The wedding of Carah and Michael took place on the beach at Cayuga Lake State Park in Seneca Falls. The lake served as the altar framed by a white arbor that was handcrafted by the bride’s father. The weather was somewhat changeable throughout the day, but the lake turned to glass later that afternoon. This was the view from the Cayuga Lake State Park Chalet overlooking the beach.
— Neil Sjoblom
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Nestled in the woods in Penfield is Shadow Lake Country Club. With it’s own private pond with a peninsula jutting out from the shoreline, it gives a unique perspective to photograph a bride and groom. My favorite spot is along the rocky shoreline of the pond with pine trees overhanging the edge. If the snow is falling while your shooting there, it is truly a winter wonderland.
— Steve Chesler
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The New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua has an elegant tasting / ball room, beautiful gardens and an extraordinary deck. Along wih the wine and the food is the beautiful architecture of the building – the wood and stone details add a wonderfully modern yet rustic feel to a wedding.
Also in Canandaigua, the Inn on The Lake has a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake, the marina and wonderful outdoor spaces. These locations give us the ability to offer a beautiful and wide variety of looks to our client’s photos.
There are a lot of factors that go into making great wedding images – location, lighting, excitement, creativity, attention to detail and the ability of all wedding vendors to work together to create something special for the bride and groom
With the Inn on the Lake and the Wine and Culinary Center these factors are not even a question in our minds when we go to create lasting images of weddings.
— Kurtis & Julia Kracke
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Having hiked and photographed Watkins Glen several times, I worried that it might be overly ambitious to try to fit in a photography session between the ceremony and reception.
Photographers have a reputation for holding up the show. Hiking the glen can take all day, not to mention the risk of getting the gown dirty, or worse, slipping and tumbling into the gorge. The thought crossed my mind that this could wind as up one of those weddings that goes viral on YouTube. But the bride and groom assured me that they were avid mountain climbers and could handle it. I wasn’t so sure about myself though! I had equipment to carry and a tight schedule to keep.
I mentioned my plight to my friend Dan Belliveau, one of our region’s best ambassadors and most knowledgeable tour guides, and he assured me that it would be manageable. So right after the ceremony, the bride and groom and I piled into my little Audi and drove over to the glen. We parked at the main entrance, walked to the gate, climbed 60 steps, and … “there’s your picture!” Dan’s advice was spot on. We got our pictures in a most spectacular setting in matter of minutes and returned to the reception with time to spare before the party started.
— Neil Sjoblom
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Belhurst Castle near the north end of Seneca Lake in Geneva is one of my favorites. Indoors in the castle, there are countless small areas with intimate light to capture the essence of a winter wedding. With numerous fireplaces, quaint lounges and amazing woodwork, Belhurst gives a warm, cozy feel to winter photos. When venturing outside, the silhouette of the castle against the cool blue dusk sky, with the warmth coming from the windows, is spectacular.
— Steve Chesler
