Tag Archives: Outdoor

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: 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: Kevin + Rebekah

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.

  • Venue: Belhurst Castle and Winery
  • Hair and Makeup: Diamond Expressions – Kierstyn Brown
  • Second Photographer: Julie Hong
  • DJ: Q Music Productions
  • Cake: Simple Sweets Bakery
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Maternity: Drew + Keri

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Wedding: Chris + Franziska

Chris and Franziska were married this Saturday at the beautiful Twin Silos in Livonia, NY. Everything went wonderfully and the weather was perfect. It was cloudy all day (great for pictures) but then right when the sun began to set, the clouds cleared giving us a beautiful golden light.

Fran looked amazing. Every detail was thought out and she was cool and calm the whole day. You could tell by listening to the toasts that these two were perfect for each other. Their friends and family joyfully celebrated with them and there were smiles all around.

There were fresh cheese curds for guest favors – brought all the way from Wisconsin the day before. There was no shortage of yard games and people having relaxed fun during the reception. But one of my favorite things was getting to take pictures of Chris and Fran with the old Mercedes that Fran’s parents brought her home from the hospital in when she was born. They had decked it out with beautiful flowers and you could tell that this car was so special to the bride. What a cool thing to be able to have the same car at two incredible life moments – birth and wedding. It was really sweet.

Congratulations to you, Chris and Franziska! I hope your wedding was everything you hoped for. I hope you two cherish each other and grow more in love as the years go by. Thank you for having me document your wonderful day.

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Wedding: Eric + Meredith

Eric and Meredith’s wedding was a little extra special for me – there’s a sweet back story that I’d like to share.

Meredith’s father Bill, is a retired Rochester firefighter. In the 80’s, my family lived a few houses down from Engine 12 which was the station where Bill worked. One October evening in 1984, my Mom was in labor at home. She didn’t quite make it out the door before it was clear to my parents that there would be no hospital birth as had been planned. My Dad called my grandparents who lived a city block away and told my grandfather to come quick. On the way, my grandfather ran into the fire station and grabbed two firefighters to come with him.  FF Bill Evert and Lt. Bernie Spillman came to the rescue and helped deliver a 7lb 7oz baby girl in a small home on Wisconsin St. in the city. That baby was me.

When I was in jr. high, I wanted to find the firefighters who had come to my mom’s and my aid. So I did some looking and found Bill. We reconnected and and have stayed connected since. Unfortunately, Spillman died saving others in a fire two years after I was born. I never got the chance to meet him or thank him.

So fast forward to this past Saturday. I had the great honor of photographing Meredith and Eric’s wedding. (And my husband officiated their ceremony!) Meredith looked incredible. She is so kind and has such a sweet personality. Eric likewise, is very easy to get along with and so friendly. They were both happy and carefree the entire day. My favorite weddings include brides and grooms who know how to enjoy the moments and not stress. And both Eric and Meredith did this well. The couple married at the Plantation Party House in Spencerport underneath the beautiful fall colors surrounded by their most favorite people. It was perfect.

Congrats to you both – I had so much fun capturing your day, Eric and Meredith! I wish you the absolute best. Thanks for having me be a part of it.

The last picture is of Bill and me at the reception.

Second shooter: Iggy McDonald
Location: Plantation Party House
Flowers: Rockcastle Florist
DJ: Jam N Stam DJ Service
Cake: Gruttadaurias Bakery
Wedding Dress: Heart to Heart

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