The couples' Lounge
Scroll on to get started, friend!
Tips, tricks, and alllll the knowledge on how to plan your own wedding celebration from start to finish
YOU DID IT! We are freakin' official!!! Now friends, it's time to get to all the planning fun. Yeah, I said it. Fun!
I cannot wait to capture your special day! I'm here to help with alllll the things, friend.
This space has been created exclusively for Donna Marie Photo Co. couples and is dedicated to serving you through each step of your wedding planning journey. And it's seriously jam-packed with helpful info. Take your time reading through it, and make sure to bookmark this page!
In addition to the work we'll do together, this Lounge is a space dedicated to helping you make the most of your wedding experience. Take a look around the Lounge to discover many helpful resources.
My aim with this space is that you will feel prepared and confident through the entire planning process!
Of course if you have any questions when browsing through, feel free to contact me! I'm here to help!
The Process + FAQ
Start Here: Questionnaires
Quick tips for wedding planning
The Ultimate Intimate Wedding Planning Guide
The Engagement Session
Getting your New York Marriage License
Browse the Elopement Guides
Browse the wedding guides
PRINTABLE PDFs + BOOK SUGGESTIONS
THe Local VENDOR LIST
How-to vids
Timeline Examples
Quick tips for your wedding day
The Photo Checklist
Schedule a consult
To quick return to this contents table, tap the Donna Marie Photo Co. in the menu bar.
Adams, New York 13605
heythere@donnamariephotoco.com
315.767.1061
M-F 10a to 4p ET
Consults by appointment only.
Schedule a consult here.
let's adventure together
If you have the travel bug like I do and you find yourself in one of these places at the same time, let's link up! There are ZERO travel fees to worry about when we're in the same location at the same time.
January // Las Vegas
March // Ireland, England, Scotland
July // Minneapolis
August // NYC
October // Salem
April // Utah, Arizona, Las Vegas
August // Block Island
October // Scotland
July // Iceland
March // sydney
Throughout our entire time together, we will be working as planning partners. I have crafted a Wedding Planning Guide exclusively for all my couples to help them along no matter where they are in the wedding planning process. Inside you'll find all kinds of tips, tricks and knowledge to help you dream up all kinds of possibilities and then plan effectively.
While optional, but strongly encouraged, planning your engagement session is the next step in the process. If you need, I will help you find a location, give you tips on what to wear, and direct you when in front of the camera if needed. This way you can see what it's like to create some bombass portraits of you and your partner before the big day.
Now that you're officially booked (hell yeah!!), I'd love to get to know you and your partner a little more so that I can learn how to best serve you when it comes time for your wedding day and/or engagement session. You can do this by filling out the "Did We Just Become Best Friends" Questionnaire.
This is it! You get to marry the love of your life! I want you to be fully present on your wedding day; to feel safe enough to express yourself freely and live in each moment as they unfold throughout the day. I'll unobtrusively follow along to document all the things big and small that you'll be able to look at later on, and feel the same way all over again.
Roughly 15 to 45 days prior to your celebration date (dependent upon the type of wedding you've chosen) we will finalize a timeline for your day. It will also be around then that you will decide what time you'd like for your photography coverage to start.
Once you start to get all your planning details in a row, make sure to share what you've decided on with me so I can be fully prepared for your celebration. We can also begin building a timeline for your wedding to get a rough idea of how your day will unfold.
The raw, unedited images are not available for viewing or purchase. This is because they are unfinished art—my editing process is what creates the images you see across my website and my socials.
06. Do you provide raw image files?
When you're previewing your gallery online, yes, they will be watermarked. But when you download them or order prints through your gallery, your images will be watermark-free.
05. Are our digital images watermarked?
During the peak months of June through October, it will take an estimated 1-2 weeks after your wedding before your finished gallery is delivered to your inbox. That being said, I'm just as excited to see your finished images as you are—so you may see them much sooner.
04. How long does it take before we get our photos?
Oh lawd, no. And trust me you don't want every photo I take. Sometimes I manage to take photos of my feet as I swap from one camera body to the next. No, you'll get all the best photos from your day, I promise.
03. Will you deliver every photo you take?
Short answer, most likely. All National Parks and nearly all State Parks require a Special Events Permit to have your ceremony there. Make sure to look at your location's requirements. If you're not sure where to start, let me know and I can help.
