Mohawk River Country Club | Asia and Tammy Wedding | Jay Zhang Photography
On this day, in the zenith (SAT Word right there) of the Autumnal season where there are plenty of beautiful colors to be had, Asia and Tammy get MARRIED. Like every couple, they’ve been waiting to have this day together for a while now, and its quite obvious (you will see in a minute) that when someone says “If you cry, I will cry” that its true for this silly, laugh it off type couple. When Tammy cried at the ceremony, Asia cried, and then I CRIED (even if you won’t have proof)
The Mansion Inn at Saratoga | Jen and Kim Wedding | Jay Zhang Photography
This day was always going to be beautiful and things couldn’t have gone any better on this wedding day! The weather was perfectly blue with a couple smattering of clouds just to keep everyone a little cooler on a hot August day. They both wanted to do a first look (My favorite!) and they were going to do it as a back to back but the one challenge, They both wanted to get ready in the upstairs room with the family that was more important to them.
Takk House + Troy NY Wedding | Corey and Kevin | Jay Zhang Photography
On THIS day in July, It was a hot day - Ironically enough we were all worried there would be rain so we were first coming up with a rain plan - then as the days got closer, it was definitely NOT going to rain. Instead, Mother Nature said “Let there be sun” and TONS of it. It was a hot and humid day, thank goodness for AC at the Marriott Troy and Takk House because we took advantage of all the cool interiors as much as possible.
The Mansion Inn at Saratoga | Rick and Nate Wedding
Rick and Nate are two wonderfully witty and smart people who can match each other’s “humor” and banter word for word. They both strongly involve themselves in the community and are always willing to do anything they can for their loved ones. They started their day together, helping each other put on the details of their outfits. They both were ready to have a great time with all their loved ones and it shows but how much laughing they do with each other and with their party! It was truly a perfect weathered October Wedding Day.
Ampersand Bay Resort | Ryan and Matt Wedding
Ryan and Matt were friends first, and over time they became more than friends. A long story of being together and having fun to being apart and hating every minute, to returning to each other and well, as they say - the rest is history. They were both nervous, in their own little ways, Ryan the soft, quiet and methodical was excited, only slightly nervous and doing everything that he was doing as planned for the day. Matt, the whirlwind, ready to have some fun and just couldn’t stop laughing and giggling until the very moment we had to take him to the first look. The moment of the first look was indescriable.
Sure, I’m a little bias because I’m also in a relationship that slightly mirrors this, but in that moment when they saw each other for the first time that day, it was as if all the ice had melted, the world had faded away, and warm comfort emitted from their beings. THEN THE REAL FUN BEGAN when the party came into play, and BOY were they ready to PARTY.
Shakespeare on the Hudson Catskill NY | Peter and Jason's Wedding
Peter and Jason both work in the medical world, helping others and working towards a healthier better world. In a world where two hyper compassionate people meet, it becomes a world full of love from everywhere, friends, family and each other. At this point i’ve said that the day was a perfect day for all my weddings, SO WHY SHOULD THIS ONE BE DIFFERENT?! It was a bright sunny day, easily filled with loving guests who were READY TO PARTY. It just can’t be helpped, people had already started partying before I even got there! We made some beautiful photos, and fun and happiness was had by all!
Pat's Barn Wedding Troy NY | David and Joseph's Wedding
David and Joe have been WAITING for this moment. Two people who are both loving and caring and genuinely nice people have finally met each other and have decided to combine their lives. Even if their lives have been intertwined for quite some time, its through this momentous moment that these two were joined officially. These two who have been put together, let now one asunder.
Camp Centerland Wedding Buffalo NY | Darcy and Jonathan
Darcy and Jonathan are both tabletop RPG nerds and fantasy buffs who were destined to be together. If you don’t even understand any of those things, you better start learning because we’re going to throw some D-20’s up in this blog and slay some dragons. Having met while working at a summer camp while also nerding-out together, they decided to make the theme to their wedding “Hobbits Go to Summer Camp” which based on all their details, made their day identified to them SO Well. It was a hot summery day, the sun was out, the people were smiling and they were both super nervous and excited.
They didn’t want to do a full first look, but they did want to do some sort of first look, soooo we did a super emotionally charged NOT First look, but hand holding and hugging, and crying definitely ensued. Blindfolds and crying, and sniffling, definitely a tear jerking moment.
It was the perfect day.
Catering: Annie Krause of Rouge Cellar and Chiavetta’s Chicken
Venue: Camp Centerland: A program of JCC Buffalo
Emerson Spa and Resort Wedding | Erika and Alex's Wedding
Erika and Alex are SO adventurous. Let me just say this to all my upcoming couples, BE ADVENTUROUS, take the little bit of a risk for your photos. I always try to keep my clients safe, dry and clean but sometimes you just gotta trust me a little to get some amazing shots! These two were up for anything, I am so grateful because Kristen and I scouted the site early on and found some great spots for photos. It was raining that day and you know the old adage about rain… its wet, I mean good luck on your wedding day 😅😅😅.
There’s an old saying that rain is lucky on your wedding day because when you tie the knot on your wedding day and it rains, the knot itself is harder to untie. Think about that for a second ;-)
Ready to see some adventures?
