Photography that showcases life, personality, and emotion;
To tell your love story authentically, with all the messy + the real parts;
Creating photos that get you all up in your feels when you see them, time and time again.
What you’re after:
Your wedding day is meant to be one hell of an experience. Tradition be damned, take back your wedding day, and experience a story that you'll never get tired of telling.
We'll work together to hand-craft your celebration experience so that you can be fully present with your partner in an epic place of your choosing and I'll capture all the moments. Even the in-between ones.
Whether that be anywhere in my home state of New York, or you want to take it abroad, I've gotchu.
keep it real.
for the rule-breakers, the risk-takers, the earth-protectors, and the ones who want to
I'm here to empower you create a wedding day that feels like you.
You've come to the right place. Those are the kinds of love stories I document.
throw tradition to the wind, and get all up in your feels
if you're ready to...
Whether you're eloping with just the two of you or having a small, intimate gathering, make sure it's your wedding, your way.
Take back control of your wedding day
When you decide to throw out tradition, you open a world of amazing opportunities for you and your partner. Create your own this is "us" wedding day. One where it's become a story you'll never get tired of telling.
Whether that be an adventure elopement, a backyard small wedding, or you want to take it to a far of destination - do what you want. I'll be your biggest supporter by guiding you along in your own wedding planning journey, finding breathtaking locations, and by documenting the entire day as it unfolds.
Why should we choose you?
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING...
Real talk, there's a plethora of wedding photographers out there. Browse Insta, Pinterest, or any other social media and you'll soon be overwhelmed with options. I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. But no matter who you decide on, make sure that you feel good about who you're asking to come along with you on an important day.
I want you to feel valid, seen, heard, and supported always.
But, don't just listen to me, listen to some of my past couples.
I seriously can't get enough of my clients!
- Crystal + Meghan
To say that we are obsessed with Donna Marie might be only slightly dramatic. She was so much more than our photographer. She helped us create our perfect elopement. We found her in our search for a woman-owned business that was very LGBTQIA friendly. From the initial contact, donna was responsive, kind, and dedicated to bringing our vision to life. She was artistic, insightful, and logistical. She even provided moral support and some family therapy. Donna Marie is an amazing photographer and even better human being. We can't thank her enough and words could never really express how grateful we are that she so perfectly curated and captured our day and love.
Five stars truly are not enough!
— Robyn + Sam | A Pulaski, NY Elopement
Donna listens and completely gets that the traditions can be both important and overbearing and is so much more than a photographer. The resources and support we received from her - frankly it felt like we were her only clients, although I know that's not the case. The support we received helped keep us in the couple bubble and frankly helped us avoid drama. We are SO grateful we found and were blessed to work with Donna Marie.
Yes, yes, yes! We felt like her only clients!
— Claire + Justin | A Fair Haven, NY Elopement
The moment I spoke to Donna I knew we’d made the right choice by reaching out--she was instantly so invested in capturing our love story and couldn’t be more pleasant to work with. Donna was an amazing resource to have. On the day of the wedding, she took so much time and care to capture each special little detail that mattered to us. My husband and I didn’t have much experience in front of a camera, but Donna made it feel so natural and comfortable for us. She caught so many authentic and genuine moments in the most beautiful and personal way.
Her work is absolutely JAW-DROPPING!
oh hey there, nice to meet you!
My pronouns are she/her. I'm your elopement photographer and guide on the side.
Choosing the right photographer is kinda like going on a first date--we gotta see if the sparks are there! I'm here for the couples who are ready to toss tradition out the damn window, love to laugh their asses off, and want a day that's genuinely about them.
I’m here to empower you create your magical day and document all the moments that unfold. It’s hella important that we’re a good fit, I’ll go first
Hey there!
I’m Donna Marie.
VIBE CHECK →
I will help you save the stress over the details so you can focus on the feeling, the moments, and your partner. Those are the things that matter most, and those are the things that I will capture—the tears, the joy, the intimacy, the excitement, the silly moments, and the love. Let me help you with the details so you can get married in a way that reflects who you are so you can enjoy the day entirely.
