Crystal Herry Photography

I love posting these fall engagement sessions because it just reminds me how much I love the change of seasons in Upstate New York! The fall also usually leads to a great winter of snowmobiling so you can imaging my dismay that our CNY winter has not transitioned as such. Oh well, staying warm inside editing great couples like Jana and Chris who had a great time together, lots of laughter, and an some fun with golf at the Calvary Club in Manlius, NY!

I have heard such great stories about this next couple, Michelle and Dan. Stacy Claire was about as smitten with these two as they were with each other. After Stacy photographed their engagement session at Onondaga Parkway, she couldn't stop talking about the anticipation for their wedding day! It did not disappoint! Their love radiated through my computer screen as I was editing this wedding and I can't help but still smile when I see these two. Stacy Claire is quite proud of these photos (I am too) and her time spent with the lovebirds. From their amazingly intimate "First Look", the unconditional love and adoration for one another, to the honest and sincere appreciation for their family and friends, Michelle and Dan are bound for a lifetime of endless happiness! Of course, we can't help but love their choices for ceremony and reception - 2 of the best places in our opinion to get married - The Cathedral in Downtown Syracuse and The Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. Hope you enjoy this brief glimpse into their special day! Congratulations Michelle and Dan!!!

Stacy Claire loved her first wedding season as a full-time wedding photographer. As one of my associate freelance photographers, Stacy Claire shares a lot of the same excitement, values and perspectives surrounding wedding photography that I do which makes for a great team between us (she shoots your wedding day and I am responsible for all the post production). I'm happy to have been working with her for 5 years now and look forward to the upcoming 2012 season which she is booking up fast for!

After a lengthy drive from Jeni & Joe's wedding ceremony in Hamilton, NY, a wonderful evening was had by all at their reception at Lakeshore Country Club in Cicero, NY. Jeni made for a beautifully beaming bride and had some of the most stunning bridesmaids and bridesmaid dresses Stacy's seen. Such a simple and elegant day! Congrats Jeni & Joe!

Fall Leaves + Snow = a fun late fall engagement session at Pratts Falls with Lisa & Zac.

Well, tis the last photo blog for me in 2011! I'm taking a short break until 2012. Throughout the first few months of the new year, I hope to finish blogging up the rest of my 2011 couples. Until then, enjoy Jessica and Adam's Macedonian Wedding!

Favorite Purchase: "My dress and our photographer. Everyone loved Crystal!"

Biggest Splurge: "Our Venue."

Favorite Moment: "Taking our photos. It was so much fun! As well as our 1st dance."

Honeymoon: "We got married in September 2011 but booked our honeymoon for August 2012 in Disney. Trust me, you will be exhausted the day of. Our friends purchased us a gift certificate to stay at 10 Fitch, which is a bed and breakfast in Auburn. We spent the night after our wedding there. I highly recommend it. It was so romantic and relaxing. Just what we needed!"

Advice for future Brides & Grooms: "Start planning as early as you can. This will allow you to get things done slowly without stressing yourself out. On the wedding day, its all about you. Don't stress...if anything goes wrong or any details are out of place, nobody will know it but you. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your day! You will be exhausted by the end of the night!"

VENDORS: New York Bride, Hair It Is, Rao's Florist, Wegmans DeWitt Floral, Bella Bakery, Merak (Macedonian Band), St. George Macedonian Church, Traditions at the Links, Donation to Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund of CNY

So this couple is seriously cute! Right? I thought I'd switch it up and post a full set of B&Ws. My editing style always includes a good percentage of B&Ws, always giving you both the color and B&W photos to choose from. Some just lend themselves perfectly to this look! Hopefully one more blog before the holidays then a mini-break for me! Happy Hump Day!

Ashley and Jason had a beautiful September day for an outdoor ceremony. I really enjoyed my backdrop for formals and captured a great party at Embassy Suites.

May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

Ok, so this couple is seriously so adorable and planned a wonderful wedding at Arrowhead Lodge in Brewerton, NY. Not only did I love the fact that it was only 3 minutes from house, the character and personality throughout this wedding was so great. Congrats you two!

Monica and Kris had a beautiful wedding at one of my personal favorite ceremony spots, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with a fun and personalized reception at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest. Here is a little tid bit from the bride herself!

Favorite Moment of the Day? "I especially loved our letters to each other at the mass. It really made it personal and memorable."

Any DIY Projects? "Lots! We made everything we could to not only save money, but to help personalize the day and make it fun. The church programs, table centerpieces, the favors and seating cards, the photo props, the guestbook; we wanted the day to be unique to us and to make sure our personalities came out in the details."

Biggest Splurge? "Our honeymoon in Tahiti! We were able to visit 3 of the islands: Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. I'd say all three are a must see for everyone that can have the opportunity to visit!"

VENDORS Studio 304, Mary Fortino at CNY Makeup and Hair Artistry, Becky's Custom Creations, Gingersnap Bakery, D'Angelo Studio Productions, Gumdrop Inspirations