wow. I can’t wait to finish the rest of this engagement session, which took place last night. Wes + Rachel were so much fun and up for anything, which is why we ended up at a waterfall. One of the advantages of living in the country is that this location and many more are just miles from my house. I can’t complain. happy thursday!

A conservatory is the perfect hideaway during a cold winter day. Filled with lush plants and bright colors you wander through the themed rooms and easily forget the snow outside. Conservatories seem to be a somewhat outdated thing, although I really do hope they stick around. I’m talking like they’re an animal on the verge of extinction, but any northerners who endure harsh winters know how important it is to be reminded of life outside of the cold.

When Elizabeth and Jared were planning their engagement session I naturally suggested the Belle Isle conservatory, and trusting my opinion we met up there a few days after Christmas. Not only is it interesting inside, but the outside of the conservatory also boasts some architectural history and visual interest and as you can see it was a beautiful day. Together the variety of light and locations in the photos create a complete set that I really love.

Did you know that Elizabeth and I went to high school together? In fact we were both in photography together so she can vouch for my early interest. Oh, that was back in those ancient days when we used something called a darkroom… I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it. I’m going to have to dig up some of my high school work and show you guys – you’d like that, right?

Snow angels? yes. They were up for anything. I didn’t capture the process as well as I did the kiss afterward. Mark your calendars for August when they’re getting married because I know I’m going to shoot some amazing photos at their wedding!

I was privileged to spend this summer’s fourth of July with Marianne and Derek on their wedding day! They had a gorgeous wedding, a beautiful day and tons of family and friends to celebrate with them. New York is beautiful in the summer, and if you haven’t been to the finger lakes region you should definitely go some time. Derek and Marianne’s story actually begin way back in kindergarten (they really have know each other for a long time) but it didn’t really begin until they had parted ways and met back up. I love when that happens.

So, even though they’ve moved down to South Carolina, they came back up to New York for their wedding and celebrated at the beautiful Heron Hill Winery overlooking Keuka Lake.

Marianne’s something old: a handkerchief that has been passed down the family, originally making it’s debut at in 1883. I would say that qualifies as something old!

After final preparations, it was time to go to the church, where guests were arriving and soon the ceremony began.

The stained glass set the scene for a beautiful ceremony in the church. After a receiving line and an exit complete with bubbles outside, I headed over to Heron Hill with Marianne and Derek – taking the long way to stop for some photos.

This truck was completely restored by Marianne’s dad and he had it back in high school, I can’t believe how amazing it looked. They remembered him with the truck and Marianne also carried a small photo of him in her bouquet. In fact, all of the bouquets had different charms for each bridesmaid which was a great personal touch.

I love the photo above – the sky is ridiculous and there was so much color! I almost want a big canvas print of this to hang in my house and I really think they should get something large from this series to hang up! We made our way to the winery and met up with the bridal party for group photos before joining the reception.

The reception took place in a tent adjacent to the winery, and was beautiful decorated with of course a wonderful view of the lake down below.

I love the “time capsule” where they collected predictions on what they would be doing in years to come. Hilarious I’m sure! Red was the main color of the wedding and made it’s way onto the cake in these lush roses.

After dinner and speeches, Derek and Marianne made their way to the dance floor for a beautifully choreographed  first dance… and then they invited the bridal party up to break it down!

After that the dance floor opened up and was packed the rest of the night! Marianne’s grandparents took home the prize for the “generation dance” being married for the longest time, and showed their stuff on the dance floor.

I love these pictures and have to show you the ring bearer – a before and after. At the start of the wedding, he wasn’t too sure if this was going to be fun. He made it too the reception though and definitely had a good time – how can I tell? I’m going to go with the punch stain around his lips – love it!

It was time for cake cutting and Derek and Marianne brought it. I love the silhouettes and the emphasis on the action.

the party continued, and there was quite the guys went all out to get the garter. It’s not the best action shot, but I think you can get the sense that there was leaping and a mid air catch that finally took it home (the guy on the left has it in his hand). Sometimes people dread the bouquet + garter at weddings, but that was not the case at all and it made it so much more fun!

