Knox Farm Wedding Photography

Betsy and Mac’s colorful tented wedding at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY

Betsy and Mac were a dream to work with, and so it only made sense that they pulled together a dream team of vendors for their wedding at Knox Farm. To add to it all, Knox Farm is a forever favorite wedding venue of mine. Between the tree lined lanes, golden fields, woods and the mansion itself, opportunities for photography abound at every turn.

I began the day with Betsy at Knox Farm’s new Air Bnb, a cottage outside the mansion. This is a super convenient option for wedding parties to stay after their events. Betsy and her wedding party used this space for their hair and makeup in the morning, then moved over to the Knox Farm mansion to get Betsy in her dress.

Betsy and Mac had super charming details. From the bouquet by Wild Blossom Hollow to the couples invitations by Rust Belt Love, all the way down to Betsy’s personalized hair brush gifted by her wedding party, everything was so thoughtful and sweet.

Meanwhile, Mac and his wedding party got ready at High Violet. This gorgeous cocktail bar is attached to the menswear shop, Bureau, from which they purchased their suits!

Back at Knox farm, Betsy got in her dress in this magical secret room located behind a legit rotating bookshelf in one of the bedrooms.

Before the wedding ceremony began, we made some portraits of both wedding parties on the beautiful tree lined road that approaches the mansion at Knox Farm, which is a perfect shady spot for photography on a hot day.

Almost every wedding has it – the classic “there’s a bug in your veil photo.” (:

Wedding ceremony time!

There are so many amazing places for wedding ceremonies that are GREAT for photography at Knox Farm. This big beautiful tree definitely has potential. One thing to consider when contemplating where to have a ceremony though, is the direction of the sun.

Unfortunately, in this location, at this time of day, the sun was falling through the leaves of the tree creating what we call dappled light on the couple. Aka, a photographers worst nightmare. There are a few simple solutions though – the easiest of which is to simply rotate the ceremony site so that the sun is behind the couple. It is possible to overpower the sun with photography lights, but that would be pretty obnoxious to do without your wedding ceremony looking like the set of a feature film. Soooo, just rotate. (: We made the most of what we had though and went in to rapid fire mode, finding the best angles we could. When the leaves parted in just the right way, it sure was beautiful. <3

Time for the tented wedding reception behind the mansion at Knox Farm!

Syrie Roman of Social Maven assembled such a gorgeous reception. From the sailcloth tent from McCarthy’s, to the gorgeous wood tables from Quaint Rentals, and of course Wild Blossom Hollow’s beautiful and oh so colorful florals, this tent was a feast for the eyes.

10/10 recommend the Nickel City Pimp Choir! These fellas have SUCH A BLAST and are such crowd pleasers. Guaranteed to keep you guests super entertained all night long. I mean… just look at them!

That’s it for this one! If you’d like to see more action from another wedding at Knox Farm, check out the photography from this one!

Big thanks to all these vendors who made this wedding what it was:

Planner: Syrie Roman – Social Maven

Hair/Makeup:  Rachel Rizzo/Nicole Morris

Transportation: Bedore Tours

DJ/Band: Nickel City Pimp Choir

String Quartet: Diana Sachs

Rentals: Quaint Rentals, McCarthy Tents

Florist: Wild Blossom Hollow

Bakery: Muscoreils

Catering: Olivers

Officiant: Sam Alviani (friend of couple)

Menswear: Bureau

Invitations and Paper Goods: Rust Belt Love

Second Photographer: Mark Duggan

Niagara Falls Country Club Wedding

Emma and Matt’s Outdoor Wedding Ceremony and Ballroom Reception at Barton Hill House and Niagara Falls Country Club

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I LOVE photographing multiple weddings for the same family. What a special opportunity to be part of the ongoing photographic story these families will tell. Emma and Matt’s wedding was the second I photographed for Emma’s family this past year, as I had pleasure of photographing her sister Hayley’s wedding as well! Oddly enough, Hayley was a referral from another sister duo whose weddings I photographed at the exact same venues, Niagara Falls Country Club and the Admiral Room! What are the odds?!

