Kamuran and Brendan’s wedding day was an unforgettable one. Their thoughtful black-tie wedding was in Upstate New York at the John Joseph Inn in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes. If you’re planning your wedding in the Upstate New York area – this wedding is a must-see! Be sure to reach out to me if you’re seeking a high-end photography experience and heirloom photos you’ll cherish for years.

The Morning Of

Kam spent the morning of her wedding getting ready with her mom and bridesmaids, her 3 sisters, and 2 soon-to-be sisters-in-law. They enjoyed the morning together at the Inn of the beautiful John Joseph Inn in Upstate New York where the rest of the black-tie wedding would be held that day.

Kam wore a custom Vera Wang dress and a cathedral veil with a blusher custom to match the color and trim of the dress. Her mom and sister helped her into her beautiful gown, and her mom helped with the finishing touches of her jewelry. The meaningful garnet set from the late 1800s was Kam’s birthstone and was gifted to her by her mom. It’s always an honor to document these special moments shared between a mother and daughter.

Kam’s dad also joined them and thoughtfully surprised her mom with a pair of earrings to wear for the rest of the wedding day.

Brendan was in the cottage across from his bride and spent the morning getting ready with his closest friends and his dad. The John Joseph Inn is in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York, so they spent some of the morning hanging out outside and enjoying the beautiful location.

First Looks and Portraits

The couple wanted a laid-back, natural-feeling first look, which I loved. Kam waited in the garden as Brendan tearfully approached her. The couple also did a first look together with their bridal party which was a fun and unique entrance to kick off the day with their bridal party. Kam chose a stunning palette for her bridesmaids – they each wore a different dress full of color and texture. The groomsmen were in classic black tuxes and black ties. Kam’s exquisite vision all came together beautifully. 

The Pre-Ceremony Toast

Before the ceremony, as guests were arriving, the couple and their parents headed to the inn for a private toast. They enjoyed a few private moments together before heading to the ceremony where the couple would tie the knot. The sun filled the room, the group shared laughs, and Kam’s mom helped her into her veil for the final touch, then it was time for the two to become one.

The Ceremony

As Kam and I had phone calls during the planning process leading up to the wedding, she envisioned having the ceremony nestled on the property with the trees as the backdrop. Where the couple would exchange their vows was full of beautiful flowers to surround them as they said ‘I do’. As the bride walked down the aisle, with her parents on each side of her, the aisle was lined with extravagant flowers, done by Foxi Flora. The sun was beaming in making for such a beautiful and special setting for the two to share their vows. 

Kam wore her veil for the entirety of the ceremony, up until Brendan lifted her veil after their vows and rings were exchanged. The classic tradition made for special anticipation leading up to the kiss. Guests waved streamers in the air as the couple recessed and family and friends joined for hugs and to greet the newlyweds.

Bride & Groom Portraits

The newlyweds and I explored the estate for a few minutes to capture the pure excitement and emotion after just being married. The love and joy of these special moments really can’t be matched, so I always love taking a few minutes to capture the couple and pure emotion right after the ceremony. The sun was shining but starting to soften and the newlyweds were just gorgeous together. 

It was important that the couple could get to cocktail hour and enjoy the evening with their friends and family, before heading into the reception which was an unforgettable party. 

The Party

After a fabulous evening of drinks, hor d’ourves, and live music, guests headed into the stunning tent for the start of an incredible night.

The lovely table linens were handmade by Kam’s mom in a blush pink pattern which complimented the floral centerpieces beautifully. The design was perfectly romantic and soft. The couple’s entrance was grand as the live band played. The groom loves to dance so how much more fun could it get? After their entrance and first dance, the dance floor opened for the first dance set for everyone to join and the energy was incredible.

After the dance set, guests found their seats and the multi-course meal began. The John Joseph Inn put on an exquisite dinner.

The couple and guests enjoyed touching and heartfelt speeches shared by the bride’s three sisters and the groom’s closest friends. The couple and all their guests celebrated the night away with amazing food, drinks, cake, and an ice cream bar. The dance floor was full of custom bucket hats with the couple’s wedding date and logo of the Finger Lakes as a fun memory for all the guests who traveled to celebrate the couple in beautiful upstate New York. 

The bride had an outfit change before the cake cutting and their stunning cake was pink. They cut their cake on the dance floor, cheered on by all their friends and family, and they had a table full of colorful mini cakes for guests to enjoy.

To say it simply, it was such an honor to capture Kam and Brendan’s wedding. It was thoughtful, intentional, meaningful, and such a special day for all. I am so thankful Kam and Brendan trusted me to document their wedding day at the John Joseph Inn.

If you are planning your special wedding celebration in the beautiful Upstate New York or New England area, I’d love to chat with you about capturing your day. I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Upstate New York and central to destinations like the Finger Lakes, the Hudson Valley, NYC, Boston, Philly, and more.

The Vendor Team

Photography: Juliana Grace

Venue: John Joseph Inn

Band: Silver Arrow Band

Planner: KM Lyon Events

Hair & Makeup: Grace Holistic Beauty

Flowers: Foxi Flora

Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang

Bride’s Shoes: Gianvito Rossi

Invites: Arzberger Stationary

Cakes: Radisha Sawyer