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Matt & Nichole’s Engagement Session

Jun 29 2020

I first met Nichole when she was my daughters’ cheer camp coach at school. We didn’t have a chance to talk much but we clicked instantly when Nichole asked me about wedding photography! I was so excited to hear all about her and Matts’ Wedding day plans next year and when she said she wanted to do an Engagement Session, I was over the moon! I love working with couples before their big day, it just helps everyone the day of to feel confident and helps the portraits turn out so much more natural! I also wanted to make this super special for them as Nichole has been one of the front line workers of this pandemic and I cannot express my gratitude for her braveness!

This was my first session back from Covid shut downs so it was a little different to direct the entire session from afar but they were perfect together and made it so easy! We made our way from one end of the property to the other, enjoying each bit of different light from all angles. We worked our way to the weeping willow trees for a bit and ended our session where the perfect amount of sunlight was glistening through the trees of the beautiful driveway.

Here’s just a few of my favorites from their session! I can’t wait to be photographing their Wedding day next May! Congratulations you two, I am honored to be your photographer!

Sean & Helen

Jan 08 2020

Sean and Helen called me about a month ago to discuss their wedding day plans for next September. They shared their dreams and hopes of their big day and Helen goes “Oh! And I would LOVE snowy engagement photos!!!” Shriek! I LOVE winter engagement sessions!

After Mother Nature had other plans for our first date, we decided that everything happens for a reason and rescheduled to the following weekend. What a great decision! We arrived to find a soft blanket of snow across the beautiful Livingston County Park in Mt Morris which offers a beautiful gazebo, snow covered bridges and some beautiful walking paths.

We walked the length of the park with their pup, Ellie and laughed our way through their session. It was chilly but so worth it! We had a lot of fun creating these memories and I’d love to share some of my favorites with you!

Joey + Dominica

Sep 21 2019

Lamberton Conservatory, Rochester, Wedding, Photography, Photographer, Moss, Bride, Groom

The Couple

Dominica and Joey first reached out to me last year to set up a Bridal Consultation so we could meet and see if I was a good match to their wedding photography needs. Little did we realize, this would be the start to a beautiful friendship! As we sat at a diner and chatted, I realized this couple was exactly why I wanted to capture love; and they booked their wedding and engagement sessions with me that afternoon!

We arrived at their engagement session, the fireworks started and I began to LOVE working with them!! Here’s one of my favorite images from their engagement session last year!

Corbetts Glen Brighton, NY Engagement Photographer — Corbetts Glen

Growing their family

When Dominica contacted me and told me that they were so happy to announce they were expecting, I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to be chosen to photograph so many memories to come! From a baby shower, gender reveal, maternity sessions in the snow and Mommy and Me portraits with their new little bundle of joy, I have come to absolutely fall in love with this little family! Here’s a few of my favorite images from our sessions over the last year!

The Wedding Day

After many sessions with Joey and Dominica, I had no doubt that their wedding day portraits would be epic! We started at the Double Tree Hotel in Rochester where the girls started their preparations. Dominica’s dress hung on a personalized hanger on a beautiful mirror in the room. Her bridesmaids helping from all angles to make everything perfect.

Wedding, Photography, Double Tree Hotel, Rochester, NY

Once the girls were ready to go, we headed down to the limo and onward to Chapel Hill for their ceremony! I have never photographed in this church before so when I first stepped in, I was awe-stricken. What a breathtaking site. Dominica’s father walked her down the aisle to an awaiting and anxious Joey and for the first time ever, I saw a tear roll down her cheek and I was no longer able to separate photographer from friend and got a little choked up. What an amazing moment to be able to witness.

After some laughs, tears and a sand ceremony, they were introduced as Man and Wife! We headed outside for some family portraits and before we knew it, we were back in the limo to go tour some of Rochester’s best photo locations! We first stopped at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Manhattan Square and took advantage of the gorgeous stairway falls.

Wedding, Photography, Martin Luther King Memorial, Rochester, NY, Photography

Dominica and Joey hadn’t eaten in a while so what’s a wedding party to do? Stop for some Wendys Spicy Nuggets, that’s what!

We then ventured off to the STUNNING Warner Castle/Sunken Gardens at Highland Park and had some fun with the arches, stone walls and stair cases!