The night ended with sparklers and fireworks in the distance – a perfect 4th of July… and that is how they began their life as husband and wife. Congratulations again!

Three months ago Dan and Grace had a beautiful wedding in Rochester, NY. The day was perfect – gorgeous weather, lots of family and friends, and a beautiful ceremony and reception. Most of all Dan and Grace are very much in love and it was apparent that their wedding day was not just another day.

It was funny because when I was taking the photo above I was so excited and Dan was like “you like that?” (which of course I did, and I’m sure you do too) but it was a moment when they were definitely aware of the camera…. and yet it doesn’t seem like it at all. One of the most important parts about photography is the interaction – or lack thereof – with your subject, and it really takes the right mix of the two to create something… effortless, timeless – how would you define it? I had a great time working with Dan and Grace and I hope they not only enjoy the photos but my interactions as a photographer on their day (if you guys are reading – which I’m sure you will at some point – you should comment, we all want to hear from you).

Now I’ll take you to the beginning of the story, which takes place at Bethel Christian Fellowship, a beautiful church in downtown Rochester.

After lots of preparation, it was time for the ceremony to begin. The guests were seated, the family and bridal party processed, and then the music changed and Grace came down the aisle to meet her soon to be husband.

They really did have a great ceremony that spoke not only to their marriage but their lives together. After a receiving line, small reception, and family pictures at the church, everyone traveled to the Rochester Yacht Club for dinner and dancing to celebrate with the newlyweds.

We took all of the bridal party photos at the yacht club, but I have to include this one from the church since the expressions + glasses are too much to pass up.

As the guests mingled and we finished up taking photos, the reception officially began and introductions were once again made. There were several speeches during the night, all of which spoke to the qualities of Dan and Grace and how their relationship began… and of course the references to childhood jokes and idiosyncrasies made everyone laugh.

Since it was so beautiful out, everyone enjoyed the deck and view from the club and I also took some time to document the rings.

The dancing began with Dan and Grace and went on from there… but I will just leave you with this photo of them. I hope you enjoyed this post, the photos, and for those of you who were a part of the wedding and would like to see the rest, please head over to my proofing site where they should be up shortly. Thanks again Dan + Grace I hope you have enjoyed your first 3 months together and the many you have ahead!

When I first started talking to Julie and Eric about shooting their wedding, I knew that I would love to be a part of it. They were laid back, planning a wedding that reflected their personalities and cut back on some of the usual tradition to enjoy the celebration of the day. I think it turned out to be a little bit of everything a wedding should be and I’m sure their family and friends are still talking about it. I’m excited that now they can re-live all of the moments with the photos – so here’s a look at their day.

The Guardian Angels church was beautiful and I loved the stained glass inside. The girls stayed hidden in a room until the ceremony started and the guys were busy greeting and seating people. The ceremony started and Julie looked gorgeous walking down the aisle.

love this photo above!

After the ceremony, it was off to the Detroit Golf Club riding in style in a school bus! J+E told me that when they first looked into transportation they joked about a school bus… and then they found it really would be their best option, besides also being something fun. They were even able to get a bus from the school Eric teaches at – what could be better?

the Detroit Golf Club was a great reception venue with a gorgeous exterior and beautiful rooms inside. The grass was incredibly green, an advantage of being at a golf club.

Do you love their flowers? I’m going to have to get back to you on the contact info for Mrs. Petit who did them, but she is simply amazing! She actually did the flowers for my wedding and I absolutely loved them, if you’re interested in getting in touch with her just let me know.

Eric wrote a song for Julie when he proposed to her, and that’s what they danced to. I don’t know if it gets more romantic than that.

I love these two photos above and below they are just so fun and I’m sure will become classics.

Everyone had a good time! I love when there’s a big crowd on the dance floor it’s a blast to photograph. To see the complete set of photos from their wedding you can go to my proofing site. Thanks you again for letting me be a part of your big day, J+E, I’m looking forward to seeing what your favorites are!

