But I’m only getting my dress on…
I hear those words spoken so often when brides ask me if they should have me photograph “getting ready photos”. There is so much more going on the morning of your wedding than just getting your hair done, or putting your wedding dress on. So much happens before the walk down the aisle on your wedding day. Investing in 2 or 3 more hours of coverage the day of your wedding is something that you will absolutely be so glad you did. The cake will get eaten, boquets will fade and decorations will loose there luster. Photographs will be what remains, capturing all of those moments to cherish.
I have dedicated this blog post to show you solely “before” photographs from a wedding. It is a chance for me to capture those unfiltered moments between best friends, the bride seeing her flowers for the first time, the groom and his best man figuring out how to put on a tie clip and so much more. Your wedding day will go by in a blur; having those photographs as a reminder of the laughs, tears of joy and anticipation of what it to come is so worth it.
“Moments never stay, whether or not you ask them, they do not care, no moment cares, and the ones you wish could stretch out like a hammock for you to lie in, well, those moments leave the quickest and take everything good with them, little burglars, those moments, those hours, those days you loved the most.”
― Catherine Lacey
As the photographer is also gives me a chance to take those beautiful shots of your wedding dress, family heirlooms, and wedding details. With larger weddings becoming the norm, the morning is usually still a time when the bride and groom are with their closest family and friends. I will be there to capture those intimate moments. It also gives you a chance to warm up to having your photograph taken and for your friends and family to get to know me before the day really gets going.
The wedding below is just a portion of the almost 400 images the bride received of “getting ready” shots. So is that extra investment worth it when you are “only getting dressed?” For my brides I would say yes!
Beautiful location in Saugerties NY, Between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains
Family heirloom earings
Love that she wore her grandmothers headpiece
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Wedding photography for couples in love who want to love their wedding photographs
Stunning Mirror Lake Inn Valentines Day Getaway
The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid was the perfect venue for a sweet valentines getaway for my couple from New York City. As busy creatives, the winter mountains were the perfect escape for spending time together with all the distractions. The Mirror Lake Inn sits right on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. The Inn is one of the most romantic getaway venues. With a suite right on the shores of the frozen lake and understated Adirondack elegance, I could not think of a better Valentine’s Day getaway. It also matched perfectly with Kyle and Nigel’s impeccable style.
Location: Mirror Lake Inn – Lake Placid, NY
Photographer: Julia Rebecca Photography
A Mirror Lake Inn Photo Session
We started their photos in their beautiful hotel room, with great music playing and a bottle of wine to make it a party. I loved their first choice of outfits, which brought out their amazing style. Is it just me, or does Kyle have an uncanny resemblance to a young Barack Obama?
Besides amazing style Kyle and Nigel were beyond fun and a joy to photograph. Their session had everything from tenderness to big laughs and playfulness. What you might not be able to pick up on was how incredibly cold and windy it was this day! Lake Placid in February is no joke, especially on the lake! But these two were troopers, and we had a blast.
If you are looking for an amazing getaway, the Mirror Lake Inn in the Adirondacks should be on your list!
Are you planning a romantic getaway and what to capture this amazing time in your lives? Let’s start the conversation about booking your photographs! CONTACT ME HERE.
Adirondacks Destination Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Julia Rebecca Photography serves the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Vermont, Saratoga, Hudson Valley and New England region with timeless yet modern photography. You photos should be a reflection of you, no gimmicks or filters just real love and authentic photos.
A Whiteface Mountain Wedding in the Spring
An inspirational spring Whiteface Mountain wedding for couples planning a small wedding or elopement in the mountains of Upstate NY. Luxury destination weddings are 90% of the weddings I photograph yearly. Couples choose to host their wedding in the Adirondacks for so many reasons and I love that they choose this special place for their celebration.
The Adirondacks truly have everything from beautiful mountain tops like Whiteface Mountain to vows at sunset in a wildflower field. There are a number of venues that cater to small weddings, and I have listed some of my favorites below for you. If you are looking to plan your wedding in the Adirondacks, I would love to talk more about what you envision. The options are endless, but all are equally amazing.