From there, we hopped in the limo and took a short trip to the Lamberton Conservatory where we were greeted by some ducks, turtles, beautiful moss and more stunning views each room you entered and personally, my favorite part of the bridal portraits 🙂

After spending about 30 minutes here, we headed to our last stop and reception location, back at the Double Tree Hotel where there were tables of sweets, a beautiful draped dancefloor and all their friends and family waiting to spend their evening celebrating them. It was a glorious event and I am honored to have spent it with them!!

It was impossible to only choose a few but here are some of my absolute favorites from their big day! It’s amazing to watch your clients’ visions come to life and come together like a true fairytale. (And it helps when you look like a real life princess!)

Bridget + Zach

Sep 11 2019

Cobblestone Wedding Barn, Scottsville NY, Wedding Photographer — Cobblestone Wedding Barn

The Couple

Bridget and Zach first contacted me earlier this year. They had hired another photographer for their engagement and wedding but after a poor experience with their engagement session, Bridget wanted to look for another option. She contacted me and we hit it off completely. She told me they were getting married at the stunning Cobblestone Wedding Barn, which I know very well, and that they wanted someone reliable and professional. I was flattered that they chose to trust me, instead, for their wedding day.

A few months went by and I was holding a contest on my facebook page. The winner would win a gift certificate and some fun merchandise. After a week of sharing, liking and commenting, I was SO happy to announce that Bridget had earned her win and was able to use her gift certificate for an engagement session so we could work together before her and Zach’s big day!

Black Creek Park Rochester NY Engagement Photographer

The Wedding

When I first arrived, I entered the bridal suite to find beautiful bridesmaids all getting ready. Bridget was starting makeup and her daughter was showing off her pretty dress; I quickly jumped into action and started capturing all the small details. After getting dressed and getting a few bridesmaids photos and first look with Bridgets’ Dad, (The smile never left his face, it was amazing to witness.) it was time to walk down the aisle!

Bridget and Zach decided to have their ceremony in the Ceremony barn on the property. With beautiful wooden beams and stunning luminary lighting, it offers a modern rustic look to their wedding. Their ceremony was so lovely!

This venue offers so many beautiful backdrops at any time of the day. With the time crunch of wedding day scheduling, it’s almost impossible to photograph them all, so I try to pick the best lit areas at the allowed time of day for portraits, that way each wedding gallery is a bit different from the same venue. Here are a few of my favorite bridal party portraits that were taken right after the ceremony at the front of the cobblestone house.

Next we went into Bridal Portraits. Zach and Bridget had so many genuine laughs and it was awesome being able to spend their first moments of man and wife with them. We were able to visit a few of my favorite portrait locations on Cobblestone’s property and get some amazing shots.

We moved into the Reception barn so that Bridget and Zach could be announced. They moved right into first dances; a serenade toast from the Maid of Honor and one of the funniest Best Man speeches ever recorded, releasing everyone to have a great rest of the evening, dancing ~

Here are my favorite images from their gallery.

Alex & Tiffany

Aug 10 2019

Deerfield Wedding Photography — Deerfield Country Club

Preparations

Arriving into the bridal suite, there was a sea of beautiful ladies buzzing around getting hair and makeup completed. I found Tiffany and gave her a big hug! I couldn’t wait to capture these beautiful moments for them! Girls have so much fun!!

The Ceremony

Their Ceremony was nothing short of stunning! Beautiful sunlight shining from above and a soft breeze coming from the east. Alex and Tiffany shared their vows and had a hand ceremony. A few family members read their own passages and Tiffany and Alex sealed their marriage with a kiss. It was genuinely beautiful to watch.

The Reception

The happy couple shared their first dance as Husband and Wife while family and friends looked on. A few laughs and dips on onlookers smiled in joy for both of them. So many proud faces.

During speeches, Tiffany’s Dad gave a speech that helped me learn a little more who Tiffany and Alex are. Caring, tender and loving were just some of the words used and it was an emotional speech, even for me!

Sunset Bridal Portraits

After dinner, Alex, Tiffany and I hurried outside before dancing began to soak up some of the yummy light that was dipping through the trees of the beautiful Deerfield Country Club. Here’s just a few of my favorites!

So many amazing people came to wish your marriage the best of wishes, Tiffany and Alex, and I wish you the absolute same! It was an honor to be a part of your special day!!

Dave & Nicole

Jul 29 2019

We first met at their Bridal Consultation. Dave and Nicole told me they met working together at ADT and have been together 8 years. As I, myself had a long engagement, I was happy to hear how they evolved over the years and were now ready to plan their Wedding Day!

