Tag Archives: DIY Wedding

Wedding: Jason + Ali

Jason and Ali were one of the many couples who had to move their big wedding plans to next year because of ‘big Rona’ – but they decided to still marry with a beautiful backyard ceremony with 20 guests in attendance.

These two are a joy to be around. Ali is so kind and so sweet. She thinks about others around her and cares deeply. I met her in high school so many years ago but we were in different friend groups. It wasn’t until she contacted me to be her photographer a year ago that we reconnected and I’m so happy we did. Knowing her now makes me wish we were friends back then too. She met this great guy named Jason who brings her (and her daughter, Lianna) so much joy. Jason is so chill. He never stops smiling. He makes everyone around him feel so comfortable and at home. After a little while with Jason, you would swear that you’ve known each other for years. They are a great match.

I took their engagement pictures last year, was able to photograph their small wedding this year, and next year, I get to capture their big reception with all their friends and family and I couldn’t be happier!

Congrats, Jason and Ali! You guys are perfect together and I am so happy to be able to give you these photos to remember your wedding day forever.

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Wedding: Braden + Margaret

Braden and Margaret were married just 4 short days ago and it was full of joy and fun. Margaret could not have smiled more throughout the day – she did such a great job taking in the moments and truly enjoying her wedding day. Braden was so laid back and so much fun to work with. He and his guys were so funny and energetic.

These two held their reception at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester. Margaret loves animals and so it made a fitting backdrop for their wedding reception. We visited the adorable red panda who posed for a photo with them as well as the seals who put on quite a show for the newlyweds.

Margaret is a Buffalo Bills fan and Braden, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. During the toasts, there were a few Terrible Towels smuggled in and were proudly spun in the air. This made my night, being a Steelers fan myself.

Braden and Margaret, I wish you the best for your marriage. I know that if you continue to walk hand-in-hand and keep the fun and laughter going, you’ll be just fine. Thank you for inviting me along to photograph your big day – Congratulations!

  • Wedding: St. Pius X Church
  • Bridal Portraits Location: Highland Park
  • Reception: Seneca Park Zoo
  • Hair Stylist: Samantha Brado, Polished Salon
  • Makeup Artist: Santa McKenna, Saint Elizabeth Beauty
  • DJ: Kevin O’Connor
  • 2nd Photographer: Olya Myers
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Wedding: Sean + Lauren

Sean and Lauren invited me to photograph their small, intimate wedding at Letchworth State Park. I was only there for the first look through the speeches, but it was so apparent that their love for one another was authentic. Their friends and family cried throughout the vows that they sweetly wrote themselves. Sean looks at Lauren like she is the most beautiful treasure he has seen and Lauren’s gaze at Sean as she walked down the aisle was so sweet. These two could not have been more joyful and excited to marry one another and it showed.
Sean and Lauren, I wish you the best and I know you will treasure and love one another for a lifetime. Congratulations!

 

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Wedding: John + Shawn Marie

John and Shawn Marie tied the knot Friday afternoon at Becker Farms and it was so sweet. There was so much joy throughout the day as they were surrounded by people who so obviously loved the two of them. Just one look through these pictures and you’ll have no doubt. Not only that, but the two of them share a sincere and pure love for one another. Their vows made all the guests (and maybe even me – I’ll never tell) tear up.

Shawn Marie’s mother suddenly passed away last December and it has been crushing for the family. I never met her, but by getting to know those who loved her, I could tell without a doubt that she was one incredible woman. She was extremely close to Shawn Marie. They did a wonderful job honoring her life and keeping her close throughout the day. From the picture that was carried around, to the bouquet with a piece of her mom’s wedding dress wrapped around it, to the multiple times I not only heard stories about her but also caught Shawn Marie looking upward… she was truly there.

John and Shawn Marie, you both are wonderful people. I so much enjoyed documenting your wedding day and I’m so honored that you invited me to this special, sacred event in your life. I know you both will make it – You share a forever kind of love. Keep the important things the most important and celebrate all the good things that come your way. I know you have and will continue to cling to one another in the hardships as well. I wish you all the best from the depths of my heart.

  • 2nd Photographer: David Barone-Vu
  • Venue: Becker Farms
  • Makeup: Maria Cardena
  • Hair: Brendan Hudson
  • Videographer: Jeremiah Gryczka, Mountain House Media
  • Florist: Carol Logan, Flourish
  • DJ: Tim Heimbuerger, H&H
  • Dessert: Becker Farms Bakery
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Wedding: Eric + Melanie

I could probably write a whole book about my thoughts on Eric and Melanie’s wedding day. I won’t, don’t worry. In an attempt to keep it brief, here are my observations:

I have never worked with a couple who have so much charisma, joy, and outward, expressive love for one another. Shooting Eric and Mel’s wedding was truly a treat. I enjoyed watching them through my camera every moment of their day.

They chose to do a first look in the vineyards and it couldn’t have been any sweeter. I led the bride up to her groom with her eyes closed and joined them hand to hand. Eric’s reaction to Melanie was one for the books – you could tell his heart was bursting with excitement and love for his bride. Then they read notes they had written to each other out loud.

These two were nearly giddy all day. The smiles never left their faces. They had a sweet ceremony followed by a super fun reception featuring wings, barbecue, ice cream, and some of the most energetic and fun guests dancing the night away.

My most favorite moment of the day was Eric and Melanie’s first dance. All they saw was each other. It was like no one else was in the room. Their emotion and love for one another was felt throughout the whole tent. I have watched couples dance their first dance for 9 years now and I can say without a doubt that Eric and Melanie had me mesmerized like none other.

Eric and Melanie – There is no doubt in my mind that your love is powerful. Use it to serve one another and be evidence of the one who created it. It was my absolute honor to spend the day with you capturing a picture of your love story. Congratulations to you both.

  • Venue: Deer Run Winery
  • DJ: Turner Music Productions
  • Catering: 3 Legged Pig Barbecue
  • Hair Stylist: Lindsay Adams
  • Makeup Artist: Lindsay Adams
  • Second Photographer: Olya Myers
  • Florist: Westside Gardens
  • Cake: Get Caked Bakery
  • Ice Cream Bar: Moonlight Creamery
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Wedding: Chris and Jen

Saturday I had the privilege of spending the day with Chris and Jen as they tied the knot at the beautiful Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth Park. Jen looked amazingly beautiful and so did all her girls. Shoutout to Jamie and Santa for doing an incredible job on the hair and makeup!

Chris and Jen are so laid-back, easy going kind of people – they make you feel welcome and are simply fun to be around. They had beautiful weather and the most gorgeous backdrop on their wedding day. I loved watching Chris during the ceremony. He had a big smile on his face most of the time and clearly was pumped to be marrying the girl of his dreams. The looks that Jen gave Chris made it obvious that she adores him. I just loved capturing their love.

There were so many personal touches to this wedding. The bride grew the flowers used to line the aisle. The groom made the lawn games. And goodness were the flowers that they got from ErieWay Flowers beautiful! I may have been a little obsessed with them. Sorry, not sorry if you get sick of all the flowers in this post.

Chris and Jen – I hope you both live out your married days laughing with each other and lavishing love on one another. You guys are perfect together and I wish you the best!

  • Venue: Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth State Park
  • Live Band: Something Else Band
  • Hair Stylist: Jaime Cheveaux
  • Makeup Artist: Santa McKenna
  • Second Photographer: Stacy Ludwig
  • Florist: ErieWay Flowers
  • Cake: The Cake Place
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