On Saturday I made the 2 hour drive out to the north end of Keuka Lake for the second time this summer, but this time it was not raining! I drove only a few miles past my previous destination (the Esperanza Mansion) down the bluff to a private summer home overlooking the west branch of the lake. It was a gorgeous day and I was excited at the prospect of shooting in a vineyard for the first time!

For Margaret & Dave, little touches were everything. Old family photos, microbrewed beer, a picnic basket for the cards… everything seemed very homey and comfy while looking refined enough to make it straight into a guide to backyard Finger Lakes weddings.

The ceremony itself took place right outside the house her mom built on their family’s old summer campground. About 15 years ago, Margaret’s dad passed away right there on the site, and Dave & Margaret said their vows right next to her dad’s memorial stone. It was one of the most touching ways I’ve seen to include a missing loved one. Margaret’s brother walked her down the aisle and gave her away, and her other brother bagpiped for them. Dave’s three children stood up as his attendants during the ceremony. Definitely one of the most family oriented weddings I’ve ever done, and it was wonderful.

Being in such a beautiful setting, we took most of the photos right on site, but we also drove down the bluff a little further to a neighbor’s house where we had a really wonderful view down the lake. Can you imagine having this view from your living room?

We quickly got back to the reception (just on the other side of the house from where the ceremony took place – everything was very compact and convenient!) and when the bride’s brother already has his fly down (on purpose) before dinner even starts, you know you’re in for a fun evening.

I wish I could take credit for the idea for these next two photos – the photos are mine, but the idea was my assistant Brie’s! She drove up from Sayre, PA to assist me after also assisting me at my July 18 wedding and I think she did a great job! Here’s her blog: Brie Homer Photogaphy.

Once the dancing started, I wasn’t sure whether to get right in the mix or stay out of the way… these people got into it for sure! It was a wonderful evening, and definitely worth the drive. I’m so glad I got to be there.

I’ll end this post by saying something for the photography enthusiasts out there… when I got my hands on a camera with ISO capabilities making it possible for me to take that last shot handheld, and not have to run any kind of noise reduction, I knew I had something wonderful. Canon 5D Mark II – love you.

On Saturday, the younger sister of my good friend Amy got married, making it the second family wedding this year! Their brother David married Danielle back in April – link. A stark contrast from Dave’s low-40′s wedding, Saturday was in the mid-80′s and although I made the poor choice of wearing a black shirt to an outdoor ceremony (read: HOT) I was so happy to be a part of it.

Just before noon I arrived at Jena’s aunt’s salon, Jefferson Terrace Salon & Spa, which is just gorgeous inside. It was a pleasure to shoot there! A bunch of the pictures from there are actually funny/embarrassing and I’ll spare you (and them!).

From there we drove to The Rose Garden to finish prep for the ceremony.

The ceremony itself was short, which was great for Ron who was sweating bullets and waited til the absolute last minute to put on his jacket!

We sneaked in a few posed pictures before getting out of the sun and into the reception!!

Two words: Milk dispenser.

Three more words: Black Eyed Peas.

The cake cutting was good times to remember always. Ron said, “I wasn’t going to, but I saw her eyes get big!” After Jena got his face a second time, someone shouted, “Get her back Ron!” to which he replied, “I can’t see her!”

To end the post on a sweet note (sweeter than frosting?) – Jena’s parents, whom I’ve known for almost 15 years:

Congratulations, Masons – I hope you had fun on your minimoon and I’ll be in touch as soon as your pictures are ready!

On Saturday afternoon I met Mike & Beth. I’m always a little nervous going into a wedding where I’ve never actually met the bride and groom, but everyone was very welcoming and both families had a great time. It was the first wedding for both sets of parents and Mike & Beth set the bar high for their younger siblings!

I arrived at Beth’s parents’ house just as their dog, Cookie, was being brought back home after running away into the street to eat a dead squirrel. As far as I could see, that was really the only thing that went wrong all day!!

She wasn’t the only cookie around… Beth’s mom made sure everyone had sufficient snacks!

I also took the opportunity to take a picture of Beth’s shoes, which I thought were really pretty in a simple way.

The ceremony took place at St. Benedict’s and the girl who sang “Ave Maria” was wonderful!

After the service, it was a race against the weather to get pictures at the church and at Glen Falls before the rain started, but everyone was organized and cooperative and we got a lot of great shots!

We went over to Marinaccio’s for the reception and the party started. Mike’s brother George has a band that played the music and they are great! I’m sorry that I didn’t get the name or I’d give you guys a plug because you were fantastic!

Thanks to both families for all your hospitality, and have a great time in Mexico you two!!