July 27th was the perfect summer day for Marissa and Andy’s Wedding. The sun was shining, the sky was full of big puffy clouds and there was a cool summer breeze in the air. I had the pleasure of shooting Marissa and Andy’s engagement photos last Fall and I remember being in aw of how much love these two shared. The comfort in their eyes when they held each other close for their photos came naturally, they were so excited for their big day to be here.
Marissa and Andy were married at the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church in Canisteo, New York.
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Marissa was surrounded by her closest girlfriends and family as she and her bridesmaids prepared for the ceremony at her friends home. The room was filled with smiles and snacks as the girls did their makeup and hair, preparing for the day. Dresses were hung gently from the wooden beams waiting to be put on. You could feel the excitement from all the ladies getting ready to head to the church.
Andy and his groomsmen were already at the church at this time. Getting dressed and visiting in the pastors chambers waiting for the girls to arrive. Straightening their ties and sharing stories, smiling as they watched out the window at what a gorgeous day god had chosen for their wedding.
Marissa and Andy had chosen to do a first touch, wanting to share an imitate moment before they walk down the aisle without seeing their carefully chosen attire. Marissa waited patiently for Andy to knock on the door, as they then reached around and held hands. Their Pastor then shared a prayer with them and words of encouragement before their special walk down the aisle.
Moments before the ceremony began, Marissa snuck outside to meet her father for a first look. She called his name and as he turned around, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more proud father. They smiled and embraced each other.
The church was filled with friends and family patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin. Andy was at the altar with their pastor and his groomsmen. Marissa then walked down the aisle accompanied by her proud father. Marissa looked stunning in her gorgeous lace wedding gown.
After the ceremony, everyone traveled over to the Friends of Howard Community Center in Avoca, New York. The venue had gorgeous fields of wheat and grain planted, a perfect place to come together for photos of the wedding party. Everyone gathered together smiling, and excited to get the reception started.
The wedding party was announced by the DJ and everyone danced their way into the venue. Friends and family cheered with excitement for Marissa and Andy as they came into the building. The first dance was so special to watch, as they held each other close, holding onto every moment of their special day, bursting with happiness and love.
After a little dancing came the shoe game, what a fun time. Marissa and Andy removed their shoes and traded one with the other. Holding up their shoe or their spouses shoe, laughing with each question that was asked. They had fun sharing little snippets of their special relationship with their guests.
These two made my job so easy. We snuck away from the reception to take some sunset photos in the field behind the venue. You could hear the music and laughter coming from the venue but at the same time there was complete peace and silence in that field. As Marissa and Andy embraced for their first photos as husband and wife.
The sun was setting, turning everything to gold. The sky was still filled with the same big puffy clouds that seemed to follow them around all day. Marissa and Andy needed little instruction as they naturally held onto each other whispering little nothings in each others ears that meant everything to them.
The sun was slipping away and the day was coming to an end. There was one last hoorah before their guests headed home for the evening. Sparklers were handed out and lit, held high in the night sky as Marissa and Andy did one last walk together on their special day surrounded by their friends and family.
I’d like to say thank you to Marissa and Andy for choosing me as their engagement and wedding photographer. Thank you for sharing this special time in your lives together with me, and letting me capture these moment for you to have for a lifetime. I wish you a lifetime of the love and passion that you have for each other. xoxo, Chelsie
Church | Buena Vista Wesleyan Church
Reception Venue | Friends of Howard Community Center
Florist | Dogwood Floral, Dansville
Hair | Dawn Post
Makeup | Hope Gast
DJ | DC Entertainment Jason Macool
Photo Booth | Sean, Buffalo
Cake | Wegmans
Catering | Vasile’s Catering, Portageville
Wedding Dress | The Wedding Dress, Geneseo
Bridal Party Dresses | The Wedding Dress, Geneseo
Wedding Planner | Julee Acomb
Hashtag | #ShayIDo
Chelsie Renae Photography is located in Nunda, New York. Chelsie Renae Photography offers custom portraits in Rochester, New York and surrounding areas. Chelsie specializes in Newborn Photography and capturing Family Milestones in natural settings. Through Chelsie Renae Photography you will have a story of these special moments of your life forever. Come share your family story with me and book your session today.