Kelsey Gene Photography

November 28th

Stephanie + Brian’s O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow Wedding

O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow Wedding , East Aurora, NY

October 18th, was a chilly fall day with plenty of sunshine and the most vibrant leaves I think I’ve seen all season.

O'Brien's Sleepy Hollow Wedding, East Aurora, NY Wedding Photography Buffalo WNY Wedding Photographer

O'Brien's Sleepy Hollow Wedding, EO'Brien's Sleepy Hollow Wedding, East Aurora, NY Wedding Photography Buffalo WNY Wedding Photographer

Both Stephanie and Brian started the day getting ready at the historic Roycroft Inn, in East Aurora, NY.
Stephanie, her mother, soon to be mother in law, bridesmaids, grandmother, and three nieces, all gathered around as the talented ladies from Blush Hair and Makeup helped everyone to look their best. While the groomsmen had a relaxed morning and shared a drink out of their antique beer steins, gifted to them by Brian.

THE FIRST LOOK

Once everyone was ready for the big day, Brian and Stephanie shared a private first look in a tucked away little courtyard of the Roycroft. I personally love the green tones of the portraits we were able to capture there. Check out the tree above their heads with the Dr. Seuss looking berries. Bonus points to anyone who can name that tree!
We then headed to O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow, the location of the main event! The grounds there are so pretty, especially in Autumn. I was blown away by how much color there was in the leaves.

THE CEREMONY

Brian and Stephanie had a lovely ceremony, directed by a close friend who was ordained just so that she could marry these two!
Afterwards, we snuck off for a few more portraits with the beautiful couple, before heading to their reception.
It was such a fun evening. We even had an unexpected guest, a small little barn owl that hung around for cocktail hour.

THE RECEPTION

Once the dancing started, everyone was excited and ready to get moving! The highlight was definitely all the moms dancing to ‘The Git Up’, which if you haven’t heard it yet, google it NOW! It is hands down my favorite line dance to date. The moms’ dance was awesome and incredibly entertaining, especially with their matching cowboy hats!!

O'Brien's Sleepy Hollow Wedding, East Aurora, NY Wedding Photography Buffalo WNY Wedding Photographer, the git up dance

All in all, it was the perfect day. Beautiful in many ways. I am so happy for you, Brian + Stephaine! And I can’t wait to meet the newest four legged member of your family!!! 😉

THE VENDORS

Venue: O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow

Photography: Kelsey Gene Photography

Florals: Maureen’s Wholesale

MUA + Hair: Blush Salon

Dress: Victoria’s Dress Shop

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November 21st

Ashley + Brian’s Wadsworth Homestead Wedding, Geneseo, NY

Ashley + Brian’s Wadsworth Homestead Wedding, Geneseo, NY

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Wadsworth homestead wedding photography, Rochester Buffalo wedding photographer, Wadsworth mansion

I clearly remember receiving Ashley’s email inquiring about their Wadsworth Homestead wedding…. I literally jumped outta my chair! I knew immediately, I wanted to be the one to document her and Brian’s incredible day. Ashley has a bubbly joy that makes it impossible not to smile when you are with her and Brian’s laid back demeanor that quickly puts you at ease.

My assistant and dear friend Rachel and I made a weekend out of our trip to Geneseo, NY. We had a great time at our little farmhouse we rented from AirBnb, full of squeaky floor boards and friendly chickens.. but that’s another story!

I was sooo excited to see the stunning venue, The Wadsworth Homestead. Goodness, I was NOT disappointed. I’ll say it a million times… PLEASE SOMEONE HIRE ME TO COME BACK HERE!! I fell in love with everything about the family owned mansion. Will, the owner, was extremely helpful and kept the day running smoothly.

Ashley and her girls had a easy going morning in the mansion. Getting ready, sipping champagne, along with the occasional spur of the moment dance party.

