Jesse & Virginia / Summer Backyard Wedding / Binghamton, NY

Mountaintop Summer Backyard Wedding - Bride & Groom Portrait

Sometimes, you meet “the one” and things move fast.
Dating turns into head-over-heels-love turns into proposal turns into marriage.

But then, sometimes you meet “the one” and time slows way down.
Dating turns into a slow simmer of love turns into a deeper and deeper friendship turns into a strong foundation of trust and respect turns into life together turns into proposal turns into marriage.

And even though time slows down, it also speeds way up. (Isn’t time funny that way?)
For example, if you ask Jesse & Virginia how long they’ve been together, they’d have to think for a moment. Because on one hand, it feels like just last year that they met. Just a few months ago that they fell in love. Just a few weeks ago that he proposed. But in reality, time played it’s tricky game and somehow 11 years have passed.

On Saturday, up on top of a mountain, Virginia & Jesse promised each other their lives. The last 11 years had gone by so fast and they promised to never take for granted the next 11 years – or the 22 after that – or the 33 after that. It was one of the most fun & laid back ceremonies I’ve ever been a part of. Virginia laughed as she walked down the aisle & couldn’t help but say little hellos to her guests. Instead of burying their faces in their “script”, the Pastors laughed and joked with Jesse & Virginia. Their guests were even unknowingly involved in the ceremony, as toward the end it was announced that Jesse & Virginia needed two witnesses to sign their marriage license. Since their only bridal party member was their dog, Priya (the Dog of Honor), two guests had been randomly selected to act as witness, via a sticker under their chair. Everyone stood up & cheers went up when the two stickers were found.

We left the gorgeous mountaintop views of the ceremony site for the shaded, homey, comfortable feel of the reception. Virginia & Jesse hosted everyone at their own home & in their backyard. The golden sunlight cutting thru the trees made everything warm & around every corner seemed to be another new detail to look at & enjoy.

Virginia & Jesse: I loved feeling like we were instant besties. Y’all have to be one of the most warm & inviting couples I’ve ever photographed! Jesse – never stop looking at Virginia with those eyes – the ones that speak volumes of the love you have for her without even saying a word. And Virginia – never stop laughing at Jesse – seriously, it’ll be the glue that holds y’all together! I wish y’all the absolute best as you now do life as officially husband & wife.

Summer Backyard Wedding Invitation Suite

Virginia got ready at her friend Liz’s house!
Her dress was an absolute stunning, light, lacey Maggie Sottero. But as with everything on Saturday, it wasn’t without Virginia’s personal touch! The heart sewn into the inside of her dress, was in memory of her Father who has passed away. The belt, is actually 3 separate headpieces that Virginia found & sewed together so it would have exactly the look she wanted!

Bridal Gown with special heart sewn in memory of Dad Laid Back Summer Backyard Wedding Bridal Details

After Virginia got dressed, we were all shocked by a surprise delivery! Jesse had a gift for his bride & he sent a friend over with it!

As I mentioned above, Virginia & Jesse did not have a bridal party. Instead, their dog Priya stood by their side as their “Dog of Honor”. It was so sweet!

How about this view?!

I loved that during the ceremony, Pastors Doug & Jan turned Virginia & Jesse around to look at the valley & mountain that was their backdrop. They so eloquently used it as a lesson for marriage: that there will be valleys & mountains to descend and climb, but together, they can weather any storm.

Oh Virginia!! Seriously, you are such a gorgeous bride!

I know Jesse isn’t a huge fan of having his picture taken, but I was so thankful that he was a good sport the entire day & never said no to any of my ideas! I’m not sure why he’s so against having his portrait taken though – he cleaned up pretty nice himself!!

Omigosh – the view!! From every direction it was absolutely breathtaking! (That’s Broome County Community College in the background of this photo!)

Seriously – if you can’t tell, they’re such a happy couple!! They laughed and giggled and teased each other the entire day – it was marvelous!

And of course – we couldn’t skip out on a picture with Priya! She is the most docile Dalmatian I have ever met. She was so good all day long!

Sweet Priya is actually almost completely deaf. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with her sense of smell! She knew where the good stuff was!

Virginia & Jesse played the shoe game! I’m loving that more and more couples are choosing to add this into their reception activities – it is so much fun & so engaging for everyone!

Grandma! I seriously think she’s Wonder Woman in her past life – can you believe that she’s 89 years old?! She was tearing up the dance floor with the best of them!

So, right as I was getting ready to leave, Virginia’s cousins came around and rounded everyone up. They said that they had a special “presentation” for Virginia & Jesse.
They brought the house down.
They had written parodies for 3 separate songs that they performed – it was a riot!

And last but not least, we had to get away for some “savor” photos. I love pulling couples away from their reception for just 10 minutes & giving them the chance to take it all in. Weddings are tough – there are so many people pulling at your, wanting to see you & talk to you – and you spend so little time with the person you just married! So, I love being able to pull a bride & groom away from everything, allowing them to see each other, hug, smile, laugh, and simply enjoy a few moments to savor the day.