KAYLA + JAMES

What is the best way to make an engagement shoot sweeter? Add dogs, of course! Kalya and James (and their two adorable pups) were so much fun to shoot. This is a couple that is so in love that even the freezing temps didn't faze them! 

I love engagement shoots because they are the first step in a series of some of the most important moments of a couple's life. I have been lucky enough to work with some couples from engagement to wedding to maternity shoot, and watching these men and women begin their lives together brings me endless joy. Couples like Kalya and James are the reason that I love my job, and I wish them much happiness as they progress along the next stepping stones of life!

Kate + John

I am always honored when one of my friends asks me to photograph their wedding, and Kate and John's wedding was no exception. 

I have known Kate for years and worked with her on other weddings, so seeing the day where Kate was the one walking down the aisle was surreal. 

I was with Kate and John every step of the way throughout this process, from helping John plan the engagement to the last moments of their reception. This was a wedding fit for royalty. I had two other photographers with me so we could capture all angles of the ceremony in the gorgeous St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and then the reception at the Kotecki's Grandview Grove. Kotecki's Grandview Grove is owned by Kate’s father and the bride and groom both work there, so it was extra special for them to be off the clock and be able to enjoy the beautiful space in celebration of their own love. 

We shot at Shea's, an art gallery, in a field on the way to the venue, and of course in the lobby of the Grove. We were joined by Kate and John's adorable son Matthew, who was truly a natural in front of the camera. 

I am so happy that Kate and John chose me to photograph their wedding, and look forward to watching them continue this beautiful life that they have created together.

XO,

Amanda

Photographed by Seventh Arrow Studio // Ceremony - Saint Joseph's Cathedral // Venue - Kotecki's Grandview Grove // Floral - Buffalo Floral Art // Dress - Ma Carr // DJ - Johnny K // Guest Cake - Say Cheesecake // Display Cake - Muscoreil's Fine Desserts // Make Up - Amandalee Shamrock // Hair - Jennifer Geitter-Cuttitta // Barber - Armstrong Barbershop // Tux - Men's Warehouse // Limo - Status Limo // Photo booth and uplighting - Toy Brothers // Cocktail Music - Sax Man Silm // Linens - Elegant Events Direct // Late-Night Snack - Mighty Taco

KAILEY + MATTHEW

You only get one chance to capture your perfect day, and for this reason, couples want their wedding photos to be perfect. Many brides spend months, even years, looking at bridal magazines and wedding albums, and when they come to me to photograph their wedding they often have a very specific idea of how they want the photos to look.

When I approached Kailey and Matthew about where they wanted to do their shoot, I expected the usual strong opinions. What happened instead, however, was that they left it up to me. I can’t thank them enough for having faith in me, because the freedom they gave me allowed my vision to come to life and I couldn’t be happier with the results. 

On the big day, Kailey got ready in a quaint townhouse in Elliottville, and Matthew at Holiday Valley. I wanted an elegant yet rustic look for this winter wedding shoot, and so brought the couple to an abandoned parking lot on the way to the venue. “Abandoned parking lot” doesn’t exactly sound like every couple’s dream photoshoot location, but Kailey and Matthew had total faith in me and the natural landscape was a perfect complement to the bridal party’s neutral color scheme.

Kailey and Matthew tied the knot at 4:00 pm in a ceremony at Youdler Lodge at Holiday Valley, where the natural wood beams and red and green accents elegantly tied together their wintery theme. The ceremony was followed by a reception in the same location.

In a testament to this couple’s willingness to try anything, we snuck back out to the parking lot during cocktail hour to squeeze in a few more photos. And really, look how beautiful they are- can you blame them?

I loved everything about this couple and this wedding, and am especially grateful to them for trusting my vision. It can be hard to give up the reins for even a moment on a day you’ve been dreaming about forever, but I promise you, it’s worth it. When you trust your photographer, magical things happen.

A huge congratulations to Kailey and Matthew- hoping you never cease to bring each other warmth and light even in the depths of winter.

XO,

Amanda

Buffalo Wedding photographers // Amanda & Sarah from Seventh Arrow Studio

Dresses ~ MA Carr // Suits ~ JC Penney // Venue ~ Holiday Valley Resort // Video ~ Filmwell Studios // Favors ~ Paula's Donuts // Cake ~ Elm Street Bakery // Florist ~ Maureen's Wholesale