Kate and Alex's Classic but Modern September Wedding with Whimsical, Floral Touches at Hotel Henry in Buffalo, NY

I’ve been dying to share Kate and Alex’s wedding day since the day they exchanged vows – exactly 2 years ago today. It was the kind of day that I would wake up and relive over and over again if I needed. Kate and Alex themselves are two of the most incredibly kind and genuine people I’ve ever been fortunate enough to meet. I still remember the initial consult call that Kate and I shared, and remember thinking she’s the kind of person I’d love to be close friends with if we lived in the same city. Then I met them both in person on their wedding day, and they both blew me away with their love and kindness and overall freakin’ awesomeness. To top it off, their wedding party and families were all so stellar the entire day. I can’t help but think this entire group of family and friends is incredibly lucky to have one another in each others’ lives.

People aside, there were so many other things that I loved about their wedding day. For starters, I loved that the bridesmaids dresses and Alex’s tie were not your standard solid color, but floral prints that added a truly unique touch to the aesthetics of their wedding party. They incorporated unique vows to one another that had their guests roaring during a ceremony at Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo. And they actually danced together throughout the evening during their reception at Hotel Henry (which doesn’t always get to happen on account of mixing and mingling with so many guests)! It was a great day from start to finish and I am so, so excited to share a (albeit large) sampling of favorite images from their day.

Happy anniversary, you two!! I miss you. Please come back to Buffalo and let’s hang, like real soon, so I can hear all about your travel stories and post-wedding life adventures!

Special shout-out to all the vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo
Reception Venue: Hotel Henry
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: N/A (my mom!)
Officiant: Brian Marks (Alex's Godfather)
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Florist: Brighton Eggert Florist (Amy)
Cake/Bakery: Sweet Jenny's (ice cream cake!)
DJ/Band/Entertainment: Steve Balesteri & the Uptown 7- Best band in Buffalo!!
Invitations: Yours Truly (Clarence Center)
Hair: Mia from Michael Salon
Makeup: Mia
Bride’s Dress: Rosa Clara,
Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Shoes: Betsy Johnson (kept snagging the dress so went shoeless during the receptions!)
Favors: koozies, sponge candy from Watsons

An End of Summer Family Session at Tifft Nature Preserve with the Aubertin Family

With the cooler temps this week, and talk of school starting back up tomorrow, it’s really starting to hit home that summer is soon going to be coming to an end. I feel like we just got started. I’ve been absolutely LOVING every single minute of this season – on both a personal level and business level – and I am just not ready to let it go (insert adult temper tantrum vibes here). I mean…. I'm still craving weekday evenings like this, with a great family in beautiful light, roaming through grassy paths and exploring at the water’s edge. Tifft Nature Preserve along Buffalo’s Outer Harbor has by far been my favorite location for summer family sessions this year. Of course the light and clouds and overall backdrop have been beautiful. But more than that, the families I have photographed here hold such a special in place in my heart. This session with the Aubertin family on Friday evening was no exception. I have been photographing this family now going on almost 8 years – first for their engagement, then their wedding, then newborn and first year photos for their oldest, the (post-)birth of their youngest, and now two family sessions of them as a family of four. I know I always talk about how great of an honor it is to provide photos for clients on their wedding day and then after of their families, but guys… I don’t know if I could ever describe what it truly means to me. Especially to families like the Aubertin family who have literally been there supporting me from the beginning of me growing my business… my gratitude is endless. THANK YOU.

One final note before wrapping up this post: I’ve been loving these summer family sessions so much I have decided to extend my End of Summer Mini Sessions! If you’ve missed it, these sessions are 20 minutes in duration, include 5 high resolution digital photos, and are only $225. These sessions are for families of 4 people or less, and take place on select weeknights throughout the end of September at either Tifft Nature Preserve or Hoyt Lake. So if you’re looking to sneak in a breathtaking family session like this before the leaves start changing colors, LET’S DO IT!! Inquire for availability and booking details through my inquire page, or emailing me directly at info@dawnmgibsonphotography. I cannot wait to get a conversation started.

Kailey and Moe's Spring Lake Winery Ceremony and Backyard Wedding Reception in Lockport, NY

I’m positive no couple wants to wake up on their wedding day to news of rain in the forecast, but when you’re laid back and go with the flow about changes in plans – especially those weather-related ones that are out of anyone’s control anyhow – it only makes the day that much less stress free! Kailey and Moe had originally planned a first look at Delaware Park in Buffalo, NY, but a downpourring of rain had us make a slight in change in plans and do the First Look at the Elmwood Village Air BnB Kailey had rented out for her and her bridesmaids to get ready at. Regardless of the location, that moment they first saw each other was still just as heartfelt and memorable as it would have been had they gone anywhere else! After their first look and some photos at the Air BnB with family, we all headed up to Lockport for their ceremony at Spring Lake Winery. The ENTIRE drive there it was downpourring like crazy, but just as we rolled up, the rain cleared and the skies opened to beautiful, bright sun and clear skies…. just in time for wedding party portraits, the ceremony, and their outdoor tent reception in the backyard of Moe’s parents’ house. Hooray!

Rain and all, their entire day was nothing short of spectacular, and filled with so, so much emotion and joy. I’m excited to share a few of my many favorites from their day, and invite you to grab a beverage and sit back with me as you take in the beautiful moments of their wedding day!

Congrats again, guys!!

Friends & Family Celebration 2019 at Park Country Club | Buffalo Event Photographer

What better way to celebrate the people you are lucky enough to call family and the people who have come into your life as great friends, than by bringing everyone together for an epic dinner & dancing celebration at Park Country Club? This year’s theme was gemstones, and the group was the biggest it’s ever been. With an amazing food display for cocktail hour, and the energetic music of the live band, this was a certainly a night to remember! Thank you, Kathie, for inviting me to photograph your Friends & Family celebration!

Special shout-out to some of the vendors who played a key role in the celebration: Band: Gregg Simmons, "Crying Out Loud” / Florist: Paula Salvatore, Salvatore's Hospitality / Ice Carving: John Matwijkow, Unique Culinary Concepts / Chairs: Stacy Stephens, Tesoro Event Rentals