Megan’s Maternity Photography Session at Tifft Nature Preserve and Buffalo Outer Harbor State Park in Buffalo, NY
When the realities of Covid-19 began to set in back in March, photographer’s cameras began collecting dust. And as Megan’s due date grew closer, so too grew my concern that this maternity photography session we had planned in Buffalo, NY wasn’t going to happen before Megan delivered her baby! Fortunately, last week the Buffalo region entered phase two of the Covid-19 reopening schedule, and this photographer was allowed to work again. Two days later, our maternity portrait session was underway at Tifft Nature Preserve and Buffalo Outer Harbor State Park.
As a photographer, I love maternity sessions for a myriad of reasons. The obvious reason of course being that a glowing pregnant woman all dressed up in an idyllic location is just inherently beautiful. But what’s more, the finished portrait is such a special keepsake for a mom. Once the baby is born, we all know everything revolves around the baby. The maternity session is a special time just for mom-to-be to spoil herself a bit, even if she’s not feeling her most gorgeous self (it’s my job to see that for her!). At the end of the day, these photos serve as a tribute to this exciting, beautiful time in a woman’s life, and a last portrait of a woman before I becomes we.
Without further ado, check out the photos from Megan’s maternity session here in Buffalo.
While Tifft Nature Preserve is a photographer’s dream and I could shoot there all day long without running out of ideas, we wanted to mix up the look of the maternity session with a fresh location and a fresh dress! We headed across the street to Buffalo Outer Harbor State Park for a few more photos. This is another location I could never get sick of. There is a such an impressive variety of backdrops here. From the beaches to the grain silos, a photographer can’t possibly get enough of this place!
Let these last two photos serve as a reminder of why you hire a professional photographer. I shot these through a patch of weeds in a parking lot. (:
If you or someone you know is looking for a maternity photographer in the Buffalo, NY area please contact me here!
And if you’d like to peek at another maternity photography session in Buffalo, NY check out this link!
Aly & Ross’s Wedding Photography at Spring Lake Winery by Varallo Vinyards
There are certain weddings that are so meticulously planned, there isn’t much space left to be present and let events transpire naturally. There are other weddings that are sheer chaos, but people are having an absolute blast and are completely rapt in the moment. Much to my surprise, this Spring Lake Winery wedding was both meticulously planned and enjoyed on a deep emotional level. THAT is the mark of a really great wedding for this photographer.
Wedding planner Daulton Van Kuren of The Refined Host did a truly amazing job organizing this day. When I first saw her beautiful rainbow colored timeline and all its glorious detail, I feared a bit for my creativity and the enjoyment of all involved. After reading it though, I discovered that it really disbursed events perfectly throughout the day and allowed everyone to really enjoy each and every part.
The timeline also featured a different structure than I was used to seeing at WNY weddings. The dancing, speeches, etc. were broken up and scattered throughout the celebration. It kept the energy high and guests engaged until the very last dance. This also meant the guests were all still present for a very special surprise at the end of the night that you’ll have to keep scrolling to see!
Preparation
I started this wedding day with Aly at her family home in Clarence, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. I just adore all the giggly excitement that shines through from Aly and her crew in these photos!
Aly’s dad was anxiously awaiting his daughters big reveal in the next room. When he came in to see Aly all dressed, he brought her this bouquet of roses. These two were so sweet!
I always love to see the difference between how each couple prepares for the wedding. While Aly and her bridesmaids elegantly posed for portraits, Ross and his groomsmen were posing in bathtubs, with axes, all sorts of… interesting… settings! I’m so very glad second shooter Steve was there to capture these groomsmen in all their glory. Some of these photos are just priceless!
On to Spring Lake Winery for a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony and reception! But first, the bride and grooms, “first look!”
“First looks” or “reveals” are such exciting and emotional moments in a wedding day. Couples get to have a private moment to be together and share in the excitement and anticipation of the day. First looks also tend to relieve stress and allow couples to just relax and enjoy extra time together on their wedding day.
