A winter wedding, outside. It was a central decision to Meghan + Ian’s wedding planning. Now living in Virginia, they both had years of memories in snowy Vermont and it stood out as the place they would travel to and celebrate. After deconstructing the wedding day they rebuilt it to be something of their own, a intimate weekend with family and friends in a snowy mountain town.

A few years earlier they had crossed paths. Running in the same circles – literally – they missed a few chances to get to know each other until one winter night. Meghan made it clear that it would be a good idea if Ian asked her out, and he took the hint. They planned to meet up on the eve of one of Virginia’s biggest snowstorms two years ago. Not knowing where each other lived, they talked on the phone and toyed with the idea of putting off getting together… until they realized they basically lived around the block. It was too good to be true. Perhaps there were many other times they had passed by on the street.

Both similar and yet so very different, together they found balance and a relationship that worked. Their wedding day was as unique as both of them and it looked like this…

Meghan wanted to add her own touch to her wedding dress and made a velvet sash to tie around the waist. It was crisp and elegant and her whole ensemble was stunning.

Ian and Meghan commissioned rings from Victoria Moore, a jeweler and metalsmith who works with damascus steel, referring to the layers of metal folded and forged together to created the signature pattern you see above. Highlighted with inlays of gold, the rings fit together and are one of a kind.

The vibrant and bold colors contrasted the cold winter day and added such life. Meghan and Ian chose to do a first look which is something I love so much. They had a moment alone to revel in the day and enjoy taking pictures while guests finished getting ready for the wedding.

We ventured throughout Middlebury and braved the cold for scenic images… but it was cold!

I had found the perfect spot to capture mountains without an excess of buildings in the background on the edge of Middlebury’s campus the day before the wedding. I love getting to know a location and often travel to new locations so I do so a day before when possible.

It was time for the ceremony, and if you didn’t believe me this wedding really was outside. In the gazebo on the town green Meghan and Ian gathered surrounded by their 15 guests and exchanged their vows.

Afterward everyone gathered across the green at the Middlebury Community House, a historic home with the intimate feeling Meghan and Ian were looking for. It was decked out for Christmas and allowed everyone in attendance another chance to get together and celebrate before the holidays.

The table was beautifully clothed and accented in fabric designed by Meghan’s cousin. Stockings were sewn and stuffed with goodies hanging off each chair for guests to enjoy. Custom pints bore the logo printed on all materials for the wedding, adding a common thread that tied the day together.

Safe from the winter wind talking, drinking, and laughing commenced. Around a long table everyone sat down to an early Christmas dinner and intimate wedding reception as they shared a family style meal and toasted the relationship before them. Congratulations again M+I and thanks to everyone for inviting us in to document the day!

venue Town Green, Middlebury VT   wedding dress Impression Bridal  veil Etsy : The Red Magnolia   hair Valerie Smith-Hastings   makeup Hannah Zeno   rings Victoria Moore   flowers The Blossom Basket  groom’s attire Highland Outfitters  officiant Zeke Church  paper goods  mygatsby.com  custom pint glasses Etsy : Factory21  reception music Celticladda  catering  Janice Munson

Remember when there were still leaves on the trees? It was beautiful, and not that long ago. I met up with Bridget and Anthony on a late fall day when the leaves were crisp and bright for an anniversary session. I call it an anniversary session because they generally take place any time after the wedding, but for these two it was planned to commemorate their first anniversary. One whole year together, jam packed with moving, buying a house, getting a dog and all kinds of other adventures. Not only was it a year from their wedding day, we shot these on Bridget’s birthday so I felt a little bit honored to add to the birthday fun by taking pictures. In fact, I think having photos shot for your birthday is such a great idea I might have to ask Matt to give me some for mine!

You can’t leave your dog at home when you’re getting family pictures! She was adorable and well behaved even though they warned me that she has lots of energy.

To end the session, we headed back to their house for a little outdoor movie screening in the backyard. By the time it was set up it was a little too cold to stay out and enjoy, but I think it’s something they’ll try again in the summer. A fun romantic way to end the night!

It was meant to be. There are times in each person’s life when you wonder what the future holds, what your purpose is and where life will take you. The friendships you form in high school are tested when life starts to unfold – and do so unexpectedly with twists and turns that take you in a new direction. No relationship is tested more than a romantic one, and Chris and Collen have weathered the storm.