02. We're eloping at "x" location—will we need a permit?
If you have booked an engagement session, getting on the schedule sooner rather than later is never a bad thing. Don't wait until 60 days before your celebration to reach out!
01. When should we reach out about scheduling our engagement session?
Have a question about your experience? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: heythere@donnamariephotoco.com.
Right after booking
If you're having me find locations
2-4 weeks before your celebration
If you haven't already, consider making a separate email for all things wedding planning related. This helps keep everything centralized and in order versus potentially getting lost among all the other emails you receive to your typical email address.
TIP #1:
CREATE A WEDDING EMAIL
There's no such thing as a dumb question! I promise. When consulting or working with wedding vendors, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. We know that this is likely your first time planning a wedding or elopement.
TIP #2:
ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
In order to protect yourselves, as well as establish clear boundaries and expectations between you and your chosen vendors, get everything in writing. This way should something not be quite right or somewhat unclear, getting everything in writing is a solid action plan.
TIP #3:
GET IT IN WRITING.
Take inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, website, and wedding magazines like Green Wedding Shoes. BUT, be sure to make it your own rather than strive to create a carbon copy of something you've seen someone else do. Your wedding day is about you and your partner, who are unlike any other couple on the planet. Your wedding day should reflect that.
TIP #4:
BE YOURSELVES AND MAKE DECISIONS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU.
Not all of us have a limitless budget like Kim Kardashian. When you set a budget, respect it. At the same time, decide on which vendors are a non-negotiable (e.g., venue, photographer, musician, etc.) if you have your heart set on a certain one.
TIP #5:
RESPECT YOUR BUDGET.
It's true. And as silly as it may sound, it's so important for your wedding day. You've gotta love more than the product or service that a wedding vendor (like a photographer, or MUA) can produce. Make sure that you feel comfortable with them as they will be with you during some pretty important moments on your wedding day.
TIP #6:
YOU NEED TO VIBE WITH YOUR VENDORS.
It's better to have a "just-in-case" plan versus be left high and dry should something world changing happen the day before or day-of your wedding. If you're planning an outdoor wedding or elopement, what's your plan B if it rains? Remember to be flexible. Don't stress, I'll absolutely help you come up with your own contingency plan should you need.
TIP #7:
CREATE A CONTINGENCY PLAN
Many of us have been in the wedding industry for several years and have been a wedding or two in that time. But we're not mind readers. We're here to support you and your wedding day vision to the best of our ability, but we can only do that if we know what you're thinking or planning.
TIP #8:
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR VENDORS
We can easily get caught up on dreaming big for our weddings because we want it to be a memorable experience for our guests. But, your wedding day is about you, your partner, and the love that you share. Don't treat them badly on your wedding day, of course. But don't try to put on an event with the primary intent of impressing them.
TIP #9:
DON'T TRY TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS
An important conversation to have with your partner is what you both expect or feel your vows should look like. Some couples want to write their own vows, others prefer the officiant or celebrant lead them in more traditional vows. Either way, make sure to talk with your partner about how you want your vows to happen.
TIP #10:
DISCUSS VOWS WITH YOUR PARTNER
Depending on when your planning for (I've had couples reach out with as little as 3 weeks to their chosen wedding date), make sure to take your time with wedding planning. It can very easily start to feel overwhelming and like a full time job in itself. And don't forget, I'm here to help you as much as you need along the way.
TIP #11:
TAKE YOUR TIME WITH PLANNING
Whether you're having a "just us" elopement, or bringing along 15 of your best besties, or having a backyard gathering with 50 of your favorite people, this guide is for you. No matter where you are in the planning process, this guide will help you dream, scheme, plan and live out your wedding day.
If you're not quite sure what to wear for your engagement session, don't stress. You're not alone in this! I've got a couple things here that can help you understand what will look best as well as provide some inspiration.
Still struggling or want some visual inspiration?
Check out the Pinterest board and blog post I created just for engagement outfit ideas!
Engagement Session Wardrobe Inspo >
What to Wear to your Engagement Session >
How to Include Your Pet in Your Session >
If you have a favorite place in mind, let's go!
If you're not so sure, I can absolutely help suggest some locations based on the kinds of environments you're drawn to. I will do my best to find the perfect location for you and your partner!
Check out a few of my favorite local spots in the north country below!
We will also want to think about what time of year you're envisioning for your portraits so we can plan accordingly.
