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!