Second photographer and bow-tie-tie-er extraordinaire, Dorian, and I began our day with some wedding preparation photos at the Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY. This is a house I know well! When I was younger, I served as a tour guide of this home when it was featured on a tour of homes. What a treat it was to see it again in its new form, a B&B! This house is REALLY historic. Originally built in 1812, it was used as an armory during the War of 1812. It was burned by the British in 1813, rebuilt on its original foundation in 1815, complete with Underground Railroad Tunnels behind a trap door in the fireplace! Also of note, the famous winding staircase carved from a single piece of wood!

Enough history lessons, let’s get to the wedding photography!

bride gets makeup done at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
moms laugh at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
maid of honor helps bride get dressed at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
maid of honor helps bride get dressed and groom shares drink with groomsman at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride puts earrings in at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
father of groom helps with boutonniere at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
a lucky penny and mother of groom crying at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding

We set up the big reveal or “first look” for Emma and Matt on the grass path that leads to the Barton Hill House. It was just the perfect lush, romantic runway for this scene to unfold.

groom waits for bride at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride taps groom on shoulder at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
groom sees bride for first time during reveal at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride wipes tear from grooms cheek at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom laugh at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
groom kisses bride on cheek at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom walk through garden at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
groom and bride embrace at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
groom and bride pose on stairs at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride holds fern croft wedding bouquet at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom embrace at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding

The Barton Hill House has no shortage of nooks perfect for wedding portraits. What a treat it is to make pictures here!

bride and groom look at each other under archway at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom pose for portraits at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom look at each other in archway at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom pose with dog at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
bride and groom play with dog at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
families pose for portraits at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
wedding party poses for portraits at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
wedding party poses for portraits at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding
wedding party poses for portrait at Barton Hill House in Lewiston, NY before wedding

Off to the Niagara Falls Country Club for the wedding ceremony and reception!

The lawn of the Niagara Falls Country Club provides a scenic vista for outdoor weddings with views of the Niagara River, wine country, Lake Ontario, and on clear days, Toronto, ON! Add to this scene some beautiful floral arrangements provided by Fern Croft and you’ve set a perfect outdoor wedding ceremony scene.

fern croft floral decor during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
fern croft floral decor during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
fern croft floral decor during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests take their seats during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and father walk down the aisle during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
groom smiles at bride as she walks down aisle during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
father and bride walk down aisle during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom say vows during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom say vows during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom say vows during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom place rings on fingers during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom place rings on fingers during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom kiss and celebrate during wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom walk up aisle smiling after wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests leave wedding ceremony at the Niagara Falls Country Club

The Niagara Falls Country Club offers a modern ballroom with a gorgeous terrace overlooking the wedding ceremony lawn. It’s an effortless transition from wedding ceremony to reception.

signage during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
table settings during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
flower arrangement center piece during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
cake during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
modern ballroom and card box during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
favors during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
favors during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests enjoying cocktail hour during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
wedding party is introduced during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
wedding party is introduced during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
father delivers speech during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom toast during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom kiss during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
groom delivers speech during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
grandmother of bride laughs during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom laugh while visiting tables during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club

If there is one thing weddings at the Niagara Falls Country Club are best known for, it has to be the sunsets. What a SCENE!

bride and groom walk through lawn at sunset during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom walk through lawn at sunset during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom walk through lawn at sunset during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom walk through lawn at sunset during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom walk through lawn at sunset during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club

Ok… so… don’t buy these sparklers. I was so excited when I saw they had a built in match stick, but literally NONE OF THEM WORKED. It’s always a project getting everyone to light their sparklers at roughly the same time. This seemed like a perfect solution. Alas, it was a comedic fail as you can see in the first picture. Luckily we were able to conjure up some matches and lighters and get the show going.

