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Wedding Photographers in Scotia NY: The Classic Image: Tim and Dana Shaffer
Going back through some of the weddings we photographed last year reminded me of how magical photography can be.
The images of Travis and Valleri’s wedding were no exception. I was instantly transported back to this July wedding with all the pinks and greens of summer, the lush foliage along the river, and the warmth of this couple and their family.


Travis and Valleri were married at The First Reformed Church in Scotia NY. The large arched windows of the church allow the light to pour in and reflect off the white walls and pews.
The white walls of the church heighten the bright glow of happiness and excitement on Valleri’s face as she walks up the aisle with her dad.

The kiss!

The photo above is a favorite image of mine. With two photographers, we can get this shot and still be ready for the “other kiss” – the spontaneous kiss the couple share after they have again walked down the aisle, this time together:

One of the signs of a newly married man – checking out the feel of the band on his ring finger!

Another sign: that great big happy smile!

A triptych showcases all the little details that went into Valerie’s wedding day style.

A close up shot of Valleri’s hands shows off her ring and the intricacies of her dress, as well as her gorgeous pink rose bouquet. The pink on white and pink on black color theme was carried throughout the details of their wedding.

This cake was made by Villa Italia in Schenectady. Regular readers of our blog know my obsession with wedding cakes. And eight months after the wedding, the photos remind me not only how beautiful the cake was… but also how delicious it tasted.

Riverstone Manor in Glenville NY is really great for photographs, with its stone walls, brick patios, stately centuries old shade trees and meticulously manicured grounds that gently roll down to the banks of the Mohawk River.

Valleri and Travis head in to their reception and make a striking black and white contrast to that green summer lawn.

More of that great black, white and pink! July in New York is known for its changeable weather, and it did start to sprinkle while we were photographing some of the groups. The ladies in the bridal party were good sports and used their bouquets to protect their hair until it stopped.

The overcast skies did make for good shooting, though! We took advantage of the nice even light to get some of these wonderful couples portraits. The pergola on the river is used for the outdoor ceremonies held here but also provides a background along with the river.

Here the bride peers through the intricately detailed train of her dress as her bridesmaids and mom help to bustle it (one of my favorite photographs of the night).

Once her dress was bustled, Valeri hit the dance floor.

A dip and a kiss at the end of the first dance. It’s great to see the bride and groom surrounded by everyone who loves them to watch their first dance.

The rest of the evening was full of fun and laughter.

All the ladies turn in their keys now that Travis is a married man!

And I think everyone was pretty happy about who caught the bouquet.

I can’t sign off without one more shot of the happy couple enjoying those July greens – and each other.

Congratulations Travis and Valleri!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us.
love,
Tim and Dana

 We always have our favorite images from the day that we use to put on the blog and facebook page, but it is always fun to see the ones our couples choose to make up their album. I put together the ones Sara and Eric chose in the little video (above) and then have posted them as they were put together in the album below:

 This was the first spread in the album. Don’t you just love these pretty pinks, yellows and greens?

Sara and Eric chose what we call The Wedding Book. It is a beautiful way to preserve your wedding images in a story book type album. This particular album is hand crafted in Italy using fine Italian leathers or silks if you desire. The textured paper gives it a lovely romantic feel for presentation with either images from your wedding as background or a creamy ivory tone throughout. You can see some of the covers from this style here  Their album cover style is shown in the 7-9th photo down from the top. 

Thanks again to Meghan from Katie O events and Chelse our summer assistant. And of course love and hugs to Eric and Sara. Sweetest couple ever! love, Tim and Dana

This Thursday’s guest blogger is Videographer Lance Wheeler. You might have seen Lance at a wedding or covering news for Channel 6. I’ll apologize in advance for his pun:

You can take this to the bank.  A close professional relationship between your photographer and videographer is essential to the success of your wedding day and to the great images and video you expect.  
 The first question I ask a bride is “Who’s your photographer?”  When the response is “my brother-in-laws’ cousin is “into photography” and he’s giving us our pictures as a gift”…..I shutter.   This wedding stuff is complicated, challenging and you deserve a competent, experienced person behind the camera period.  Do your research.  Get the names and numbers of his last 5 brides.  Call them and get the scoop
    Experienced “team” players know the ropes.  They know about the challenges of lousy light, shifting weather conditions, the crazy uncle,  and the uncooperative mother-in-law.   This is a wedding.  You don’t get a second chance to get the shots.
    Besides having great technical skills, most of us get additional training via professional organizations and attend seminars to improve our craft.  Technology moves quickly and experienced photographers and videographers must keep up on technology, trends and tools. 
     
