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Rochester Wedding Planning Guide!

Wow. Just wow. Our wedding wouldn’t have been as fantastic as it was if it weren’t for Gary’s fun, creative, and professional presence there with us throughout the day and evening. He knows exactly how to make you and your future spouse feel like the most important people in the world on the most important day of your lives. Between the two of us, we must have received at least two dozen comments from our guests about how great Gary was, and we couldn’t agree with them more! It’s not even a question: you NEED to hire Gary.

Sarah & Sam

Where to even begin. Gary had a huge part in almost every aspect of our wedding, from where to have the ceremony at the venue to what I should do for my nails. He was super easy to communicate with and always responded in a timely manner. Every guest absolutely loved him and raved about him, about how nice he was, how funny and how he got everyone comfortable in front of the camera. All around our wedding would not have been as amazing as it was without him there. And then there are the pictures. Absolutely stunning. Made me cry looking at them at how perfectly he captured the day and my husband and I. Highly recommend for any and all events you need a photographer for.

Alex & Felicia

Having Gary as a part of our wedding day was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I feel like he truly captured our genuine personalities through the photos, but his attention to detail is unmatched. We’ve only gotten a sneak peek at our pictures so far and we are blown away.
He was so much fun to work with, and truly made us all feel so comfortable and happy.
Having someone who not only takes gorgeous photos but is also wonderful to work with makes me feel so lucky. If you’re looking for that person, Gary is definitely the one.

Sydnie & Mark

Working with Gary was a dream come true! He was so sweet and brought incredible energy to our intimate mountain elopement. My partner and I can be quite shy in front of the camera, but Gary acted as a fly on the wall allowing our day to unfold naturally. When posing was necessary he kept the posing very simple as to not make us uncomfortable.
A few hours after our ceremony he even delivered us same day prints in a gorgeous wood box- a perfect keepsake!
I cannot say enough amazing things about Gary! I would definitely recommend having him for your wedding or elopement!!

Kyra & Josh

We are so glad we had the chance to work with Gary for our engagement and wedding photography! As you can tell from his portfolio, he has a great eye and talent for capturing love stories and the energy of an event. Beyond his skill with the camera, we really appreciated his communication and organization throughout the wedding planning process. He was available for any questions and helped us plan and adjust our wedding day timeline to fit our vision. Gary made sure our wedding day ran smoothly with his flexibility and fun energy. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed interacting with him. Overall, we had such a positive experience working with Gary and highly recommend him to any future couples!

Kathryn & Adam

My husband and I are so thankful to have worked with Gary! We know that we made the right choice in choosing him to capture the most important day of our lives. Gary is creative, kind, passionate about his work, and professional - Gary surpassed our expectations, and we cannot recommend him more! He made us feel at ease throughout the day and was always concerned about how we were feeling and if we were remembering to eat (thanks Gary!) His photos are true masterpieces that we will treasure forever.We cannot wait for him to capture our future milestones!

Gabby + Gauthier

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Our 8-hour wedding package is designed for couples seeking to capture the essential moments of their special day without overextending the timeline. Perfectly suited for wedding where the ceremony and reception take place at the same location, this package is ideal for those who prefer a streamlined coverage approach.With an emphasis on key moments, this package caters particularly well to couples planning a "first-look". It allows ample opportunity to savor precious time with friends and family during the reception, focusing on candid interations and heartfelt celebrations. Embrace a worry-free day as you share unforgettable experiences with your loved ones, knowing we will handle the photography with creativity and care.

Wedding Photo (8 Hours) & Engagement Session

Our 10-hour wedding package is tailored for couples who desire comprehensive coverage of their special day, capturing every moment from the excitement of getting ready to the joyous energy of the dance floor. This extended package is perfect for those who want to relish every detail without feeling rushed. With this option, you'll enjoy the luxury of time to create stunning pre-ceremony potraits, capture heartfelt vows, and document the celebration as it unfolds throughout the day. We will be there to capture candid moments, cherished interactions, and the vibrant atmosphere during the reception, ensuring no precious memory goes undocumented. The highlight of this package is the 20 instax prints you will get at the end of the night along with their digital version so you have something beautiful to show off on your social media right away.

Wedding Photo (10 Hours) & Engagement Session

Our 12-hour wedding package with highlight film is the ultimate choice for couples seeking complete coverage of their wedding day, ensuring that every detail is captured and cherished, from the early morning preparations to the last dance of the night. Additionally, this package includes a highligh film that compiles all the essential moments of the day into a beautifully crafted visual story.Enjoy peace of mind as you immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding, knowing that no moment will go unoticed.