My vows to you
I promise to give you every resource I can to make the planning process easier.
I promise to help you create bombass portraits that feel like you.
I promise to help you feel comfortable in front of my camera + provide a safe space.
I promise to support you + cheer you on even when others may not.
couples of all genders, races, and religions are supported
ethical non-monogamous relationships are supported
queer WoC owned + operated
you are heard, seen, valid, and respected here.
you matter.
your skin color matters.
your gender expression + sexuality matters.
your body image matters.
your love matters.
let's adventure →
Elopements
keep it real →
small weddings
document your love →
couples' sessions
choose your adventure
Craft a unique experience for you and your love.
Scale it down, and create a safe space.
You don't need a special occasion to document love.
I hear it more often than you realize - "I knew we wanted something more intimate. We just weren't sure what that looked like. Or how to do it."
You can create a date that focuses on the two of you. You can invite the people that love and support you unconditionally or it can be "just us".
No matter what your dream wedding day looks like, I'm here for it.
you can have the day you've dreamed of...
— Shannon Dryer, Business Coach
Caramels bonbon caramels soufflé tiramisu. Icing cheesecake pudding muffin shortbread cupcake chocolate muffin. Jelly gingerbread tiramisu caramels candy canes icing powder halvah bonbon. Tart cake ice cream chocolate cake pastry pie soufflé soufflé. Brownie pudding brownie sweet roll cookie chocolate bar dessert liquorice. Cake macaroon cake brownie marzipan bear claw. Dessert powder jelly beans topping carrot cake.
“Sonny took the dreamiest pictures! I can't stop crying! They are STUNNING!!
Everything you need to get dreaming
elopement planning guides
take a look at the guides »
Together we'll dream, plan, and handcraft your wedding day experience. You deserve a wedding day that reflects your love story authentically. Let's make that happen.
You can find me in the sleepy little town of Adams, New York—which is 45 minutes north of Syracuse, and 45 minutes south of the Canadian border. I absolutely do travel, so if you have a destination in mind or you've found me and you're not from New York—please still reach out! I'd love the chance to learn more about your wedding dreams and to possibly document that for you!
01. Where are you located + Do you travel?
No. All of my wedding and elopement packages include travel within New York. Any inquiries for a location outside of New York will be met with bespoke packages that include travel—this is because I want to follow along with your love story, no matter where that takes me. So if you're looking close to home like Syracuse, or something further way like Joshua Tree—I'm ready to go! If you're looking at an international location, get in touch and let's chat—I've a bucket list of locations, friend.
02. Do you charge extra for travel?
I do take on small business branding sessions and seniors on rare occasion, but I do not take on families, newborns, boudoir, real estate, or other types of sessions. This is because I'm really drawn to the love and human connection that people can find, nurture, and build on together in a partnership. So, overall I'm a couples' photographer and I've learned how to best serve my couples and tell their love stories authentically.
03. Do you photograph anything other than elopements + Weddings?
I am absolutely here to help you along with the planning process—whether that be for your "Just Us" elopement, 50 guest intimate wedding, or just-because adventure session. I can be as involved as much or as little of the planning as you'd like—from location scouting to wardrobe assistance and every step in between, I've gotchu.
04. Will you help us with planning?
This is dependent on a few factors such as coverage time, and type of event (e.g. elopement or adventure session), but a safe estimate would be roughly 50 images per consecutive hour. I don't give a min or a maximum any more because your story will be different from others' stories resulting in different gallery sizes. But I can promise you that you will get all the best photos from your time with me (and some outtakes if you're into that kind of thing)!
05. How many images do we receive?
If you’re ready to start the booking process, drop me a line via my CONTACT FORM!! Next, I’ll send over my pricing guide based on what kind of experience you’re looking for. We also set up a time to chat as I want to get to know you, and your partner. Once we make sure we’re a good fit, and decide on which package you’d like, I will send over a contract for you to sign. After you’ve signed on the dotted line and paid the non-refundable retainer, you will be officially booked!! (The remaining balance is due 15 days prior to your wedding day. This can be broken up into smaller payments, or paid all at once—whichever is easiest for you!)
06. How does booking work?
