Okay babe, let’s talk wedding photos—the kind that make you cry happy tears every time you look at them. Your wedding day is a whirlwind of joy, love, and champagne toasts, and if you’re planning your dream celebration here in the Capital Region of Upstate New York (hi, Saratoga brides!), you’ve got no shortage of drop-dead gorgeous backdrops.
From mountain views in Southern Vermont to the timeless elegance of downtown Albany, there are so many ways to capture the magic. As a wedding photographer, here are five wedding photo moments I insist my couples prioritize—because these are the shots that never, ever get old.
1. The First Look
Let’s start with the moment that gives me all the chills—the first look. It’s intimate, emotional, and completely your own. Whether you’re sharing this moment in the secret garden vibes of Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, the stately steps of the Albany State Capitol, or tucked away on the shores of Lake George, the energy is unmatched. This is the deep breath before “I do,” and it always, always delivers.
2. The Scenic Portrait
One word: epic. These are your Vogue-worthy, frame-it-in-the-living-room photos. Picture springtime tulips at Washington Park in Albany, soft sunset light at the Hall of Springs, or a mountainscape moment somewhere in the Berkshires. The Capital Region seriously shows off when it comes to romantic photo ops. Let’s make your love story look like a movie poster.
3. The Candid Laughter Shot
You know the one—laughing mid-toast, wiping away a happy tear, sharing a goofy moment with your new spouse or bridal party. These unscripted snapshots capture your day exactly as it felt. Venues like The Canfield Casino or The Lodge at Saratoga Casino give your photos that elevated, timeless look with lots of space to move, mingle, and make memories.
4. The Grand Exit
Whether you’re into sparklers, vintage cars, confetti, or a just-married boat ride on Lake George, your grand exit is the mic drop moment of the night. It’s full of movement, magic, and emotion—and trust me, these are the shots that end up on your thank you cards, your Instagram, and your walls.
5. The First Dance
There’s just something about that first dance glow. Whether you’re twirling under fairy lights at The Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy or slow dancing in a dreamy barn like The Barn at Lord Howe Valley, this moment is the definition of romance. Wide shots, close-ups, black and whites—this is where the fairytale kicks into full gear.
Let’s Make It Last Forever
Your wedding day will fly by, but your photos? Those are forever. I’m a wedding photographer who knows these Capital Region venues like the back of my camera and I’m here to help you feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely seen on your big day.
If you’re planning your wedding in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Clifton Park, or the surrounding areas and want dreamy, high-end images that feel like you—let’s chat. I’d love to tell your love story the way it deserves to be remembered.