Wedding Photo (12 Hours) + Highlight Film (2-4 Minutes) & Engagement Session

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On a beautiful day in Canandaigua, NY, we had the pleasure of capturing a magical engagement session at the stunning Sonnenberg Gardens. This location is not just a garden, it's a sprawling, lush haven of natural beauty that serves as a fantastic backdrop for any couple's love story. From its picturesque landscapes to the myriad of flora that blooms in abundance, the gardens offer a wealth of opportunities for unique and captivating photographs. Our day was filled with exploration of this enchanting location, from the quaint, cobblestone pathways to the vibrant, blooming flower beds that added a splash of color to every image. However, amid all this scenic grandeur, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the chemistry between Neha and Greg.Just like most couples I've had the privilege to photograph, Neha and Greg admitted to being a little camera shy. They were anxious about looking awkward in front of the lens, a sentiment that is not uncommon among couples who are not used to being photographed. However, I reassured them that it was perfectly normal to feel a tad awkward. After all, having a camera focused on you is not an everyday occurrence.I encouraged Neha and Greg to simply be themselves, to interact with each other as they normally would, without worrying about the camera. The result was beautiful, authentic moments that truly encapsulated their love story. Their laughter, their shared glances, and their tender touches were all brought to life in the photographs. Their natural interaction with each other was so sincere that it was clear to see the depth of their love. Their comfort with each other in front of the camera resulted in photos that were not just beautiful, but also true to their relationship.The genuine bond between Neha and Greg was a joy to witness and an absolute pleasure to capture. The love they share is one that's palpable, a love that's easily seen and felt in the photos. The magic of their engagement session at Sonnenberg Gardens was not just about the stunning location, but about the connection between two people who are deeply in love. That, above all else, is what made this session truly special.

Engagement Session at Sonnenberg Gardens - Canandaigua NY

There's something truly magical about capturing moments as they unfold naturally. That's what Andy and Hannah wanted for their special day and I couldn't have been more thrilled. Their preference for candid documentation resonated with my own goal - to capture the genuine emotions and spontaneous moments that make each celebration unique. Their request was more than just a job for me, it was a delightful journey that I was excited to embark on.
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The celebrations took place at the beautiful <a href="https://www.instagram.com/argosinn/">Argos Inn</a>, a location that never fails to impress with its charm and elegance. The historic manor, surrounded by lush greenery, made for a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the beauty of every shot. Every detail was meticulously planned and coordinated by my dear friend, Kayla from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kmlyonevents/">KMLyon Events</a>. Her expertise and dedication ensured that everything ran smoothly, making my task of documenting the day's events a breeze.
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One cannot forget the significant role played by the team at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovejohnnyandjune/">Love Johnny and June</a>. Their makeup and hair artistry transformed Hannah into a radiant bride, while still maintaining her natural beauty. Their work not only made Hannah look stunning but also made my job of capturing her beauty and glow easy.
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Adding to the perfect day was the spirited performance by the DJ team, the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedutchessofspiritposse/">Dutchess of Spiritposse</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/psychicpsalms/">Psychic Psalms</a>. Their infectious energy and eclectic mix of music kept the guests entertained and the dance floor packed throughout the evening.
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Documenting Andy and Hannah's day, from the excited preparation in the morning to the joyful celebration in the evening, was a truly rewarding experience. The laughter, the tears, the love, and the unexpected moments - all captured candidly - made their wedding story a unique one. And the fact that I got to work with such a fantastic team of professionals was the icing on the cake. This celebration was, as expected, perfect in every sense of the word.
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Andy & Hannah at Argos Inn, Ithaca NY

Someone once asked me, 'What made you want to be a wedding photographer?' It's a question I've pondered over quite a bit, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that initially, a part of it was about being able to pay my bills. After all, who doesn't enjoy the financial stability that comes with a steady job?
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However, my journey into photography started during a peculiar time. It was 2020, the world was in lockdown, and I was nursing a broken heart from a failed relationship. I needed a distraction, something to shift my focus and bring a sense of purpose back into my life. That's when I picked up a camera.
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Photography turned out to be more than just a distraction. Through the lens, I began to see love stories that I wished were a part of my past. Each click of the shutter was a moment captured in time, a precious memory forever etched in a photograph. It was as if I was relearning and rediscovering love itself.
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Being a wedding photographer is not just a job for me. It's a privilege. My couples often teach me lessons about love, patience, and forgiveness that no book can explain. For instance, I've learned that it's not cool to dropkick your future husband for coming late from a golf game with his buddies, even if you have every right to be mad. I've also learned that every moment, whether it's filled with joy or tears, is worth celebrating.
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In the end, the satisfaction I get when my couples are happy is an incomparable feeling. It makes every late night editing photos and every stressful wedding day worth it.
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As I share this personal journey, I know my partner is reading this too. She's one of my biggest supporters, and to her, I want to say, 'I'm not dwelling on the past or wishing for a different story. I'm happy where I am.'
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The world of wedding photography has gifted me with the chance to witness and capture love at its purest form. And for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you for allowing me to share my 'why' with you. And as they say at the end of a TED talk, 'Thank you for listening.'