Wedding | Colette + Matthew

September 2, 2023

Venue: Montour Heights Country Club

Photography & Video by Margaret James Weddings

Why This One Stuck With Me

Every now and then, a wedding comes along that just sticks with you. For me, this was that one. I can’t explain exactly why—maybe it was the perfect combination of classic beauty and effortless energy—but Colette and Matthew’s Montour Heights Country Club wedding was a favorite from the very beginning.

Let’s start with Colette’s Anne Barge gown: hands down, my favorite dress I’ve ever photographed. The silhouette, the texture, the structure. It was everything. Add to that Colette herself—elegant in the most natural way, with pale skin and dark features that make every frame feel like a painting. And then there’s Matt, calm and kind and the kind of groom everyone loves to be around. Together, they were a dream.

Creative Energy from the Start

We began the day in the ladies’ locker room, photographing details. I felt totally in the zone creatively, and the blue walls of the locker room—initially a challenge—became part of the color story. I created a vignette with her dress, shoes, and florals in the corner of the room, and suddenly, everything came to life.

Colette’s mom and sister helped her into her gown while her bridesmaids finished getting ready next door. With the heat of late September settling in, we stayed inside for portraits of the girls. Three flower girls stole the show for a bit, giggling and cuddled up on the couch—an unexpected but favorite moment from the morning.

Meanwhile, Matt and his groomsmen relaxed in the lounge with cigars, making time feel like it slowed down just a bit before everything began.

A Sun-Soaked Outdoor Ceremony

Colette and Matt exchanged vows under the sun in an outdoor ceremony that was as radiant as it was warm. They stood with grace through every moment, and we retreated to the shade afterward for family and bridal party portraits.

Bride and groom portraits followed—timeless and simple, with no distractions. Just the two of them, soaking it all in.

Cocktail Hour, Miller Lites & a Golf Cart Getaway

They cracked open some Miller Lites and hopped on a golf cart together—a little breather before the reception, which began under a tent for cocktail hour. Guests mingled outdoors before heading inside for the evening’s events.

The reception unfolded with beautiful speeches, dances, and a cookie table that had everyone buzzing. The room was full of laughter and energy that built with every new moment.

Golden Hour Portraits & A Veuve Sendoff

Just before sunset, we snuck away for a few more portraits. The light was soft and perfect, and I swear these images feel like something out of a Ralph Lauren campaign—elegant, confident, full of ease. Colette and Matt popped a bottle of Veuve before cruising back in their golf cart, and the rest of the evening continued with a packed dance floor.

Every generation danced side by side, and it felt like the kind of celebration you hope for when you’re planning your wedding—not just beautiful, but joyful in the most present and genuine way.

The Kind of Day That Stays With You

From the intentional details to the effortless energy, this was one of those weddings I’ll always remember. Colette and Matt were stunning, yes, but more than that—they were grounded. Happy. All in.

And I’m so glad I got to be there to capture it all.