Marisa + Eric || A day at the NYS Fair!

I think we all know what tomorrow is– the start of the New York State Fair!  As a New Yorker, this means two things.  1) The end of summer, and 2) let’s go people watching + sweat our booties off while forgetting what personal space feels like + eat the most obnoxious new fried food concoction + drink wine slushies
I know that probably doesn’t sound that fun.  But I swear, for some strange reason, it really is.

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Last year, as newlyweds, Marisa + Eric showed me what a day at the fair looks like for them.  They are probably the biggest fair lovers that I know, so I would trust their fair expertise and do all of these things!  I’ll also throw in a few of my personal favs!

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Stop #1::  Milk Bar
I don’t even like milk but I always make a stop at the milk bar, first and foremost.  Maybe because I remember doing it as a kid?  They have both chocolate and white milk.  And it’ll be the freshest you’ve ever tasted.

 

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While in the Dairy Building, check out the butter sculpture!  I can’t imagine carving 800 of butter for 80+ hours.  That alone deserves recognition!  But the art and intricacy of each sculpture really is amazing- all 360 degrees!

Stop #2::  FOOD
The buildings and walk ways are packed with all the foods you can think of.  For Marisa + Eric, they chose a blooming onion.  Personally, I always go for the Gianelli’s/Dinosaur BBQ tent.  No matter what you choose, you (almost) can’t go wrong.  If you’re feeling adventurous you can try something thing like alligator meat, or whatever new bacon-topped/deep-fried items they have this year.  Here is a list of favorite foods from last year’s fair.  And a list of new foods you’ll find at this year’s fair (including a deep fried hot-dog chocolate topped creation)

 

Stop #3::  Exhibits
No matter who you are, there is sure to be an exhibit that interests you.  From visiting animals of all kinds, to live art displays…

 

or concerts, parades, NYS Troopers repelling off of a building, experiencing cultures with in the different villages, etc.  Just wandering about while you eat, you’re certain to find a thing or two that catches your eye.

We took a break outside of the Horticulture building for a photo opp and some cuteness

 

 

 

Stop #4::  Wine Slushies
As I mentioned before, these are very important.  They’re sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day, and I feel like they’re on every corner!  Not to mention, I credit the alcohol for allowing me to feel better about the crowd of one hundred thousand some-odd people.  TBH this is probably earlier on my list of stops, but we’ll go with it for photo purposes.  So grab those slushies and let’s head down the Midway!

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Stop #5::  Games and Rides
Yay!  One of my favorite parts about the fair- when else do you have an amusement park in your back yard?  Hop on your favorite rides,  play a game for a pet goldfish (RIP Ginny)…

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My favorite ride to end the night is always at the top of the ferris wheel, with all the fair lights lit up- it looks so beautiful!

 

Stop #6::  PIZZE FRITTE
My final stop is always always the Villa for a Pizze Fritte.  The music is always bumping and the frittes are always SO GOOD!

 

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What are your favorite things about the fair?  Anything I missed?  Comment below!
And if you want to see Marisa + Eric’s wedding blog- click here! 🙂

Marisa + Eric || A rustic glam Mandana Barn wedding in Skaneateles, NY

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I remember talking with Marisa on the phone when she first reached out about photographing her wedding, and she kept coming back to this idea that she had of the wedding having a “community feel.”  It was less about the wedding, and more about them actually getting married (YES!!!) and being surrounded by all the important and special people in their lives (AMEN).  Can we just take a moment to appreciate this… THIS is the way weddings should be.

So the morning started as any other would.  Hair and makeup with the girls at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel.

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Marisa and Eric decided to not have a traditional bridal party.  Instead, they invited their closest friends and family to be a part of their day, get ready with them, and wear whatever they wanted!

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OBSESSED WITH YOU M

We sent the girls back inside, and I caught up with the guys

Then everyone headed to the Mandana Barn in Skaneateles for the ceremony and reception.

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Much of the ceremony was a surprise to Marisa + Eric.  They asked friends and family to speak or sing, but didn’t necessarily request particular songs or words.  My favorite part of their day was watching Marisa, as what started off as just a few friends singing, turn into at least 20 people… and then the entire audience with little egg shakers, singing and shaking to the beat.  She had no idea!  It truly felt like a moment out of a movie.

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Marisa + Eric’s Favorite Part of the Day:  “It’s hard to choose, but we would probably say the ceremony. We spent a lot of time creating a ceremony that felt like “us.” From the vows, the music; having someone close to us as the officiant, the rings, etc. it was really incredible to see it all come together.”

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Inside the couple shared their first dance in the sunlit spot-light before heading to the tent for dinner.

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Marisa and Eric’s wedding day advice:  “Ask for what you need. Don’t be afraid to ask friends & family to help! My cousin did my flowers, my aunts made the cookies, my best friend’s parents cooked for the dinner, our friend Megan and my sister Marie did all of the decor. Everyone felt invested and part of the day in a special way – and were happy to help. My mom and I made the seating mirror and table names. It felt so amazing to look around and experience the personal touches and community aspect. It felt so personal and touching.
This also helped us “splurge” on a few things – like Gannon’s icecream truck or an open bar the entire night.”

During the speeches, an unexpected letter was read.  Written by her late father, there was a note for Marisa and her new husband on their wedding day.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.  This was such a beautiful gift and moment, I don’t ever think I could put into words.

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As if you needed more reasons to love this wedding, they had an ice cream stand out front from Gannon’s Ice Cream!

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This wedding might forever be one of the most heartfelt and emotional wedding I ever attend.  So much raw emotion, and thoughtful gifts of song/word (and dance!), such authentic love, a real sense of community, coming together to celebrate this couple on their big day.  My heart is so full for you two!

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XOXO
Bridget

Photographer:  Bridget of B.Fotographic
Videographer: Ashley Morrell of Moved By You Videography
Venue: The Mandana Barn
Hotel: Sheraton Syracuse University
Hair: Jennifer Bersani of Frederick Anthony’s Salon
Make-Up: Christina Samuels of Christina Samuels LifeStylist
Dress: BHLDN
Flowers + Decor: Krystal Parizot + Megan Hopp
Rings:
Eric- Wedding Band: Anna Rei Jewellery UK,
Marisa- Engagement Ring: Arik Kastan, Wedding Band: Bride’s Mother’s
DJ: Ryan Dixon
Cookies: Homemade Italian cookies from bride and groom’s families
Ice Cream: Gannon’s Isle Ice Cream

Kristin + John || Adventurous Waterfall Engagement Session

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When Kristin and John came in to meet with me, we immediately had so much in common (it was almost freaky).  We were instantly bonding over home decor, laughing at pictures of each other’s cats, and sharing stories of our travels.  When I mentioned that Mark and I had it on our bucket list to visit all of the U.S. National Parks, Kristin and John said that they were trying to visit all the waterfalls in NY!  How cool!  So we decided… what better place for them to take engagement photos than a waterfall in NY!?  But not before stopping at their house to get some photos with their cat, Baxter!

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If you know me at all, you know that this was an epic day for me.  Cats, photography, a little adventure, good company, AND on the way home we stopped for ice cream!  Can’t wait for their wedding day next Spring!

XO
Bridget