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One of my favorite moments of a wedding day, is when the bride is getting ready, the moment she puts on that veil… it’s like everything hits her all at once, this is IT, I’M GETTING MARRIED! This was true for Ashley. The first time I noticed tears starting to form in her eyes, was the moment that veil went on.

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However, that sweet moment was soon ‘one-up’d’ by one of the sweetest things I have ever witnessed, in my entire career as a photographer. The special first looked Ashley planned for her younger brother, Nick.

Before the ceremony, these two carved out a moment to spend together. And it was so special and pure. Nick had some very heartfelt thoughts to share with his sister. When I tell you, that there was not a dry eye in the room… oh yes I was right along with them in tears. 😭

Ashley and Brian knew right away that they didn’t want a first look themselves. They wanted to share that moment while walking down the isle. Now, I know from a photographer’s, logistical perspective, many of us prefer when our clients share a first look…. But I am telling you, the moment Ashley and Brian saw each other from opposite end of the aisle…. I knew, they had TOTALLY made the right choice. I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed such an emotionally beautiful processional. The joy was literally pouring out of them both.

After the ceremony, we went straight into portraits. How awesome is that floral installation by my girl Holly at Pretty in Pink?! The flowers at this wedding were INSANELY beautiful.

Then we got the party started back at the reception. But not before some extremely emotional and heartfelt speeches from both the maid of honor, Ashley’s sister, Best man, Brian’s childhood best friend, and Ashley’s brother, Nick. Once again we were ALL in tears. I am so glad I have that big ol’ camera to hide my teary eyes behind.

I love that Ashley and her husband Brian chose to include moments in their day that felt right to them, even if it’s a little outside the ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’. It’s so important to remember that this day is about your relationship, your families, and your values. And guess what? That’s different for everyone!

So those of you that are married, what are your favorite memories of your wedding day?

Mine was late in the reception, dancing to Forever Young with my husband and the random fireworks that went off right outside our reception venue. It was a happy coincidence that I’ll always remember. 💥

Venue: The Wadsworth Homestead

Photography: Kelsey Gene Photography (Kelsey Gene Photography)

Hair: Salonagogo

MUA: AmandaLee Shamrock

Florals: Pretty in Pink

Videography: Three Sixty Views

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November 14th

Ally + Greg’s Asbury Hall Wedding, Buffalo, NY

Ally + Greg’s Asbury Hall Wedding, Buffalo, NY

As Buffalo would have it, on this beautiful fall day, we were also generously provided with 35mph winds. The wind certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits though. Ally, Greg, their families, and closets friends were so happy to celebrate together. My 2nd photographer, and dear friend Rachel and I had a blast documented this beautiful day. We loved photographing Ally + Greg’s Asbury Hall Wedding.

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Ally had putting such loving thought into her details. She had this beautiful ring box, which will be forever a reminder of their wedding day. Ally also asked to incorporate her grandmother’s handkirchief. I love that we got to use it in these images. They also were able to use the special heirloom for the ketubah signing before the ceremony! Not only is Ally thoughtful, this chick is talented! She designed and created the signage for the wedding, in addition to the lettering on her beautiful acrylic clutch. The talented Ashley of Ashwood Ink created the invitation set and table cards. Just keep scrolling, you’ll see!

The girls got ready in THE COOLEST room at the Embassy Suites, downton. The views over the city were incredible. It alao provided plenty of room for all 10 bridesmaids to get ready. Ally’s girls even decorated the room with sweet treats and banners!

THE FRIST LOOK

After everyone was looking their best, we headed to Niagara Square for the first look. They shared a few moments together, while Ally’s parents peeked around the corner. Ally’s mother really wanted to witness the moment they saw eachother. I love that we could make it a memorable moment for everyone!

The wind certainly added to the excitement of the day! Everyone was so good about just embrassing it and laughing through it. Personally, these are some of my favorite images of the whole day!

After we had enough of the wind tunnel that some call downtown, we set off for Delaware Park, where we were able to capture some beginnings of Buffalo’s fall colors .