I highly recommend doing your sparkler show early in the evening if you’re concerned about getting guests to go outside late night and breaking up the party. Many people will already be outside to enjoy the waning sunlight, and the sparklers still illuminate beautifully just after sunset. It’s a great way to transition in to the next portion of the party back inside, the dancing!

guests use sparklers during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests use sparklers during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests use sparklers during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests use sparklers during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests use sparklers during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club

Yooooo… EMMA ATTACKED with this wedding cake. They hadn’t even pulled the slice out and she just grabbed it and smashed Matt’s face. NO ONE SAW IT COMING. Including me! The aftermath says it all though.

bride and groom cut cake during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom feed each other cake during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
bride and groom dance with parents during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club
guests dance during wedding reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club

That’s all for this one! Many thanks to Emma and Matt for having us document your wedding day!

If you would like to check out another wedding from Niagara Falls Country Club, be sure to pop over to this post!

And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!

Bride Preparation: Barton Hill House

Groom Preparation: Barton Hill House

Wedding Ceremony Venue: Niagara Falls Country Club

Portrait Locations: Barton Hill House and Niagara Falls Country Club

Wedding Reception Venue: Niagara Falls Country Club

Event Planner: Molly Fitch of The Planning Touch

Hair + Makeup: Jordan Barr of Salon Diaz and Chantel Nicole

Florist: Fern Croft Floral

Bakery: Muscoreil’s

DJ: Breakthrough Entertainment

Second Photographer: Dorian Patrick

Wedding at Knox Farm

Illika + Brendan

Oh Knox Farm, you beautiful place you. Whenever I get an inquiry for a wedding at Knox Farm State Park, I almost automatically know it’s going to be a good fit. There’s just something about this wedding venue that brings out the best people. The grounds are beautiful, of course, and filled with endless opportunities for photography. The mansion is spacious and perfect for wedding preparations. And the back lawn with it’s views of the surrounding farm land make an idyllic setting for a tented outdoor wedding. But there’s a certain tranquility about this place that seems to draw the sweetest people here, and Illika and Brendan were no different.

With this couple though, came folks from all over the world. From Dubai and India, to Washington DC, Buffalo and beyond – this was a colorful mix of the loveliest people. Illika and Brendan paid homage to these people, their heritage and international travels through out their decor and apparel. From Illika’s dress, handmade in Moldova where the couple currently resides, to their colorful lanterns, patterns and elephants reminiscent of Illika’s Indian background, to Brendan’s buffalo nickel cuff links, every detail told a story.

This wedding was such a joy to witness, I’m happy to now share it with all of you! Enjoy!

Bride has makeup applied before wedding at Salon Elizabeth in East Aurora, NY
dress hangs in window of mansion in East Aurora, NY
hand sewn beading and embroidery on wedding dress pictured before outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

How is this for a ring stack? <HEART EYES!>

wedding rings are pictured before outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride gets ready for outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
brides bouquet, shoes and jewelry displayed before outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride poses for portrait before outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride gets ready for outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
groom gets ready for outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
groom gets ready for outdoor tented wedding at the mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

…Things only photographers would notice. If you’re planning a wedding at Knox Farm and considering where to have your ceremony, keep in mind this gazebo is TINY and surrounded by hedges. Photos that show full body, side views, and distant views are tricky to come by here! Other than that, cute as a button. (:

musicians perform during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
groom watches bride come down aisle with mother during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple laughs during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple exchanges vows during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple exchanges vows during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple exchanges vows during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple exchanges rings during wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple kisses after wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
couple leaves wedding ceremony in gazebo at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

The tree lined pedestrian road leading to the mansion at Knox Farm is a timeless location for family wedding portraits. It offers much needed shade for mid-day summer weddings, keeping everyone cool and comfortable.

couple walks down road after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
families pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
families pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

For couples portraits at Knox Farm, the fields are gold, literally. The warm glow of this location in the early evening hours makes this photographer very happy.

bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom pose for portrait after wedding ceremony at mansion at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

Time for the wedding reception in the backyard of the mansion at Knox Farm!