Get a feel for what a full engagement session looks like! See some sneak peeks from one of my past couples, to get you excited! I want you to look forward to this fun session, so to see some of the poses I love, the true emotions I enjoy capturing, and a great look at how much variety just one engagement session can offer.
OLIVIA + BRAD ENGAGEMENT SESSION
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
1 hour: $450
2 hour: $675
Unless you’re a model, being photographed probably feels a little awkward. I do this for a living and I still always feel a little out of place when I have photos taken every year.
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I work with you to create your portraits. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!) While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
If your collection does not include an engagement session, I strongly encourage you to consider adding one! Enjoy these discounted rates if you decide to add one on!
Northern/Upstate New York
Location Inspo
Central New YOrk
Nationwide + International Destinations
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Found in Cape Vincent, NY, this amazing location offers grassy fields, a rocky shoreline, and of course, the lighthouse.
Sandy shorelines, grassy fields, and dunes can be found at this state park in Ellisburg, NY.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Located in Adams, NY, Washington Park has forests that are reminiscent of the PNW.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
The best natural light studio in the greater Watertown area. Bri and her team can set up a beautiful lounge area to fit any in-home vision you have.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Nestled in Orwell, NY, this location features the top of the falls (best for sunset), and a trail to the bottom of the falls (best for morning).
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Located in Philadelphia, NY Martin's Greenhouse makes for an amazing portrait location during the spring and summer months.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
In the heart of downtown Watertown lies the Public Square with it's historic buildings and alleyways.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Stunning year round, this location features a tree farm, vintage barn, and nature trails in Lowville, NY.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Features Lake Ontario access, cliffsides, fields, and the downtown area. Truly diverse.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Features fields, forests, trails, and a fire tower just outside of Lowville, NY. A great option for those who want to include their pets.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Turn your engagement session into a one of a kind date night. Lots of lights, fun, and laughs to be had when you opt to have your session at the local county fair.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Tucked away on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, NY, you can never go wrong with exploring a freaking castle for your engagement session.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Found in Henderson Harbor, this state park offers open fields, wooded trails, and cliffside views of Lake Ontario.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Downtown Sackets Harbor offers quite the diverse small town scene. Brick storefronts, lake access, and a small marina.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
Found right in Alexandria Bay, NY this pet friendly location features wooded trails, a wooden suspension bridge, a creek, and a couple small ponds.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
In Clayton, NY you will find one of the coolest collection of vintage boats in New York. Features docks, Lake Ontario access, and historic stone buildings.
Northern NY Location Inspiration
One of the closer Finger Lakes, this location features views of the lake and rolling hills on the opposite shore.
Found in Trumansburg, NY this location features easy trails to the base of the falls a long the river as well as a stunning overlook area.
Found in Fayetteville, NY this location is gorgeous year round. It features glacier blue waters and wooded trails.
In the heart of downtown Syracuse lies Salina Street. A street filled with picturesque brick buildings and quaint shops.
Tucked away in the business side of Syracuse, this location features a small park with water fountain and a gondola that's overgrown with vines during the summer.
Just outside of Keene, NY this location features twin lakes as well as a short, but rocky trail to a waterfall.
The only mountain in the ADK that offers an easy drive to the summit, with breathtaking views.
Located in Cazenovia, NY this historic inn features a stunning castle like restaurant and lakeside docks.
Hidden away in Remsen, NY make a weekend experience out of your session and book a stay at one of the cabins at Evergreen Cabins.
Just outside of Keene, NY Marcy Field is a great location for fall sessions as it features the mountains in the distance and a hiking trail to Blueberry Mountain.
Near Baldwinsville, NY this sprawling reserve offers wooded trails around Beaver Lake, wooded walkways and rocky shorelines.
Near Wolcott, NY this park features unique cliff bluffs along Lake Ontario, stony beaches, and wooded trails.
Found in Syracuse, NY this park features wooded hiking trails, rolling fields, and a cliff that overlooks a glacier made lake.
In Moravia, NY lies this state park that is like a sister to Watkins Glen but with way less visitors.
Located in Cazenovia, NY this state park features a super short, easy walk to a stunning waterfall.
Worldwide Location Inspiration
If you're looking to marry legally, you will need to get a valid marriage license! A New York marriage license will work anywhere in the state, so where you get your license isn't bound to the city/town you're getting married in.
If you need help finding a local clerk, let me know and I can get that information for you.