This wedding was really a lot of fun to be a part of – the day, location, and most of all the people were wonderful. There was something about Josh and Lizz – I noticed after as I edited through their photos – that pointed me in the direction of taking some seriously romantic pictures. The mix of their personalities made for some great photos and more importantly and beautiful wedding and marriage.

The wedding took place at their home church, Browncroft with the reception following at Shadow Lake Golf Club in Rochester, New York. It’s actually at Shadow Lake that we started with pictures of the family and bridal party which was great to do before hand as Josh and Lizz were able to join right in to the reception after the ceremony. I loved the colors for the wedding, as I haven’t seen too much purple yet and I think the flowers pulled everything together perfectly.

Oh, and on a side note this was my last NY wedding before moving to Harrisonburg Virginia – it was one day after that our truck was packed and we made the trip south! It was a busy time but I’m so glad I was able to be a part of the wedding.

Love this bridal party shot definitely in my top 10

you see what I’m talking about? Next up, the ceremony which included some of the cutest little kids, all nephews and nieces of course!

after the ceremony Josh and Lizz had a beautiful send off with fresh petals and headed over to the reception

it was the perfect night for a outdoor tent and a patio which everyone enjoyed before dinner was served… and the cake – or cakes, really – were gorgeous with the fresh flowers.

on my way to take some ring shots, behind the chairs and under the stairs (that sounds like a poem) there was some secret cigar smoking going on. I just hope they shared with Josh later!

things really started up once the dancing got going – and although I didn’t stay for the whole thing rumor has it there was quite the party – but of course, you knew that if you were there and if not I’ll leave you with these photos which were just the beginning…

Matt and Lisa went through a lot to make it to the bridal + engagement sessions we planned. After a piece of Lisa’s wedding day apparel was left behind it seemed like everything might fall apart. I think we made the right decision when we went ahead as planned, and even though the police, the weather, travel, and the dress seemed like they weren’t on our side, we made it through the day with some gorgeous photos to prove it. I’m sure Lisa + Matt were exhausted from traveling and everything involved with the day but I’m sure it was a trip to remember.

As I mentioned, I did do a bridal session with Lisa, but of course those photos are strictly off limits to the public until after the wedding – so I’ll have to blog about that later. The engagement session took place at the horse barns of Houghton College and the stormy clouds set a dramatic scene for everything. I have to comment that I think Matt + Lisa did a good job with their outfits – simple, but fun. I still don’t know what I was thinking when I had my engagement photos taken. Some how Matt and I walked out the door wearing the same color and looking completely uninspiring save my fun gold shoes. Why didn’t I plan an outfit? Why wasn’t I more prepared? I have no idea. Learn from my mistake, although I’m sure everyone is wondering how I could have committed such a crime, so I blame it on Christmas pre-wedding planning craziness and a slight mental lapse from my then current job situation. what can I say, it will haunt me forever.

Anyways, you didn’t come to read about that – hopefully you’ve skipped over to the pictures already, and if not get started!

so fun and romantic – I can’t wait for their wedding which is in 2 weeks actually. I’ll be heading over to New Jersey for the second time this month and can’t wait.

The red barn is great, but the unfinished wood is even more intriguing and give such nice texture. If I had to guess what Matt and Lisa’s wedding will be like in one word… I would go with fun – which is why I had to include these outtakes.

Last but not least, this is one of my favs from the day, so I hope you enjoy it and all the rest. Thanks Matt and Lisa you guys are wonderful!

Sometimes it doesn’t work out to take engagement photos before the wedding and you end up doing them after – in that case I’ve deemed them a newlywed shoot and they are delightful! I’m not sure if it was the combination of Sarah+Matt’s experience from the wedding, the gorgeous blue wall we found, or in all likelyhood their natural chemistry, but everything went great and I we had a lot of fun. I think I’m a little jealous since I would love pictures like this – can I say that?