Illika and Brendan’s thoughtful and colorful details were so much fun to look at. I love when couples add so many personal touches to their decor!

couple walks in to mansion at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
lanterns hang from tree at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
lounge area at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
decor at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
cocktail tables outside mansion at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
floral decor at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
table seating chart on map at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
decor at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
table sign at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
favor at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
table signs at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
table center piece at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
decor at at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
decor at at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
decor at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
cake pop wedding cake at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests gather for cocktail hour at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
string musicians play at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests pose for portrait at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests gather for cocktail hour at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests gather for cocktail hour at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests gather at bar for drinks during cocktail hour at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests mingle during cocktail hour at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
boy naps at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom are introduced out of mansion at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
father and best man deliver speeches at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom react to speech at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests react to speech at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests react to speech at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom react to speech at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests react to speech at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests watch bride and groom dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
bride and groom dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
cigars are rolled at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
groom smokes cigar at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
groom smokes cigar at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests pose for portrait at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

This was a point in the evening that could have been the end for some less experienced photographers. The couple wanted their dance floor out in the open… which was awesome… until we realized there were literally NO lights out there. Fortunately, I came prepared with a couple led lights that I was able to add colorful gels to. This gave a fun dance floor vibe for the guests, and gave me enough light to focus my camera on fast moving subjects in the dark. No one realized anything was off at all!

guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY
guests dance at outdoor tented wedding reception at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY

We were surprised to see some fireworks off in the distance from the village of East Aurora! They were a bit too far away to make much photographic magic with, but still a nice little treat to spot through the fields.

Illika and Brendan decided they wanted a private last dance after their guests left. As photographers, we work really long days as is, so honestly, we’re never stoked about this idea. Why not a private first dance? But… just the two of them and a cell phone to play their song, alone in the dark soaking in what remained of such an incredible day? It was a really special thing to witness and document for them.

Many thanks to Illika and Brendan for having us document your day! And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!

Hair/Makeup:  Salon Elizabeth

DJ: Tom Murano, Tom Tom Productions

Rentals: Buffalo Party Rentals

Florist: Moonrise Floral Design

Bakery: Buffalo Cake Pops

Catering: Fat Bobs

Planner: Dave Majaka

Second Photographer: Dorian Patrick

And if you just can’t get enough photography from weddings at Knox Farm, check out this link for another!

Marcy Casino Wedding Photography in Buffalo

Liam and Nicole

Liam and Nicole’s wedding celebration set off sparks at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY and the photography followed suit. These joyful wedding days are the good stuff photographers dream of. Happy tears abound and my camera is happy too.

I started the day with Nicole at the beautiful Hotel Lafayette in their famed balcony room. Second shooter, Jenny, joined Liam in a separate room in the hotel. These rooms are just ideal for wedding preparation photography. They’re spacious, beautifully lit and stylishly appointed. Toss in a couple of fun wedding parties and you have the foundation for a perfect wedding day.

Nicole wore her grandmothers pearls, which frankly happens often at weddings. But adding in a box with an inscription reading, “favorite pearl necklace and earrings, 1985, Christine” really gives them that extra special personal touch.

bride and bridesmaid chat on sofa while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY

A little heart to heart before putting the dress on, that’s what bridesmaids are for.

bride and bridesmaid chat on sofa while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride looks at dress on hangar while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride smiles while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride smiles in mirror while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY

Enter your first Harry Potter nod!

Love free y’all.

bridesmaids assist bride while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY

Nicole wore an anklet from India to honor her two Indian bridesmaids. I love all the little tributes to the women Nicole holds close that adorned her bridal look. She even had a family ring woven in to her hair!

bridesmaid assists bride while getting ready for wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY

This first look on the balcony of the Hotel Lafayette was all time. Jenny waited across the street from the hotel to create some views from street level while I got the closeups from inside the balcony door. I love the way they combine together to tell the story!

bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share a reveal of first look before wedding at Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, NY

From the Hotel Lafayette we ventured to Buffalo’s theater district for portraits!

