Brayden and Shannon’s wedding at Lakeshore Vineyards in Ripley, NY, was one of those days that would make even the most cynical human believe in true love. So many of their friends & family described them as “disgusting” (but, like, in the best way imaginable…) and I genuinely couldn’t agree more. These two are STUPIDLY in love. Which just so happens to be one of my favorite things ever… two people who are unapologetically obsessed with one another? Sign me the heck up.
I knew this bride and I were meant to be from the first inquiry. Shannon reached out with very little plans for her wedding, besides these two things: she was going to marry Brayden Romeo one day, and she wanted me to be the one to photograph it. They hadn’t locked in a venue, date, or any other detail. (No, like… ZERO other details. As a matter of fact, Brayden had not even proposed yet! hahaha!) BUT SHANNON KNEW SHE WANTED TO WORK WITH ME. I gave her some dates I still had available for 2025, and told her I’d anxiously be waiting to reconvene after Brayden popped the question and more logistics were nailed down.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I get an email from the infamous Brayden Romeo in my inbox. He was planning to propose and knew Shannon would be absolutely GIDDY if I was there to photograph it. Mind you– I have never met either of these humans. But if falling in love through email was a thing, I’m pretty sure they both had me at hello. The intentionality and deep care they had for one another was so apparent to me, even as perfect strangers.
Long story short, Brayden somehow made Shannon *think* she was the one planning a date night for them at Presque Isle in Erie. In reality, we were scheming up an entire marriage proposal, complete with her three kids and a lakeside, sunset picnic. It all turned out so perfectly and I finally had the chance to hug them both in person. After that, I knew I had to be a part of their wedding day, too!
So on Friday, September 12, I had a front row seat to watch these two exchange vows, once again overlooking the stunning views of Lake Erie. I lost track of the number of times they got lost in each other’s eyes… sharing moments, even in crowded spaces, that seemed like they were the only two people in the world.
In addition to their disgustingly cute, entirely unapologetic obsession with each other, here are a few other things I absolutely adored about Shannon & Brandon’s day at Lakeshore Vineyards:
- Emphasis on family.
Shannon has three beautiful children, and watching Brayden not only commit to her, but fully embrace them as his own was nothing short of incredible. It was so important to them, from the very beginning, that I focus not just on their love story, but the bond they share as a family of five. Photographing the way the kids looked at their mom and Brayden, and the way the couple looked back at them… was so freaking precious. - Grape vineyards & views of Lake Erie.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times… NOTHING beats the Lake Erie area in the summer and fall months. This wedding’s setting was straight out of a dream. The tented reception was tucked behind endless rows of fragrant grapevines, guests laughed and mingled beneath the twinkling lights, and the evening’s golden light brought forth the kind of magic photographers only dream of. - Woodfired pizza & late night gelato cart.
Admittedly, lots of weddings have really subpar food. But thankfully, this was NOT one of them! I was in my glory with the catering that evening. I’m not sure many things can beat photographing dance floor photos while holding a camera in one hand and ice cream in the other.
Shan & Bray–
From the very beginning, our time together has been a celebration of love, family, and the simple joys that make life so sweet. I feel so grateful to have witnessed not only a beautiful covenant between two ridiculously cute humans, but the beginning of a new family story. I will never grow tired of photographing the giddiness you two share when you look at each other. I love you guys like I love Taylor Swift lyrics… which you both know is REALLY saying a lot. Thank you for being my people.
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography
Videography: Blushwood Studios
Venue: Lakeshore Vineyard Events
Officiant: Michael Turner, friend of the couple
Wedding Coordination & Planning: Kelsie Ferry – Ferrytale Event Designs
Hair Stylist: Sarah Lauer, Salon 2112
Bridal Makeup: Groom’s Mother/Bride’s Mother-in-Law, Karen Gladman
Flower Wall: Bella Fiore Walls
Catering: Vintage Wood Fire Pizza
Bride’s Dress: Demetrios from Unveiled Bridal in Harrisburg PA
Groom’s Attire: Best Fit Menswear in Rochester, NY
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie
Decor/Rentals: Grapevine Laundry and Linens
Desserts: Hilary Hanna with Warner’s Bakery
Gelato Cart: Casey’s Ice Cream