Spring Lake Winery has many great spots for wedding photography. For mid-day photos when the sun is just blinding, I love these tall pine trees and all their glorious shade. This area photographs so beautifully and was the perfect spot for this emotional first look.
Photographing Aly and Ross with these giant balloons turned out to be quite a challenge! The balloons were constantly blowing in their faces and comedy ensued. Eventually we found the right angles though.
As we wrapped our portrait session, the guests began to arrive for the ceremony on Spring Lake. The flower arrangements by Flourish and gorgeous music provided by String Brothers really set the tone for a sweet and elegant ceremony.
These groomsmen were all smiles for Aly and Ross. It was so moving to glance around the area and feel all the love and support for this couple.
This photo below is one of my all time favorite processional photos. These three look at each other with so much love and admiration. Makes my heart swell three sizes!
It’s official!
After the ceremony, the couples families gathered for a few family portraits. Unfortunately, Aly’s grandma passed shortly after their wedding. I’m SO, so grateful we got this beautiful portrait of Aly with her Grandma!!! (Also, when you’re done here, check out this years Mother’s Day post for more sweet mom and grandma moments!)
Meanwhile a gorgeous wedding reception was set for the guests in Spring Lake’s pavilion. White florals mixed with subtle blue accents, greenery and tea lights adorned every table. It was so cozy while feeling fresh and modern.
Wedding guests gathered outside the pavilion for cocktail hour complete with more live music from String Brothers.
Guests were invited to gather around the dance floor for the bride and groom’s adorable first dance. This was followed by the first dancing segment of the evening.
The wedding’s dancing segments were broken up with speeches and dinner courses. I had no idea dancing in short segments like this would help keep the party rolling so well!
Aly’s Grandfather made the first toast and unfortunately called Ross by the wrong name. It was pretty funny. Aly’s parents followed next and fortunately got the names correct.
After eating the first course, it was time for the formal parent dances with Aly’s dad and Ross’ mom and more group dancing!
Guests were seated again for the best man and maid of honor speeches followed by the main course.
The best man managed to acquire some love notes the couple had written and read them to the guests. It was hysterical!
Dessert was set outside in the cocktail area and WOW these donuts went at record speed. Paula’s Donuts are always a huge hit!
After cutting their cake the bride and groom made one last toast to their family and friends and thanked everyone for celebrating with them. With that, one last dance segment was underway!
One last surprise awaited the wedding guests outside the Spring Lake Winery pavilion – a gorgeous fireworks display over top a beautiful full moon!
Thank you!
Many thanks to Aly and Ross for having us document your day! And thank you to all these awesome venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!
I’ve been a senior portrait photographer in Buffalo, NY for many years, but this year will be extra special. With other events and weddings being cancelled or postponed left and right, I’ll be able to photograph even more senior portraits this year than ever before! I couldn’t be more excited!
Capturing all the excitement that comes with being a senior is so much fun. As a photographer, it’s important to me to capture not just what the seniors look like, but what it FEELS like to be around them during this fun, transitional time in their lives. I work with each senior before their session to learn a bit about their personality, their interests, etc. so that I can customize the backgrounds, posing, etc. to suit THEM. No two sessions are the same. I want to be sure each portrait session represents the seniors individual energy and spirit, no stale portraits here.
If this sounds like something you or someone you know may be interested in, please contact me!
Check out the sample gallery below from Zach’s senior portrait photography session near Buffalo, NY.
I photographed these first few images at Maple Grove High School. Football has been a huge part of Zach’s life so it was important to him to get a few shots at their home field.
By the way, this is what it took to get this angle with the school logo behind Zach. Thanks to Zach’s mom for capturing this ridiculous photographer moment!
Zach requested a photo in front of one of his friend and mentors jerseys in the lobby of Maple Grove High School. I thought this was such a sweet gesture and and amazing tribute to the players who came before him!
From Maple Grove, we took a short drive to nearby Jamestown for a few additional portraits of Zach in a more urban setting. Jamestown has some really amazing old industrial photography locations right in the downtown area!
