Some love stories unfold in the most unexpected ways, and sometimes, they start with a tattoo appointment. Ashley is my insanely talented tattoo artist at The Huntsman in Buffalo, which just goes to show you never know where you’re going to meet your people! When she asked me to photograph her wedding to Peter, I knew their day was going to be something special.

As a Buffalo wedding photographer, I love working with couples who aren’t afraid to make their wedding day their own. And Ashley and Peter did exactly that. Their celebration took us to three of Buffalo’s most interesting architectural and artistic landmarks, starting with a first look at the historic Richardson Hotel, followed by their ceremony at the Burchfield Penney Art Center and wedding portraits at the AKG Art Museum.

Between the artwork, architecture, and all the personal touches they brought to their celebration, there was so much to love about this day. If you’re dreaming of a Buffalo wedding that’s a little less traditional, you’ll definitely want to keep scrolling.

A First Look at the Richardson Hotel in Buffalo

Ashley and Peter started their wedding day with a first look at the Richardson Hotel, one of Buffalo’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Between the dramatic architecture, beautiful stonework, and all those interesting little details, it’s such a fun place to photograph, especially for a couple who appreciates art and design as much as these two.

I love a first look because it gives couples a chance to spend a few minutes together before the day really gets going. There’s usually a mix of nerves, excitement, happy tears, and a whole lot of anticipation. And while I’ll always help with posing and finding the best light, these are the moments where I really love stepping back and letting everything happen naturally.

Choosing a location like the Richardson Hotel also gives those moments an extra layer of personality. Rather than a traditional getting-ready room or a simple outdoor setting, the architecture becomes part of the story. The textures, lines, and surrounding details create a backdrop that feels intentional without taking attention away from the couple.

For couples planning a Buffalo wedding, the Richardson is a great source of inspiration if you love historic spaces and architectural details. Buffalo has so many unique buildings that can make wedding portraits feel distinctive, especially when you choose a location that complements your personal style.

Ashley and Peter’s first look was the perfect beginning to a day that celebrated creativity and individuality.

An Art-Inspired Wedding at the Burchfield Penney Art Center

From the Richardson Hotel, we headed to the Burchfield Penney Art Center for Ashley and Peter’s ceremony.

Located in Buffalo, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is dedicated to the artists of Western New York. Its creative atmosphere made it a fitting setting for a couple whose wedding embraced art, character, and a less traditional approach to celebrating their marriage.

With art surrounding them, Ashley and Peter exchanged vows in a setting that felt intimate and personal. There was something special about celebrating their relationship in a space devoted to creativity and expression. The environment didn’t need elaborate decorations or over-the-top details to make an impression. The art and architecture already brought so much character to the day.

What stood out most was the feeling of the ceremony itself. Weddings can come with a lot of expectations about what they’re supposed to look like, but the moments that matter most often happen when couples let go of those expectations and focus on what brought them together in the first place.

That’s something I love about documenting weddings. My goal isn’t to turn every couple into a version of someone else’s wedding inspiration board. It’s to capture the people, connections, and moments that make their day uniquely theirs.

For anyone considering a Burchfield Penney Art Center wedding, the venue is an inspiring option to explore if you’re drawn to art, culture, and a setting that feels different from a traditional ballroom or banquet hall. Its creative surroundings can provide a memorable backdrop for a celebration that reflects your interests and personality.

Wedding Portraits at the AKG Art Museum

After the ceremony, we headed to the AKG Art Museum for Ashley and Peter’s formal portraits. This was such a natural fit for their day, bringing together contemporary art, striking architecture, and the kind of visual variety I love as a photographer.

The AKG Art Museum offers a distinctive setting for wedding photography, with architectural lines and thoughtfully designed spaces that can add an editorial feel to portraits. For couples who want wedding photos that feel artistic rather than overly traditional, it’s a location worth considering when planning a Buffalo wedding.

One of my favorite things about photographing in spaces like this is how much the surroundings can influence the final images. Clean lines, interesting textures, and the contrast between architecture and the people within it create opportunities for portraits that feel both timeless and modern.

When I’m photographing couples, I want to find that balance between giving you beautiful portraits and allowing you to feel like yourselves. I’ll help with posing and direction when needed, so you don’t have to worry about what to do in front of the camera. At the same time, I leave room for the candid moments — the laughter between poses, the way you naturally lean into each other, or those little interactions that happen when you forget the camera is there.

That combination of candid storytelling and an editorial eye is what makes wedding photography feel personal to me. The goal is to create images that look beautiful but also bring you back to how the day actually felt.

If you’re searching for wedding photo locations in Buffalo, the AKG Art Museum and Burchfield Penney Art Center are two creative spaces to explore. Each offers its own atmosphere, making them especially appealing to couples who want their wedding portraits to have a sense of place and personality. Be sure to confirm current photography permissions, access requirements, and any applicable fees with each venue before planning your portraits.

Looking for a Buffalo Wedding Photographer?

Ashley and Peter’s wedding is a perfect example of why I love photographing celebrations that do things a little differently. From their first look at the Richardson Hotel to their ceremony at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, every part of their day reflected their love of art, architecture, and each other.

If you’re planning a wedding in Buffalo, NY, and looking for a photographer who combines candid storytelling with an editorial eye, I’d love to hear what you have planned. I’ll help with direction when you need it, step back when you don’t, and make sure you have plenty of time to actually enjoy your wedding.

Get in touch and tell me all about it!