A Beautiful and Intimate Washington Park Wedding | Albany NY

July 4, 2024

Maybelle & Mark

A Washington Park Wedding | Albany NY

bride and groom standing with each other near a bridge in public park

You know when someone says “someone must have been looking out for you” whenever a day turns out wonderful that was initially set up to be utter chaos? That was definitely the case here!

Maybelle & Mark decided to have their wedding in Washington Park in Albany. Leading up to their big day on June 14,2024, we had a giant heat wave come out of nowhere which impacted most of the country. Along with this heat also came a series of powerful and unforgiving thunderstorms. My heart sank as I checked the forecast everyday and saw that the chance of rain and showers kept increasing. Before I left the house that morning I checked the forecast which said we had an 80% chance of rain, strong winds, and hail which was scheduled to start around 3pm. Which was right at the time the ceremony was supposed to be and our portrait time.

On the way over to the house where the bridesmaids were getting ready I was preparing for secondary locations. Having plans A,B and C ready to go in case of a total downpour. Despite my worries, Maybelle immediately greeted me at the door and gave me the biggest hug with a huge smile on her face. She quickly led me into her living room where all her bridesmaids were getting ready. Surrounded by close friends and her sister, none of them seemed phased at all by the uncertain weather which helped me to relax and helped prepare me for whatever the day was about to throw at us.

As I photographed the bridal details and the bridesmaids getting ready I saw a huge box filled with decorations for the reception. Inside of the box were giant playing cards, vines, polaroid cameras, and mirrors to match their Alice in Wonderland themed wedding. Mark & Maybelle are true to their artistic selves and their love for imagination and creativity!

When we arrived to the ceremony location at Washington Park and were preparing to do the first look the clouds had started opening up and the dark clouds were disappearing. The bride & groom chose to do their first look inside the boathouse on the outdoor patio. When Maybelle was entering the boathouse her bridesmaids gathered around her and shielded her with a giant umbrella. Making sure no one could accidentally see her! Throughout the day the bridesmaids always had her back and were prepared for anything! During their first look the groom broke down in tears seeing his future bride for the first time, at this very moment the sun had fully come out of the clouds and the weather was perfect for photos!

At the ceremony the bridal party had set up the bridal arch underneath the large trees in the park. With everyone watching, Maybelle walked down the aisle with her father on a clear beautiful day! Maybelle and Mark had an extra surprise up their sleeve. They had their adorable dog Ria be their ring bearer for the ceremony! One of Maybelle and Mark’s closest friends had gotten an officiant license just for today. The couple had broken down in tears during their I do’s while being surrounded by everyone close to them. After Maybelle and Mark had shared their first kiss as a married couple, they exited down the aisle to a tunnel of bubbles that the bridesmaids had handed out to all the guests!

The creativity and fun continued at their reception at the Blue and Black Steak and Crab restaurant which was fully decorated to their Alice and Wonderland theme. Maybelle and Mark chose to have a small and intimate wedding which made their night very personable. Each of their guests shared an artistic and friendly demeanor that reflects the couples personality. The night continued with hugs, tears and joy as this reception not only celebrates the couples new lives but also serves as a going away party. Maybelle and Mark have decided to move from New York to Las Vegas to professionally pursue their careers as artists!

As the night wound down I walked over to the book that guests had filled throughout the night. Insider were pictures the guests had taken with the polaroid camera Maybelle and Mark had supplied them. It’s heartwarming to know that on Maybelle and Mark’s new journey they will have so many people back home rooting for them every step of the way!

Maybelle & Mark, I wish you all the best! Keep being creative and best of luck in Las Vegas!