Unforgettable Moments at Hannah and Mike's Stunning Wedding at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

As a wedding photographer with over 12 years of experience, I've had the privilege of capturing countless celebrations, but Hannah and Mike's wedding was truly a standout event. Having this be one of the largest wedding parties I've ever photographed, I must admit I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. However, the genuine joy and love that filled the day made it the ‘best wedding’ I've ever photographed.

A Dream Venue: Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

Decorated ballroom at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

The elegance of the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel set the perfect backdrop for this beautiful wedding. Every detail, from the stunning decor to the breathtaking views, the extremely helpful and friendly staff, this all contributed to the unforgettable atmosphere. The venue exuded sophistication, making it an ideal choice for Hannah and Mike's special day.

Getting Ready: A Perfect Start

Ladies got ready together at the Fairmount Salon in Jamestown, NY

The salon where the bridal party got ready was simply incredible, providing a serene space for Hannah and her bridesmaids. Meanwhile, the beach house served as an ideal setting for the guys to prepare and still enjoy some time by the water. This thoughtful arrangement ensured a smooth start to the day.

Guys lovin it at the Lakehouse

Thoughtful Details That Made a Difference

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the wedding was the detailed gifts given to family and the wedding party. These personal touches added a layer of intimacy to the day, showcasing their love and appreciation for one another.

Groom with mom at first look and heartfelt gifts

Dads tie clip, gift from the Bride, ‘Forever Your Little Girl’

Emotional Vows and Heartfelt Moments

The vows shared during their first touch, was nothing short of magical. I found myself a puddle of tears behind the lens, capturing the raw emotions of their first touch. The ceremony, adorned with elegant drapery and heartfelt words, was a sight to behold. The laughs tieing the day all together.

Bride listening to groom vows as they hold each others hands for the first time of the day.

Beautiful ceremony moment on the stunning shores of Chautauqua Lake

She did tattoo his face and name on her before the ceremony! LOL SO FUN!

The Bride & Groom enjoying their time during intimate photos.

Top-Notch Entertainment

The DJ kept the energy high throughout the evening, ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves on the dance floor. Working alongside the talented videographers and second shooter made the experience even more enjoyable, as we collaborated seamlessly to capture every precious moment.

Party was bumpin’ with DJ Bubble

A Memorable Send-Off

The ballroom was made for them - Bride and Groom enjoying a private dance

As the night came to a close, Hannah and Mike shared a private dance that perfectly encapsulated their love story, followed by a memorable send-off. The joy and celebration continued long into the night, leaving everyone with lasting memories.

Wedding send off with the bride, groom and wedding guests to end the evening

Capturing Your Love Story

I pour my heart and soul into every wedding I photograph. My passion for capturing love stories drives me to ensure that every detail is remembered, and I'm here to support you through every step of your journey. If you're looking for a photographer who truly cares about your experience, I'd love to connect and help make your wedding unforgettable.

Capturing Love: My Experience as the Photographer for a Surprise Engagement at Barcelona Beach, Westfield NY

As a professional photographer, there are moments in my career that stand out, and one such moment was when I was called to capture a surprise engagement at Barcelona Beach in Westfield, NY. This picturesque location, known for its stunning sunsets and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for a couple's unforgettable moment. 

The Excitement of Surprise Engagement Photography

When I received the inquiry from the groom-to-be, I was immediately filled with excitement. Hewanted to create a magical experience for his partner, yet he had an entire day of fun planned around Chautauqua County, NY and would be ending at Barcelona Beach in Westfield, NY. Honestly, I was honored to be considered to be a part of it. I’ve never met them, he had just seen my work from what has been shared on the web and said it looks like I know what I’m doing LOL. So The thrill of capturing genuine emotions and the spontaneity of surprise engagements make this type of photography particularly special. This is my jam, love in it’s purest.

Planning the Perfect Shoot

The planning process was crucial to ensure everything went smoothly for them. We discussed the timing, and his thoughts for the best spots on the beach. He wanted it to be intimate yet knowing it was a major summer holiday weekend and a popular spot, it could get peopley. So he thought on the overall vibe he wanted to convey. This place has a pure meaning to their story. They would visit here, build fires and just take in the beauty of Barcelona Beach. Golden sands, scenic views of Lake Erie, it offers numerous picturesque locations perfect for intimate photography.

I am very familiar with Barcelona so when he dropped the locator pin to me, I knew exactly what I would plan. I was especially excited as the golden hour, just before sunset, would create a warm, romantic glow that would enhance their photos and encapsulate the magic of their moments.

The Big Day: Capturing the Moment

On the day of the surprise engagement, he sent me a photo to show me what they looked like and what they were wearing. I arrived at the beach, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement. I set up in a discreet location, ensuring I had a clear view without being noticed by her. As the couple strolled along the beach, I could feel the adrenaline pumping; this was the moment I had been waiting for … he had been waiting for. We locked eyes and I knew, this is it.

Our eye lock :D

The big ask :D

When he dropped to one knee, the world around them seemed to fade away. The look of joy on her face was priceless. I captured every emotion – the surprise, the laughter, and the sheer bliss of the moment. It was a privilege to document such a personal experience. The beach was full of people, once he stood up, they all cheered. He wanted it to be intimate yet knew with it being a popular spot, he would be juggling people. They made the moment that much more special. My photo editing skills makes it seem like they had the beach all to themselves.

She said YES! The beach was cheering YAY!

Post-Shoot: Creating Lasting Memories

After the proposal, we had so much fun capturing portraits of the newly engaged couple. The beach provided an array of beautiful backdrops, from the gentle waves lapping at the shore to the vibrant colors of the sunset. Each click of the camera was a testament to their love story, and I couldn't wait to share the images with them.

The couples joy on the beach.

A Unique Experience

Being chosen as the photographer for a surprise engagement at Barcelona Beach was an experience I will cherish forever. It reminded me of the beauty of love and the importance of capturing life's fleeting moments. If you're considering a surprise engagement or any special event, I'd love to help you create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Whether it's a beach proposal or a cozy winter wedding, let's work together to capture your unique love story in stunning detail. FIND MORE OF MY WEDDING WORK HERE