Use this handy guide to get a full run down on the general steps you'll need to take for planning your own destination elopement. From choosing your destination, to the legal requirements you'll need to consider, to booking accommodations this guide is filled with tips on how to get things done.
Learn the tips, tricks, and info you need to get your wedding attire to your mountaintop ceremony location. Trust me, it's much easier than you think!
The wedding planning process can quickly begin to feel like a full-time job. I'm here to remind you to also take care of yourself and your mental health. Here are a few book suggestions to read for relaxation and enjoyment!
Donna Marie Photo Co.
Hon. Rev. Roger K. Duvall
Jennifer Costello
OFFICIANT
THE ATTIRE
PAPER GOODS
Flour and Water Bakery
Sweet Dreams Candy Shop
Mo' Cookies Please
Sugar Blossom Cake Shop
The Gingersnap Bakery
The Cakery
Europe Cakes
BAKERIES
Ben Wayne | Musician
Washburn Entertainment | DJ
Jess Novak | Musician
Joe Zoe | Vocalist
Visa Versa Entertainment
Perry Morgan | Violinist
Coreyanne Armstrong | Bagpiper
Esther Underhay | Harpist
DJ'S + BANDS
Jenn's Sticks and Stems
Alchemy Blooms Floral Design
Flowers by Vinnie
Spruce Ridge Garden Center
Affections Floral
Silo Flower Co.
Little Farmhouse Flowers
FLORISTS
Kelsey Darou | MUA
Tease & Makeup
Emily Gill | MUA
Olivia Ivison | Hair Stylist
Bekah Joy | Hair Stylist
Hair Spray & Bobby Pins
Pastel Makeup & Style | MUA
Braela's Beauty | Hair Stylist
HAIR + MAKEUP
Embellished Catering
Dinosaur BBQ
Darian Bryan | Private Chef
Lisa Dieterrich | Private Chef
Scratch Farmhouse Catering
Food Rescue Food Truck
Lady Bug Lunch Box | Food Truck
CATERING
WEDDING PLANNERS
Pretty Little Vintage Co. | Furniture Rentals
A Latte Knots | Macramé Artist
Tail and Toppings | Ice Cream Cart
Evergreen Woven | Fiber Artist
Macie Makes | Poly Clay Jewelry Artist
The Gerber Daisies | Soy Candle Maker
ADD A LITTLE SPICE
Because sometimes we don't think about these things until the last minute. Take sometime prior to your wedding day to practice these if you need!
It's almost here! Building your wedding day timeline is where it really starts to feel real for a lot of couples. Together we'll plan how your day will unfold and take advantage of the best lighting throughout the day.
I arrive at your super cute Airbnb in Lake Placid
12:30 pm
pick up charcuterie board + pack for picnic hike
1:00 pm
head out to the mountains
2:00 pm
arrive at the trailhead, adventure around together stopping for photos along the way
2:30 pm
a beautiful, unique, and super-personalized intimate ceremony begins at the location of your choosing
4:45 pm
you find a quiet location nearby to enjoy your picnic with your new spouse
5:20 pm
you enjoy sunset on the mountain summit with your partner
6:00 pm
head into town for an intimate dinner + drinks with 10 of your closest friends and family
6:30 pm
return to your Airbnb to enjoy a small bonfire under the stars, you play your favorite songs
7:30 pm
your photography coverage ends and you and your partner enjoy the rest of the night with your friends and family
8:30 pm
If you're not sure where to start, set up a time with me to chat. I'll help you develop the perfect timeline to fully enjoy your day, and capture all the memories.
I arrive at the home you just purchased with your partner
2:30 pm
you enjoy some quiet time with close friends and family while getting ready
3:00 pm
have your first look privately in the backyard
3:45 pm
have your family formal portraits done
4:15 pm
play yard games with your family and friends while enjoying good weather and good company
5:20 pm
leave for your chosen ceremony location that is super scenic and close by
6:20 pm
we arrive at your ceremony location
6:40 pm
you and your partner have a beautiful, intimate ceremony right at sunset
7:00 pm
photography coverage ends and you and your partner enjoy the rest of the night with your friends and family
8:00 pm
If you're not sure where to start, set up a time with me to chat. I'll help you develop the perfect timeline to fully enjoy your day, and capture all the memories.
