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Jake + Karen | An Engagement Session at Sunken Gardens

Mar 20 2023

A couple of months ago I was putting together my wording of what I might say on a post for the Rochester Area Wedding Swap Facebook Group and advertising for fun Engagement sessions in the snow. I put together the post and sent it on it’s way. A little while went by and I received a notification that Karen mentioned they needed an Engagement session and she wanted to have theirs in the winter also! Yay! We booked their date for this past week and luckily there was still snow on the ground, even following a couple of warmer days!

As we pondered over what time we should meet due to the sun’s activity, we decided to meet at noon, a time that I normally do not shoot at due to over powering sun rays and shadows underneath eyes, etc. But this day was perfect for a 12 o’clock session and Jake and Karen brought their A game.

Within minutes I could tell they were going to be easy to work with and they were nailing their poses effortlessly! We moved onto more advanced poses and some from Karen’s Pinterest inspiration board within no time and I am in LOVE with how they turned out!! Here are just some of my favorites from their session!

Maryna + Tyler

Oct 06 2022

Their day finally came!! Maryna and Tyler’s wedding day has been planned for a couple of years due to Covid and we just had their Engagement session (below) excitedly talking about their Wedding day coming up and before we knew it, their day had come! They were married at the stunning LaLuna in downtown Rochester, with their closest friends and family on a beautiful September day.

Before their ceremony we all met at a little section of High Falls for Tyler’s first look of Maryna. The bridal party saw her first then Tyler had to take a deep breath to hold himself up as he turned around to see his beautiful Bride.

After giving them a few minutes to greet each other and hug, we were lucky enough to have some shade where we needed it so we jumped right into bridal party photos and we had to capture the beautiful bouquets from Green Gables Florist!

Once bridal party was done, we jumped right into bridal portraits between Maryna and Tyler! (This is always my favorite part of the day!) Their love for one another is easily captured and we had the best time! The lighting was perfect but it was hot so I wanted to make sure I was keeping them comfortable in the shade as much as possible. Before we knew it, it was time for their ceremony!

Their guests started to arrive at LaLuna and the sun was shining! It was a beautiful setting. The ceremony started and Maryna made her way down the aisle to Tyler. Their vows were said and they had their kiss! Finally they were married! So much waiting led to this day and I couldn’t be happier for them!!

The rest of their day was a dream and I couldn’t run right home to start editing their gallery! Here are a few of our favorite images from their day!

Tyler + Maryna | Engagement Session

Jun 02 2022

Maryna and Tyler contacted me back in March of 2019 to book their Wedding date and before we knew it – Covid was taking over the world. They contacted me and asked to move their date to September of 2022, I was so glad I wasn’t booked! We moved their date and just scheduled their Engagement session a couple months ago. Our first session date got completely rained out so we shifted to this past Tuesday and we met at the beautiful Webster Park in Webster, NY. Let me tell you – it was meant to be! The lighting was perfect, the air was not too hot, not too cold, slight breeze, it was gorgeous!

We started at a section of the park where I spotted some sun coming through the trees while scoping the parks out and knowing it would grow dark in this location first, I knew we had to start there.

We made our way from this part of the park and went down to another little section that would soon be dark and used the bridge! They were such naturals!! They picked up on my posing within minutes and magic was happening!

After the bridge we made our way to the water front part of the park, giving the sun just enough time to start departing for the evening and gave us an awesome show!

We ended our evening and I knew I had to come home to edit these right away! I couldn’t wait! Here are just a few of my favorites from the session! They brought the HEAT and I can’t wait to celebrate their wedding in September!

Joel + Katie

Apr 07 2022

Katie’s Mom contacted me a few months ago asking if I was available for a date in June for her daughter’s wedding and was elated to say that we were! I chatted with her about their day and when I looked up their venue (to be announced at a later date), I was over the moon in love! Joel, Katie and I discussed some of their details and I knew it would be a dream wedding!!

Over the next few weeks, Joel and I texted a few questions and answers back and forth and we finally landed on a date for an Engagement session! Yay!! We met at Black Creek Park in North Chili and the weather was nice 61 degrees, little breeze and some nice clouds but I could tell Katie was a little chilly so I knew tonight was about cuddles to keep warm!

Within 3 minutes I could tell we were going to have a great session! Their smiles were contagious and immediately I could see why they were getting married, they beamed for each other. They told me they hadn’t had a lot of practice before and I told them I didn’t believe them lol, they were NATURALS! No fake smiles here guys!!

