Ellen & Bryan’s Wedding!

Friends, I hope you had an incredible Christmas! Derek and I definitely have been enjoying our time in Florida with family! It’s so crazy that this is our last week in 2018 and it’s almost the New Year! What a sweet time to reflect on all the beauty this last year has held. Before I get into those reflections, I have to share my last wedding of 2018! This one is one for the books!!

Ellen and Bryan are truly the sweetest couple! You may remember their engagement session on Lake Ontario this summer and that gorgeous sunset! They planned an elegant wedding in Troy near where they live – and I had no idea the beauty I would be walking into this day in November!

When I first arrived at the hotel where Ellen was getting ready, it was raining like crazy outside – I remember dragging my camera bag through the largest puddle ever – and I was hoping to find her in good spirits. And she was, smiling from ear to ear getting her hair done with her girls in a gorgeous bridal suite! I know that’s why the weather turned so beautiful, Ellen and Bryan were just happy to be marrying each other no matter what!

All of Ellen’s details were so beautiful and romantic, and her gown was just gorgeous! I loved capturing her friend and her mom help her get dressed. And then she had a teary first look with her dad which was so sweet! Then she was ready to go see Bryan, and the rain had just stopped! We planned their first look in front of their venue the Franklin Plaza Ballroom – and it was just perfect! They both smiled from ear to ear, the sweetest! We took some gorgeous portraits of these two, and even captured some foliage in the background. Then we headed to their church in downtown Troy, just a few blocks away.

Their wedding ceremony was traditional and beautiful, and before long they were married!! We took photographs with their family and then took the bridal party outside by some beautiful foliage. Then we headed back to the Franklin Plaza Ballroom with the bridal party, and then the light came out for portraits with Ellen & Bryan. We went up to the rooftop to take more photos of these two and we had no idea how MAGICAL this light would be as they danced on the rooftop! I was in photographer heaven for sure!!

Then, they went inside to enjoy their beautiful cocktail hour while I captured the most elegant reception room I’ve ever seen, with its high ceilings, beautiful florals and romantic candlelight everywhere. Ellen and Bryan entered and did an amazing choreographed dance – so dreamy (and they nailed it!) Then they sat down for speeches by their friends and parents, and then got the dance party started! Ellen and Bryan were on the dance floor with their guests all night enjoying every moment! They had late night food put out, and they cut their beautiful cake. And of course we took some amazing night portraits outside on the rooftop which were so romantic! They ended the night by all their guests surrounding them for their last dance, and coming in close with hugs.

Ellen and Bryan’s day was definitely filled with love, joy and laughter. And I wish these two all the love in the world as they start their marriage! I hope you enjoy their story!!

Love these colors!!