Valerie and Michael’s Fayetteville, NY Wedding

It was an overcast fall day in Upstate NY when Val and Mike exchanged vows.

With rain in the forecast, that didn’t get either of them down. There was too much excitement and love going around to be worried about any type of weather happening at Onondaga Golf and Country Club.

I always love to start my time off with a details flat lay on wedding days.

Typically, this consists of all three rings, your bouquet, the entire invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, loose florals, and any other sentimental items. This portion of the day is always optional, but it really sets the gallery up and creates a permanent memory of the details you worked so hard to pick out. If the groom has details (even just a few) at his getting ready location and you’ve booked a second photographer, those will get captured as well.

Choosing your getting ready location is important.

Valerie got ready right down the road at The Craftsman Inn and Suites and Mike got ready upstairs at the Onondaga Golf and Country Club. Having your getting ready locations in a close proximity to the venue is essential if you are trying to have a stress free wedding day. It cuts back on travel time, which in turn gives me more time to photograph you and a less stressful timeline. Lighting is also very important, so making sure you choose a place that has a big space for bridal portraits as well as natural light will help your portraits look *chefs kiss*.

After Val was in her dress, we headed to Onondaga Golf and Country Club for their first look.

Val and Mike decided to read their vows facing away from each other before turning around and seeing each other for the first time. The anticipation was building and it was such an emotional moment for them. I always encourage my couples to do things that feel right to them and don’t just do a traditional way you’d think a first look would go just because that’s how it’s always done. This felt right for them and I’m so glad we stuck with it.

After their vows and first look, we went right into couple’s portraits.

Sometimes couples like to take only a few portraits and go straight into wedding party photos (saving couple portraits for later on), but Val and Mike chose to take all of their portraits before the ceremony. This is something I highly suggest for a stress free wedding day, giving you more time with family and friends later on at the reception. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your hair and makeup fading with the day!

Onondaga Golf and Country Club was the perfect setting for portraits.

No where else in the Syracuse area can you get this type or architecture both inside and outside of the property. The rain held off for us, too, so we could utilize both places for couples portraits and wedding party photos! Although it was a little chilly in October, we made it work and you would never be able to tell that in the photos.

Val and Mike’s wedding party brought the energy for their photos!

Since it still wasn’t raining, we chose to continue photos outside. Even though the wedding party was on the larger side, we were efficient and quick! The bridesmaids still wanted some cute photos with their umbrellas and I was happy to accommodate.

The rain started just as we were headed to Liverpool, NY for the ceremony.

It couldn’t have worked out any better for us! The location of their ceremony was extra special, as Val’s parents were married at this same church. This day was so meaningful and special for the bride and groom. No tears were spared.

After the ceremony and family photos, cocktail hour started!

Onondaga Golf and Country Club filled up their reception room with beautiful decor and florals! It was easy to photograph and the colors really felt like a fall wedding. During cocktail hour, I love acting like a fly on the wall and just capturing the more candid moments between you and your guests! It makes for great memories to look back on and really brings you back to the feeling of your wedding day.

Intros, First Dances, and Speeches were all before dinner.

Getting all or most of your formalities out of the way before dinner really helps to keep the timeline going. I always suggest parent dances right after your first dance just so you don’t have to worry about getting everyone’s attention after dinner! Of course, cake cutting is ideally the last formality and would be done following dinner service to open up the dance floor.

Val opted for a cute dress change for her reception.

This is a great idea if your formal wedding dress is a little bigger and you want some freedom on the dance floor. Not a necessity, but definitely a fun twist to the night!

Vendors

Venue: Onondaga Golf and Country Club // Photographer: Emilee May Photography // Hair and Makeup: Wave Salon // Florist: Affections Floral Design // Rentals: The Adirondack Ink // Day-of Coordinator: Hometown Events

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