Small Wedding at Knox Farm, a WNY Wedding Venue

Ashley & David

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!

brides dress hangs in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and grooms accessories sit in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride and bridesmaids help bride get ready in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride and bridesmaids help bride get ready in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride help bride get ready in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride and bridesmaids help bride get ready in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom straightens tie at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride help bride get ready in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride reads card from groom in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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

father of bride tears up while watching bride read card from groom in secret room at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
father of bride escorts bride down stairs of wedding venue before small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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.

groom waits for bride outside mansion at their venue for first look, aka reveal, at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

Here comes the bride!

bride walks up behind groom before their first look, aka reveal, at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride walks up behind groom before their first look, aka reveal, at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride walks up behind groom before their first look, aka reveal, at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and grooms hands as they see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom see each other for the first time during their first look, aka reveal at their small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride poses for portraits against birch trees at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

families stand for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

bridesmaids stand for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaids stand for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaids laugh as they stand for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaids make funny faces on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

groomsmen pose for portraits in field with whiskey glasses at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groomsmen pose for portraits in field with whiskey glasses at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groomsmen pose for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groomsmen pose for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
wedding party poses for portraits on tree lined road at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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.

bride and groom pose for portraits in field at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

Time for an outdoor wedding ceremony!

decorations for ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groomsmen straighten ties before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and bridesmaid hang out in house before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

bride and mom look at each other in mansion on property before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and dad look out window of house before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
parents of bride walk her down stairs before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother and father of bride escort bride through grass before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother and father of bride escort bride through grass before ceremony at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother and father of bride escort bride through grass before ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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.

bride and groom stand between doors with trees behind them during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom look at each other during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
parents smile at bride and groom during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaids flowers during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom smile at each other while mother of bride while she reads during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
mother of bride reads during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groomsmen smile during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom laugh during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaids laugh during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom hold hands during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
wedding ceremony location under trees in field at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom reads vows to bride during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride reads vows to groom during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bridesmaid cries during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom places ring on brides finger during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride places ring on grooms finger between two doors with forest behind them during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom smiles at bride during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom join hands during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom have first kiss during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom walk up aisle during ceremony at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom walk up aisle during ceremony at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom walk through lawn to tented reception at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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.

tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
decoration inspiration at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guest enjoy cocktail hour in tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests enjoy cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests enjoy lawn games during cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests enjoy lawn games during cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests smile for the camera during cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests enjoy lawn games during cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests smile for the camera during cocktail hour at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

The wedding party was introduced from their seats and greeted the guests with their best royal waves.

maid of honor waives during wedding party introductions at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
best man waives during wedding party introductions at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share first dance under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share first dance under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom share first dance under tent at reception at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom cut cake under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom feed each other cake under tent at reception at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom feed each other cake under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
maid of honor delivers speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom laugh during speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
best man delivers speech under tent at reception at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests listen during speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom laugh during speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
best man delivers speech under tent at reception at wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

Did I mention there was a lot of crying at this wedding?

guests cry during speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom cheers during speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and groom clap after speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom hugs best man after speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride hugs maid of honor after speech under tent at reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

wedding guests sit for dinner around giant table during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride and father dance during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

Most weddings have a loving, emotional Aunt my camera falls in love with. This might be my all time favorite Aunt. Watch this progression…

aunt takes photo during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
aunt cries during mother of the groom dance during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
aunt cries during dance with bride and grandfather during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
bride dances with grandpa during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
groom laughs during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests cheers during tented reception at small wedding at Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY
bride and groom pose for portraits in field during reception at wedding venue Knox Farm in WNY

Back to the tent for the rest of the wedding reception!

guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

This gentleman reminded me just a touch of Meat Loaf (the singer!) in the best possible way.

guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
guests dance during tented reception at wedding venue Knox near Buffalo, NY
rings on book during tented reception at wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY
tent in field at night during tented reception at small wedding venue Knox Farm near Buffalo, NY

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!

Tent and Rentals: McCarthy Tents & Events

Band: Vin DeRosa

Bride Preparation: Knox Farm State Park

Groom Preparation: Knox Farm State Park

Ceremony Venue: Knox Farm State Park

Portraits: Knox Farm State Park

Reception Venue: Knox Farm State Park

[…] if you just can’t get enough of these backyard type weddings, check out this post from a tented outdoor wedding at Knox […]

[…] 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, […]

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