Dana & Timothy
On August 3, 2024, Dana and Timothy celebrated their wedding day with so much love and joy, and Javee and I had the immense honor of being there to capture every precious moment via photo and video. From their sentimental ceremony at St. Joseph's, a church close to their hearts for years, to the lively reception at the Monroe Golf Club in Rochester, NY, their day was one to remember.
Getting Ready: Sentimental Moments and Thoughtful Details
The day began at Dana’s childhood home, where she and her bridesmaids prepared for the celebration. It was a warm and inviting atmosphere, with her dogs offering the sweetest company. Her wedding details were carefully curated, from the elegant gold accents to the bracelet she wore with the initial "T" for her soon-to-be husband, Tim. She had a special note from Tim’s dog, Zoey, asking if she would accept to be her new Dog Mom, an adorable touch.
Dana shared a heartfelt first look with her dad, a moment filled with tears and deep emotion. As she walked down the stairs to meet her dad at the bottom, she was an absolute dream, beaming with excitement and anticipation of the day ahead of her. The joy in her dad’s face when he met her eye is undeniable, a truly special moment between the two.
Over at the couple’s home, Tim and his groomsmen were getting ready in style. Tim gifted his groomsmen the coolest RTIC cooler, packed with some of their favorites in it! Javee loved this so much he went out the next day and got himself one! A memorable highlight was Dana’s surprise for Tim—his tie now featured a photo from their engagement session, a beautiful keepsake he wore throughout the day.
The couple exchanged gifts and heartfelt letters. Dana gifted Tim a memory box filled with meaningful moments, including memories from their unforgettable first date. She also surprised him with a practical yet hilarious gift, a new drying wrack, for her very own “house husband”.
Tim’s gift to Dana was equally sentimental: a stunning art piece featuring their first dance song, artistically swirled around a photo from their engagement.
The Ceremony: A Sentimental Walk Down the Aisle
The ceremony at St. Joseph's Church was stunning. Dana’s walk down the aisle with her father, accompanied by her brother’s musical talents, was filled with emotion, and Tim couldn’t hold back his tears as he watched her approach.
The rings were blessed, vows were exchanged, and the couple shared a sweet kiss that sealed their marriage. Following the ceremony, we captured intimate family portraits at the church, cherishing the sentimental setting.
Bridal Party Portraits: Full of Joy
At Monroe Golf Club, we took bridal party portraits on the lush greens, making sure to get a few quick shots before the possible rain arrived. Dana’s family joined for a few more, and we had fun with some light-hearted, personality-filled poses.
Then came the couple's photos—romantic yet playful, just like Dana and Tim. These two don’t take themselves too seriously, and their light-hearted energy made every moment fun, creating a gallery filled with joy and laughter.
Reception: A Celebration Full of Life and Love
The cocktail hour, nestled within the golf course’s garden, offered plenty of candid moments, with guests mingling among the beautiful floral backdrops.
Inside, the reception space was a vision of summer elegance, with golden and pink flowers adorning the room in a sunset theme, highlighted by luxurious gold accents. The stunning room was captured before guests arrived, the perfect scene before the night’s festivities began.
The wedding party made a lively entrance, with the guys taking a knee with beers and the girls bringing boundless energy. Dana and Tim followed, beaming with excitement, and went straight into their first dance. It was a fun and joyful moment, especially when they high-fived after nailing the perfect dip and kiss.
Heartfelt Speeches and Special Dances
The speeches from Dana’s father, brother, and Tim’s brother and best friend were a mix of laughter and heartfelt emotion. As I captured reactions around the room, the warmth and love shared among family and friends were palpable. One family member even gave an impromptu blessing, adding a spontaneous and personal touch to the night.
The father-daughter dance was bathed in the glow of the sunset, as Dana’s dad twirled her around the floor in a sweet and tender moment. Tim’s mother-son dance was equally moving.
The big surprise came when Dana invited her mom to share a special mother-daughter dance. Even I couldn’t hold back my tears during this emotional and beautiful exchange between mother and daughter. The love between them was undeniable as they swayed gracefully, sharing laughs and hugs.
Playful Moments and Sunset Photos
Dana and Tim shared a playful moment during their cake cutting, feeding each other with plenty of laughter—and even a little messy kiss!
The evening continued with stunning sunset photos on the golf course, the couple bathed in golden light, surrounded by colorful summer flowers.
The reception party kicked off with high-energy dancing, thanks to their favorite band, “Something Else.” Dana wowed the crowd with an impromptu "worm" on the dance floor, a perfect reflection of her fun-loving spirit. The energy was contagious as guests joined in, and the bride and groom were even lifted in chairs. Tim looked like he was having the time of his life, while Dana’s reaction was a mix of nerves and joy—she nailed it, though, and their adorable exchanges throughout the night were unforgettable.
A Special Thank You
I’ve known Dana for years, and capturing her wedding day was truly an honor. Watching her and Tim celebrate their love with so much joy and laughter was incredibly special, and being able to share that day with them is a memory I’ll treasure forever. Dana left JV Films the kindest review after her wedding, and her kind words mean the world to us:
“Anyone fortunate enough to know Natalie instantly feels the warmth of her kindness and the generosity of her heart. Not only is she an exceptionally talented photographer, but she is also one of the most genuine individuals I have ever met. Natalie is a true ray of sunshine. Her passion and enthusiasm extend beyond the art of photography to a deep appreciation for the moments she captures and the people she photographs. This heartfelt dedication is a testament to her authenticity and remarkable character. I wish that I could have captured her happiness and excitement when photographing us. You might wonder how someone could be so talented, but I’m here to tell you how. When you have someone who cares so deeply for the people who enter their life and who is driven by a desire to make others smile, you create perfection in your work. That's precisely what Natalie does. Her work is breathtaking because she pours her heart not just into the work, but into the people behind the work. In a world filled with fleeting moments, she captures the essence of life with every click of her camera. Her photographs are more than just images; they are reflections of the heart and soul, each one telling a story that words cannot express. She has the ability to see the world not just through a lens, but with a depth of feeling that brings out the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Natalie’s work is a testament to the love and passion she pours into every shot, creating timeless memories that touch the hearts of all who see them. Natalie— Thank you for sharing your unique gift with us, and for reminding us of the power of seeing the world through the eyes of the heart. Thank you for making our day perfect, for your love and support, and most importantly, thank you (and Javee!) for being our friends. We are forever grateful for you guys.”
Thank you, Dana and Tim, for allowing us to be part of your day and for your kind words. I’m beyond grateful for your friendship and for the chance to capture your love story.
Dana & Tim’s Wedding Film:
And I just have to include some of my favorite shots from their
engagement session before their wedding…
Thank you to all of the vendors who made this couple’s wedding day come to life:
Videography: JV Films
Band: Something Else (Michael Clock)
Dress: Lovely Bride (@lovelybriderochester)
Suits: Incognito (@incognitomw)
Florals: Flowers and Fountains (Lauren)
Hair: oNe Beauty Body Life (Jessica San Fillipo, @one1.beauty, @jsanfillipo)
Makeup: J Kohl Beauty (Jess Kohlmeier, @kohlbeauty)
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
