Christie and Kevin did not want a stiff wedding day. They wanted movement, surprise, and a party that actually felt like them.

So the day did not unfold in one place. It moved from a quiet hotel room. Then, it shifted to a surprise first look. Next, it transitioned to a carousel spinning in the background of someone else’s wedding. Finally, it moved into a multi-level nightclub where the party never slowed down.

Getting Ready at The Adelphi

Christie got ready at The Adelphi in Saratoga Springs. She was surrounded by a small circle of people who keep her grounded. Their dog, Rodney, never left her side.

There was no chaos, no bouncing between locations. Makeup started early enough to keep the timeline relaxed, and the room felt calm without feeling staged. This part of the day was less about “getting ready” and more about easing into what was coming next.

And Kevin had no idea what was about to happen downstairs.

A Surprise First Look Kevin Didn’t See Coming

Instead of a traditional first look location, Christie decided to flip the script.

Kevin was waiting downstairs at The Adelphi, expecting… nothing out of the ordinary. What he didn’t know was that Christie was about to walk straight toward him.

The first look was a complete surprise — unplanned on his end and genuinely emotional. No buildup. No staging. Just the moment landing all at once.

Those reactions don’t happen when something is over-produced. They happen when it’s real.

Party Bus to Congress Park (and a Carousel Came With It)

After the first look, Christie and Kevin hopped on a party bus and headed to Congress Park.

While we were taking photos, another wedding was happening behind us. It was one of those funny, unrepeatable coincidences. These moments instantly ground a moment in reality. No exclusivity bubbles. Just two celebrations existing at the same time.

They leaned into the chaos. They climbed onto the carousel for a few rounds. The ride turned portraits into movement, laughter, and color. No posing. Just fun.

A Cocktail-Style Reception at The Night Owl

Christie and Kevin wanted something different. Instead of a sit-down dinner, they chose to throw a cocktail-style reception at The Night Owl in Saratoga Springs. For context, it is an actual nightclub.

Multiple levels. Different rooms. A space built for movement.

Guests floated, ate, danced, and partied all night long. There was no formal structure. Nobody told people where to be or what to do. There was just music, energy, and the freedom to experience the night the way they wanted.

And that freedom showed up everywhere.

A Wedding Day That Did not Try to Contain Itself

Christie and Kevin’s wedding did not stay in a box — physically or emotionally.

It moved through the city, surprised people, overlapped with another wedding and ended in a nightclub instead of a ballroom.

And every piece of it felt intentional without feeling controlled.

This is what happens when couples trust the flow of the day instead of forcing it into a formula.

Documentary Wedding Photography for Days Like This

Wedding days like Christie and Kevin’s don’t need heavy direction. They need awareness, timing, and the ability to let moments unfold instead of interrupting them.

From a surprise first look to dancing across multiple floors of a nightclub, their wedding was built on movement. Documenting it meant following the story as it happened. It did not mean trying to steer it.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography

I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. I am based in Upstate New York. My work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach. It creates space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple. I aim to make images that feel true to who you are. They show the genuine you, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
Inquire about your date here.

Vendors: 

The Planner: Maddy Viger | The Venue: The Night Owl | DJ: J.D. Gluckstern | Hair and Makeup: Jessica Preston | Hotel: The Adelphi