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As she sniffled through her vows, the true emotion in her voice ripped my heart in two.  I had to put my camera down and press my fingers into my under eyes.  I may cry at weddings, but this was a new one.  Devon spoke eloquently and gracefully as much as she could and as Greg stood there listening I knew all he wanted to do was embrace her and tell her he loved her.

The drive to Caroga Lake, New York was a long one for me.  I was 2 large coffees in when I arrived at the cute lake house next to the chapel. It was something out of a movie like Dirty Dancing.  That lake house row full of vacationers waiting to finish out the summer before school starts and everyone goes back home.  I greeted Devon with a half hug as she as getting some finishing touches.  I ventured up the stairs listening to the sounds of the ladies’ laughter.  When I saw the bag full of details my smile widened.  Devon had taken care to make sure it was all there waiting for me. Brianne and I got to work laying things out and getting a good feel of how special this day was.  Devon wore her grandmothers bracelet.  She had vow books for their personal commitments to one another.  She told me over and over again in our emails that it was a small wedding, immediate family only.  But she put as much thought into this intimate ceremony as I would expect a bride with a lavish 300+ wedding.  It was special and small, but big in emotion and memories.

Devon had gifts for her parents and while I expected there to be tears, I didn’t ready myself for how emotional this would be.  It made the whole day that much more special for me as their photographer.  To be a part of a day that meant so much to these two families was a gift. The ceremony in a beautiful chapel was sweet and full of God’s word.  Greg’s father sang to the couple, his beautiful voice echoing through the floor to ceiling wood room.  Vows and readings were read, rings were exchanged, and in one breath they became Mr. and Mrs. Shearer.

There was a closed down amusement park that Greg had mentioned to me before, and while we were getting ready for their portraits I tried to think of how to make this work the way I envisioned it.  When we pulled up and I saw the pale yellow buildings and closed down ferris wheel my worries melted away.  The magic we made is seriously in my top 3 weddings EVER.  It was pure perfection.  We pulled up to another lake house, and I saw this gorgeous floral clad car in the driveway.  It stopped me in my tracks.  This was a surprise for sure, and that of the best kind. I’m a detail driven wedding photographer, and when something like this just pops up during a day, I have heart palpitations.

Speeches and toasts were given, more happy tears shed and the party commenced.  The food was delicious, the view was simply breathtaking. It was everything that I truly believe Devon and Greg wished for.  They are having a celebration next summer with their family and friends, and I really can’t wait to see how they top this.  It was a perfect end to the summer wedding season, and being a friend of Devon’s myself I am beyond honored that I was asked to be there.

A HUGE thank you to both of Greg and Devon’s family, who really made this day so special, but also to all of the vendors who pulled out the most beautiful work I’ve seen yet!

Dress:  Maggie Sottero,  Heart to Heart Bridal in Webster, NY

Florist: Peck’s Flowers

Ceremony Venue: Caroga Lake Evangelical Chapel

Reception Venue: Shearers’ family cottage, tent rental by Toby’s Tent Rental

Cake: Cravings Bakery & Café

Catering: Union Hall Inn

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo, purchased from BHLDN

Groomsmen and Groom attire: Black Tux

Invitations: Elli

2nd Shooter: Brianne Hultzman

Greg & Devon- what can I even say? Your wedding day was magical and beautiful and I can’t express how thankful I am to have been able to be there.  I hope that you are able to look back on this day and feel the rush of emotions that you felt in these moments.  It was truly the most beautiful and heartfelt weddings I have been a part of. I wish you the best across the pond, and I can’t wait to share in your celebration next year! Sending you both so much love and thanks.