My wonderful friends Ellen & Aaron celebrated their wedding at Kloc’s Grove in Buffalo, NY – which meant that dozens of our Los Angeles family flew out to the east coast and had an adventure together! It was so fun getting on a plane (albeit a redeye) with several of my good friends and exploring a new city as a group. We had an early morning breakfast, tried a brewery in Buffalo, and certainly took advantage of Applebee’s late-night hours. Mike and I even had a chance to drive up to Canada! We picked up our BFFs Jess and Steve who arrived a few days earlier, and the four of us visited Niagara Falls on a perfect summer day. It was such a great weekend!

Ellen and Aaron (who you might remember from their epic engagement session) had incredible weather on their day. It rained all morning, stopped in time for their first look, turned into perfect light during family portraits, poured during their ceremony, and then cleared up again briefly for more photos outside before raining the rest of the night while we partied inside. What?! These two are such kind, kindred spirits, and there isn’t anymore more deserving of a beautiful wedding day and a lifetime of joy. They’re both writers who share a love for traveling, new recipes, theme parties, their cat, Costello, and sci-fi. They both come from incredibly sweet families, and I love how they included several of their loved ones in their wedding. It was truly an honor photographing their day – and now for an abundance of photos!

Aaron designed Ellen’s engagement ring himself! It’s inspired by Napoleon’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, and I just love how unique and delicate it is. Aaron’s dad, a dentist-by-day and jeweler-by-hobby, created it. Stunning!!

The aforementioned Jessica Kucinskas designed Ellen & Aaron’s invitations!

I rarely get to go to the salon for getting-ready photos with the bridal party – this was a fun treat!

Sara-Jane, Marybeth, and George worked hard at putting together this beautiful arch!


Such a sweet first look!

One of Ellen’s maids of honor, Sara-Jane, made all of Ellen’s beautiful floral arrangements!

Ellen spent months hand-crafting her veil! Isn’t it beautiful?!

Here comes that magical light!

This candid with Marybeth and Sara-Jane is one of my favorites!

I handed my camera over to my assistant, Melody, and grabbed a couple of portraits with my dear friend!

Traci, handing out programs like an expert!

Everyone was very excited to meet Ellen’s grandma, George included!

Paul and Ellen’s grandmother meeting has been years in the making!

Kristina wrote an incredible poem about Ellen & Aaron’s relationship.

I grabbed some quick photos of our friends! Ana & Eric, looking dapper!

Jess & Steve take life very seriously.

Just a casual romantic photo with Mike!

Time for a few final portraits before we lose the light!

Party time!

Ellen helped me test my lighting!

Amber Skye Noyes is an amazing singer – she performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli!

An incredibly handsome guitar player backed her up! I think I’ll marry this guy.

Ellen’s grandmother once commented how she’d love to hear Aaron sing “Pennies From Heaven” someday – so he surprised her with a serenade!

Ellen and Aaron, thank you so much for having me photograph your amazing wedding. I love you both!!

Venue: Kloc’s Grove
Photographer: Mary Costa Photography
Assistant: Melody Lane
Florals: Sara-Jane Petescia
Bridal gown: Aria
Veil: Made by Ellen Tremiti Waltke