Alysia and Doug – Hometown Love

The skies threatened to open up all day, but Alysia and Doug were not going to let a little rain take away their sunshine.  The sun even refused to go away when it did rain, and won out in the end to produce on of the most spectacular sunsets of the year.   I introduced Doug and Alysia to Havana Glen on their engagement shoot, and we were all excited about the possibility of shooting there for the wedding.  The Glen is the home of Eagle Cliff Falls.  The Falls is 41′ high and 20′ wide, and plunges into a nearly enclosed colossal amphitheater.  The sound alone is amazing!  It changes with every different place you move to, and is most magnificent when you are directly under the Falls looking up as it flows above you.  We were short on time, and a dark cloud hung over the Glen but we decided to give it a try anyway.  Two men that were there before we arrived actually moved a couple of big rocks into the water for Alysia so she could cross without getting wet (thanks guys).  It was so worth the effort too because I love the images we created!  It poured rain while we were in by the waterfall, but nothing seemed to matter at that point.  I tip my hat to both of them, especially Alysia for making the hike in her wedding dress.

Alysia’s Dad Herb was another big reason I was looking forward to shooting this wedding (the shot of you sneaking a peak at me is one of my favorite of the day Herb).  The guy has the best sense of humor, and I couldn’t help but feel an instant connection to him.  After meeting his wife and their three daughters, I can see why he is the person he is.  He couldn’t love them more, and they adore him.  Their love for each other is a very powerful and gratifying thing to witness.  Herb told me a couple of times that he considers himself to be a very fortunate man, and I couldn’t agree more.  You and your family are the nicest people Herb.  You are a pleasure to be around and a lot of fun.  I am delighted to capture these precious moments for all of you, and I know you will treasure them for many years to come.

Once again this wedding was full of a lot of “firsts” (the first time something happens, and something that usually makes an event memorable).  It was the first time I actually brought a bride and groom home, and they met my kids.  It was also my first six-shirt wedding in quite some time.  The humidity was unmerciful, and I had to change my t-shirt and button-up shirts three times.  The wedding was right down the road from my house (a nice break compared to my usual travels) so I stopped to run in for an extra change of clothes and my kids had a chance to meet a real live bride and groom.  My son asked Doug if he was the President.  They also had a surprise first for me because it blew my mind when I found out I was sitting at the main table with the bride, groom, and wedding party.  Alysia was also my first bride ever with a fish net veil.

Thank you to Karen Gilman and Dano Hutnik of Dano’s Heuriger on Seneca Lake for being the perfect hosts for this special event, and making sure that everything was so nice.  Thank you Alysia, Doug, your families, and friends for everything too.  I enjoyed our time together and look forward to the next wedding (:  I wish you many blessings and much love on your journey together. 

I wanted to give you the choice again for the first image here.  It is the same image in color, and in B&W.  The only processing difference is the vignette that was added to the B&W.  I loved it and think it added to the image in B&W, but not in color.  I really liked both versions too, so how am I supposed to pick one and leave one out?  What do you think?  

One other thing I have noticed is the photographic skills of the people I photograph gets better as my prices get higher.  Many times I will be strolling around their house and see some of the images they have created.  It is very impressive, and sometimes almost intimidating (only because I know I am going to have to come through big-time to impress them).  It is a welcome and exciting challenge though.  I relish it and look forward to it making me a better photographer.  Please click here for their slideshow.