They still remember that first prom, back in their awkward teenage years, and as Chris recounted in his vows, he never understood why Colleen loved him. She was everything to him, and it wasn’t until a few years later when she was facing life threatening illness that he fully realized his purpose in their relationship. He was there to love her, and when there was the possibility that she might not be there, he stood by her side and loved her more. To be there – in good times and in bad, in times of plenty and need, and in times of sickness and in health – is a promise they made on their wedding day. It was a promise in many ways they had already fulfilled, but on this day they pledged to do so for the rest of their lives.

There are few times when I cry at a wedding, but as Chris and Colleen read their vows written specifically for each other, my eyes welled up and hid behind my camera and I continued to document. Here was a relationship so meaningful, so real, you could not help but recognize what they had and celebrate their love… and celebrate they did. Chris and Colleen know how to throw a party and it was an absolute joy to document their day. Thanks again to everyone for inviting me in and I hope you enjoy this small story of the day.

The Cortland Alumni house is a gorgeous venue and of course a significant location to these Cortland grads. It was decked out in feathers which replaced flowers for most of the decoration. It was such a new and beautiful perspective on bouquets and arrangements! 

Isn’t that dress amazing?!

I always love a first look, it’s a chance to enjoy the day more fully and photograph everyone when they look their best, right after getting ready. Chris + Colleen met at the front of the alumni house and she came out the door to great him.

don’t they look so good together? they can easily make each other laugh and have fun on a moments notice which always helps

love those adorable headbands! Feathers were carried throughout the design and executed so well! Such a unique take on boutineers + bouquets.

The weather couldn’t have been better for this outdoor October ceremony. It sneaked into the 70′s at one point which is hard to believe for the fall.

Pumpkins were another decoration that was consistently used throughout the reception as the table centerpieces – and they carved a custom thank you pumpkin.

such a good looking bridal party! There were many unique aspects to Chris + Colleen’s day, her engagement ring being one of them. A family heirloom, I have never seen anything like and love how the rings fit together as one.

as the night progressed, the dancing quickly started and lasted well into the evening. It was a party, a celebration and most definitely a night to remember. Hopefully the photos helped you do so, and congrats again to Colleen and Chris and thanks for letting me document your day!

It was almost midnight on New Years Eve. Peter had joined Sophie and her family in Michigan to ring in the New Year and attend her cousin’s wedding the next day. Once the ball started to drop he stood up and tried to get Sophie to join him. She thought he wanted to kiss her – which she had no intention of doing, standing in the middle of the room with her family watching. After reluctantly joining him he dropped to one knee and asked her if she wanted to do something special with him in 2011. Surrounded by her family, he asked her to marry him and she said yes.

When planning a wedding it can be easy to get lost in the details. To forget about the purpose of the day, worry about frivolous things, and get caught up in everything that the wedding is not. If you read the first post from Sophie and Peter’s wedding you know that their day was chalk full of details, personality, and diy projects. Despite their obvious inspiration and hard work they never lost sight of what they wanted their wedding day to truly be. Balancing these two sides and not letting one take over the other is a difficult task not easily achieved. It take a lot of effort to keep a wedding day about the wedding and yet have it personal and inviting enough to not look like the rest. They managed to perfectly marry the planning and details with the wedding and create one of the most unique weddings I have been a part of.

Today I invite you to take a closer look at the wedding day. This of course centers around the ceremony, which is only partly told through the photographs. It was Sophie and Peter’s intention to have a wedding ceremony that had a time for worship and singing, and time for prayer, and a time to exchange the vows that last til eternity. The choose their friend, Jim Ehrman to officiate and he spoke some of the most honest, accurate, and challenging words on a wedding day. Jim asked family and friends to describe Sophie and to describe Peter and the word that came up the most for both of them was driven. They work better together than apart when they put each other first – which really is what a marriage is all about. While I could go on an on about the wedding day I’ll leave you with the pictures and hope you enjoy once again looking into the lives of Sophie and Peter and the day that brought them together.

We pick back up before the ceremony, after the first look when the bridal party got together for a few pictures before heading to the church. It was drizzling at this point, but it didn’t last long and cleared up for the rest of the day!

The church was close to bursting at the seams filled with happy guests ready to witness the wedding. Sophie and Peter chose to be married there for several reasons, including the fact that it was the same place that Sophie’s parents and grandparents wed. The great thing about doing a first look – in my experience – is that it adds so much to the wedding day. The moments walking down the aisle are just as emotional, but being able to share your thoughts, excitement, and anticipation before the ceremony while you are alone and not in front of all of your guests, is something you can’t replicate.