This is the neighborhood where Liam and Nicole had gone on their first date. I love the way they honored their history in Buffalo!

wedding party pose for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea

A little more Harry Potter sorcery!

wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
wedding party poses for portraits near Shea
bride and groom pose for wedding portraits near Shea
bride and groom pose for wedding portraits near Shea
bride and groom pose for wedding portraits near Shea
bride and groom pose for wedding portraits near Shea
bride and groom pose for wedding portraits near Shea
groomswoman poses for wedding portraits near Shea

Off to Buffalo’s Marcy Casino for an emotional wedding ceremony in the Rose Garden!

wedding party walks down aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
wedding party walks down aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
wedding party walks down aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Nicole’s dad rode her in to the rose garden on the back of his motorcycle! It was quite the entrance!

bride walks down aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride walks down aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

This wedding ceremony would not have been complete without the bride and grooms pups!

And of course no wedding ceremony for dog lovers would be complete without reading “falling in love is like owning a dog” with your actual dogs by your side!

What a scene! (Minus that videographer, we won’t talk about him…yikes). The Rose Garden at Marcy Casino is such a charming wedding ceremony spot, with the chairs woven between the rows of flowers and the trees of Delaware Park standing tall in the background. The trick to great looking photos here is to making sure your in all sun, or all shade. At different times of day and different times of year, light hits this area differently. It’s important to make sure you know where to stand so you don’t end up with half your face in sun and half in the shade! I’ve seen it, it looks weird! Check out an all shade version of a Marcy Casino wedding ceremony in this blog post.

guests look on during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Nicole planned a special surprise for Liam and invited some kids from Buffalo String Works to perform a song from Star Wars! Buffalo String Works is a music education program for refugee and immigrant children. With Nicole being a teacher, it made sense that she thought of these awesome kids and this wonderful program. Liam was in tears!

Buffalo String Works students perform during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
groom cries during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo String Works performs during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom exchange vows during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom kiss during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom cheer during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo,NY

That right there folks, that’s what joy looks like.

bride and groom laugh and walk up aisle during wedding ceremony in rose garden at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Weddings at Marcy Casino in Buffalo provide for no shortage of great photo backdrops. From the Ivy Bridge to the steps of the Albright Knox, opportunities are endless. Liam and Nicole opted for Hoyt Lake as the backdrop of their family photos.

family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
family portrait in front of Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Inside Marcy Casino, the wedding reception was set and waiting, but first, cocktail hour on the patio!

decor during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
cake and cupcakes during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
cake during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

As Harry Potter fans, of course they needed a Ravenclaw cake and a magician to entertain!

guests toast during cocktail hour during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Liam and Nicole were introduced in to the Casino where they also had their speeches and first dances.

bride and groom are introduced during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom cuddle during toasts during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
maid of honor speaks during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
maid of honor speaks during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
best woman speaks during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
groom and mother of groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
father of bride and bride dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Hot tip for cake cuttings at Marcy Casino – ask for a small cake table on the dance floor or to the side of your sweet heart table. This allows for more guests to see and also makes it so I don’t have to smoosh myself against this wall to try and get a photo. (: Thanks in advance.

bride and groom cut cake during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom cut cake during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

Back out to Marcy Casino’s patio to dance away this gorgeous summer night in Buffalo!

bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
guests dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance during wedding at Marcy Casino in Buffalo, NY

That’s it for this one! Many thanks to Nicole and Liam for having us create the photography for their beautiful wedding day at Marcy Casino in Buffalo. It was such an honor to witness all of this love and joy. And many thanks to the vendors and venues who made it what it was:

Preparation: Hotel Lafayette

Ceremony: Rose Garden in Delaware Park

Portraits: Main Street – Buffalo, NY

Reception: Marcy Casino

Catering: Marcy Casino

Ceremony Music: Buffalo String Works

DJ/Band: Boys of Summer

Florist: Maureens

Bakery: Wheatberry Bake Shop

Photobooth: Me! (: