Syracuse New York Wedding : Gina + Marcus

She walked into the penthouse with a trench coat and flushed cheeks. Gina wiped wisps of hair from her hazel eyes and smiled as she slipped into her Italia jacket. I'm always cold, she amicably said as she stared out the window into the circle below, where trees raised their arms in weak surrender to the fierce wind and rain. Gina stood and peacefully admitted she wished the weather was better, but she quickly turned to busy herself with happier things–like the wedding dress she had made in Thailand, the pearls she purchased for her special day during her time as a missionary, and the shoes she fancied up herself.

When Gina was finally dressed, she sat on the bed and read a note from her fiance, Marcus. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes, then she let out a huge laugh. Because that's what she does. Laughs. Gina shows love through laughter and Marcus was waiting downstairs to see how deep he could make her dimples crease.

In the same circle Gina looked out upon from the penthouse above, she decided to meet her “Mr. Almost Husband”. Marcus stood and waited for his bride and in that moment, the swirling wind seems to hold still. They held their breath in eager anticipation and when they finally embraced, Gina let out the biggest laugh. And Marcus, true to form, brought out the deepness of her beautiful dimples.

Gina and M$…oh yous. Where am I gonna start with yous?! Perhaps I'll begin with how beautiful your souls are, because, really, they are. Your souls are Italian runway models, they're THAT gorgeous! I can't express how thankful I am to have met you, your friends, and your families, and I truly know our paths were supposed to cross when they did. You lead remarkable lives and I know wherever in the world you end up, you'll make it beautiful. Because that what you do. You make others within a close radius of where you stand, glow with happiness. Much Love and Appreciation…J*

Gina and her father, Geno, share such a beautiful and tender relationship…okay, and I have a soft spot for daddys too! Here he is seeing her for the first time on her wedding day…

Gina prepared at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel with just her mom and maid of honor, and enjoyed a relaxed and fun afternoon…

Gina and her family are quite crafy…Gina made a lot of the wedding elements herself and her [fabulous] mother Sue assembled all the floral arrangements on her own…and did a lovely job!

Gina reading a love letter from Marcus…

The dapper Marcus…

JD captured this little photo from their First Look…

…and though the wind seemed to slow for about 27 seconds, a HUUUUGE gust blew right through them just after they kissed…it was so windy, we decided to head indoors…

I know I always say it, but it bears repeating…when a bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, it's awesome. It's like insurance for your wedding photos, protecting the day from being rushed (or ruined) from things beyond your control. For Marcus and Gina, the weather was against them. We took a few pictures inside their hotel, but it was quite small and we just couldn't really make things work. So, we waited. Once the rain stopped for a bit, Gina decided she'd face the wind and just try to have fun with whatever the day threw her way. She's perfect and I love my brides!
We ventured into Downtown Syracuse for more wedding photos and had so much fun…

Because of the crazy wind, I had the couple stand under archways and in alleys to avoid the madness…it also helps that they I'm funny…

I adore shooting on cloudy days…the light is just perrrrfect!

Thas riiiight, Gina. Thas right. Work it out.

As we walked the streets, it started to rain again…and below was Gina's reaction. Not many brides would venture into the city and the risk of drizzle, but she didn't want anything to ruin her day….love her!

We ran inside a nearby office building to wait out the rain, but nothing could stop Gina from laughing…

We then made our way to the church and, though dark, the window light provided divine illumination…

As part of the ceremony, Marcus and Gina had a Church Blessing, which is basically a time for the closest family and friends to join them as they sign the marriage certificate, pray together, and offer words of wisdom. I thought it was such a great idea!

After the ceremony, we headed to Bellevue Country Club for the reception…here's one of my favs from the First Dance…

To see more of their fabulous New York wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!