Each reading, song, transition and story was purposeful and meaningful to both of them and soon the congregation as they witnessed the ceremony unfold. 

After a joyous exit, the bridal party loaded in to the Mog and headed back to the farm. The Unimog is an german truck known for it’s off road capabilities, and has made Sophie’s dad known throughout the county since he comes to plow people out in winter. After having the truck shipped from Germany he assembled it to his liking and it has become a staple in the family and community, so naturally it was a part of the wedding day. 

This might be the first picture I’ve taken while driving. Don’t tell. We stopped at the neighbor’s barn on the way to the family farm for some pictures…

The ground that was a cornfield less than a year ago was completely transformed into a grassy enclosure perfect for a wedding reception. To see all of the details from the reception head over to the first post, or continue on with the rest of the evening’s events.

The party had begun and lasted in to the evening as people danced till they dropped. It was a celebration, and one that I so enjoyed being a part of, so thanks again for inviting me along and three cheers for the newlyweds! hip hip hooray!

I don’t know if Mylee and Leo’s lives are normally serendipitous but since I’ve met them things seem to keep falling in to place. Sure, it’s been the little things, but it’s just another reason that makes their relationship feel right. We started their engagement session on East Ave in downtown Rochester and were stopped in our tracks when we saw the word love scrawled on a brick wall near us. Yes, it’s simple and easily replicated, but there it was just waiting for us. I love each chance to explore and document a part of the city and work with all of the different textures and colors that come with it. Mylee and Leo fit in perfectly in bright and bold blue and they shared different sides of their relationship as we talked, walked, and took some pictures. As they plan for a day that will bring family and friends together and start their lives as husband and wife I’m excited to join them on this journey. I am looking forward to next August, but until then enjoy a more natural and everyday look at the relationship of Mylee and Leo in what we call an engagement session.

They had come back home. Life took Alison and Pat throughout New York and in to Brooklyn, but their roots were deep in Rochester. It was where they went to high school, where they first met, and today it was where they would marry. It took a while to get here – not only because they frequently drove through the New York City traffic, but because they took their time. They had grown so close they were already an essential part of each others lives, and now it was time to move forward and take another step together.

Alison sat in the sun room of her parents house while hairspray plumed like a cloud and mimosas were stylishly sipped. She reminisced with her bridesmaids about high school days when they would all gather in that very same room. Back then life was wide open and unexplored, but as they all grew up and found their way through school, relationships, and jobs they never lost touch. Some of them lived states away yet they knew how to come together and celebrate.

While the weather was being indecisive, Alison and Pat were not. Family and friends gathered at Irondequoit Country Club for a party they would remember. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were dressed in elegant black and white which made the vibrant bursts of color in their flowers stunning. There was not a detail unconsidered, and many talented people came together to make this wedding the gorgeous day that it was. It’s time to relive and remember it, and congratulate once again Alison + Pat!

Alison and Pat chose to do a first look – or “first peep” as they liked to call it. Not only did it allow them to have a smoother schedule to the day, it gave them a few moments alone which is rare on a wedding day.

Alison looked effortlessly beautiful the whole day

I personally think having children involved in the wedding ceremony is so fun. They just add so much life and I loved this custom sign carried down by little Brady.

the newlyweds! The ceremony ended and the party began after cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The stage was set and with the inside of the club decorated beautifully, Alison and Pat entered and the dancing began!

one of my favorites! A kiss on the middle of the dance floor well captured. Cupcakes and sweets were set out for dessert and made by Oh, Sugar run by Alison’s cousin Jenette Delly. I will vouch for the fact that they are delicious!

The party continued late into the evening and fun was had by all. It was too good to be true, but for those involved I hope looking through the images helps you remember how real it was! Enjoy

dress Kendra by Amy Kuschel   bridesmaids Alvina Valenta   headpiece Twigs & Honey   shoes Kate Spade   earrings Alexis Bittar   grooms/men’s ties Ben Sherman   kid’s bow ties Etsy, baby by Stevie   ceremony programs designed by a friend   “Here Comes the Bride” sign  Etsy, Funkifolkart   flowers Jimmy, Kittleberger Florists   paper goods Pistachio Press

High school sweethearts Colleen & Chris have been through thick and thin and were married on Saturday. I don’t usually tear up at weddings that I photograph. In fact, sometime I barely hear the words being said because I’m so focused on what I need to capture and how I’m going to do it. However, there are rare times when the stories are so moving, the emotion so real, and the love so present at a wedding that there is not a single dry eye in the house, including mine. Colleen & Chris had such a wedding, and during their ceremony I secretly hid my watery eyes behind my camera as I documented their vows.