We had so much fun walking around the park and showing them our posing techniques for their wedding day and by the end, I knew we would be golden on their wedding day. I can’t wait to celebrate with them in June but for now, here are a few of our favorites!!

Matt + Sarah

Feb 11 2022

Matt and Sarah contacted me last year to discuss their wedding plans for May of 2022 and all the beautiful details to come. I couldn’t wait to start planning their Engagement session this winter however the snow didn’t seem to come at the times we needed it to or with little warning for planning so instead I suggested one of my favorite locations, Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park. I love the gardens inside and the private session time gives us the freedom to walk through without anyone in our shot. I must admit though, the cactus room is my favorite, it has the most beautiful glowy light coming in!!

We made our way from garden to garden and while I was showing them some of the most common posing we will be using for their wedding day, little by little their confidence started to come out and their natural smiles started to shine! It’s very normal to feel a little shy when first starting your engagement session but it is my job to show you how to relax and enjoy your time with your fiancé. They did just that! I am so excited I had the chance to work with them for the first time in a non stressful environment, they will be ready for their wedding day when we are in much more of a time crunch!

Here’s a few of my favorites from their session!

Dan + Amanda

Oct 26 2021

Amanda first contacted me two years ago and told me all about her and her fiancé, Dan. She told me that they would be getting married on Halloween and their day sounded so perfect! The location they chose was a beautiful one and I looked forward to their big day. As all of my stories go these days, Covid had other plans and Amanda and Dan were devastated that they needed to postpone their beautiful wedding day.

We discussed future dates and thankfully I had their new wedding date available and we shifted gears as this new wedding plan would be located in the stunning Catskill mountains in October of 2021. I couldn’t wait!

My assistant shooter and I made the 3.5 hour trip and staid in the charming Upper Delaware Inn which is about 12 minutes from the breathtaking Estates by Brophy where the wedding was being held and where the couple was staying. There are two amazing lodge (mansions by any sense of the word) where the bride and groom sleep and prep the morning of. At the other point of the triangular property, was the stunning outdoor ceremony location where Amanda and Dan saw all of their wedding dreams come true with bench seating and a beautiful arch placed perfectly in front of a river and a Catskills mountain as the backdrop. It was stunning. With a 1% chance of rain, we were in the clear. Or so we thought!

The day of the wedding came and even with such a low chance, it started to rain and the couple had to make the hard choice to move the ceremony into the location that their reception was being set up. I peeked my head in to see if I was able to capture some details and Amanda and Dan’s incredible wedding planner, (also named Amanda from Amanda Errands and Events) was taking an entire reception area down and transforming it to a last minute ceremony site. When I say I was impressed with what she did with the space on such a short notice, it would be a huge understatement!! Their day may not have gone as planned but what a beautiful wedding ceremony they had and even more, all that mattered to Dan and Amanda was that they would be married by the end of the day.

After the sweet ceremony done by Celebrations by Michele, we took a little time to do some family formals as the rain paused for just a short time. After finishing up, we took some time for the bridal party and it started to sprinkle again. We hurried through and the time came to get some portraits of Dan and Amanda. I was so thankful for this moment because I knew that we had worked together at their Engagement session and they knew my posing. Within 5 minutes, we had multiple poses, both traditional and creative in case it started to pour. We worked through a set of different poses then grabbed some umbrellas and decided to go see what scenery we could get from walking some of the beautiful paths on the property while the rain was light enough for us to do so.

I was so grateful that this area of New York held some color for their big day! It was lovely to shoot up against the yellow and oranges of the Catskills! Afterwards, we headed back up where the reception hall was getting ready for their introductions! They had a super fun reception with DJ Crewz and a lovely first dance as husband and wife.

We were so thankful to be a part of Amanda and Dan’s Wedding day, I can’t say enough of how sweet this couple was and how stunning their wedding turned out! Here are a few of my favorites while their gallery is being completed!

Brian + Riane

Sep 23 2021

Riane’s Maid of Honor had mentioned that she should look at my website last September for wedding photography. When she contacted me and told me all about the details of their day, I knew their time line was perfect for photographs in/around Rochester and I was ESTATIC when they booked!

