I met Amelia and Melissa at a bridal show a few years ago.   Sweet smiles and excitement to be planning their wedding.   I was honored when they contacted me, and asked that I be their photographer.   We met up again at my studio – chatted about their day.   That’s always such a fun piece to me.  I love when I see that sparkle in their eyes, as they envision the details of their wedding day.  I clearly remember Melissa pulling up their wedding song, for me to hear, watching her listen to the words, and then tearing up!

Not long after, we scheduled a wonderful engagement session at Washington Park in Albany, NY.  Not only did they receive photos to use for the announcements/save the dates, but we were able to bond!   Engagement sessions are light in nature, laid back!  A perfect time to chat, get to know one another, and get the couple comfortable being in front of the camera.

In upstate New York, we can never be quite sure of the weather in October.  These lucky ladies couldn’t have had a more beautiful day!

I arrived at Franklin Plaza, in Troy, NY.  I met my second shooter, and went to say hello to the ladies.   Lynne would stay at the Plaza with Melissa, and I would head over to see Amelia at a hotel across the street.  Thank you again Lynne!

They both selected beautiful dresses.  Amelia’s,  full and accented with lace.  Melissa’s,  a more fitted satin, with gorgeous bead work.

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Surrounded by family and friends, the ladies were set to get into their dresses and get ready for their first look!

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2015-10-19_0016With the weather cooperating, we decided to have the two ladies meet outside.   They had both prepared letters, so we built reading them right into their special moment!

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I love the minutes just before a couple turns to see each other.  So much excitement! And,  I love it to be all about them.  I tell them to forget I’m there, to take it all in, enjoy this first time seeing one another on their wedding day. The moments and emotions happen naturally.

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Next up were family and bridal party photos.

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The ladies were able to take a little break, and freshen up before the ceremony.   A good friend was their officiant, and delivered a touching ceremony.

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Time to celebrate!  As the guest made their way to cocktail hour – the newly weds came with me to take a few more photos.

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The reception was filled with genuine toasts, cake cutting, and dancing.  It truly was my honor to be there on your special day.  Another heartfelt congratulations to you Amelia and Melissa!

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Be sure not to miss the pitching session!  A little surprised for these two that was snuck into the middle of their Father Daughter dance!  And Melissa brought her “A” game – straight down the middle!

2015-10-19_00212015-10-19_0028I almost forgot! In a mad dash…. I’m really not exaggerating LOL,   we got upstairs on the roof top for a very quick few frames as the sun set! Not a lot of time for fancy set ups, but we managed to get some of that pretty sky before it disappeared!

Congratulations again!