Thanks for being such a fun senior to work with Zach, and best of luck at North Park University next fall! Go Vikings!
If you would like to see more senior portrait fun from a Maple Grove student, check out this gallery from Zach’s sister Allison’s senior portrait session a couple years back! Her session was completely different from Zach’s (think microphones and guitars instead of footballs) but just as much fun.
And as always, if you know anyone looking for a senior portrait photographer in the Buffalo, NY area, please reach out!
Today is Mother’s Day, 2020. It’s a weird Mother’s Day. No one is going out for brunch. No one is really going anywhere. The world is on pause and so are our Mother’s Day festivities. It’s lame. But, all the more reason to celebrate the Moms of the world and reflect on all they do. As a photographer of family portraits and wedding photography in Buffalo, NY, I’m fortunate enough to have a front row seat for a lot of really, really special Mom moments. As I assemble this little collection every year, I realize how important these pictures are to families and what a privilege it is to make them for people. I’m feeling extra grateful, especially this year, not knowing when I’ll get to witness moments like this again.
Anyhoo, to all the moms out there, thanks for all you do to keep this world together. Without you, we have nothing! And to all those whose Mom’s are no longer with us, to those yearning to be a Mom, to those with complicated Mom relationships, socially distant virtual hugs from me to you.
But without further ado, a review of some favorite moments with Moms to soak up during this particularly mom deprived time.
To the Moms raising little rebel girls, high ten.
Devon’s also a rescue dog Mom, you’re doubly amazing, Devon!
The Moms who keep us put together and lookin’ sharp…
…helping us balance and just… helping – we thank you!
Mommas that keep us laughing…
…And Moms who let loose…
And especially Grandmas who tear the house down with their rendition of “Who Let the Dogs Out” at every family wedding, you’re the best.
Thanks for teaching us to walk on our own two feet…
…celebrating us…
…and knowing how to let go.
Thanks for those looks of admiration and pride, moms.
Thanks for the big, warm, comforting Mom hugs… mmm. Remember hugs?!
Moms who make two babies in one go… SUPERHEROES
I always have to send a shout out to the Aunts who are like second Moms – I had a couple of those myself!
Thanks, Moms, for doing weird things like this pointy handshake? I’m not sure about this entry, but I couldn’t leave it out!
Thanks to the Mommas who are present and soak it all in…
To all the new Mommas holding their babies close, savor it all!
Thanks to all the Moms still laughing at bad Dad jokes…
To the Grandmas bringing smiles to generations…
…and setting amazing examples for longevity.
This is Shirley. She was married to her husband for 65 years and received the bouquet for being the longest married couple at Eliana and Mark’s wedding! Unfortunately, Shirley is no longer with us, but what an amazing privilege it was to honor her legacy in this post. THIS is what wedding photography is all about.
Hope all the moms out there had a happy and healthy Mother’s Day! Here’s looking forward to getting back at it, documenting family portraits and wedding photography in Buffalo, NY very soon!
Before we dive in to this super special small wedding at Knox Farm, I want to share a special note I received from the bride, Ashley. I don’t typically post accolades or reviews someone has left, it always feels a little… icky, but this note was particularly meaningful to me.
“Linds…you know how I know these are good? It’s more than the fact that they are beautiful. It’s that they made me laugh…they made me cry…they made me feel everything that was beautiful and memorable and awesome about that day. I think sometimes people get so fixated on making or getting beautiful photography, but the point isn’t to remember how great you all looked (though that’s also fun -haha)…it’s to remember how you FELT. And you gave us that. Thank you for your spectacular work!!!”
In my photography, the element that has always mattered most was that the pictures had a pulse, so to speak. Each picture should breath Life to couples memories – not just serve as a reminder of what everyone and everything looked like, but what it FELT like to be present in that moment. For my storytelling based work, that’s the true mark of a successful photograph.