When they told me they were getting married at Cobblestone Wedding Barn in Scottsville, I was elated! Not only have I shot sessions and weddings there before, the staff is wonderful and the everywhere you look is picturesque!

When I arrived, Nicole and her sister were finishing some of the details for the reception so I took the opportunity to take her dress for some photos!

Then came the preparation part of the day! When the countdown really begins…
Here’s a few of my favorites!

Before we say “I do”

A new tradition that I see growing more common is holding hands before the traditional ceremony. I love this moment for the Bride and Groom as it gives them a moment to connect after being separated all day and about to be surrounded by family for the rest of the evening. This moment, even though they can’t see each other, are connected more than ever…

The Ceremony

Once Dave saw Nicole walking towards him, it was hard for him to hold in his emotions. He was overcome with love and they read the most beautiful vows to each other.

Bridal Portraits

I have to be honest, of course I love all portions of a wedding day, the Bridal Portraits are my favorite part. It’s my time with the couple and usually are the images that are hung as canvases in the couples’ home.

The Reception

With Hans and Princess Leia as their theme, they danced the night away with great company surrounding them with love. Here’s a few of my favorites! Look at the beautiful interior of the Cobblestone Wedding Barn!

Ben & Nicole

Jul 16 2019

Our first session

I first met Ben and Nicole for our bridal consultation last year. They told me that they were in the planning stages of their wedding day and that their venue would be at the Jerris Wadsworth Wedding Barn in Caledonia, NY. I have had many sessions there and LOVE the beautiful grounds it has to offer. Ben and Nicole decided to trust me with their special memories and booked their wedding and engagement session with me that day!

A few months later, we met again for their engagement session and within minutes, I realized how amazing their wedding album would be! We had the most magical sunset engagement session at Linear Park in Penfield, NY where Ben proposed to Nicole.

Preparation

When I first arrived, Nicole was in the bridal suite perfecting the finishing touches and we were heading down stairs to meet Ben for the first time for the day.

The Vows

Ben and Nicole had decided to read each other their private vows before the ceremony but wanted to keep tradition with not seeing one another until the ceremony; so they picked a beautiful location on the grounds to hold this special Vow Ceremony. When they reached back to find the others’ hand, my heart just melted. Below are some of the images from their gallery of their Vow Ceremony.

The Ceremony

Outdoors at the beautiful ceremony location of Jerris, after all the bridesmaids had walked down the aisle, the ceremony gates were closed and Ben was waiting to see his future Bride for the first time in her breathtaking gown. The doors open, music plays and Nicole appeared with her father by her side and they began to walk down the aisle.

Ben could do nothing but smile but anyone could see he was fighting back tears. His bride looked stunning and she was on her way to say “yes” to him, forever.

Bridal Portraits

After the Ceremony, we went into family, bridal party and bridal portraits. After the formals are done, bridal portraits allow time for the Bride and Groom to enjoy a few moments alone with one another; well, with me nearby capturing these important memories! Bridal portraits were taken before Reception but we were able to go out near sunset to capture a few more, here’s a small gallery of just some of my favorites!

Can you believe how gorgeous their flowers are!? They were designed by Nicole but created by Sungrove Blossoms Florals and Events!

The Reception

From the speeches, to the “Shoe Game”, to the decor… everything was perfect. Nicole and Ben had a vision and it came together seamlessly! The rest of the evening was spent dancing, mingling and celebrating their new marriage. Here’s just a few of my favorite images from their reception!!

What a fun and breathtaking day!! I look forward to seeing their love story grow older as the years go on, I know they will have a long and happy marriage!!

Vendors

Florals: Sungrove Blossoms Florals & Events

Catering: Colbys Catering

Venue: Jerris Wadsworth Wedding Barn

Dustin & Brittany’s Winter Engagement

Feb 04 2019

The Session

Brittany and Dustin have been dating for 7 years and on December 10th, Dustin proposed. When they contacted me to do their Engagement Session, I, of course got really excited but in addition, I was swarmed with beautiful snowy photo ideas; and since we had never met before, I also wanted to help them feel super comfortable with me so that their images reflected the love they have for one another. Anytime I meet a new Client, my first priority to get them comfortable with me and my second goal is to get them to forget that there’s a camera on them. I know, that sounds impossible but my documentary style photography tends to be shot from afar and work my way closer as the session goes on. This helps them loosen up, understand that it’s “really not that bad” and within, honestly, just a few moments, love starts taking over.

