Though they’d started their search for a Wedding Photographer in the spring, Jess & Darryl realized a couple of weeks before their wedding day that they still hadn’t booked anyone. Meanwhile, I was under the assumption that I’d just wrapped up my 2009 wedding season when Genevieve Fridley contacted me to see if I was available for 11/14. Jess & I exchanged a few emails and phone calls before meeting on 11/4 to book her wedding…10 days later. So that’s the story of how Hot Husband & I ended up in Saratoga Springs for Jess & Darryl’s Saturday morning wedding ceremony. It was our first ever trip to the area, and in the short time we were there I fell in love with Saratoga Springs. I can’t wait for the opportunity to visit again…either for a wedding or for a family camping trip.
It ended up raining *all* day, but it’s hard to feel glum when these colorful horses are everywhere you look. Not that Jess would have let the rain bother her, anyway. She’s way too chill for that.
The staff at Hair Creations in Saratoga Springs did a wonderful job on the girls’ hair. I’d love to work with them again!
The dress. (Jess told me that she loves black & white photographs, so you’ll see a bit more than normal in this post.)
One of the Bridesmaids doing her makeup.
And Jess doing hers. I have to tell you, I have a tendency to get natural Brides who don’t wear much, if any, makeup on a day-to-day basis. I’m not sure why that is, but hey, if you don’t need it, why wear it? I always have a chat with them about their wedding day makeup to find out if they’re doing it themselves or hiring a makeup artist. Either way I let them know they’ll need more than they’re probably comfortable with if they want it to show up in the photos. Jess was especially funny when she opened up the powder because she had no idea what to do with it. I was laughing so hard while secretly wishing I didn’t have to wear any, myself!
We were running late for the ceremony at this point, so everyone chipped in to help get her ready.
The ceremony was held at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Ballston Spa. I should add that this was my very first Orthodox ceremony, and I loved every minute of it. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to photograph their wedding ceremony!
I love how Jess is looking at Darryl in this shot.
In the Orthodox ceremony the rings are exchanged at the back of the church. The Bride’s ring is placed on the Groom’s finger and visa-versa, and their exchange signifies that in married life the weaknesses of the one will be compensated for by the strength of the other.
The candles they’re holding represent the lamps of the five wise maidens of the Bible, and they symbolize the spiritual willingness of the couple to receive Christ, who blesses them through the Mystery. The crowns are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the Mystery. The Groom & Bride are crowned as the king & queen of their own little kingdom, which they will rule with the fear of God, wisdom, justice and integrity.
The right hands of the Bride & Groom are tied together during the priest, signifying their union. He then leads them in a circle around the table on which are placed the Gospel and the Cross. During this time the husband & wife are taking their first steps as a married couple, and the church leads them in the way they should walk.
Yay! Birdseed!
(I had birdseed in my hair and clothes when I got back to the hotel, lol.)
Things were still running behind, so I only had a few moments with them alone before it was time to head over to the reception. It was still raining, and I have Jess to thank for this great location. I’d suggested we find an outdoor spot that was covered, and she immediately knew where to go.
Their reception was held at Longfellows in Saratoga Springs. I cannot put into words how incredibly unique their location is. The food and service was fantastic, and I can’t thank Gerri enough for everything. I’m looking forward to working with her again.
Here’s the new Mr. & Mrs.!
Another angle, just so you can see what I’m talking about when I say “unique”. The only way I can think of to describe it is it’s like a little village inside.
A village complete with a bridge over a koi pond.
The rings.
I’m skipping some of the traditional stuff because I have a million more images to post. I couldn’t narrow it down any further! Jess *loves* to stick her tongue out in pictures, which cracks me up, but I also like the expressions on the faces of the people behind her during the boquet toss.
Darryl was one of the most expressive Groom’s I’ve ever had during the garter retreival. I just have to post every. single. one.
Not to be outdone, this Groomsman had a show of his own.
HILARIOUS! If you’ve seen a better series of garter toss images, I want to see them! These two were a riot!
I’d like to close this post with a quote from Jess as I was saying goodbye. “But I don’t want you to leave. I really like you!” Jess & Darryl, thank you *so* much for allowing me to be a part of your special day! I really liked you, too. Have a great time on your honeymoon, and give me a shout out when you get back!
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