Scale it down, and then hype it up
Does the thought of planning a large wedding stress you tf out? Would you rather invest your money into an experience that you and your small guest list would remember? Hell yeah, you've got this!
A small wedding focuses on the connections between you, your partner, and your guests.
Whether you're getting married in your backyard, or at a more traditional wedding venue—I'm ready to dream, scheme, and plan along with you! Have a day that reflects who you and your partner are authentically. No matter how you decide to get married, make sure it's true-to-you!
So, you've decided to keep it real...
You deserve to SEE the love you feel every day captured as beautiful, timeless art. Look back at your wedding photos and FEEL the love, joy, and anticipation you felt in that moment.
These memories are magic, and you'll be able to feel that magic all over again when they're captured the right way. But that's my job. Your job is to live your best life on your wedding day.
be your true, wild, and weird selves.
All you have to do is
Design a meaningful experience. By scaling back the size of your celebration, you allow for more opportunity to do the things you want to do. Want to have an intimate dinner or movie night with 20 of your closest friends and family? Do it.
Relationships are key. Specifically, your relationship is key. You want to make sure that you spend time with your partner versus trying to entertain a large guest list at a reception.
Capture the realness. Perfection doesn't appeal to you and you prefer the messy, the real, and the emotional. Your wedding day can be emotional, create a safe space to embrace all those feelings.
Do what feels good. There's nothing wrong with a large traditional wedding. They're the status quo when it comes to getting married. But what happens when you don't feel good about planning one? Plan a wedding that you'll enjoy and create memories that you'll love sharing.
Create a day where everything is focused on what you feel with your partner, your family, and your friends.
Why opt for an authentic wedding?
— Erica + Mike | A Clayton, NY Wedding
Donna was absolutely wonderful to work with! As a couple who does not take many pictures, she instantly made us feel comfortable and let us be ourselves. We chose Donna to be our photographer not only based on her moody and beautiful photos but her focus on values and experiences- all of which spoke to us. The photos were absolutely stunning and delivered to us the very next day. I could not recommend Donna enough to be your photographer for your wedding.
She instantly made us feel comfortable!
— Lauren + Adam | A Syracuse, NY Wedding
I don't even know where to begin. She worked with us to create a bespoke package that was exactly what we were looking for and was within our budget. The "getting ready" shots were non-intrusive for such a crucial time and she was so efficient with getting what she needed together. I don't remember seeing her flitting around getting every angle but I see the proof in our photos. When it was time for my new husband and I to step away for our photos, she was easy going and gave us direction but let us have fun with the photos.
Our comfort and ease is shown in every single photo!
06 Gallery Delivery
Within 24 hours you'll receive a sneak peek gallery of roughly 20-50 images that you're welcome to share with family and friends. Then within 10 business days, you'll receive your full gallery. You'll also get a personal print release to print alllll the things for your home!
05 Wedding Day
It's time to get y'all married! You've handcrafted your wedding day experience and now you get to enjoy it with the love of your life!
04 Timeline Building
We'll work together in creating the perfect timeline for your wedding that takes advantage of the best light throughout the day. It's not going to be a jam-packed schedule, but rather a day where you and your partner get to enjoy each other fully.
03 Wedding Planning Guidance
I'll be with you every step of the way. From finding your perfect ceremony location, to finding other vendors, and everything in between, I'm a resource at your disposal. I can help walk you through each stage of the planning process.
02 Make it Official
Once you've decided I'm your go-to gal, I'll send over a service proposal and contract for you to review. I do required a signed contract and non-refundable retainer to secure your celebration date. After that the planning fun begins!
01 Let's Chat
We’ll get to know one another, talk about the details of your day, and I'll answer any questions you might have about working with me. By the end of our chat we'll know if we’re the best fit for each other.
The Process
AN OVERVIEW OF
Everything you need to get dreaming
Wedding Planning Resources
take a look at the resources →
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.
From multiple phone calls, meetings, and questionnaires, to helping you every step of the way, my goal is to get to know you so that when your day arrives I document all the human, emotional, and real moments.
emotional, honest + real documentation by donna marie
included in each wedding collection
Truly unlimited consultations and planning assistance including: location scouting, vendor recommendations, timeline building, what (and how) to pack if you're hiking, and activity suggestions. I'm also here to listen should you have any frustrations along the way (putting that psych PhD to work!).
Unlimited consults + guidance
included in each wedding collection
I've been to a wedding or two (or 157) in my time and I've created a planning and resource portal for all of my couples. You get access to all my years of experience and knowledge on wedding and elopement planning.
Access to the couples' lounge
included in each ewedding collection
No two couples are exactly the same, and neither are your love stories. Your experience with me will be truly personalized to reflect your and your partner in your most authentic form.
a personalized celebation expereince
included in each wedding collection
Your gallery will be filled with artistically edited photographs in my moody-earthy style. All the moments captured; from the big moments to the small ones. You'll have personal printing rights to be able decorate the walls of your home with all your favorite moments. Your online high-resolution gallery (hosted online for 1 year) comes with unlimited downloads for you, family, and friends. Within 24 hours after your celebration, you'll receive a gallery of sneak peeks because I'm just as excited as you are to see the art that you've helped me create.
the jaw dropping photos & the warm + fuzzy moments
included in each wedding collection
Travel fees are included in each package because I want to be where your love story goes. All standard travel fees are always included. You can choose a package that best suits your wants and needs, add on any details you'd like, or we can work together to create a bespoke package that fits you perfectly.
no extra or hidden fees
included in each wedding collection
+ 4 hours of coverage Sun-Thurs
+ Travel within 60 miles of Adams, NY included
Local Micro Weddings
the low key
+ 6-10 hours of coverage
+ Multi-day coverage available
+ Engagement Session
+ Travel within NY included
New York Weddings
the wanderers
+ 8-12 hours of coverage
+ Multi-day coverage available
+ Engagement Session
+ Standard travel fees included
Nationwide Weddings
the explorers
Starting at $5,700
Starting at $4,000
Starting at $2,200
Reach out
+ 8-12 hours of coverage
+ Multi-day coverage available
+ Engagement Session
+ Standard travel fees included
Worldwide Weddings
the honeymooners
Starting at $6,700
Bespoke packages available
available add-ons
+ Second photographer
+ Engagement Session
+ Day-After Session
+ GIFS
+ 4-7 minute highlight video
Transparently, I'm biased. I will always say opt for more coverage time. This is because you're asking me to come along and document your experience not just a list of things that happen on your wedding day. Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you should settle for 3-4 hours of photography coverage. Because then you're only telling 3-4 hours of your entire wedding day experience together
If you're thinking about going on an adventure for your elopement and want a nerdy photog to tag along, I'm more than ready. Especially if you're headed to one of my bucket list locations.
+ Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
+ Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
+ La Push Beach, Washington
+ Machu Picchu, Peru
+ Las Vegas, Nevada
+ Death Valley National Park, Nevada
ya girl has her bags packed, and passport ready
Travel Bucket List
Let's travel together!
+ Manila, Philippines
+ The Dolomites, Italy
+ Mount Cook, New Zealand
+ Barcelona, Spain
Location: Garden of the Gods National Park
