Some weddings are magical from start to finish, and Sam and Connor’s Boldt Castle wedding was one of those special days that felt straight out of a fairytale. From the moment I met these two during their engagement session at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, I knew their wedding was going to be nothing short of extraordinary. Their love story is one that radiates pure joy, and they are the kind of couple you just instantly connect with. Spending time with them made me so excited for their big day, and boy, did it deliver! Every moment of their wedding day was full of laughter, love, and the most beautiful backdrop imaginable. But what made it even more special was the fact that Sam had dreamed of getting married at Boldt Castle since she was a little girl. This wedding was the ultimate full-circle moment for her, and capturing it all was an absolute honor.
Boldt Castle is one of those places that feels like it was designed specifically for love stories. Sitting on Heart Island, surrounded by the glistening waters of the St. Lawrence River, the venue looked like it was plucked from a Disney movie. The bricked pathways, towering stone walls, and enchanting greenery gave off major fairytale vibes, and the view of the river was simply breathtaking. The castle’s old-world charm, paired with the lush gardens and vibrant greenery, created the perfect backdrop for Sam and Connor’s big day. It felt like we had stepped into a secret paradise.
Before the wedding festivities, we started the day with solo and group portraits of the couple. Sam and Connor got ready at the Riveredge Resort, where their reception would later take place. It was a perfect spot to relax and prepare for the most exciting day of their lives. Sam and her bridesmaids kicked off the day with some fun group shots in their matching blue bridal party pajamas.
There’s something so sweet about capturing these candid moments before the bride slips into her gown—the laughter, the excitement, and the energy of being surrounded by your best friends. Sam was glowing even before she got into her dress, and once she did, she was transformed into a real-life Disney princess. Watching Sam’s mom help her into the dress with so much care and love was one of those moments that really stood out to me. You could see how much this day meant to both of them.
Meanwhile, Connor and the groomsmen were having a blast on their side. After some classic formal group shots, they couldn’t resist throwing in a bit of fun—posing like a football team getting ready to “hut!” It was hilarious and totally captured the energy of the day. Connor looked sharp and sophisticated in his suit and tie, but he was all about keeping things light and fun with his friends.
Then came the big moment. Sam walked down the aisle with such grace and confidence. The look on Connor’s face when he saw her was priceless—pure love and awe. It was clear that these two were meant to be together. They exchanged vows with radiant smiles, their eyes locked on each other as if no one else existed in the world. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to stand still. When they slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers and were pronounced husband and wife, the cheers from their friends and family echoed across the gardens. As they walked back down the aisle hand in hand, there was so much love and joy surrounding them—it was truly magical.
After the ceremony, I whisked the newlyweds away for their couples portraits. Boldt Castle provided no shortage of breathtaking backdrops, from the castle’s majestic stone walls to the gardens bursting with color. Every angle was picture-perfect, and Sam and Connor made my job easy.
The reception at Riveredge Resort was nothing short of a party! After the romance and emotion of the ceremony, it was time for everyone to let loose and celebrate. The newlyweds made a grand entrance, and their first dance was a moment straight out of a fairytale. Connor lifted Sam into his arms and spun her around the dance floor —it was such a dreamy, picture-perfect moment. They were both beaming with happiness, and their love lit up the entire room.
Once the dance floor opened, the energy was electric! Everyone—family, friends, and even some surprise guests—danced the night away. The groomsmen wasted no time shedding their shirts and tying their ties around their heads, turning the party into an absolute blast. I had so much fun capturing all the candid moments of people laughing, dancing, and just enjoying the night.
Sam and Connor, thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I feel so honored to have played a small role in such an important day of your lives. It was a truly magical day, and I wish a lifetime of happiness for your family. Congratulations, once again.
If you are looking for a wedding or elopement photographer, you can drop me an email, and I will get back to you. You can also head to my website for more details and see more of my work on Instagram and Facebook.