I stumbled upon this hidden location in between two buildings that I’ve walked by many times. I could hardly believe what they looked like on the side (since the front was nothing special) and I think I’m going to have to find places like this in Harrisonburg. Sarah and Matt brought along an old bike to use so we played around and it was great to incorporate. I love adding in different activities, movements and interactions to photos like this so I hope you enjoy them as well.

We ended at this field with the picturesque hay bails and some fun in the country. Do you love them as much as I do? Sarah and Matt you guys are great and I hope this isn’t the last shoot I do for you guys!

Beautiful days can set the tone for a gorgeous wedding and it certainly did for Rachel and Jake’s early summer celebration. They chose to have everything outside and prayed for sun which came as scheduled. For those of you who are familiar with Houghton, you probably know about the tree in the field of dreams. Standing alone amongst the cornfields gives it such presence, and makes it an excellent location for a wedding. After many preparations, everyone gathered by the tree to witness Rachel + Jake’s wedding and celebrate the start of their lives together. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception so let me show you a little about what it looked like.

There was lots of time spent with family and friends after the wedding and celebrating in the tent nearby. I think it was a wonderful wedding and I hope everyone enjoys the pictures of the day, but most of all I hope Jake and Rachel are able to relive their wedding and always remember how their lives started together!

Each time I finish up a wedding it’s invigorating. I know everyone has been waiting anxiously to see them, and I even feel the same way once I get the chance to sit down and edit them. I get to re-live the day and I can’t wait to share it with everyone, so today you get a taste of what Kaylan and John’s wedding looked like.

First of all, I have to say it was a lot of fun – what can I say, John + Kay are fun people and didn’t blink at my crazy ideas – “take your shoes off and go stand in the water” – haha you’ll see. I also have to say – and I’m not sure how she did it – but Kaylan was the first bride I had who was seriously sick with the flu the night before… and even the day of. I think I should have her on here to share her story, because you can’t even see at all what she was feeling – she looks gorgeous in everything.

Now, without further ado I present to you John & Kaylan’s wedding.

See what I’m saying? Gorgeous! I was just lucky enough that they had a field of forget-me-nots to include in the pictures.

i love it! all the poses and expressions in this photo make it. After the pre-ceremony photo shoot it was time to head inside to get ready for the main event. When Kaylan and her dad walked down the aisle there was hardly a dry eye… this wasn’t just any day this was definitely a wedding day.

They added a few special things to the ceremony that made their day even more meaningful. It was a great way to start their lives together and become husband & wife.

The newlyweds! Now on to the celebration – but maybe it takes a few more minutes when your granddaughter gets married…

I took John + Kaylan over to a spot nearby for photos and I don’t think we could have been there at a better time. The slightly setting sun made the light dreamy and set the mood for some gorgeous portraits of just them. This is the part where I made them get their feet wet too.

… and probably one of my all time favs above. After this we met up with the wedding party and headed over to Wellsville for the reception – which was actually in the public library! You know I’m a fan of that, I had my reception in a library as well and I would highly recommend it if you can work it out with them – older libraries are best, obviously. I need to back track for a second because before heading to the reception the bridal party went to the infamous Texas Hot. I’m not sure if we were the first wedding party to come in there, but they were happy to see us and were nice enough to let us take over a little bit (if you’ve been there you know how narrow it is) to capture the charm of the place and take some pictures.

So, what is Texas Hot’s? (I always say it with an “s” but I think I’ve been saying it wrong…). It’s one of those actually retro diners that probably hasn’t changed in 50 years and servers their signature “Texas Hot” – a hot dog with special sauce… I’m not sure if I can describe it but if anyone wants to comment to help me out feel free! – along with other delicious diner favs. Lots of fun and I would recommend it. :]

After our adventure at Texas Hot the bridal party headed across the street to join the reception. The library has a nice outside patio area in front where everyone mingled and went inside for the reception. It was a great end to an exciting and very memorable day.

It was wonderful to be a part of everything and I hope these photos give you lots to look back on and remember how things started.