Some wedding days feel like a warm breath of fresh air; gentle, joyful, and overflowing with the kind of love that’s been years in the making. Zak and Alexis’ Notting Hill Farm wedding was one of those days. The kind where every moment feels intentional, unhurried, and wrapped in that soft September magic that Western New York does so well.

As a photographer, Notting Hill Farm is already one of my favorite WNY venues. The bright building, the open fields, the rolling hills, that signature golden hour glow, it gives couples room to be fully present. And Zak and Alexis used every bit of that calm, peaceful space to celebrate their story in a way that felt completely genuine to them.

How Their Story Began

Their love story started long before their wedding day ever took shape. Their sisters were best friends, and once Alexis admitted she thought Zak was cute, the girls made it their absolute mission to get these two together. After months of talking, teasing, and building anticipation, Zak and Alexis finally exchanged numbers and went on their first date on March 2016, lunch at Santora’s and a walk through Akron Falls Park (my favorite park for sessions!!)

Over the next 9.5 years, they built their entire lives side by side; proms, graduations, new jobs, buying their home, growing up together. Their relationship became the easy part of life, the steady part and something that made everything else make sense.

Why They Chose Notting Hill Farm in South Wales, NY

If you’re searching for a venue that blends romantic countryside charm with clean, modern, naturally bright spaces, Notting Hill Farm is a dream. It’s one of those Western New York properties that just feels peaceful the moment you arrive.

What makes Notting Hill Farm an incredible venue for photography:

• Traditional timber frame barn interior that keep photos crisp, vibrant, and timeless
• Wide open fields that glow at golden hour
• A ceremony covered patio that photographs beautifully in any weather along with two other ceremony location options on the lawns
• Seamless flow from getting ready → ceremony → portraits → reception
• Plenty of space for couples to move slowly and soak in their day

For a candid, cocktail style approach, it’s perfect.

The Details They Chose

Alexis had the most intentional vision for their aesthetic. When she found pistachio bridesmaid dresses, that color immediately became the heart of their palette. Soft, elevated, and a little unexpected for fall, but in the best way.

To warm things up, she layered in muted mauve accents through the florals. Not overwhelming, just enough to add depth and softness without competing with the pistachio. Paired with classic whites and touches of gold, the whole design felt gentle, elegant, and incredibly cohesive.

But the true star?
The Western New York fall foliage!!!!

The trees surrounding Notting Hill Farm were glowing, deep golds, soft rust tones, and warm oranges that made every portrait richer and more vibrant. Pistachio dresses against peak fall color is truly a photographer’s dream that I was swooning over all day! It’s the perfect reminder of why September weddings in WNY hit a little different.

A Wedding Day Rooted in Intention

Zak and Alexis knew from the beginning that they wanted their day to feel relaxed, personal, and entirely true to them, which meant skipping some of the more traditional structure. They stayed together the night before. They floated in and out of each other’s getting-ready spaces in the morning. They even walked the property together before Alexis got into her dress, which I thought was such a special touch to their day and something I have not seen before during wedding mornings.

That slow walk ended up being one of their favorite moments, a quiet pocket of time to breathe, take everything in, and let it sink in that it was happening.

Their first look and private vows were emotional and grounding in all the best ways. Zak had been looking forward to their newlywed walk back down the aisle, and that moment did not disappoint, the smiles, the relief, the “we finally did it” energy. It’s the kind of moment you can feel through the photos.

Their Favorite Photos

When the sun dipped behind the trees, Notting Hill Farm gave us one of those golden hours you dream about. Alexis’ favorite image is the one where they’re looking at each other right before a kiss; soft, connected, so purely them. Zak’s is their recessional photo, surrounded by their cheering family… the joy in that shot is unreal.

Growing Together Over Nearly a Decade

One of the sweetest things about documenting long-term love is seeing how it’s evolved. Zak will literally do anything to get Alexis to laugh, even the tiniest giggle. And he says his favorite thing is how he can always look at her and smile no matter what kind of day they’re having.

After 9.5 years, they’ve grown in communication, patience, and the way they lean on each other through everything life hands them. Their wedding wasn’t just about the future, it honored everything they’ve built already.

The Planning Journey

With a two-year engagement, Alexis had the space to take her time and choose a vendor team she genuinely loved. Picking florals and dress shopping were her favorite parts, and working with Maureen’s Buffalo Wholesale was a standout moment. They built a bouquet together right inside the shop, and she walked out holding flowers that made everything feel real.

Dress shopping took a few stops, but the moment she tried on the Jenny Yoo at Lovely Bride Rochester — tears. And the long, flowy sleeves she added for photos? Perfection.

When planning got overwhelming, she grounded herself in gratitude:

“At the end of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life.”

Truly the best reminder.

Working Together

Alexis found me through a friend of a friend, and I’m so grateful she did. She told me she loved how bright, colorful, and naturally enhanced my photos were, timeless without losing the energy or color of the moment.

Hearing her say that working with me “made her day better in every single way” is exactly why I do what I do.

Vendor Team

Venue: @weddingsatnottinghillfarm
Photography: @brittanyfordphoto
Content Creator: @sallymariestudio
Hair: @styledbylizk
Makeup: @sammijayesmua
Florals: @maureensbuffalowholesale
Stationery: @mintedweddings
Rentals: @sincerelymelissaco
Catering: @zambistro (YUM!!!)
Bakery: @sweetbeginningsbakery
DJ: @hh_entertainment
Bridal Shop: @lovelybriderochester
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: @azaziebridal (pistachio)
Suits: @riversidemens1918
Jewelry: @kendrascott @itsgldn
Audio Guest Book: @vintagevoicemails

Planning Your Own Notting Hill Farm Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day at Notting Hill Farm and want photography that feels vibrant, emotional, and rooted in story, I would love to help bring your vision to life.

This venue is one of my absolute favorites in Western New York, and I’m here to make your day feel peaceful, intentional, and joy-filled from start to finish.

Reach out here to begin your Notting Hill Farm wedding photography experience.