On the most gorgeous summer day, Dave and Mackenzie got married at the enchanting and historical Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, New York. These two envisioned a classic, timeless wedding day with modern touches and a retro twist! For a color scheme, they chose mostly neutrals and ended up with gorgeous combination of white, champagne, black, and gold with pops of hot pink and bright red florals. They had fun touches throughout the day that really made their wedding feel like “them”!
Mackenzie and Dave met in NYC while they were both in graduate school to become optometrists. Dave actually grew up alongside my brother back here in the suburbs around Buffalo, NY and they were friends in high school. Mackenzie said it was a small world situation when she was looking for photographers in New York and stumbled across my page! I went off to college when these two were both also in the city. Not knowing a single soul in NYC was daunting – but my brother, Jesse, told me that if I was ever in trouble or if I ever needed help, his friend Dave would help me. So that’s the story of how I had “Jesse’s friend Dave” stored as a contact in my phone almost a decade ago. Without ever meeting him, I knew his kindness reached beyond just friends and family. And with that information, I knew Mackenzie was going to be just as sweet and kind. When I finally met them for their engagement session, everything I had thought about them was absolutely true – they were kind, authentic and genuine. It was an honor to capture their special day in Saratoga Springs!
The property the casino sits on is gorgeous and while every inch of this location is picture perfect – I tried to keep them in the shade as much as I could. It may not look it, but it reached almost 90 degrees on their day! Their first look was nestled in the trees near the pond and made for a beautiful spot for the big reveal. I absolutely LOVED her veil – her whole look gave me Hailey Bieber vibes!
If the Canfield Casino wasn’t stunning enough, Mackenzie’s dad brought over his vintage car – which we had a lot of fun taking photos in. It really helped bring their elegant classic vision to life and offered them some fun and unique bride and groom portraits.
These two had forgo the the traditional bridal party – instead asking their guests to wear colors to match their day! This resulted in a gorgeous sea of pinks, reds, purples and black. I absolutely loved this idea. It’s such a fun way to make your guests feel special and results in the most gorgeous family photos.
Since Mackenzie and Dave met while they were in optometry school – they of course needed something included in their wedding day to commemorate how they met and that special interest they shared. What better way than the seating chart?! Anyone who’s gotten an eye exam knows how they go down (glasses/contacts wearer since 3rd grade for me!) So when guests approached the sign, they read “Table One…or Two? Table Three….Or Four?” Also at their cocktail hour was an adorable whiteboard crossword puzzle so guests could well..sip and solve questions about Dave and Mackenzie! It’s the little things that really make a wedding feel personal and intentional.
After the formalities were done, Mackenzie stunned their guests the most amazing dress change! Take this as your sign to slip into something fun during the evening and hit the dance floor! You can steal her look here!
The best part of the night? This milk and cookie bar!! As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen all the types of late night snack station but this one is easily my favorite! It was complete with strawberry and chocolate milk for a fun twist.
Thank you Dave and Mackenzie for letting me be part of such a special day. It was an honor to have captured your love and tell your story!
Vendors
Venue: The Canfield Casino
Photo: Sam Renaud Photo
Dress store: Lovely Bride
Dress Designer: Lovers Society
Veil: Savchenko Design
Grooms Suit: Bonobos
Hair Artist: True Beauty Company
Makeup Artist: True Beauty Company
Florals: DIY through Floral Moxie
Seating Chart: Kristen Sardini Design
DJ: DJ Wade
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