Adirondack Wedding Venues for Small Weddings and Elopements
- The Lake Placid Lodge – Lake Placid NY
- The Bark Eater Inn – Keene, NY
- The Sagamore Resort on The Morgan – Lake George, NY
- The Stage Coach Inn – Lake Placid, NY
- The Mirror Lake Inn – Lake Placid, NY
Tips for Planning your Whiteface Mountain Elopement
If you are planning an elopement or engagement session on Whiteface, you should know a few key things! After photographing sessions in the spring, summer, and fall on Whiteface Mountain, I have learned a few things on the way that you should take into consideration.
1: The road to the top of the mountain is not open in the wintertime. Typically late May – October, the toll road opens for driving.
2. Don’t count on the elevator being open. Think of it as a bonus if it is!
3. Good walking/hiking shoes are necessary. Put your nice shoes in a backpack with water, coats, and bug spray. Most of the walk up is on slippery rocks, not stairs.
4. It is always colder than you will think because of the elevation and wind. Be prepared with a coat/jacket, hat, and gloves.
5. Black flies (biting flies) love the top of the Mountain in May/June. So if you don’t like bitting flies, this may not be the best photo location option. A windy day can be your best friend In the spring to keep them at bay.
6. Expect other people to be around and enjoying the summit with you. This is not a private venue, so think of onlookers as spontaneous guests at your ceremony : )
Bonus Tip: It costs $20 per person, not per car! So have your cash handy : )
Whiteface Mountain Wedding Professionals:
Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography
Design: Katharine Phillips Design
Flowers: Fern Croft @fern_croft
Host: Mary Dougherty
Linens: Latavola Linens
Makeup: @amandahopcraftmua
Dress: @silk_bridal
Styling: @jade.magnolia
Invitations: @stonefruitstudio
Model: @tessschilkephotography
A Romantic Adirondack Christmas Wedding in Lake Placid
Whiteface Lodge Winter Wedding
We often talk about the Christmas spirit, but sometimes I don’t think we see it as often as we speak about it. Ashley and Steve’s wedding embodied what we believe Christmas is in our hearts. It is being with those we love most important, sharing a meal together, laughing and telling stories, hugging someone you have not seen in ages, and toasting to new love and old. This is what we cherish at Christmas. This is what their Adirondack Christmas wedding was filled with.
The Whiteface Lodge was dressed to the nines for the Holidays with twinkling lights, red bows, wreaths, and Christmas trees that touched the sky. Ashley and Steve spent the morning getting ready with their family and friends in their suites. I loved the white winter details and classic elegance of their day. The combination was perfect for a December wedding in the Adirondack Mountains.
With the warm weather, much of the snow had melted around the Whiteface Lodge, but I found a spot earlier in the morning where there was still snow for their first look and portraits. I just love how elegant and gorgeous their photographs are in front of the pines trees. We then went to a beautiful location in front of the frozen pond.
You have to have a first look before the ceremony with a winter wedding because the sunset is so early. The sun disappeared at 3:45 on their wedding day. If we had not done the first look, Ashley and Steve would not have had any photos in natural light.
The Kanu Room at the Lodge is one of the most gorgeous locations I can imagine for a December wedding in Lake Placid. However, this room can be dark and dreary without flash, especially on a cloudy day. The Christmas tree framing them during their ceremony was magical, to say the least.
Adirondack Christmas Weddings are stunning, but what made Ashley and Steve’s genuinely magical was the love that surrounded them at their wedding. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room during their ceremony, and the toasts and first dance.
These two deserve a world of happiness together. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day!
Wedding Professionals
Venue: Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid, New York
Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography
Flowers: Lake Placid Flower and Gift
Band: Silver Arrow Band
Bridal Shop: The White Dress by the Shore
Designer: Jenny Yoo
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JULIA REBECCA
PHOTOGRAPHY
New England Photographer Based in Essex and Lake Clear, New York
Serving Lake Placid, Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, Vermont and the New England Region
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