I arrive at the trailhead that you and your partner decided on together
5:00 am
we arrive at the super scenic location that you both love and get ready while in nature
5:30 am
have an intimate, heartfelt vow exchange as the sunrises
6:30 am
have some beautiful newlywed portraits done in the early morning golden light
7:00 am
hike back to the parking area
7:45 am
photography coverage ends, and you and your partner enjoy the rest of the day with your friends and family
8:00 am
If you're not sure where to start, set up a time with me to chat. I'll help you develop the perfect timeline to fully enjoy your day, and capture all the memories.
You're likely to experience heightened emotions on your wedding day. This is perfectly normal, and okay. Don't be afraid to let those emotions show in the moment, as you're surrounded by friends, family, and vendors who fully support you. Give yourself extra time through the day so that you can be present in each moment, emotions and all.
TIP #1:
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
Before you get yourself ready to either walk down the aisle, or start your mountain top vow reading, take a second to pop your engagement ring over to your right hand. This way when your partner places your wedding band on your finger, you don't have to worry about moving it mid-exchange and potentially dropping it.
TIP #2:
POP YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING TO YOUR RIGHT HAND
If you didn't at least chuckle, I'm sorry. If you're carrying a bouquet on your ceremony day, remember this little rhyme. It will help you with the placement for your flowers. This way you're not carrying them right under your chin (which happens often due to nervousness). Leading to photos that look a little less than natural.
TIP #3:
PUBES NOT BEWBS
If you're wearing a dress on your wedding day, it may be easier for you to use the restroom while facing the back of the toilet--saving your dress from taking a particularly gross dip. Alternatively, if you have a friend that you're comfortable with, they could hold the dress for you.
TIP #4:
USING THE RESTROOM IN A DRESS
This emergency kit can literally save the day should something unexpected happen. Here's an example of what your emergency kit could contain:
TIP #5:
DON'T FORGET THE EMERGENCY KIT
Hide them in your bouquet, your pockets, or your dress, just make sure to have tissues or a handkerchief with you for your ceremony. You may think you're not gonna cry, but better to have them than not have them.
TIP #6:
BRING TISSUES WITH YOU TO THE CEREMONY
Take the time to be fully present in each moment throughout your day. This is a major life event, so you should take the time to really soak it all in. From the easy morning you planned, to the way your wedding attire feels on you, to stargazing together after the reception you deserve to make the most of your wedding day.
TIP #7:
ENJOY EACH MOMENT
Detail photos make a gorgeous way to remember all the small little things that went into your special day. Here is a small list of things to remember to bring and set aside for me to photograph to capture some of the fine details of your day.
Veil // Hair accessories // Dress Hanger // Shoes // Rings + Ring Boxes // Perfume // Jewelry // Invitation Suite (with envelopes) // Any other stationary // Vows or Vow Book // Some clippings from florist // Any sentimental pieces
Shoes // Cufflinks // Socks // Tie or Bow Tie // Watch // Ring + Ring Box // Vows or Vow Book // Special love notes // Pocket Square // Boutonniere // Any sentimental pieces
This is just a basic wedding party portrait list to get you going. Please take some time to create your own, so that I know what is most important to you. If you want to connect so that we can build a list together, send me an email and we can absolutely set up a time to chat!
FAMILY PORTRAITS:
Partner 1:
+ Newlyweds and Partner 1's parent(s)
+ Newlyweds and Partner 1's sibling(s)
+ Newlyweds and Partner 1's extended family
Partner 2:
+ Newlyweds and Partner 2's parent(s)
+ Newlyweds and Partner 2's sibling(s)
+ Newlyweds and Partner 2's extended family
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS:
Partner 1:
+ Partner 1 with their half of the party
+ Partner 1 with each of their half of the party
+ Each of Partner 1's party members solo
Partner 2:
+ Partner 2 with their half of the party
+ Partner 2 with each of their half of the party
+ Each of Partner 1's party members sol
Full Party:
+ Newlyweds with full party
+ Newlyweds with Partner 1's half
+ Newlyweds with Partner 2's half
This is just a basic family portraits list to get you going. Please take some time to create your own, so that I know what is most important to you. If you want to connect so that we can build a list together, send me an email and we can absolutely set up a time to chat!
Here you'll find some of my favorite wedding day must-have items, some of my picks when it comes to hiking gear, and other things that are just plain cute.
Ready to browse? Let's go!
If you need me, I'm here. Feel better chatting? Let's get on the phone. Schedule a consult.
LEGACIES CAPTURED as STORIES UNFOLD