This weekend could not have been better, although as I mentioned already as soon as I arrived at Cortland’s Alumni House a bird pooped on me. It was an anomaly, and the day did not follow suit. It was also the end of my non-stop wedding streak, which started back on May 20th and stopped only on August 20th until it brought me to Saturday. 21 weekends of weddings, 24 weddings. While I think I’ll plan an extra weekend off next summer, I feel incredibly lucky to be so busy doing something I love. Use the contact page on this blog to send me a message if you are interested in having me join you for your day, as I’m still booking for 2012. For the next few months I’ll be shooting a wedding a month unless there are any last minute elopements I can be a part of, in which case let me start packing a weekend bag so I can be ready at a moments notice.

Just a several months earlier Dan had surprised her with a date to the Memorial Art Gallery after work. They loved to enjoy what Rochester had to offer and after spending time in the gallery they saw a special area sectioned of set up for a party or dinner. Indulging their mischievous sides, they decided to sneak over and check out the space to see what was going on. To Alaina’s surprise, it was set up for her and moments later Dan asked her to marry him. Rather than draw out their engagement they decided to wait months instead of years and began to plan. I can appreciate a short engagement and despite the thought that extra time is necessary it’s completely possible to pull off (I did it too!).

Alaina slipped in to her wedding dress and the back was carefully laced while gasps of awe and excitement could be heard. She was a bride, and a beautiful one. The boys were dashing in gray and suspenders with navy ties and playful colors that added just the right amount of personality. It was a day when you tossed all your cares aside and joined in the party. A day of happiness. It was one of those occasions that I was completely welcomed in to be a part of the day and felt just as much there for the wedding as I was there to photograph it. I have been able to get to know Alaina’s family for several years and while I love all of them I don’t know what I would do without her sister, Sarah, who is one of my best friends. I also had the absolute privilege of photographing the weddings of Alaina’s three best friends and am sad that I will be ending a chapter in their history, but grateful to have been a part of it. So with out further ado let’s celebrate Dan + Alaina and the celebration that started their lives as husband and wife!

This is why you take photos during getting ready. For lots of different moments, but especially the one above. Kingsley looked dapper in his bowtie +tuxedo shirt onesie, even if it was only for a few hours :) Below, the infamous portraits of all four sisters – it’s hard to tell them apart at that age, but I can pass the test of who is who in case you were wondering.

congrats again Dan + Alaina and hope you all enjoy!

They enjoyed the adventure of navigating around the busy city and made their way to both the Zoo and the Capitol. After spending a full day on their feet and enjoying each others company, it was time to say good bye. Almost a year later, they followed in the footsteps of their first adventure only this time things were different. Blair had taken a new job and re-located to the district, and with an absolutely packed day full of everything they loved he took Jacqueline around the city and asked her to marry him. She said yes.

It was only natural that for their engagement photos we visit the two spots that became most significant to them, so we started at the Zoo before heading over to the Capitol. The usually calm Zoo was bustling with activity, sounds, and sights as it celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event named “Fiesta Musical.” Once I heard about their first date, it was ironic. Once we got over the fact that the crowds of people felt like an unintended audience, we found a few quite spots in the zoo and had a great time taking pictures. Jacqueline looked fierce – and I don’t usually break out that kind of Top Model terminology, but it’s true. I love the colors they wore and how they stood out in the lush green environments we hid away in.

Next we went to the capitol, where Blair proposed! It was beautiful and the overcast skies made it easy to photograph. I encourage couples to make the session personal by choosing locations + activities that are significant to them. It was fun to shoot in such a historic location and I think we made all the tourists jealous.

After seeing the sights from several different angles we ended on the steps overlooking the mall. Each time I visit DC I think “I could live here” and then I drive home and remember how much I love not having traffic (never mind that I live far from everything). Jacqueline + Blair I’m so glad we were able to meet up for these photos and I can’t wait for your wedding next summer! Enjoy the city life for me.