DJ: Evan Moore
Venue + Catering: The Emerson Resort and Spa
Hair + Make-up: Lipstick N Lashes
Flowers: Fleurtacious Designs
Officiant: Rev Kristina Hansen
Dresses: Alex - Blue Rayne Bridal | Erika - DeAnna’s
Rings: Doyle & Doyle
Century House Wedding | Latham NY | Laurel and Barb
These two have been waiting and waiting and WAITING for this day, with complicated situations barring the logistics of the event actually happening, it was FINALLY the day that these two got to tie the knot with each other. It was a beautifully happy day with these two beautiful women who just so badly wanted to be together and with each other. I don't know these two outside of them being together, but from what I've heard, they are the happiest they have ever been since they have been together, and all I wanted to do was document their happiness together. There was just so much love during this day. They were surrounded by family members who they wanted to share their day with, and the love that exuded the room was overwhelmingly heart warming. I'm pretty sure it was the perfect day for them, and i'm sure they'd want to do it again if they could!
Old Daly Inn at Crooked Lake House Wedding | Tamara + Luisa | Jay Zhang Photography
What a beautiful day. I couldn't say enough about how important family is to both Tamara and Luisa. Family means everything, and to these two, they both mean everything to each other. Their details were beautiful, their setting was beautiful, their ceremony was beautiful, THEY. WERE. BEAUTIFUL. I'll cut to the chase, Lots of crying, lots of laughing, and lots of loving.
John Boyd Thatcher Park | Tamara and Luisa's Engagement | Jay Zhang Photography
Tamara and Luisa are such a fun couple. They love to be silly, they love spending time with each other, and they LOVE to LAUGH. Our engagement session was filled with so much laughing, and loving and cuddling. There was even a bit of adventurousness, and some derpy climbing with attempts to not slip into the thawing river, but maybe I'll let them explain that one ;-). On to the cute photos!
NYC Central Park Engagement | Peter and Jason
I can't lie, it was a rainy Sunday in the middle of the city and there was no evidence of it stopping anytime soon! Fortunately, these two were up for the adventure as the rain sometimes took some moments to waiver in its strength and allow us to be less wet. Might I add that the penguin umbrella was not planned? It was essentially the perfect prop for the day, and we played in the rain. regardless of where we decided to take photos, things were quiet, allowing this hard working hyper focused couple to really enjoy their time with each other.
Thatcher Park Engagement | Erika and Alex
Compassion for others runs through the blood of these two, and when two kind hearts come together, it becomes so apparent that they carry their compassion through into their relationship. Although they live in NYC now, I can't wait for their Wedding! There were a lot of laughs and a lot of conversations that were had that might very well be embarrassing (but I couldn't hear it, i swear!). I don't know what they are like apart, but together they are calm and collected, hearts of ease and comfort. Let me show you what we made that day!
Century House Wedding | Michelle + Gina's Wedding
Michelle and Gina Tied the knot! It was a crazy day filled with a lot of love, a lot of family, and a LOT of friends. There was even a special guest appearance! You'll just have to scroll through to see... ;-) This has been a long time coming for them, and with everything being just the right timing and things working out for the better, it was a day to remember, and like every couple tells me, it felt like it didn't even happen because of how fast it all went by. That is what Photographers are here for. Let me just jog your memory.
Buckley Farms | Lisa and Roxana
This sweet Brooklyn Based couple wanted to have their small intimate wedding up in the capital region, specifically at the Buckley Farms! I love this spot, its filled with so much wholesomeness and ease. Things could not have been more perfect for a low key, light hearted, and exciting day filled with lots of loved ones and lots of heart felt tears. I say this a lot but I felt so honored to have been a part of this intimate day.
Apple Greens Golf Course | Anna and Kirstie's Wedding
I feel like I can't say enough about how these two feel about each other, there's this calming effect they must have when they are together because even when things aren't going perfectly, once they are together, none of it seems to matter - and it shows in their faces, and in the way they hold each other, make each other laugh, and even when they poke fun because its no longer too serious, it becomes light hearted. Love means when you look at the other, you are finding peace and balance, you are finding someone who you admire and pushes you to be better, and you find yourself prioritizing them over yourself sometimes. I felt so truly lucky to have shot their wedding.
Honors Haven Ellenville NY | Mat + Mike
Mat and Mike have already "officially" gotten married but still wanted to have their celebration with all of their loved ones, friends and family and everyone under the rainbow. Honors Haven was the perfect place for them to do it, as the day was gorgeous and their photos essentially captured the care they have for each other, the sillyness and relaxed nature of their relationship, and the teamwork and communication that was displayed through their efforts in making this day the perfect day. #MatMike17
Birch Hill Castleton-On-Hudson | Mike and Adrian's Wedding
It was a good day for a Wedding. They started the day, getting ready with each other, slowly putting together the details of their day attire on and getting ready for portraits. They were getting married in STYLE. We walked around right around the State Capital and Plaza to create gorgeous photos of them in their massively stylish outfit. When it was time to get to the venue, everything was falling into place. We also were doing some Shenanigans with the Wedding Party before the Ceremony... You'll just have to scroll to see the ridiculousness!
New Traditions from Same Sex Weddings
Same-Sex marriage is no different, in fact, its just a Marriage. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, lets talk about new traditions that are coming into light now that everyone wants to have their own wedding.