When I arrived to Riane’s parent’s house the morning of their wedding, I saw the bridemaid’s in their stunning burnt orange dresses getting ready then Riane as she walked down the stairs in her robe, about to get dressed. She looked beautiful and I couldn’t wait to see her in her wedding dress! We took a few minutes to capture everyone getting their finishing touches wrapped up, Riane in her dress and headed out to have a first look with her Dad. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was a very touching moment for all.

We then headed off to St Monica in Rochester for the ceremony. It is a B-E-A-UTIFUL church with lots of natural light inside and out. The music began to play and one by one each of the bridemaid’s made their way down the aisle until it was Riane and her Dad’s turn. Everyone turned to look as they made their way down the aisle and Brian choked back tears and just looked her and gleamed. They met at the alter and Riane’s Dad handed her hand to Brian as they made their way to Father Ray. They had an amazing ceremony as their friends and family watched on and also vowed to be a part of the strength in their marriage.

After they kissed, they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife and shared another kiss before heading out of the church to start family formal photographs. After family formals were done, we switched gears to Bridal portraits between husband and wife and I am IN LOVE with how they came out!

We let the family go on ahead to the reception as we finished our portraits at the church and then made our way to High Falls for some bridal party fun! Those burnt orange dresses paired next to the navy blue suits were a perfect blend! Those beautiful bouquets are just stunning and were done by the very talented Jodi Rowcliffe!

We finished up the bridal party photographs and made our way to Highland Park for a quick shoot with just Riane and Brian before making our way to Max of Eastman Place in Rochester where we finished out portraits in the STUNNING twinkle light courtyard! These were some of my absolute favorites from their day!

Because of the ample time Riane and Brian left us for photography, we were able to sneak in for some details shots of the reception hall before anyone came in to sit. Before introductions, Riane asked if we minded following them to their favorite bar, Salingers, just a block away so they could have a quick drink and I knew we would be able to get a few good shots of them getting to take it easy for a few moments before the rest of the night continued!

We left the wedding party and walked back to Max of Eastman Place to get ready for introductions and dances! Once the introductions were done, we got to witness (and capture) dances between Riane and her Dad, then Brian and his beautiful mother. THERE. WERE. SO. MANY. TEARS! And DJ Keyyo from Roc The Party did an amazing job!

We finished up dances and started dinner where we had an amazing meal and went outside to give the wedding rings their proper photoshoot before our time was complete with this beautiful couple, and of course I found the twinkle lights!

I couldn’t wait to come home to edit my favorites from their day! The weather, the locations, the colors, the love… it was all perfect. We are so thankful we were trusted to capture their day. Congratulations Brian and Riane! It was our absolute pleasure to document your stunning wedding day!!

Here are some of my favorites (sorry, not sorry, it was really hard to narrow them down haha!)

Brian + Caralyn

Sep 03 2021

Caralyn and I have known each other since our younger school days and she has trusted me to take her family’s photographs over the last few years. While it was always great to see them once a year, it was a TREAT when Caralyn told me that her and Brian had gotten engaged and she wanted me to photograph their wedding!

Over the next months, we decided to meet up for coffee every few weeks to become closer friends and of course, talk wedding details! She told me about the fall colors of her bridesmaids dresses and what visions she had for their alter that a friend was building for them. I couldn’t wait to see it all come together! Weeks came and went and as we got closer, Caralyn showed her concerns for the weather showing for stormy but I assured her not to pay too close attention to that until we were days away… unfortunately even the eve of their wedding it showed storms throughout the day and we were trying to come up with a way to keep everyone covered during the outdoor ceremony. We met at the rehearsal that evening and when Caralyn’s father was asked to lead us in prayer he said “The weather man says one thing, Lord, but you say another… ” and after the rest of his touching prayer for their wedding day, we all said “Amen”.

The next morning, I immediately jumped out of bed to check the weather forecast and to my absolute shock, all the rain predicted vanished and it was set to be a clear day!! It was truly a miracle!

After photographing Brian and his groomsmen, we switched gears to Caralyn and her bridesmaids before allowing them all to get in cooler air before the ceremony started. Beautiful music started to play as we watched the processional began. We watched each of the bridesmaids walk down the aisle before Caralyn made her entrance. Once she was visible to Brian, it was obvious that to each other, they were the only ones there in that moment. Her Dad flashed her a big smile and she gracefully walked her way to Brian who had been choked up since he first saw her. They had an amazing ceremony and a beautiful kiss to seal the deal!

