I’m finishing out my Pride Series Blogs for this month with a very special couple who were SO DOWN to go to Mass Moca for their engagement. Lets just say we had a LOAD of creative fun with everything in there. If you have not been to Mass Moca, definitely worth a day trip! Dana and James were ready to ham it up for the camera, and already knowing James as a friend made me very surprised finding out how much more shy they seem to appear when around Dana. There’s something the other that eases each of them into a softer, lighter view of the world when they are together - and I think that’s amazingly beautiful when I get to see this in couples.

Anthony and Andrew first Met at City Beer Hall so it only made sense that we start their day HERE at City beer hall. Caring, the ability to care, to nurture, to uphold and to help flourish are evident in the smallest of acts - wiping away dirt, caressing the cheeks, holding hands, sharing inside jokes, holding each other up over fears of height. All these things they did this day and it made me so excited for their day. Even though as I’m sitting here making this small blog of their engagement, I know that through all of the hard times faced by the whole world over the crazy health pandemic - They will hold each other up. That’s what makes relationships last.

These two just love to laugh with each other… CONSTANTLY, and its the best! Whether its when Ben says something silly or mildly existential out of context, or when Kevin tells an engaging story, they just love to highlight all the funny and good moments. This was definitely one of those times when laughing together means crazy amounts of good times during our session. Nervous at first, we quickly moved into a comfortable place to create hugely cool photos while also LAUGHING their butts off. Indie Cover band couple anyone?

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)

What more do I need to say about Asia and Tammy? They are a low key, fun loving couple who deeply love with all of their being. Silly, Sarcastic, and always a good time - We took an engagement session with these two at Schodack Town Park, maybe one of my new favorite places for a nice wintery sunset through the forest (you’ll see what I mean at the end). This is a place that is not without beautiful fall colors and a fun path through a small forest, close to the river and plenty of room to roam.

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.

We’re starting off this week’s Pride Celebration with a couple who’s created a beautiful life together already and they only want to continue this adventure together. Kim is a bit shy, very intellegent, and so compassionate you just want to give her hugs all day and Jen is an outspoken, heart on her sleeves and self sacrificing kind of person who would do anything for the people she loves.

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.

These two are nerdy, silly, passionate, and downright FUN to be around. They were down for capturing their personalities in multiple different places in the city that they love so much. A bit of role playing maybe, but a couple of really unique compositions while they joked, sarcastically participated, and in some quiet moments, softly enjoyed each other’s company. Philly is one of my favorite cities to just be in, walk around, and explore the congruence of Historical and Modern Architectural elements. I would come back here in a heart beat, if not for the city vibes, then for these two amazingly fun and chill couple!

Sam and Jeremy are such Sweet people, low key, chill and always thinking about their loved ones - Even on their own wedding day! They honestly just wanted to celebrate their day in the least resistance and more relaxed way possible, and FOR SURE it was a success. They would do anything for each other and have been with each other through some good times and some hard times and whatever waves may come crashing on their shores, they are ready to weather it together (CUE The cheesy alert). But Seriously though, Portland Maine where they live, at a BREWERY with Family, LOWKEY drinks and dancing all night, and an after party at a pub. If this doesn’t say Sam and Jeremy, I don’t know what does!

Its amazing what memories come flooding back when I’m creating these blogs and it just reminds me that I love doing this because I love storytelling. Sam and Kevin have been waiting for this day for a while and we definitely talked over the logistics of the day to death on how it was going to go down because THIS WEEKEND WAS MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND. Why was this important? Well…

Jin is a quiet but fierce and loving individual, complimenting Dennis’ Quiet, Caring and humble demeanor. You could tell that all they wanted to do was be with each other and laugh with each other. No First look with a ceremony at the church, there was no other way that they would’ve wanted this day to go. With the amazing details and arrangements in the spaces, it was the perfect day for these two. Their party was equally fun and ready to get down to the fun! Always a good time with Nick Maddalone entertaining the dance floor!

Okay first off, this is QUITE the story and I pretty much tell this story all the time now and Secondly, if I havn’t already said this, my couples are THE BEST and are worth adventuring for EVERY time. This day was a wedding day of course and what they say is, Rain brings good luck - do you know why? SIDEBAR

Rain brings good luck because a wet knot is harder to untie, when you pull on a wet knot it only gets tighter. For you scientists and physicists, because a wet knot has a more condensed volume allowing the fibers to be closer and tighter etc. etc.

