On Sunday morning, I headed over to Bemus Point, NY, bright and early to begin capturing Rachel & Cole’s intimate summer wedding with their closest family. It took place at Ellicottville Brewing Company on Chautauqua Lake, and in true bride fashion, Rachel stressed about the weather all week long! And admittedly, I did a little bit, too! Our plans were to take all their pictures around the Bemus Point area, immediately following their 10:30am ceremony. Then, a lunch reception would be held outside on the private patio at the same venue. (It is STUNNING, by the way. I had never been to EBC in Bemus before this, and I am still in awe of how cool it is!)

This was my second wedding of the weekend and after experiencing picture-perfect conditions (no pun intended) the day before, I was deathly afraid we’d be plagued with some kind of thunderstorm or inclement weather. (Anyone familiar with this area of the country knows how rare a full weekend of amazing weather is; Western New York is infamous for it’s unpredictable, sporadic climate changes!) By some miracle, TWO DAYS in a row I was blessed with the most gorgeous weather possible!

I love how simple, yet elegant and beautiful, this day was. I truly think we need more weddings like it. Rachel and Cole didn’t want an overwhelming audience, huge guest list, or over-the-top celebration. They wanted to marry the heck out of each other and celebrate with their closest family. It was perfectly quaint and absolutely stunning.

Rachel & Cole- Thank you for risking your lives on CHQ lake docks for the sake of amazing pictures. For planning the cutest, most perfect little wedding celebration. For doing a first dance, despite really really not wanting to. And for allowing me to capture and be part of it all. I loved getting to know your families and felt right at home with your entire wedding party. This day was the sweetest reminder that the most important thing of all… is love. Here’s to your forever together! XOXO