Aleya and Brandon’s day was full of sophisticated details, classic traditions, and a night filled with dancing at their Queensbury Hotel wedding reception. This celebration was the wedding you dream of as a young girl—a fairytale kind of day with all eyes on the bride as the bride floated down the aisle in a cathedral-length veil. Even the family frenchie joined the black-tie affair, dressed in a dapper bow tie to match the groomsmen. Capturing Aleya and Brandon’s special day felt like taking part in a royal event.
Queensbury Hotel Wedding | Lake George, New York
I love the different traditions I get to experience as a Lake George wedding photographer. Capturing Aleya and Brandon’s traditional Catholic ceremony at St Mary’s Catholic Church was an amazing experience.
I met these two for their engagement session in Albany. We went downtown, ordered some espresso martinis, and the rest was MAGIC. They both looked so stylish and were naturals in front of the camera. I knew documenting their black-tie affair would be just as stunning to capture.
The couple chose a traditional black-and-white color palette and soft white roses from Binley Florist. Everything looked timeless and classic—the details you look back on in 30 years with zero regrets.
Wedding Preparations at The Queensbury Hotel
I spent most of the morning with the bridal party at The Queensbury Hotel. Aleya was beaming ear to ear with so much excitement, and her energy was contagious. They exchanged sweet handwritten notes after hair and makeup. The entire wedding party was so genuine and warm.
One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is seeing all of the details come together. From the flowers and stationery to the jewelry and veils, all the intricate details looked flawless. Aleya’s style was apparent from the start. The subtle details in her elegant style were so much fun to photograph.
The bridal party wore black, silk robes before changing into their dresses. Aleya looked like royalty in a ball gown style dress from Lily Saratoga. With traditional embellishments and lace plus a corset bodice for modern flare, she looked like a modern-day fairytale.
Brandon and his groomsmen wore black bow ties and classic tuxedos, with the groom accentuated in a white jacket. The crisp black details directly complemented Aleya’s elegant style and dramatic lace-edged veil.
The couple decided to save their first look for the altar, so the anticipation (and Aleya’s smile) grew by the minute. Aleya’s father waited for her in the hotel lobby. It was here where you could see she was a Daddy’s girl through and through. Their father-daughter first look was so sweet. Her father kissed her head and grinned with absolute pride before they made their way to the church.
A Traditional Catholic Ceremony at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Falls, NY
Most wedding ceremonies are quick. I have to stay on my toes to capture guests’ reactions and genuine moments. But during a Catholic wedding ceremony, there is much more time to photograph everything. Traditional ceremonies in a Catholic church can last anywhere up to an hour.
The processional started with grandparents and parents first, followed by the bridal party. Next followed the sweetest ring bearer and flower girl making their way through the aisle of guests. The jaw-dropping architectural details of St. Mary’s needed little to dress it up. The couple kept the decor to a minimum and let the focus be on their sanctuary celebration.
With all eyes on the bride, Aleya practically floated down the aisle. Brandon waited patiently at the altar, overcome with happiness and emotion. Then, Aleya was handed off by her first-love to Brandon, her last and true love.
I love when couples hold hands naturally during the ceremony. Brandon held onto Aleya every moment they stood at the altar during the priest’s readings. Next, the homily was given by the celebrant. The couple took seats below the sanctuary, and the wedding party sat in the pulpit. After the sermon, the priest invited them to return to the sanctuary to stand alongside the bride and groom for the vows.
It was an incredible ceremony for an incredible couple, evidenced by how many loved ones were there to witness it. Another favorite moment from the day (because there are too many to pick just one) was their exit as newlyweds. Honest joy lit up their faces, and you could see how excited these two were to finally spend the rest of their lives together.
Portraits with the Wedding Party
When the bride and groom have large bridal parties, it can be pretty overwhelming to put everyone together to create the perfect image. There are so many things to plan for ahead of time like location, levels, and timing. But what I love about these types of wedding parties is that they are usually the most fun.
I always remind everyone to just be themselves, so I can capture as many natural images as possible. And this crew’s excitement made it easy to do. With family members and friends from childhood up to college, this group was one big party.
I took stunning shots of the couple outside the cathedral before heading across the street for portraits. Aleya’s veil draped across the entrance steps and was breathtaking against the wind. Next in line for the main character was Stormy—the couple’s frenchie. Dressed in his own tuxedo, Stormy looked like he belonged in the wedding party all along.
Following the group portraits, family and friends joined the guests for cocktail hour while Aleya and Brandon snuck away with me. It was the perfect time for a session on the Queensbury Hotel rooftop (and on the way up).
The evening overcast and subtle sunset created a dreamy background against Aleya’s white dress. These two deserve to be in a magazine—and capturing them was all so effortless!
The Queensbury Hotel Wedding Reception
Just because you have a classic-style wedding doesn’t mean you can’t let loose and have fun! While the ceremony was traditional, the reception was a party! The hotel ballroom was filled with white flowers, black linens, sparkling chandeliers, and candle-lit tables. The reception entrance started with the parents entering as pairs, followed by the wedding party with choreographed routines. All eyes were on the new couple as they entered hand in hand, ready for their first dance.
They danced the rest of the night and only stopped for the toasts and the bouquet toss. I love when brides and grooms incorporate traditional wedding moments like these—but make them fun.
One of the reasons I love documentary-style photography so much is how the images all come together to tell a story. And Aleya’s bouquet toss images are precisely that. There was so much shock and laughter when the maid of honor caught the bouquet (and all eyes darted for her groomsmen partner).
Couples always ask me if they should book extra time for their wedding photography package—and I always say YES! Get all of it documented, so you can cherish these moments forever. You’re already investing so much into this day. Why not capture it all?
Finally, the night ended with a glow stick dance floor. Despite all of the thrill and dancing, Aleya and Brandon were so focused on one another. Their smiles show just how perfect the two are for each other!
Aleya and Brandon’s Queensbury Hotel wedding was a dream to photograph. Thank you for trusting me to capture it. I’m wishing you a lifetime of happiness and joy together!
VENDORS:
Photography: Molli Photo
Ceremony Venue: St Mary’s Catholic Church of Glen Falls
Reception Venue: The Queensbury Hotel
Catering: The Queensbury Hotel
Cake: Lake George Baking Company
Florals: Binley Florist
Hair: Lauren White
Makeup: Makeup by Baileigh / Glow by Jill
Dress: Lily Saratoga
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