In the photography world we talk about, “visual literacy,” what the untrained eye can and can not “see” when looking at a photograph. Most people look at a photo and they know they either like it or they don’t, but they don’t ask themselves why, they just feel their way through it. And that’s OK, that’s all the viewer needs to do! It’s my job to understand all the whys and hows of making a great, storytelling photograph. But when a client is able to articulate how their wedding pictures made them feel, beyond a surface level assessment of their initial beauty, that means the absolute world to me. That’s when I know I’m doing my job well and providing couples with something truly important.
Let’s be real though, this was a beautiful wedding and Ashley and David are beautiful humans. They made my job a little easier than normal this day. 🙂
So without further ado, Ashley and David’s wedding photos! We started and finished the day right at Knox Farm in East Aurora, NY – a small town near Buffalo. Ashley and her wedding party had their hair and makeup done at a salon and had me join them for the finishing touches in the mansion on the grounds at Knox. This specific room is SO unique with its mural crawling up on to the ceiling and it’s walls of windows. It makes a beautiful spot for photos. The best part? You enter through a secret spinning bookshelf door!
This wedding had more happy tears than I think I’ve seen at any wedding over the years. You could tell how loved Ashley and David are by their friends and family and how genuinely excited everyone was for them! Dad was the first to start, but you will soon see he was not the last. <3
Ashley’s dad walked her out of the mansion on the Knox Farm property to where David was waiting for their big reveal or, “first look” beneath some birch trees in front of the house.
Here comes the bride!
The couples parents met us for their family portraits before the ceremony. It was so nice for everyone to be able to relax and spend some time together before the guests arrived! This tree-lined road that leads to the mansion at Knox Farm makes for a perfect photography backdrop too!
Whenever couples ask me about my style, I love to point them to the way I photograph group portraits. I want your friends and family to look like themselves! Everyone doesn’t need to stand in perfect uniformity for a balanced, beautiful portrait. There can be variety and natural poses as well!
While I photographed the ladies, David and the groomsmen enjoyed some whiskey in the ajacent field. I love these shots my assistant grabbed of the guys!
I grabbed a few quick portraits of Ashley and David in the field before the ceremony, but the real portraits would come later in the evening. Keep scrolling and your eyes will be very happy.
Time for an outdoor wedding ceremony!
These photos of Ashley with her parents before walking down the aisle are EXACTLY what a second shooter is for. I love having multiple perspectives of the day and can’t imagine this collection without these pictures!
How gorgeous is this woodland setting for a small wedding ceremony? I often see outdoor wedding venues set up where the couple is side lit by the sun and one poor person is looking straight in to the light the entire time. This shady spot eliminates any squinting and keeps everyone cool and comfortable on a warm summer night.
One of the things I love most about this location is that it’s adaptable to weddings of all sizes. A small wedding at Knox Farm can actually be held inside the mansion, but most opt for a tent in the yard. This sailcloth tent from McCarthy Tents and Events was absolutely beautiful. The wooden posts and flags adorning the top really dress it up.
The wedding party was introduced from their seats and greeted the guests with their best royal waves.
Did I mention there was a lot of crying at this wedding?
You can do a lot of unique things with your table layout when you have a small wedding at Knox Farm, including a giant head table like this!
Most weddings have a loving, emotional Aunt my camera falls in love with. This might be my all time favorite Aunt. Watch this progression…
As the evening progressed, I had my eye on this field filled with yellow flowers. I wanted to wait for that perfect golden hour light. That time of day when the sun is low enough that everything just GLOWS with warm, soft light. When it was time, Ashley and David were ready! One of the things I love most about weddings at Knox Farm is the opportunity for photography at every turn (check out another shoot here!). There are beautiful paths through the woods, glorious golden fields, tree lined roads, it’s a dream for a photographer!
Back to the tent for the rest of the wedding reception!
This gentleman reminded me just a touch of Meat Loaf (the singer!) in the best possible way.
Many thanks to Ashley and David for having us document their small wedding at Knox Farm! And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!
[…] a mansion, Knox Farm really has it all. And side note, if you’re planning a wedding there (like this one!), I happen to be on their approved vendors list! (: It seems no matter who I photograph here though, […]