We went on to family formals and bridal party photos with their various colors but then onto my favorite part of the day which is Bridal portraits between the couple! We didn’t have long before they were being announced into their reception so we did some portraits in the pathway near the lodge and planned to go back out after dinner when the sun would be lower to the horizon line and that’s exactly what we did!

After dinner and some dancing, we went out for more Bridal portraits, where Brian and Caralyn were able to have a little alone time as I asked them to cuddle on the bench under a beautiful tree, then ended with a trip to the ice cream truck they had hired for dessert. (9 Cone Cone) I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by so we documented them having their wedding day treat in lieu of cake before Dan and I left for the evening. I’m so glad we did!

I am so humbled when Clients trust me with their wedding days, always, but when a friend allows you to capture the day as you saw it, it pulls on the heartstrings just a little more. Congratulations Brian & Caralyn!!

Here are a few of our favorite from their day!

Dan + Amanda

Aug 23 2021

Amanda and Dan both connected with me back in 2019 regarding their wedding planned for October of 2020. As the story goes for 2020, Covid brought everything to a screeching halt and Dan and Amanda chose to postpone the wedding until it was a bit safer for everyone. They planned their new wedding date for October 2021 at a beautiful location (that you will see coming in a future blog post!).

As I always tell every couple, their Engagement session is more than just pretty pictures to have in your memory box of a short lived milestone but a great way for you to learn how your photographer will work with you on your wedding day. We met at Al Lorenz Park in Mt Morris and after just a few short minutes, Dan and Amanda were like naturals and gaining confidence throughout their session. It wasn’t long before I had them doing some advanced posing techniques and the sun was falling right into line behind them! Their Engagement photos are forever documented and they will also be a lot more confident on their wedding day with their posing! I am so excited to share this next chapter with you when they finally say “I do!”

Here are just a few of my favorite images of their Engagement session!

Austin + Madi

Aug 23 2021

Madi and I first chatted back in September of 2020 and when she told me they were getting married at Jerris Wadsworth Wedding Barn I was elated! I love everything about Jerris and knew that they would have amazing scenery for their wedding portraits an delicious catering from Colby’s Catering !

When I first arrived on their wedding day, I found Madi upstairs in the bridal suite getting her hair done. My assistant photographer and I took some getting ready photos and then together carried Madi’s dress down to the ceremony doors outside for a little portrait session! When we returned Madi was getting her makeup done and I continued to stay with her as Dan went to go find Austin and the groomsmen.

When the ceremony started, it was amazing to finally watch Austin’s reaction as his bride walked down the aisle towards him. She had a confident smile on her face and her Dad was beaming proud. Her beautiful bouquet, the boutonnieres and the wedding arch floral arrangements were done by the very talented Avon Floral World. Their ceremony was about 20 minutes and they had a beautiful sand ceremony before Austin was allowed to kiss his bride. It was perfection!

At the end of family formals, it started to pour so we all went inside for announcing the bridal party and into Austin and Madi’s first dance as husband and wife. As soon as the rain cleared we ran back out for some portraits of just the two of them before another rain storm came rolling in! We had maybe 5 minutes before it started to rain again and because Dan and I have been trained to work under time constraints on wedding days it proved especially helpful on this day; we were able to get a good amount of images for their gallery in that short time!

We moved on to dinner, then dancing and there was one more break in the clouds that we took advantage of to sneak the rest of the bridal party outside for some quick bridal party photos. After that it was so fun to watch Madi, Austin and the rest of their wedding guests dance it up for the rest of the evening. It was an amazing day for them and I couldn’t be more humble to have been chosen to capture their day! Here are a few of my favorite images from their gallery!

Josh & Jacquie

Jun 01 2021

Jacquie and Josh met over a decade ago in their hometown of Caledonia, NY. They attended prom together and stayed together through college. We first got to know each other when they contacted me for their engagement session in January of 2019. It was a blast to say the least and their photos remain to be some of my favorites to this day!

Fast forward to June of 2020 when Jacquie told me that they had picked a date for their wedding for 2021 and would be thrilled to have me photograph their big day! I was so humbled and excited! 2020 came and went with all it’s glory and Jacquie and Josh made the hard decision to have a smaller, more intimate wedding this year and a full reception in 2022. Twice the party, why not!?

I arrived on their wedding day to Oak Knolls Manor, a gorgeous home with a breathtaking wedding barn in the back. I had a photographed here before so I knew it would be stunning. I found Jacquie’s dress hanging from the mirror when I walked in and her little sister-to-be thought it was the most amazing sight.

