Nov 15 2019

Cornell University, Taughannock Falls, Muranda Cheese Wedding in Ithaca, NY

Whenever I see the words, “wedding in Ithaca, NY” in an inquiry email I immediately begin fantasizing about sparkly waterfalls, pristine blue lakes, charming small towns and warm people. That’s pretty close to the summary you could give Sage and Zach’s wedding. When Sage and I first started chatting about the plans for their wedding, she mentioned, a couple times, that it was very important that I was willing to hike to various waterfalls. I couldn’t possibly emphasize enough that she had come to the right place. When I’m not photographing weddings, I’m likely climbing mountains and exploring new areas. When I can combine the two in one day? Amazing. I looked forward to this wedding all summer long and it didn’t disappoint.

Sage and Zach met at Cornell University where they were both studying to be veterinarians. They decided to celebrate back where it all started and get married right in the chapel on campus, aptly named, “Sage Chapel.” But first, we started the day with the couple at the Del Lago Resort where everyone got ready.

This is where I met the long lost love I didn’t know I had, Pongo, Sage and Zach’s beautiful great dane. I’m sure I was missing my recently passed Emmet (who was part dane), but Pongo is just the sweetest, gentlest pup of mythical character and proportion. I’m so glad he was part of the day and made so many incredible cameos in the pictures!

The Cornell campus has some pretty legendary buildings. This outdoor corridor felt straight out of Harry Potter and made for the most regal of backdrops for portraits. I could have worked in this space all day long!

Pongo’s lip… <3

From Cornell we made two quick stops at Ithaca Falls and Taughannock Falls. I wish we had an entire day just to explore Ithaca’s falls and gorges, but we had to make these stops pretty quick. Totally worth the hike though!

Pongo!

On the hike to Taughannock Falls, a woman noticed Teri and I were carrying cameras, stopped us and said, “don’t bother, the sun ruins it.” I laughed thinking, that probably means it’s PERFECT for what I want to shoot… and it pretty much was. Some photographers prefer to shoot on overcast days because it’s easy. Not me. Give me all the sun, I know just what to do with it.

From Taughannock we ventured to the Muranda Cheese Company for a barn reception overlooking a beautiful farm. We worked with wonderful people from Serendipity Catering who provided both the dinner and desserts. Their ice cream bar was a hit! The Silver Arrow Band provided the entertainment and an amazing time was had by all. But first, check out all these incredible details – Arnold’s Florist killed it. Sooooo pretty!!!

Many thanks to Sage and Zach for having us document your wedding in Ithaca, NY! And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!

Bride Preparation: Del Lago Resort

Groom Preparation: Del Lago Resort

Ceremony: Sage Chapel at Cornell University

Portraits: Cornell University, Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls

Reception: Muranda Cheese Company

Hair + Makeup: Elite Beauty

Florist: Arnold’s Florist

Catering/Bakery: Serendipity Catering

Band: Silver Arrow Band

Transportation: Del Lago Resort

Second Photographer: Teri Fiske

Videographer: Associate of Jacquelyn Daley Films

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Nov 11 2019

Veronica + Rob – Wedding at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure – Buffalo, NY

Photographing a wedding at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure always seems to be exactly that, an adventure. The venue is certainly aptly named. Nestled in the hills of Varysburg, NY, you would never know it existed unless you happened to be out on a country drive and spotted an animal you know surely doesn’t typically roam free in upstate NY. With their pre-cocktail hour “safaris” showcasing animals like buffalo, zebra, camel and Texas longhorn, guests are treated to a very unique wedding experience!

Veronica and Rob spent the full day of their wedding at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure. They got ready right on site and had both their ceremony and reception on the grounds. It’s an idyllic spot for photography with beautiful natural backdrops in every direction. Videography can get interesting, as you may also hear some… special… animal sounds throughout the day as well! It’s always a great time.

It was starting to look like it may rain any second, so we decided this covered bridge would be the perfect location for the couples big reveal or “first look!”

This photo below might actually be the crowning achievement of my career. That’s a lot of little kids all looking right at me! I probably wouldn’t enjoy hearing back the crazy noises I was making to get their attention, but it worked!

Check out this stunning setting for the ceremony! A rain shower was brewing though and this scene would become a colorful array of umbrellas!

Guests hovered under the patio umbrellas as the rain began to fall, but eventually a parade of brave guests cuddled together under umbrellas and made their way out to the island for the ceremony.

The guests were all such great sports about the rain and I have to say, it really made for such a memorable, unique scene.

After the ceremony, guests went on a trolley tour of the property and my second shooter Steve joined them! Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is home to 40 species of animals who roam the 63 acre property. Steve was very excited that he, “had to go on a safari” for work this day. (: All of these amazing animal shots are his!

While the guests enjoyed their safari, I stayed back with Veronica and Rob to capture their portraits.

The rain was off and on all day, but we ended up having the most incredible “heavy metal” sky as Veronica and Rob called it. We had just a couple brief openings when the sun popped out of the clouds and in those moments this photographers eyes were VERY happy. Rainy day weddings always seem to have an extra little touch of magic!

