May 10, 2025 | The Lake House, Canandaigua, NY

There are wedding days that feel like poetry from beginning to end and Danielle and Patrick’s intimate celebration at The Lake House on Canandaigua Lake was exactly that. With just under 50 of their closest family and friends, these two said "I do" under a golden sun, surrounded by the kind of love that’s steady, warm, and deeply rooted. Danielle, a nurse, and Patrick, a doctor, first met at work, two hearts aligned by shared purpose and compassion. That same gentle strength wove its way through every detail of their wedding day.

Danielle spent the morning tucked away in the beautiful bridal suite at The Lake House, surrounded by her mom, aunt, sister-in-law, and best friend, Tabatha. Laughter echoed through the walls as the incredible beauty team brought her classic, glowing bridal look to life.

Meanwhile, Patrick got ready in the room next door with his brother and close family. Their quiet camaraderie set the tone for the day: heartfelt, low-key, and full of meaning. Danielle surprised Patrick with a pair of customized cufflinks, each one engraved with meaningful details that only the two of them shared. It was a quiet, sentimental moment that perfectly reflected their relationship: thoughtful, intentional, and full of heart. But she didn’t stop there. Danielle also gifted her father and brother custom ties, each one lined with personal photos hidden on the inside, tiny time capsules they could carry with them throughout the day. Later on, the three of them—her dad, brother, and groom—proudly showed off their matching custom fits, laughing and posing together like a sentimental secret club. It was a beautiful way to honor the men in her life, and a reminder that the smallest details often hold the most meaning.

One of the most emotional moments came early, as Danielle shared a first look with her dad and brother. Their reactions, pure awe and teary-eyed pride, said everything.

But the true heart-stopper was her first look with Patrick on the dock, a moment that felt like time slowed down just for them. As Danielle approached, the sunlight spilled across the lake, casting everything in a golden glow. Patrick turned to see her, and the emotion that washed over both of them was palpable. Framed by gentle waves and the quiet lapping of the water, they held each other close and exchanged private vows, words spoken just for the two of them, full of love, promises, and shared history. It was tender, raw, and deeply moving.

The Ceremony

Set on the lawn in front of the event barn, the ceremony was filled with color and intention. A floral arch grounded in lush spring blooms created the dreamiest backdrop as Ernest, Patrick’s brother, officiated the ceremony. And we can’t forget the flower girl, Hallie, Ernest’s daughter, who absolutely nailed her big role. She walked with quiet confidence, sprinkling petals like a pro and earning plenty of “awws” from the crowd. A sweet little family moment that added even more warmth to the ceremony. The live piano played softly as guests arrived, and every glance, smile, and tear held so much weight. This was not just a ceremony, it was a moment where two families truly became one.

There was a light breeze coming off the lake that turned into a moment of its own, Danielle’s veil took on a life of its own, cascading and swirling around her like it had choreography planned all along. The wind had everyone smiling, and maybe holding onto their things a little tighter. It was one of those real, unscripted wedding memories that made the ceremony feel even more personal and unforgettable.

Portraits Around the Lake House

After the ceremony, we gathered for family formals along the dock side of the venue. With the lake gently shimmering in the background, we captured a series of heartfelt groupings that reflected the closeness of both families. Parents, siblings, and extended loved ones all came together in joyful celebration, with plenty of laughter, hugs, and proud smiles in between the more posed moments. The setting added a relaxed, organic feel to what can sometimes feel like a formal part of the day, and each photo held the kind of ease and warmth that defined Danielle and Patrick’s entire wedding.

Following family formals, we wandered the grounds of the Lake House for portraits, taking in the breeze off the lake, the dappled light filtering through the trees, and those stolen glances between Danielle and Patrick that speak louder than words. From glistening portraits on the dock to a few moodier, romantic shots tucked around the property, these two were effortless in front of the camera. Every frame felt cinematic and deeply authentic.

Cocktail Hour with Heart

Cocktail hour was held on the terrace outside the event barn, where guests sipped signature drinks while a jazz duo played softly in the background. It was relaxed, breezy, and intimate, the kind of gathering where people mingled effortlessly and every conversation felt intentional.

Danielle’s handmade touches could be found everywhere, from custom signage to a welcome display that was truly unforgettable. Together with her father, she transformed an old wooden boat into a stunning welcome sign, one of our favorite details of the day and a perfect example of how personal this wedding truly was.

A Reception Bathed in Sunlight

The reception unfolded in the event barn, glowing with golden hour light streaming through the windows. The details were timeless and airy, with colorful florals sprinkled across the tables and thoughtful design woven through every inch of the space.

As golden light streamed through the windows of the event barn, Danielle and Patrick were welcomed into the reception barn. They then shared their first dance as husband and wife. The room fell quiet as the two swayed, wrapped in each other’s arms, completely lost in the moment. The soft sunlight painted everything in a dreamy glow, like the day itself was pausing just for them.

Not long after, Danielle shared a heartfelt dance with her dad, a moment full of emotion and quiet pride. You could see it in the way he held her, the kind of love that has been steady since day one. It was tender, meaningful, and had more than a few guests reaching for tissues.

When the speeches began, the room filled with laughter, heartfelt words, and just the right amount of emotion. From Patrick’s mom to Danielle’s brother Zac and her best friend Tabatha, each one shared stories that were personal, funny, and full of love. The kind of toasts that made everyone smile and quietly reflect. You could feel how deeply this couple is loved and how much joy their people felt celebrating them.

One of the most unexpected (and hilarious) highlights of the night came when Danielle surprised her brother Zac with a sibling dance to one of their favorite throwback songs. The look on his face when he realized what was happening was pure gold, equal parts confusion, panic, and “am I really doing this right now?” But within seconds, he leaned in, and the two of them were laughing and spinning like it was a middle school living room dance party all over again. It wasn’t polished, it definitely wasn’t choreographed, but it was 100% them and one of the most joy-filled, genuine moments of the entire reception.

As the evening softened into golden hour, Danielle and Patrick stepped aside to cut their cake, simple, elegant, and just enough for their intimate gathering.

Right after, we snuck away for a few final portraits just beyond the barn where the sunlight filtered perfectly through the trees. The wind had calmed, and everything felt still. With the lake shimmering nearby and warm light wrapping around them, it was one of those peaceful, cinematic moments that felt like the perfect close to a beautiful day.

Music and Mingling

Rather than a traditional party with a packed dance floor, the night was defined by connection. Guests lingered over cocktails, shared long hugs, and soaked in the evening’s beauty. It was relaxed, romantic, and incredibly true to Danielle and Patrick’s spirits. Silver Arrow Band picked up the tempo, playing softly in the background as guests continued to mingle and savor the moment. A few danced, but many simply talked, laughed, and enjoyed late-night snacks, another personal touch that made the evening feel like home.

Final Moments

As the sun set over Canandaigua Lake and the evening came to a close, Danielle and Patrick held each other close, grateful, glowing, and fully present. It was the kind of intimate wedding that reminds us what this is all about: love that’s deeply rooted, thoughtfully celebrated, and beautifully shared. Congratulations, Danielle and Patrick. It was an honor to document this chapter of your story.

Seeing the motion and emotion of the day through video

adds another layer of storytelling that we are SO thrilled to provide!