Your team of photographers and videographers don’t compete against each other, but work together to make your wedding day “the best”.
     We get it.
         Lance
The Knot  “Best”  2010 and 2011
“Your Wedding DVD in a Week”

Thanks for your contribution to our guest blogger series Lance! It’s always a pleasure working with you. Tim and Dana
For more of this wedding that we shot with Lance go here.  For another click here.
And to see a photo of Lance at the Hall of Springs Wedding Show  

Wedding Photographers in Albany NY The Classic Image Tim and Dana Shaffer

When Michele and Chris contacted us about doing their wedding at the newly renovated Old Daley Inn on Crooked Lake, we were excited about photographing at a new venue. We even stopped in a week beforehand to check it out, and the owner, Jim Pettit, graciously gave us an impromptu tour.

We were excited and inspired when we saw the Inn- a huge, beautiful cobblestone manor right on the edge of picturesque Crooked Lake. (pun intended 🙂 )
It was a particularly special venue for Michele, as she is the operations manager for The Old Daley Inn Catering Company! It was certainly a pleasure to work with such a close-knit crowd. Even with so many of the staff enjoying the day as guests, everything ran as smoothly as if they were operating with a full crew.
The wedding was huge but the Inn was unbelievably spacious, and everyone was easily accommodated in the ballroom.
The tables surrounded the dance floor and looked out through the huge windows onto the grounds.
Each room had it’s own character-from the cozy, sleek bar with leather couches and enormous stone fireplace which Michele and Chris enjoy here….

To the ball room with an elegant receding arch and raised dais, a perfect frame for the bridal party.
The beautiful Central New York surroundings were also inspiring.

The ceremony was held on the beautiful grounds surrounding the cobblestone property, overlooking the lake-
– and later, the sunset.

The wedding and reception were filled with carefully planned details, which we captured in this end-of-the-evening shot: the invitation with an “m” and “c” for Michele and Chris, the flowers, a wine stopper wedding favor, their wedding colors, and a champagne glass, with the DJ’s lights in the background.

The wedding’s ambience and luxury was gracefully enhanced through the characteristic artistry of florist On Thai, of Surroundings Floral.
The wedding was not only beautiful and gorgeous… it was also a party! Chris and Michele celebrated with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the veranda, an Italian-inspired dinner, a feast of desserts, late night snacks, a riotous wedding party introduction, and a lot! of dancing.
The wedding was DJ’ed by Cool Cat Entertainment, whose music not only kept everyone moving, but also helped create the atmosphere with a phenomenal light show.
We loved working with Michele and Chris – they were down-to-earth and ready to just enjoy their day…
This is the ring shot that the couple saw at one of our display pieces at a bridal show and it made them laugh out loud. You can see they also have a great sense of humor!
Chris and Michele’s love and affection for each other was evident throughout the day.
Which is, after all, what it’s all about!
This is the last page in their wedding album – one of a series taken at sunset, as they took a minute to sit and enjoy the view and absorb the beauty of their day.
To see more photos of Chris and Michele’s wedding day at the Old Daley Inn, including the ‘getting ready photos’ and a lot more, go to our album on Facebook!
Thank you Chris and Michele for having us be a part of your very special day,
Love,
Tim and Dana
And Thanks also to our gracious hosts Jim and Steph Pettit and all their friendly staff.
A shout out to some of Michele and Chris’s vendors not already linked in the blog:

As I mentioned last week, we will be featuring guest bloggers from other wedding resources to help you as you plan your day. Today we welcome our first guest blogger John Pemrick Lewis from Advantage Transportation Group:
A wedding is a ceremony that celebrates the beginning of a marriage and is considered one of the most important events in life, as well as a perfect opportunity to perform a traditional ceremony and celebrate with friends and family.  Costs to creating the perfect wedding may vary and cruising around town in wedding limousines, replete with “just married” signs, champagne and confetti awaits you on your very special day.

Luxury, comfort and style on your wedding day.
Most couples would agree that arriving at your wedding ceremony in luxury and comfort is tops on the agenda.  Arriving there in an appropriately-colored and stylish limousine should do the trick, as most limousines offered for hire are meticulously maintained with a complimentary bar and friendly chauffeurs.

The most simple and basic wedding limousine service will include the limousine, driver and beverages.  When it comes to the driver, make sure that the rental company provides a uniformed (tuxedo) driver for the wedding. 

Checking on the limo’s appearance also matters.  Couples should ensure that the service includes important extras such as “Just Married” signs, red royal wedding carpet, interior decoration, champagne stands, or any other special considerations you may require. Keep in min that the service provider may impose additional charge as extra customizations.

Royal red carpet for the bride!

Couples are advised to reserve their choice limousines well in advance.  Unless one is familiar with the limousine company and their vehicles, take the time to check on the available options and physically inspect the vehicle.  Confirm the dress code for the chauffeur, since you would prefer a fully trained professional chauffeur.


Limousines are generally rated as 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20 passenger-types, so be sure to ask for the year and make of the limousine.  Also, consider the size of your party and the gowns when hiring your limousine.  While rental costs vary considerably, most companies have a three hour minimum, and some suggest a gratuity of up to 20% for the chauffeur for providing exemplary service!
Advantage Transportation Group

Thanks for being our first guest blogger John!  Tim and Dana