So its an on and off rain type of day and these two were supposed to have their wedding on top of the Hudson 360, but because of how saturated the grounds were, it just wasn’t going to happen, dreams crushed right? Aaaaaabbbbbbbsolutely not! Alexis was determined to get up that hill because it was one of her dreams. Luckily, I packed some trash bags in my bag and some plastic bags because being prepared is my name. She also had socks and boots. THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

We get to Stable gate for first look, and yes its romantic, one of my fav moments, you’ve heard it all before BUT LET ME TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

Brian, being the steller guy he is, is ALL IN FOR THIS PLAN. Helps Brooke with putting Socks and Boots on Alexis, pokes holes in a trashbag and has her hop into it to protect her dress from dragging, puts on double bags on each foot to protect his shoes from getting wet, and OFF we trot with Sarah Connor, Coordinator Extraordinaire leading the way to avoid horse “landmines” and UP THE HILL WE GO. The entire time - Alexis is excited, frustrated with the rain yes, but just exstatic that we got to get up on the hill. I mean, talk about magic. Lesson learned from this day?

1. Marry someone who will have these adventures with you

2. Mother nature best beware of Alexis

3. If there is a will, there is a way.

Now, Meg and Bill are one of the chillest couple’s i know, and what’s important to chill couples? Chill friends and a bumping party, which of course, Caroline of Upbeat Occasions ALWAYS brings when she’s Dj-ing. They were definitely a little nervous, but more so excited to see each other for first look, they just wanted to be together and party together and having this moment with just the two of them was perfect. We were able to enjoy time documenting these two causing shenanigans with each other and making each other laugh, but most importantly, avoiding messing up that beautiful hair done up by Ashley. Only way this day was going to get better, was if reception was a load of fun, and boy was it ever.

Colleen and Bill (And Bear!) are a super fun and FUN LOVING couple who are up for adventures. The city of Albany hold a very special place in their hearts, so we explored the city where they met, and where they lived and worked within. This day was NOT SHORT of TONS of laughing, tons of really silly and RIDICULOUS things happening, and definitely creations of some more moodier photos with some quiet moments.

Katie and Pierre have been waiting for this day for ever - These two were so excited this day they were juuuust a little bit nervous. They just wanted the day to go perfectly and being focused on the moments they get to share with their family and their friends was exactly the things they were looking forward to. The day started a little slow, but as soon as they got to see each other, things just ramped up so quickly! BTW Shenanigans Galore.

Ali and Josh are the type of people who love a good adventure, and isn’t afraid of change and going with the flow when they need to. Set up for the best possible outcome but have alternate plans for the worst outcomes. There was a chance that their ceremony was going to have rain as the forecast was predicting, but as we started to check the hour to hour time, we were relieved to have just a small chance where the rain would stop by the time First Look was happening at Thomas Memorial Bull Park, a gorgeous little place out in Montgomery NY.

The day started and it had already rained in the early morning, but it was mostly drizzling by the time I had to be at Ali’s Parent’s home for some details and getting ready photos. Everyone was definitely ready to party and have some fun and in good spirits, especially Ali and her Mom. We put the finishing touches on Ali’s Makeup and Hair, and adjustments to her dress – and when we say we I mean her mom and her bridesmaids – then we were ready to go meet Josh at the park.

We got to the park and I met up with Josh who was extra excited – classic Josh. Bright eyed and bushy tailed and with the biggest smile and ready to do the first look with his love. It had JUST slowed down from drizzle to barley anything – so we set Josh up in place, and gave Ali an Umbrella, and then… well History!

Sam and Kevin were super nervous at the beginning and as the day went by they were super excited and down for any new ideas I’ve been waiting to try out. We explored Washington Park and ended up at the Plaza of which we made some pretty steller shots that i’ve only been picturing in my head. They were game for something new and fresh. The day was nice and warm and their smiles were out all day. I made kevin do the “High school Jock” pose just for fun but something tells me that he’s done this particular stance before seeing how he looks so natural going into it, Sam’s facial reaction pretty much sums it up ;-)

I can’t wait to share with you their wedding in May which is JUST around the corner, can you believe it? It’ll be here in no time!

Fun loving couple who are beautiful and silly and just love life? These two. They are a super chill couple who love a good adventure, but they also love being low key and easy going. We were being silly and overly dramatic and just having FUN all day on the property of the Sagamore Hotel and the day could not be any more GORGEOUS. They are having their wedding at The Barn at Lord Howe Valley and I could not be any more excited! We wouldn’t be super close to the water of Lake George, so why not an engagement session near the water to compliment this prospect?

Oh yea, We also practiced turns and twirls because her dress was SUPER FAB. It needed to happen. I was obsessed.

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