I started the day, however, at their house in Jamesville so I could get a few pictures of the guys before the ceremony.  Here’s David with their son, Joey, who didn’t want to put his iPod touch down.  Can you blame him?

Some detail shots at the country club while the girls were getting ready.  Terese’s dress was just perfect for her.

Terese’s Dad passed away, but his image was with her while she walked down the aisle with her mom, thanks to Westcott Florist.

I love how Terese is beaming during the ring exchange.

I also loved their bridal party, but the girls especially were so much fun.  Chris & Minnie, thank you for entertaining Thelma and I all night!

A couple Bride & Groom portraits.

The Bride herself.  Doesn’t she look beautiful?!  Erica is the Best.  Makeup Artist.  Ever.  Her hair was done by Minnie.

I *love* these tall centerpieces and the up-lighting that was all around the room.

Fireworks?!  Yes, please! (Another first for me.)

I don’t know how I get so lucky, but I always have *at least* one couple at a reception that knows how to tear it up.

The bling.

The cake, by Freemont Bakery.

Entertainment was provided by Blacklites.

Terese & David, thank you for allowing me to document your wedding day!  Enjoy your honeymoon!

Saturday morning started bright and early at Rachel’s parent’s house, where the girls were getting their hair and makeup done.  I was thrilled to be working with Christy Robinson (hair) & Erica Abdo (makeup) again.   I’d worked with them during Rachel’s boudoir session, and they are both phenomenal at what they do.

I also had time for some detail shots, including Rachel’s beautiful Lazaro wedding gown.

Their 11 am ceremony was held at Our Lady of Pompei in Syracuse, NY.

After some quick formals in the church and back at Rachel’s parent’s house, Rachel, Russell, Rachel’s brother Jason and Russell’s sister Abby and I drove to Waterville to take some pictures at Russell’s mom’s house.

Russell’s mom lives in a 200 year old farmhouse, and when I saw these pitchforks hanging outside I immediately pictured this:

We also found a trampoline just begging to be used.

Russell & his sister, Abby.

Then we headed to Franklin Square for some quick formals with the entire bridal party…

and a couple more of the newlyweds.

The reception was held in the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Syracuse.  This was my first time photographing a wedding reception there, and I can’t WAIT to go back!  It’s simply *gorgeous*.  The staff at The Events Company did a spectacular job with the decor!

Russell is a talented artist himself, and his painting of one of their engagement images was hung in the lobby of the lounge area.

Two things I was most looking forward to at this wedding was 1. Working with my favorite DJ, J Hatch, and 2. Seeing Rachel & Russell’s first dance.  While it started off with a waltz, the routine was called “the evolution of dance” and included bits by Elvis, MC Hammer, The Black Eyed Peas, and Beyonce, to name a few.  Still images don’t do it justice, so you can watch the video here.

A couple traditions.  Cake, anyone?

More dancing.

Rachel’s beautiful friend and hair stylist, whom I now completely adore, Christy, and her handsome husband, Jeff.

Some bling.

I’m going to leave you with one of my favorite pictures of the night.  LOL, Russell!

This year she requested flowers and trees.  I added a field of wheat to the mix as well.

The girl I started photographing at 6 months is turning into such a wonderful model…

…but she still does silly well.

Honey, thank you for the privilege of spending a couple of hours with you today!  I love to watch you grow up through my viewfinder.

I’d also like to take a moment to thank my assistant today.  He did a wonderful job keeping track of my coffee and lens caps, which is *exactly* what my assistant’s job is.  He’s cheap, too!  (He got paid in Silly Bandz.)  He asked me if I wanted to take his picture during one of Rosebud’s wardrobe changes, and then promptly faced away from the sun and knelt down so I could shoot from above.  Can you tell these two have had their pictures taken by me before?

They have a 20 month old son, so we made sure to include him in the session.  He’s got the most beautiful blue eyes!

The park has stairs leading down to a small lake, so we headed down to check it out.  On the way we found this ledge.  See the heart to the right of Dave’s head?

I love capturing these candid moments!

LOL!  This is why it’s important to always have your camera ready!

One more family shot before we called it a wrap.

Terese & David, thank you for a fun session!  I’m sorry I made you walk up 1,365,487 stairs in the hot, humid weather…thanks for being such good sports.  See you in a few weeks!

I met up with Gina at her parent’s house, where she was getting ready for her big day.

Doesn’t she look beautiful?!

I love Holy Cross.

We stopped in downtown Skaneateles for some bridal party shots before heading to the reception. I say this every time, but Gina & Will’s bridal party was awesome.  Normally I meet the bridesmaids first and they usually take a while to warm up to me, but Gina’s bridesmaids were warm and welcoming from the start.  Thanks, girls, for being so great!

I love this photo of Will.

And yes, I managed to get a couple of nice pictures of them…

…before they jumped.  Lol!

A shot of the cake outside of The Lodge in Skaneateles, where they had their reception.  It was my very first time at The Lodge, and I’m excited to go back in October!

The cake was done by Patisserie, also in Skaneateles.  This is one of my favorite shots of the day.

The rings.

Mr. & Mrs.!

I love it when I have some entertainers on the dance floor!

I’ll leave you with this shot….I love fun and the sense of movement in this one.