Francesca & Brian’s Wedding!

What a beautiful blue sky winter day to post this beautiful winter wedding!! I’m so excited to share this one with you, friends, it’s so special

Ever since I moved to Central New York, I had people telling me that I would love to photograph at the Marriott Downtown in Syracuse! And man were they right! I first spoke with Francesca last summer on our way up to the Adirondacks, and she was recently engaged to her fiancé Brian and I remember her telling me they didn’t want to have a long engagement, they just wanted to be married! I loved the spirit of that and why they chose to be married in February – because getting married is the most important thing to them!

Francesca has a beautiful eye for details (as you will see shortly!!), and she also has a photography business on the side! So of course it was a huge honor to be chosen to photograph her and Brian’s wedding!

When I arrived at the Marriott Downtown, the girls were getting ready in their beautiful bridal suite, and I took all of Francesca’s details to the ballroom to photograph them in the beautiful natural light! I was in heaven, from the columns and photographing the dress shot, to capturing her details on her rose gold table runner! It really made it all come together! When it was time for Francesca to get dressed, her mom and her maid of honor helped her in the ballroom – the photographs were just stunning, and I loved the laughter between them! Francesca also gave her mom and dad some sweet gifts, and I could just tell what a special relationship they have. Francesca’s bridesmaids and little flower girls joined her in their sparkly rose gold dresses, and we took some amazing photos and even did a shot of them all twirling together as Francesca had envisioned! Anything for the bride!!

Brian awaited Francesca at the altar of St. Mary’s Church in Baldwinsville. As soon as he saw her, he got choked up – which was so sweet to see! They had a beautiful ceremony, which included the priest wearing a special sash presented by Brian’s sister in honor of their father, which had the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks printed on it, representing where they spent much of their childhood summers together at their Camp. Finally…Francesca and Brian were MARRIED and they were all smiles!! Perfect because their last name is Smiley!!

After taking photographs with their family, we drove to Onondaga Lake Park to take a few photos by the water of the new Mr. & Mrs! Then we went with the entire bridal party to Franklin Square Park in downtown Syracuse! It was such a beautiful location! A little tricky with the wind! But I have to say the bridesmaids were champs because Francesca outfitted them in furs AND LL Bean boots! Best idea ever!

We finished Francesca & Brian’s portraits in the Marriott’s ballroom – and oh my goodness am I in love with these photos of them! They look so happy! And, their ballroom all set up was to die for! The rose gold table runner on their long bridal party table, gorgeous floral arrangements, and 3 tiered wedding cakes…it was exquisite. Francesca and Brian also practiced their choreographed first dance, which before long they performed in front of all their guests! And they did AMAZING!

After their first dance, their best friends gave toasts, and dancing officially began! It was such a fun night, and dancing even included glow sticks, which looked like a blast. At one point in the night Francesca & Brian snuck up to the upstairs balcony just to look at all their guests having a good time – I love seeing brides and grooms taking a moment just to soak it in, because it goes so fast! Of course we went outside for some beautiful night portraits too, which was the perfect ending to their night!

I am so happy for these two, and I hope you love Francesca & Brian’s story! What a way to begin 2019 wedding season!

I can’t EVEN with this dress photo!!