The Ring

During their session, I quickly learned that Dustin had custom designed Brittanys’ Engagement ring himself. It was a stunning solitaire diamond from the front view with accent design underneath. It is breathtaking, especially hearing how proud he was at his design and it looked fabulous on Brittany!

They’re such an awesome couple and we had such a great time at their Engagement Session (even though it was 32 degrees) and while they are still working on their Wedding date and plans, I am so excited to start seeing their new chapter of life starting and what a FUN couple they are to work with!!

Below are some images from their amazing gallery!

Josh & Jacquie’s Engagement

Jan 04 2019

The Couple

Josh and Jacquie met in high school when they were 15 years old. They volunteered as camp counselors at the same park as my kids attended during the summer and Jacquie (and her family) have been very involved with Cheerleading at our school district for many years and Josh’s step mother was one of the Mom’s at parent pick up, so I was lucky enough to have some common ground to strike up conversation at the beginning of their Engagement Session.

The Session

When I first started talking to Jacquie about what her visions were for their session, she told me they had recently moved to Georgia and they wanted their Engagement Session in the town that they fell in love. What an amazing idea!

When I shoot in a more urban location, such as a town or city, I always think contrast. I want to see everything around the area pop all around them and this was the town that brought them together! We live in a small town so all the scenery around sparks joy. *Quoting Marie Kondo*. When selecting a location, I like to have an idea of what textures we can play with and brick is one of my favorites!! The session started with them telling me that they had never had a photo shoot before and were super nervous about posing. I educated them on my style and how this is meant to be a FUN experience and not stressful in any way. It’s a way for them to connect mutually while experiencing something new and that when they rely on each other for the laughs, (and me for casual posing and direction) that they would be professionals in no time. This photo was taken 3 minutes after we started. As soon as I educated them on what to expect and how important this milestone is to be captured in the light of them, they immediately softened up and so many laughs came afterwards!

Half way through our session, we had hoped in our own cars to travel to another location close-by (not walking distance in the freezing cold) and when we arrived, Josh had just received a call that he had landed a new position at work and was super excited. This brought even more to our session with their excitement and I was so glad to share in this moment with them! One day at a time, their lives just keep getting better and better!!

While light was fading fast and the wind picked up, I wanted to finish our session up on some old train tracks that aren’t used anymore. I love leading lines and while it’s INCREDIBLY dangerous to shoot sessions on train tracks, this is one of the few tracks that is no longer in use so we took advantage of the leading lines! (and their puppy came along for some too!)

Want to see more!? Check out some more of their beautiful gallery below!

LeRoy County Club Wedding

Jul 29 2018

“WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND DESTINY BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY! DESTINY IS A WONDERFULLY FUN AND FRIENDLY PERSON TO BE AROUND, AND AN AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER. SHE IS VERY PROFESSIONAL BUT SO EASY TO WORK WITH, AND WE HAD A BLAST TAKING PHOTOS WITH HER! THE PICTURES SHE TOOK ARE STUNNING AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE HER HARD WORK IN ENSURING WE CAN CHERISH THESE MEMORIES FOR YEARS TO COME.” – KATHI

A year in the making!

Ian, originally from LeRoy, NY; and Kathi, met in Germany while Ian was living abroad. They fell in love almost immediately and had an intimate ceremony while still in Germany.

I was contacted by Ian’s Mother who was over the moon excited for them to have their reception here in Upstate New York . She told me that they would be having a reception for Ian’s side at the Leroy Country Club in LeRoy NY, where he’s from.

The day I arrived at their reception, the first thing I noticed was how angelic Kathi looked. She immediately came up to me with a huge hug and I fell in love with her myself! Ian just looked so lovingly at her and it was impossible not to notice how the two truly cared for each other. Then she threw me the keys to my own golf cart and we got to cruise around, and guess who drove their cart?!

After some breathtaking photos of the two of them, we headed back to the Country Club to get some group shots of their friends and family.

The Reception

The reception was indoors with tasteful floral decor at the venue. They decorated the venue with flowers and tealights, because they wanted to keep it simple. They chose LeRoy Country Club because of the stunning views of nature and the outdoors. It was a classic wedding, which gave it such a timeless feel. I love shooting these styles of weddings because the surroundings are just incredible. When shooting an event, the atmosphere around me tends to steer my proverbial visual wheel. If the theme is a light and airy wedding, such as with pastels, the day flows through with a light and airy atmosphere. Their decor brings more to the “light and airy” atmosphere around us, opening up the room with a less cluttered feel. The feeling I felt that day begins to take shape while editing their images and I get to deliver a gallery that brings back the same emotions and senses that were present that day!