Once Jacquie was dressed and ready to head to the church, they made their way in the limo to First United Presbyterian Church; a charming stone church set on a quiet road in Mumford. Josh had already made his way to the front of the church and was awaiting her arrival. After their parents and puppies walked down the aisle, Jacquie and her Dad opened the doors to the church and made their way down to the front to greet Josh. Jacquie had told me ahead of time that she would be surprising her Mother with a rose from her stunning bouquet (by Justice Florist,) just as she had done for her Mother on her wedding day. They both were brought to tears and it was a beautiful moment to witness.

They had a beautiful ceremony with lots of love and laughter throughout and even a few tears. Following the ceremony, we made our way outside for some group photos then to the Genesee Country Inn Bed and Breakfast just down the street.

We spent some time with family portraits down by this beautiful little pond and the lighting was absolutely perfect!

After family formals, I knew they had reservations at the Caledonia Village Inn but I wanted to make sure that we captured some bridal portraits before leaving this stunning location!

We didn’t have a lot of time so I went through some natural posing and in no time we were capturing amazing images and within 10-15 minutes, we already had an amazing gallery of bridal portraits. As we were getting ready to leave, Josh asked me to recreate their prom photo near the sprinkler, as they had taken almost a decade ago. I was happy to make this happen and we headed over to the location. Within seconds, I saw a beautiful opportunity of some foreground in the photo and we ended up having another little photo session here before jetting off to our next stop.

Before heading in to their reception, we took advantage of some great lighting on Main Street in Caledonia and had a little bridal portrait session there, right where we had done their Engagement session a couple years before! It truly was amazing and what a fun day celebrating these two with their families.

Josh and Jacquie, thank you for allowing me to share your day with you! It was my honor!

Below are some of my favorite images from their day! Enjoy!

Matt + Nichole

May 20 2021

I first met Nichole when my daughter was in cheer camp a couple of years ago. While we didn’t have a chance to really get to know each other, but I always was excited to see her whenever I did the teams annual Christmas photos. When she contacted me that she was going to be getting married in May of 2021, I was elated to hear that she was going to be marrying a colleagues son that I had a chance to work with before a while back. We discussed their Engagement Session and when we would like to schedule it and they booked their wedding after our bridal consult!

We had their Engagement session at a private location in Caledonia and it was so fun to teach them the simple poses we use the day of their wedding to get natural and beautiful images.

We had a few phone calls the days leading up to their wedding day and we were growing more and more excited the closer we got! We met them at St James Episcopal Church in Batavia, NY for their rehearsal and got to see everything come together perfectly. Once everyone felt comfortable, we parted ways, but not for long. The next morning, I made my way to Oak Knolls Manor a little early to get a sneak peak at the barn and all of the glorious details that were waiting for everyone once the ceremony was complete. What a sight to see! What a barn! It was built by J.T. Wells & Sons which are known for their amazing structurally sound barns and it is still amazing people this many years later.

I made my way into the beautiful house where I first found balloons and sprinkled rose petals throughout the entire house. I found Nichole getting her makeup perfected and then hair. I went into the bedroom to find her breathtaking dress hanging on the mirror and a box full of invitations, rings, her necklace, ribbons and shoes and used her veil to create a nice little background for them to lie on.

After details, Nichole got in her dress and we made our way to a first look with her Father and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We then made our way to St James Episcopal Church in Batavia for the ceremony.

Violinists, scriptures, blessings, communion, piano playing and praying, were just parts of a beautiful ceremony in the church that has also married Nichole’s parents and grandparents; but after all that, they were now pronounced, Mr and Mrs Heins! After their kiss, they made their way outside to an intimate toast of champagne between the two of them.

After family formals, we made our way to a requested area of Caledonia on Main Street to capture a few images and then back to Oak Knolls Manor for their reception and of course we had to wait until sunset to go capture the bridal party and bridal portraits of the day! We then made our way back in the barn for cake cutting and dancing the rest of the night away. I also couldn’t help sneak their rings and STUNNING wooden flower bouquet out for a quick photo session while everyone was eating. (Bouquets and boutonnieres made by the incredibly talented Dusty Dog Designs)

Their day was filled with such love and laughter and I am so humbled to have been trusted with their memories. Here’s just a few of my favorites from their day!