Reception time!

If you hadn’t guessed, Rob is a big heavy metal fan. You’ll notice a lot of bull horns from this point in the day onward!

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

Hair + Makeup: Serenity Salon

Florist: Russel’s

Bakery: Muscoreil’s

DJ: Toy Bros

Second Photographer: Steve Karosik

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Oct 29 2019

Wedding Engagement Session near Ellicottville, NY with Jonna and AJ

Whenever a client presents a location for their wedding engagement session that has a personal meaning to them, I’m always game. This particular location was just a bit extra special though. AJ’s family bought this property near Ellicottville, NY when AJ was just a kid. They set up a tipi on the property and spent weekends and vacations exploring. The property has some pretty fascinating stories. For example, there was an abandoned gas station on the property – which is literally at the end of a dead end dirt road and at the top of a hill, random! Behind the gas station was an old swimming pool. After they closed on the property, they noticed there was suddenly a HOLE DUG IN THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL WITH A SAFE INSIDE IT!!! Unfortunately, the safe was empty. Either way, solid hiding spot that leaves oh-so-much to the imagination!

AJ’s family eventually built a gorgeous log home on the property from gigantic trees that were burnt in a forest fire out in Wyoming. The property has become a second home to the family over the years. They even spend the holidays here. When AJ and Jonna started dating, they made a lot of trips to the cabin. It’s the place they feel they really got to know each other. I’m SO, so glad they suggested a wedding engagement session near Ellicottville, not only because it means so much to them, but it was so stunning and hitting peak fall color in perfect time for our shoot. It was absolutely perfect!

AJ brought along his motorcycle for a few shots, what a perfect place to ride!

This next series was taken along the driveway leading up to their cabin. The fall colors were incredible!

As soon as I saw this pond I knew there was a reflection photo in our future. Unfortunately there was a little bit of a ripple in the water, otherwise this would have been perfection!

Popping that bottle of champagne you’ve been saving from the engagement party is ALWAYS a great idea.

This field was filled with buzzing fuzzy bumble bees! I thought they deserved a photo too (:

Many thanks to Jonna and Aj for sharing such a special place with me! It was such a treat!

I’ll take another fall wedding engagement session near Ellicottville any day, please and thanks!

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Oct 28 2019

Callie + BJ – Hayloft in the Grove Wedding Photography – East Aurora, NY

Callie and BJ, BJ and Callie… this Hayloft in the Grove wedding was such a pleasure to be part of. When I first met these two, I could tell they were laid back, fun, super sweetly in love, and their wedding reflected just that. For couples that want relaxing, rustic charm where everyone feels comfortable and can celebrate without hesitation, Hayloft in the Grove is an idyllic setting. I think that’s exactly what this day was all about.

But First…

Before we get in to all that, I’d like to tell the story of how I came to photograph this beautiful day. Callie’s dad, Jim, was a fellow professional photographer, one of Buffalo’s longest working photographers at that, and a friend of mine! I got to know Jim over the years and would run in to him out and about all over Buffalo. Every time I would see him, he would be with someone I had never met, and would introduce both parties with such great kindness and affection. Jim was a mentor, friend, and connector of a great many people. And as you may have guessed, Jim connected me with Callie and BJ!

After Callie got engaged, Jim reached out and said he would like to come by the studio to talk about his daughter’s wedding. It’s always such a great honor to be considered by another photographer. So needless to say, I was thrilled that Jim, someone who had photographed weddings himself for so many years, was considering me! When Jim came by, I was ready to present all my materials as best I could, but Jim had other ideas. He said Callie would meet with me at some point, but he was sure it was the right fit. So that was that. We sat and chatted for a long time but it was hardly the business meeting I expected. Callie and BJ came in soon after that and made it official!

While this is a happy post about Callie and BJ’s wedding celebration, I would be remiss to not mention that Jim unfortunately fell sick and passed just a few weeks before the wedding. While there’s always pressure when working for another photographer, there was an extra gravity I felt to honor his legacy as a photographer. I hope I served him well! And while Jim was certainly missed, his presence was felt in so many ways throughout the day, and I know he was smiling down big time on this celebration.

Without Further Ado…

Let’s get to the festivities! I started the day with Callie and her closest ladies in Hayloft in the Grove’s on-site cottage. It’s a great little spot for couples to get ready, and conveniently located just steps from the rest of the wedding locations.

Both Bj and Callie’s moms (left to right) were such a treat to photograph. They laughed, they cried, sometimes they simultaneously laughed and cried, and this photographer couldn’t get enough!

After just a few minutes with this crew you could tell that Callie was surrounded by so much love and support from her family and friends as her infectious smile reflected on the faces of every one of them.

That golf cart driving lady there is Liane Roy, a planner at Hayloft. About a million years ago I worked with Liane on branding photos and a logo for her planning business. It was so great to see her again after all these years!

