Chautauqua New York Rainy Spring Wedding

My sweet friend, Megan Davis, married the love of her life this past Saturday in Mayville, New York… and I still cannot believe I got to have a front row seat to every last bit of it.

I think this was approximately the 57th wedding I’ve done in Meggy’s family. (Ok maybe not quite fifty seven, but I did joke that at this point I should probably just hop in the family portrait!) Everywhere I turned there was a past bride & groom that I’d had the privilege of documenting. Megan and Garret even chose to feature a slideshow at their reception called, “The Love That Came Before Us” with photos from different guests’ wedding days. Every time I looked over, there was another Hannah Bryerton Couple gracing the screen. My heart truly could’ve burst.

It’s an honor I don’t think I will ever grow tired of, photographing the weddings of people I love so stinkin’ much. I know some photographers prefer to separate their business and personal lives. Then there’s me: if you aren’t my friend upon initial inquiry… you’re going to be by the time we’re done, dang it. I collect really wonderful humans like they’re freaking Pokemon at this point. Except I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.

It’s been an unseasonably cold and wet spring here in Chautauqua County, so no one would’ve guessed Megan and Garret would be celebrating their May 31st wedding in 52 degree weather when they sent out Save The Dates months ago. It was chilly, windy, and even a little rainy at times, but truly nothing was going to stop us from having the best day ever.

Here are my three favorite things I want to highlight in this blog before you take a scroll through it:

  1. Off-Location Bride & Groom Portraits

    It was a *bit* misty after Megan & Garret’s first look, so we made the decision to jump in my car and head over to Chautauqua Institution for their couple’s portraits. I had a few locations in mind on the grounds, and we were able to dodge raindrops, save Megan’s dress from getting muddy before the ceremony, and preserve her stunningly perfect hair. (I am SO thankful they trusted my judgement enough to go along with this decision!)

    When we arrived back at the venue, the rain had stopped and we were able to knock out all the bridal party portraits. Even better, it held off so Megan and Garret could have their dream wedding ceremony outdoors, too! Truly the PERFECT scenario and I’m so happy it all worked out.

  2. The Bouquets. 

    Gosh, I am such a sucker for good flowers, and when it comes to floral design, Terri from Meant to Bee Flower Farm just never disappoints. She left me so many loose florals to include in the flat lay images; I got stomach ulcers trying to decide which ones to include. They were all SO. FREAKIN’. STUNNING. And Megan’s bouquet could not have been more perfect. Just a straight 10/10. Pure perfection. No notes.

  3. The Late Night Flat Lay.

    I don’t do these for every wedding, but Meggy requested it and I’m so glad I took the time to style it! The little polaroids that sat on the top of their cake, some flowers, her heart-shaped/pearl studded sunglasses, and some of their wedding programs– it was the perfect ending to their incredible night of celebrating.

Meggy & Garret

Words will never be able to fully articulate just how stupidly good looking I think you guys are. I was editing through these previews and realized my mouth was just casually stuck open from the utter disbelief that two people could be so photogenic. The good news is, I’d still love you and want to take your photos even if you were ugly.

In all seriousness, your sense of humor, effervescent joy, and incredibly kind hearts are what make you even more stunning human beings; I still can’t believe I get to call you my friends. Thank you for trusting me to play this part in your day. We will be talking about it for the rest of time! Now please move back to Chautauqua County so we can have karaoke nights, and most importantly, so Megan can fulfill her lifelong dream of being my wedding day assistant on the weekends Lindsey can’t be there. Love you so much it hurts.

xoxo, Hannah B

Sending Megan & Garret’s vendors, friends, & family, SO much love for making their beautiful day possible!

Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography
Video/Content Creator: Greta Gustafson- friend of the bride
Venue: CHQ Barn
Officiant: Peter “PJ” Pasieka
Makeup Artist: Brooke Utegg
Florist:  Terri Witherell, Meant to Bee Flower Farm
DJ: Saxman Slim
Desserts: Lisa Lyon- family friend
Catering: Your Daily Serving, Betsy Grinder
Bride’s Gown: Victoria’s Bridal
Bride’s Jewelry: Grace & Hudson
Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry
Groomsmen/Grooms Attire: Riverside Men’s Shop

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Joyful. Genuine. Kindhearted. Fun. My people are the best people.

(and that's a hill I will die on)