Hanna + Brandon’s Riverfront Wedding at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
We lucked out with a gorgeous fall day for Hanna and Brandon’s riverfront wedding along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY. The grounds of the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel were filled with seasonal flowers and turning leaves, and I was excited to get started!
Hanna finished getting ready while I photographed her details. Excitement filled the air like electricity. Meanwhile, Brandon was getting ready in another room. When he was finished, we snapped some photos with him and his groomsmen before the ceremony began.
The wedding guests had a stunning view of the river during the ceremony, and it made for a great backdrop to Hanna and Brandon’s vows. Their friend Jake acted as Officiant which added that extra special touch, along with their personal vows that made everyone emotional.
After saying “I do,” we took photos with their family and wedding party. The hotel property provided a lot of different backdrops, which I loved for portraits! I got some pictures of Hanna and Brandon in front of the water, and I mean it when I say that it was the perfect day! The vast water reflected the blue sky and created a gorgeous background for their photos.
We were done with photos in time for them to catch the tail end of their cocktail hour and enjoy a little time mingling with guests before they were introduced into the reception. They enjoyed a first dance, then took the microphone to thank their guests before speeches and dinner.
While everyone else was finishing their dinner, we ducked outside to catch the sunset. We really lucked out with the most amazing colors swirling over the water. I’m still obsessing over it! Back inside, Hanna and Brandon shared touching dances with their parents, then cut their cake. They added their family’s special rice pudding to the dessert table afterward. It’s a staple at their family events!
Hanna, Liz (a previous bride!), and a handful of others were all St. Bonaventure alum, so we made sure to get a photo of everyone together. I love moments like this that tie together my couples’ past and future! This was the third wedding in this family that I’ve had the honor of photographing, so I knew from past experience that they love to dance. Lucky for me, once again, they did not disappoint!
It was such an amazing day from start to finish. Thank you Hanna and Brandon for having me document your memories!
Hotel: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Hair & Makeup: Emily Gill
DJ: Good Guy Productions
Dress: Heart to Heart Bride
Tuxedo & Suits: Sweet Hello Bridal
