Bride and Groom pose for forest wedding photos in Central NY

When Aryanna and TJ first got engaged, they told me all about their dream to buy a house near the woods with acres of land. But this was actually more than just a dream - it was the next step in the wedding planning process, since they envisioned themselves saying “I do” at their very own backyard wedding. Fast forward a year, and I was thrilled to see their vision come to life as I pulled up to their stunning Central NY home to photograph their wedding.

I walked in and greeted them, then immediately got to work taking pictures of their details. Aryanna was getting ready in the bathroom that she and TJ had remodeled while her mom put finishing touches on the floral arrangements. They looked so good, and were filled with flowers grown by the Bride and Groom themselves!

Once TJ was ready, we got him set up for their first look. They have an adorable cabin in the woods where the cocktail hour would be, and it had the perfect clearing for this big moment. Aryanna was wearing a tulle dress with gorgeous embroidery along the bodice and a matching cathedral-length veil. They were so excited to see each other, and we had a little forest photoshoot, making sure to take full advantage of Aryanna’s flowing train and veil. We then headed back to the tent for family and wedding party photos.

The ceremony space looked absolutely magical. The aisle was lined with individual flower stems sticking out of the ground, giving the illusion that they had just popped up there overnight. At the end of the aisle was a simple gold arch adorned with large floral arrangements in shades of pink and coral. Aryanna and TJ had a quick ceremony, officiated by a friend, that included personal vows. These two have been together since middle school, so there was a lot to say from their nine year history!

As the cocktail hour got underway, the three of us grabbed a few final wedding photos around the property, then Aryanna and TJ joined their guests. I loved the layout of the wedding, with the cabin used for cocktail hour, saving the large tent for the reception. Once we transitioned over to the tent, it suddenly felt like a stunning garden party. There were yard games, a beverage tent, and a selfie area. One of the highlights of the evening was when the dogs were let outside, and all the kids ran over to say hi.

It’s always a joy to have the Via Napoli food truck cater the weddings I photograph. It’s so fun to take photos of my couples with the food. For this wedding, they laid out an ample spread of fried dough, and had fresh pizzas coming out every couple minutes. After dinner, Aryanna and TJ shared a first dance, followed by a bouquet toss. One of the kids caught the bouquet, then immediately gave it to her mom. What a sweet moment! The Maid of Honor and Best Man both gave toasts, then the happy couple cut their cake up in the cabin. There were cake pops and cookies for everyone to enjoy as well.

While the guests were packing the dance floor, the three of us took a few sunset photos. But we weren’t gone for long - the epic dance party in the tent couldn’t keep us away!

Aryanna and TJ, I wish you both so much love and joy as you continue your life together. I can’t wait to see what the next 9 years hold!

Catering: Via Napoli
Dessert: Sugar Top Bake Shoppe
Florals: Sunset Garden
Dress: Spybaby Bridal
Suit: Generation Tux