Charles & Rachel
Rachel and Charles's wedding at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua was a perfect blend of intimacy, joy, and spontaneity. Nestled amidst rolling fields and rustic charm, they spent the day surrounded by their closest friends and family in a cozy, love-filled atmosphere. The rain came and went, adding an air of romance and excitement that wove itself into every part of their day, from the cabin where they prepared to the vows they shared under the shelter of the tent. Every detail felt effortlessly meaningful, creating memories as vivid and warm as the bright, airy photos that captured it all.
When I think back on Rachel and Charles’ wedding day, what stands out is the heartfelt intimacy and authenticity that filled every moment. The cozy atmosphere of their preparations began early, in a charming cabin on-site. The couple’s closest friends and family shared this special morning, wrapping themselves in the warmth of togetherness while rain danced in and out of the scene. Even the light drizzle added to the magic of the day, weaving its way through the story like a gentle, unpredictable blessing.
Charles and his groomsmen took advantage of the morning's fun, with a humorous NFL-inspired walk-in, capturing the laughter and energy they brought to the day. Their lighthearted entry into the venue set a tone of joy that everyone would carry throughout the celebration. The rain couldn’t dampen spirits; it was an added touch of spontaneity, making the day feel that much more unique.
The rain nudged us to hold Rachel and Charles' first look under the airy reception tent. Here, in a quiet moment with their wedding party watching in joyful silence, they exchanged vows surrounded by love and laughter. The delicate lighting under the tent was ideal, filling each photo with a soft, dreamy quality.
Afterward, we took advantage of a break in the rain to capture wedding party portraits against the vibrant backdrop of a flower field. Rachel’s bridesmaids wore dresses in a stunning, color-coordinated array of pastels and brights—every girl a different hue, each a little piece of a vivid mosaic. The look was trendy, playful, and feminine, capturing a girly charm that felt so true to the essence of their day.
Charles and his crew brought their A-game, blending humor and style in a way only they could. They struck poses that balanced between modelesque and completely goofy—perfectly capturing the fun-loving side of the day.
The entire bridal party came together for portraits and every laugh, hug, and shared look spoke to the deep friendships that Rachel and Charles share with each member of their wedding party. In a standout moment, the bridal party lined up to form a “flower tunnel,” raising their arms in an archway of petals and greenery for the newlyweds to walk through. This moment felt like a true celebration of love and friendship, with each person cheering them on as they passed through. The photos captured the beauty, energy, and support that surrounded Rachel and Charles on their wedding day, making for memories as vivid as the flowers around them.
A sprinkle of rain returned, and out came the clear umbrellas, giving us a chance to recreate a cherished photo from Rachel’s parents’ own wedding day. With the flower field as their backdrop, and raindrops adding a bit of sparkle, the couple stood with umbrellas just like her parents had done, connecting one love story to another across generations. These intimate moments, with Rachel’s brother there as a helpful hand, made the couple’s photo session feel like a treasured family affair. We finished just in time, catching the last few photos before another light rain fell.
As guests gathered, everyone took their places for the outdoor ceremony, which unfolded in front of a flower field bursting with color. The timing could not have been more perfect; just as Rachel and Charles took their places, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, bathing the scene in a radiant glow. Eleanor, their adorable flower girl and the bride’s cousin’s daughter, led the way down the aisle, and the bride and groom followed, beaming as they met before the honorable Judge Frank Burretta, who officiated. Their heartfelt kiss as they exited the ceremony left everyone grinning and cheering.
Following the ceremony, parents, siblings, and extended family gathered close, for family portraits. The simple beauty of these family connections added a heartfelt layer to the wedding, grounding the festivities in love and tradition. These images will serve as a lasting reminder of the special bonds that made Rachel and Charles’s day so meaningful.
The reception under the tent was charmingly simple, with fresh flowers adorning each table and an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that suited Rachel and Charles perfectly. Guests left their well-wishes on a unique Jenga guest book, adding a playful twist to their messages. Outside, a corn hole setup on the reception lawn gave everyone a chance to mingle, laugh, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting between dances. The mix of casual games and thoughtful decor created an atmosphere that was both fun and warm, reflecting the couple’s easygoing, joyful spirit.
Here, I shifted into full documentary mode, capturing Rachel and Charles in the midst of the celebration. I’m a big believer in documentary-style photography because it captures the honesty of each moment as it happens, unplanned and unposed. These images tell stories beyond the perfectly planned details; they capture real smiles, heartfelt laughter, and fleeting glances that would otherwise go unnoticed. Candid photos become windows into the moments guests experience from different angles, adding depth to the wedding story. Rachel and Charles' mingling with friends and family was a perfect example—they were entirely immersed, laughing, hugging, and reconnecting, and every moment felt like a gem, an unfiltered snapshot of pure happiness.
The reception had no shortage of memorable moments, from the grand entrance of the wedding party to the couple’s first dance, with the night taking on a surreal quality as gusts of wind and rain swept through during the parent dances. Guests rushed to pull down the tent sides as flowers toppled and water spilled—a dramatic scene straight out of a movie! The rain and wind felt like symbols of wild love, surrounding Rachel and Charles in an aura of romance, showing how beauty can emerge from the unexpected.
Then came the toasts, heartfelt speeches by Rachel’s best friend and Charles’ brother. Each one spoke of how meeting Rachel and Charles had changed their lives, weaving personal stories into a larger narrative of friendship, love, and connection. This emotional atmosphere continued as the rain softly tapped against the tent, underscoring the sentimental nature of the moment.
Afterward, the couple headed back to the cozy cabin to sign their marriage license with their best man and maid of honor, sharing one last private moment, bringing their day full circle.
As I left Rachel and Charles to enjoy the rest of their celebration, I reflected on the beauty of capturing this day through the lens of documentary-style photography. Wedding days are a mix of joy, love, surprises, and raw emotion, and documentary photos honor these truths in their purest form. For Rachel and Charles, their day was a tapestry of little moments woven together, with each photograph becoming a piece of a story they can relive for a lifetime. In the end, these images are not just snapshots; they are tangible memories of real love and the wonderfully unpredictable journey of a wedding day.
Thank you to the incredible vendor team who made this wedding day come to life:
DJ: Shawn Estrich
Florals: Erin McDonald
Catering: Lincoln Hills Farm
Hair: Micheal Phillip
If you're planning your own special day and want to ensure every moment is captured with the same care and attention to detail, feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you tell your unique love story through stunning photography.
Stay Beautiful,
Natalie Javier | JV Films Photography