They had a small dinner in the afternoon, and Ice Cream Truck in the evening. Moments before it was my time to leave, I heard someone say “The Ice Cream Truck will be here in 15 minutes” and I couldn’t help but stay!!

The most fun part of the day was the dancing, because it was so romanticand personal. Their dance moves instantly made my heart feel happy! They also had parent dances during the party – it was perfect.

Ian and Kathi’s wedding was so laid back and allowed everyone to have a genuinely good time.

Let’s look at some of their stunning images below!

If you’re planning a LeRoy Country Club wedding, get in touch!

Vendors:
Venue: LeRoy Country Club

Ice Cream Truck: Lugia’s Ice Cream

Corey & Jennifer’s Angelic Wedding in Belmont, NY

Jun 01 2018

Corey & Jennifer’s Angelic Wedding in Belmont, NY

Jennifer first contacted me in 2016 while trying to find a photographer that would accommodate her wedding plans for 2018.

She told me that many details were still up in the air but that the most important part of the date would be that her late infant son and parents would be remembered appropriately as their chose his birthday as their Wedding Date. I thought this was such a unique idea but I knew that I could help.

I explained to Jennifer that I had lost a daughter at 10 months old back in 2012 and I understood what it meant to have some wedding portraits taken at the cemetery of your loved one to include them into the wedding details. I was humbled by this request and knew we had connected for a reason.

The time has finally come

The Wedding date was fast approaching and as she began to tell me all the updates to their plans, her beautiful vision began to take a emotionally beautiful shape.

I arrived at an abandoned church located directly next to the cemetery where both Jennifer’s parents were laid to rest. Corey and Jennifer’s son also memorialized with them. The ceremony was set up directly to the side of the church just beyond the cemetery fence. Most brides’ run to hide from sight is from a Limo to a bridal room; this was uniquely heart warming as she staid on her parents side of the fencing and almost immediately, she expressed that she felt better having them all nearby.

After a short and sweet ceremony, I watched one by one, guests making their way through the gate and down the rows of headstones to get to the corner in the back where their family lay. Today was their son’s birthday. The significance of this date will forever be changed. Adding a little more sweet to the already, bitter sweet date for them.

Once Corey and Jennifer had time to talk with friends and family directly following the ceremony, they too, made their way across the green grass to their family’s’ corner.

Jennifer bent down and whispered to the large headstone with all three of their names on it and placed three flowers at the base. I had a deeper understanding of why she had hired me. Not only did I understand the loss of a child and parent, this was the moment she didn’t want to me judged for. She wanted to have her time with her parents, her wedding next to a cemetery and needed a photographer that wouldn’t look at it any differently than if it had been the Ritz. This was a comfortable place for them, this was where their beloved family lay and it was the only place they could have had their ceremony so that the dearest of family could attend. I felt so honored to share in this moment. I captured it respectfully and gave them their time.

After some mingling, the bridal party, myself and some close relatives, headed down to Angelic Bridge located nearby and the name spoke so loudly to me. It was perfect for them.

We took some stunning portraits of the two of them and then had some family join in for some fun! After family portraits were complete, we let family head off to the reception site while the bridal party and I staid behind just a little bit longer. I walked up to the overpass of the bridge and wanted to capture it from many angles. It was massive and beautiful to say the least. The last set of poses, we got a little more daring and decided to take a few from the middle of the roadway. We had lookouts on guard from either angle (because, safety first). Sometimes the fastest portrait sessions are the most fun, a little daring and angles not many are able to get (or crazy enough, depending on how you look at it) are sometimes the most unforgettable.

The Reception

We all headed off to Corey & Jennifer’s beautiful home where they had a large white canopy tent waiting. There was pastel decor with flowers all around. – It was stunning. A mixture between pink, whites and corals filled the room with handmade lanterns, pastel paper flowers, wooden signs and many other stunning decorations.

When it came time for the speeches, I was blown away at the strong words of the Maid of Honor. Her love for her friend was unlike any I’ve seen. You could tell she had been there when the thick was thick and now today, she was standing there for the best of the best. I will admit that I have cried with couples on their wedding day but this day touched my soul.

Corey spun Jennifer around on the dance floor and after a making sure I captured details, dances and candid shots of guests, the day that had waited so long to arrive now felt so short!

I could not thank these two enough for the amazing experience of being their Wedding Photographer.

Check out some of these awesome images from their gallery!