On a beautiful June morning we headed off to meet our bride Maria in Rochester. She was getting dressed at her parents home, and we love shooting preperation and detail shots of the bride getting ready. Upon arrival her hair was done up, makeup applied and her Sophia Tolli dress was safely tucked away in the closet. With a slight obsession for bridal gowns… I instantly grabbed the hanger, gently took off the protective covering and unveiled THE dress. (Wedding gowns are sooooo important as they can compliment your wedding theme, accent a brides curves and turn the head of every guest.) After capturing the beauty of Maria’s dress with the doorway light, the bridesmaids began assisting Maria slip into her gown. The detailed bodice and corset back wrapped her figure perfectly to create an amazing silhouette, and pair with her flower bouquet she had a perfect look for amazing images.
Meanwhile, Anthony was arriving at Meadowbrook Hall of Rochester, the site of the couple’s ”first look” moment and bridal party session. (A first look moment allows couples to see each other prior to the ceremony and shoot their bridal images early.) Steve and I arrived on the mansion property to see an eager groom, so we quickly got him situated on the garden patio so that his back was turned to his soon to be bride. Maria stepped out of the limo and strolled to the garden area, approaching Anthony with a tap on the shoulder. The groom turned towards his bride with a grin, embracing her and enjoying the moment. He then grabbed her hand, backed away and took in the beauty of Maria on this special day. This was a moment I’ll never forget.
We let the couple enjoy a few minutes together, then grabbed the bridal party to begin shooting the some fun and modern bridal portraits. The iron gate was the highlight for me on the historic property, something so old and rustic was a perfect backdrop for a pristine bride and her groom. The bridal party was wonderful to work with, keeping us laughing the entire day. The possibilities were endless as we continued to stroll the grounds and shoot this uber fun wedding party.
The mid-day fun wasn’t over as we followed the groomsmen to Gus O’Connor’s in downtown Rochester so they could grab a few beers be for the official “I do’s”. The pub was great and even set up shots in a domino effect, allowing Anthony to do the honors of tipping the glasses. After a couple rounds, we headed to Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club of Oakland Township, the site of their outdoor ceremony and private reception. The Club offers a gorgeous gazebo over looking the golf course. Family and friends gathered on the property filling the white chairs and awaiting the start of ceremony. Anthony emerged from the left walking behind the officiant and taking his place at center stage. The bridal party gracefully walked down the pathto make their way to the gazebo setting. Soon Maria emerged from the top of the hill with her arm wrapped around her fathers, she was beaming. The ceremony began, the couple exchanged vows and rings, and officially became husband and wife.
The evening continued as we took the golf carts along the course for some additional bridal images, while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour with great appetizers and drinks. Right before dinner, DJ announced the bridal party and the new couple to a reception room that was filled with linens, stationary and Mancuso’s flowers adorning the accents of gold and pink. Maria & Anthony enjoyed a great dinner at the Club with their guests, with the rest of the evening dedicated to dancing the night away. Friends and family broke it down on the dance floor with Michael Jackson type moves, everyone putting their hands out for Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” song and many more.
Maria + Anthony: We hope you enjoyed your wedding day and offered you memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to create images on your special day. We truly enjoyed each moment and wish you all the best as you continue down the road of wedded bliss!!!
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by studio405
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