January 2016 - Brayton Photography

We’ve been a little quiet over here because my Mom surprised me all the way from Alaska!

One of the things I love most about photography and small business ownership is the people I meet. We all have a story to tell. It’s an honor when stories are shared with us and an even greater honor when we can help to tell a photographic version of that story.

When your personal trainer changes your life so dramatically he becomes family. That’s what happened here. Jon Mabb from Primal Movements worked wonders for Robert. But I can tell, from the short time I spent with him, that Robert has the heart and mind to do difficult things and put in the work necessary. Robert and his daughter Helen were so much fun to photograph. Helen is an avid rock climber and both are incredibly talented artists! What a joy it was to spend a short hour with this family! Robert and Helen, here’s your sneak peak to hold you over until your session premiere!

Where to begin. It’s hard not to start with how I met and fell in love with Crystal but I think the story here is about how she met and fell in love with Jon! Crystal is one of the most reliable, strong, and kind women I know. She met Jon while out one evening with friends. When I finally got the scoop on this “new guy” she just kept saying how kind and supportive he was! Boom! That was it. She needed someone who would stand beside her. Not in her shadow, but not afraid of it either. In walks Jon. An engineer who takes care of the people in his life and to whom family is priority. Strong in his self. Kind. Loyal. Handsome.

Crystal is a determined and successful Mary Kay Director and future National Sales Director. Her dream day was perfectly complimented by this pink Maggie Sottero dress from Jocelynn’s Bridal. And we can’t forget the Badgley Mischka heals, a perfect compliment!

Life often throws us curve balls. But the Lord steps in. Crystal’s Mom wasn’t able to be at the celebration but Crystal was surrounded by love and support from her Mother-in-Law Rose. One of the most talented skin care and make-up professionals I know, Crystal did her own flawless make-up using only Mary Kay products!Delaney was right there to lend a hand and enjoy in the princess festivities!What’s not to love about the boys and their matching pink socks!
I love when our couples choose to do a first look. It gives them a few minutes alone before the craziness begins! Oh these perfect, perfect flowers from Douglas Koch designs! I have to insert a little thought here. I’m not a big flower person. They are pretty but have to be cared for and well they die by my hand. That being said, I’m not easily impressed. I was BLOWN out of the water at the floral design and the details Douglas Koch and his team put into this wedding! I was still commenting by the end of the evening how incredible it all was. Thank you Douglas! We didn’t spend much time outside on this FREEZING New Year’s Eve in Albany, NY but we made the most of it! What a crew! Starting life with this kind of support is the way to do it! A special thanks to the magical Sara Courcelle wedding planner who managed to make a Cosmo magically appear when it was needed most!Family *swoon* 90 State was gorgeous from the entry way to the vault, to the bathrooms!How fun is this gorgeous, modern vault?!
Father Jay (Jon’s Unlce) performed a beautiful service and vow renewal for this couple that was actually already married. They did a quiet service this summer near Jon’s grandparents so that they could attend. The details were perfect. The celebration endless… DJ Mark knows how to run a party! The dancing unending.Special, quiet moments… Always a son. 2016-01-12_0097 The surprise choreographed dance inspired by Miss Delaney!Ringing in the New Year in a perfect place with friend’s and family; celebrating what was, what is, and what will be. Happy New Year! Bring on 2016! Congratulations Crystal & Jon!