Will and Marisa were married this past Saturday at the always gorgeous Woodcliff Hotel in Victor NY. They, like all other couples planning weddings this year, had to change their plans up. But their wedding day was absolutely beautiful nonetheless. I had the great pleasure of shooting Will’s brother’s wedding two years ago. (See it here) I love it when I get to work with the same families again – it feels familiar and I love that I get to tell different chapters of their stories through photography.
Their small outdoor ceremony was so sweet and was followed by a very small family dinner. I get to join them again next year for their big reception to celebrate with all their family and friends. Marisa and her girls all wore matching Friends tanks and we even found a fountain to get some cute pics in front of. She was clam and lovely the whole day. Will and his guys were a blast. They were easy to work with, fun, and laid back.
Right after the ceremony started, one rouge cloud sprinkled rain on everyone for about a minute. But everyone laughed a bit and carried on because it was clear how happy everyone was for them.
I wish you two all the love and happiness in your marriage together! You have quite the story to tell about how you chose to say “I do” during a crazy pandemic. And even though it looked different then expected, you walked through it together with smiles on your faces because love is worth it despite all the bumps in the road, all the plan changes, and everything that gets thrown your way. Congratulations!
Zach and Mindy are one of the many couples who have faced so many challenges in planning their dream wedding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They decided to hold to their original date and scale down. They traded their big tent reception with dancing, to a small, intimate family dinner. Mindy did her own makeup. There were so many changes for them. But the incredible thing was you could never tell there were any disappointments in the planning process when you were with them. They were so joyful and they just rolled with the punches – even when 15 minutes before their ceremony the skies opened up into a downpour and didn’t stop until evening. They moved their ceremony from in front of the falls to under a tight porch space and smiled through the whole thing. I couldn’t have been more proud of the way they handled the day and how they chose to not let a single thing hold them back from loving every minute.
Right before I left, we ventured down to the falls in the rain to grab a few portraits. And even though we all got really wet, it was totally worth it.
Zach and Mindy, if you guys can go through all you did to get to your wedding day, have a rain storm during your ceremony, and being soaking wet for your portraits, all while smiling and laughing through it… you have what it takes to make it through life together forever. Hold onto that. It was an absolute joy working with you. I wish you all the best!
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!
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.
It was just one week ago today that Kevin and Rebekah said “I do” at Belhurst Castle on a gorgeous fall day. Rebekah’s parents have been friends of mine for many years and so when she asked me to photograph her wedding I was so excited. Her father spent so much time helping me get into photography and taught me so much in my early days as a photographer – I am so thankful for him.
Rebekah is sweet and lovely. She made a stunning bride both inside and out. She was happy and carefree all day. One of my favorite moments of the day was when she walked down the aisle toward her groom. He had tears welling up the moment he saw her and it was the same for her. I love when couples can’t hold in their emotions like that because it lets all of us see and feel a piece of the love they share.
As a photographer, I get to be there for all the moments of the day. I especially love the small ones that most don’t even get to experience. As I was walking them outside near the end of the night to take a portrait of them in front of the lit castle, Kevin quietly turns to his bride and says, “look – that’s OUR wedding reception happening over there”, pointing to the room full of dancing guests. I just love those sweet moments watching and listening to my couples take in the wonder of their wedding. It makes what I do so enjoyable.
Congratulations, Kevin and Rebekah. I loved celebrating with you and I wish you joy upon joy in your marriage. I know you both have so much love and support from your family and friends to help you through and cheer for you. Enjoy the dance of life together.
