Jesse-May & Austin | Married - Erin Marie Photography

A Smoke Signals Wedding in Lake Placid, New York

Sometimes I think that educating my brides on the best photography friendly timeline is the best thing, what could go wrong right? Well nothing actually, unless you’re like me, or Jesse-May, and like to stick by timelines and get stressed out if things run late. This is what happened (or so we thought!) during the getting ready portion of Jesse-May and Austin’s gorgeous wedding day. I so related to Jesse-May’s dedication to the perfect timeline because I have a very similar need to keep important things on track. I like to know when things are happening, knowing I’ll have a certain amount of time to do whatever it is, then move on to the next at the correct time. It gives my brain boundaries, although if you ask my husband, he’ll say I still get sidetracked…oh well! What was I saying? 😉

When I arrived at the girls getting ready space, I quickly said my hello’s and congratulations and then got to work on Jesse’s details to make sure I wasn’t going to run behind schedule. But, as most wedding days go, we did get a little behind to the point where Jesse was still getting her makeup done when I heard a bridesmaid say “I just talked to him, he’s already there waiting for us.” She was talking about the groom, Austin…he was already at the first look location and Jesse hadn’t even gotten into her dress yet. This is when you need to put your professional pants on and make sure people (especially the bride!) stay calm, relaxed and above all HAPPY! Was it ideal that we were behind schedule? No, but did that mean it had to throw the rest of the day off track? Absolutely not, which was proven when we got to the first look spot, did the first look followed by some quick bride & groom portraits, then did all the bridal party portraits, then did some more bride & groom portraits, and finished everything with A WHOLE HOUR to spare. Guys. I love when I’m able to pull this off on a wedding day. This gave Jesse-May and Austin time to just relax and enjoy each others company before the ceremony and it was exactly what they needed.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch and I think anyone who was in attendance would tell you that it was a beautiful, joy filled day. The dance floor was never quiet and had amazing energy which resulted in some pretty great photos if I do say so myself! But my favorite part would have to have been the mother – son dance. Oh my gosh, it was the sweetest! Austin is MUCH taller than his sweet mom so in order to be closer to her, he danced on his knees! It was adorable and his mom was holding back tears the whole time.

Jesse-May and Austin, thank you so much for inviting me to spend your special day with you and your loved ones. I hope you had a blast on your amazing honeymoon and enjoy looking through some of my favorites from your day. Congrats again you two!