Meanwhile Steve joined BJ and his crew in a different house on site for a few photos before the ceremony. BJ wore both Callie’s dad Jim’s watch (on the left) and a historic watch from his own family (on the right.)

Time to head over to the converted stables for a good ole’ Hayloft in the Grove wedding ceremony! An “unplugged wedding” sign greeted the guests and while those things mostly never work, this group was very well behaved!

The calla lily’s (Callie’s namesake) pictured below were a tribute to Jim.

Callie and her mom had so many cute little looks and motions to each other throughout the day, I couldn’t get enough of these two!

The KING!

Here comes the bride! How gorgeous is the light at the end of the aisle?!

I rehearsed this photo below a couple times before the ceremony started. Notice the antique camera in the bottom right? That camera represented Jim’s seat and I wanted to try and get “him” and all the other parents in this shot, AND IT WORKED! The expressions are all priceless too, I was so happy when I saw it!

I love the way the draperies create leading lines to draw your eye right to the bride and groom!

After the ceremony we took a little “hay ride” out to a small pond for some portraits. This has to be one of the best parts of a Hayloft in the Grove wedding. Lots of fun was had on that ride 🙂

This next one was a special memory for me too. Callie’s brother, Jimmy, is also a photographer! When I first met with Jim he told me that he would like to make a portrait of Callie and BJ at the wedding. Jim may not have been there to do that, but I was so happy that Jimmy brought along his camera and was able to make a portrait instead. <3

Meanwhile the groomsmen were hanging out by this corn field and conjured up their own idea for a photoshoot…

Reception time back at the Hayloft in the Grove wedding barn!

Lots of laughter and tears filled these speeches, just the way they should!

Looks like Callie’s grandma has some photography skills too! <3

Apparently BJ had himself a boy band once upon a time… I think they’ve still got it!

ICE CREAM BAR!!!

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

Bride Preparation: Hayloft in the Grove Cottage

Groom Preparation: Hayloft in the Grove

Ceremony: Hayloft in the Grove Stable

Portraits: Hayride through Hayloft in the Grove farm

Reception: Hayloft in the Grove Barn

Hair + Makeup: Primp Bar

Florist: A Snail’s Place

Bakery: Ice Cream Bar by Hayloft in the Grove / Cake by Wegmans

Band: Mark Mazur and Little Big Band

Officiant: John Parrone

Second Photographer: Steve Karosik

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Oct 14 2019

Wedding Photography at Curtiss Hotel, St. Andrews, Delaware Park and the Statler in Buffalo, NY

Kelly + Brendan

Every wedding I photograph has it’s own personality, its own energy, and the same goes for the people involved. From start to finish, working with Kelly and Brendan has come with a certain calm, a particular pleasantness, a simple joy that surrounds these two. And it reflected so plainly on the faces of the friends and family who joined them on their wedding day. You could just tell they were surrounded by a ton of love and support – it was a treat to be around. As if the warm energy from this couple weren’t enough, they also planned an absolutely beautiful wedding reception just made for photography at Statler City in Buffalo, NY. But before we get to that – I started the day with Kelly at the fabulous new Curtiss Hotel while Steve joined Brendan and his wedding party over at Brendan’s family’s home.

I’m not sure whose idea this photo was, but it has to be my favorite groomsman preparation photo of the year. Bravo Steve!

Kelly wanted to do a “reveal” with her bridesmaids, but Kelly’s mom thought she would surprise these ladies with a reveal of her own!

Here are the real reactions as Kelly enters the room (:

On to St. Andrews in Kenmore, NY for the wedding ceremony!

We ventured over to Delaware Park for some portraits with Kelly, Brendan and their wedding party. This Park has so many iconic backdrops, from the Albright Knox Art Gallery to Hoyt Lake, the Ivy Bridge to the Rose Garden, it’s easy to see why this location is so popular for wedding photography!

On to the Statler in Buffalo, NY for more photography!

We wrapped up our day with a big, beautiful wedding reception at Statler City’s Terrace Room, one of Buffalo’s most elegant ballrooms and one my favorite venues for photography in Buffalo.

This nook in Statler City is a little corner of Buffalo I’ve returned to for photography time and time again. Almost every wedding I photograph here you can find me on this terrace moving around cocktail tables and checking back in to the room repeatedly as I wait for the perfect light. And so here it is! You sure shine bright in the golden hour, Statler City!

This photo was supposed to be an organized group photo… I think it’s perfect, but it should be noted that this is what group photos look like when they’re taken at the end of the night!

Many thanks to Kelly and Brendan for having us document your wedding photography at the Statler in Buffalo! And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!

Bride Preparation: Curtiss Hotel

Groom Preparation: Private Residence

Ceremony: St. Andrews

Portraits: Albright Knox, Hoyt Lake and Ivy Bridge at Delaware Park

Reception: Statler City

Hair + Makeup: Care Frandina (hair) / Katie Morski (mua)

Florist: Maureen’s

Bakery: Muscoreil’s

DJ: H+H

Transportation: Triple Crown Limo

Videographer: Black Horse

Second Photographer: Steve Karosik