Sunny Sherwood Inn Wedding in Skaneateles
A nostalgic Skaneateles weekend spend exploring the lake, a wedding at the Sherwood Inn, and dancing so hard you forget the cake cutting.
Favorite things about M and C’s wedding weekend:
The weather: Perfect day!! Not too hot or cold, it was sunny, and bright for August. Anytime I can spend a wedding day outside, play with sunshine and shadows and it’s my favorite thing in the world.
The ceremony: Everyone was so present during the ceremony. There was an energy in the air that made everyone watch, participate and sing, and cheer when the were announced. There was also honking in the background from car, but they were getting married on Main Street in Skaneateles.
The guests: everyone couldn’t wait to get M and C married!! The wedding party was pumped, the fam was overjoyed. Also, the dance floor? Poppin. The couple had said in their inquiry that they were big party people and by golly, they were not joking.
Take me back! Oh wait, I can because this is a lil look at the gallery.
Here’s what M and C’s first inquiry to me —
“We’re big social people so there'll be 150 guests and 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen. The whole goal of the day is a fun and colorful dance party with all our favorite people in the world…We love a more documentary and candid type style, it feels like you capture the day in motion and the day doesn't stop to get the posed photos (though we do want some of those :)”
M and C’s review after the wedding:
“Working with Juliette was nothing short of a DREAM! She helped with everything from creating the timeline to aesthetic ideas and really helped the day run smoothly. Truly don’t know how we would’ve done it without her. Such a kind and encouraging presence on the wedding day and throughout planning! Whether it was bringing us dessert because we hadn’t gotten a chance to sneak over to the table yet or reminding us of the pic we wanted to make sure we got- truly truly fantastic!!! Not to mention just how beautiful the photos are! We could not be more in love! Such a quick turnaround so we could reminisce on the honeymoon. Juliette is a GEM!!!”
I love what I do, and the people I meet :)
Summer at The Munro
Summer at the Munro: A Bridal Session in the Summer
Our story starts with Gina, our bride, preparing for her wedding day.
However, there were so many dresses to choose from, she was unsure where to start.
Choosing a dress proved to be a difficult task for Gina….
Some were delicate & unique…
others felt sleek and stylish…
But the perfect one hung on the hook, waiting to be seen.
Tres magnifique.
Each detail was delicately selected by Gina and her fiancee, Mike.
From her favorite flowers, Mike’s love for chess (and for Gina)…Everything had a purpose.
“The time has come!” Gina exclaimed.
While we can show you the photos, how about you watch a little video…
The magnificent folks to made this come alive:
Venue: @events_at_munro
Co host: @emmabausophoto
Co-host/Photography: @juliettezygpicturestudios
Rentals: @sherentsvintage
Florals: @alchemybloomsfd
Gowns: @stellasbridal
Catering: @morostable
Linens: @lizschaircoverrentals
Venue Illustration: @thearchitectsdaughter_ny
Jewelry: @westandcompanydiamonds
HMU/Content Creator: @annierotko
Asbury Park Wedding In Springtime
Elena and Jarred had the perfect wedding weekend in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Five minutes away from the ocean, the couple celebrated their love in style and with friends from all over the country.
Elena and Jarred reached out to me about a year before their wedding day, and after the first call I pretty much knew they were going to be the coolest couple to work with, and I was totally right.
Here’s a list of reasons why this wedding was awesome:
It was my first out-of-state wedding ever!
I was going to be focusing on photography, while my husband focused on videography.
I was so excited to have full creative control and the fact that Elena and Jarred trusted me so much was really humbling.
We stayed about 5 minutes from the ocean at Asbury Park boardwalk, and we were able to get a lot of really lovely footage and photos for their gallery.
Everyone at the wedding was so kind and excited. I immediately felt how loved the couple was with every event.
Elena decided to chop her hair during the reception (wait to see the photos omg)
The dance parties were INSANE. Talk about a pumped up dance floor.
Now look at their photos already!
VENDORS:
Welcome Dinner Venue: The Laylow
Getting Ready Space: The Asbury Hotel
Catering/Venue: The English Manor
Photography/Videography: Juliette Zyg Picture Studio
Video Assistant/Audio Tech: Teddy Brill
Florals: Rose of Sharon Florist
Hair: Colored By Cole - Nicole Pesce
Makeup: Bridal Makeup By Kat
Bride's Dress: Serendipity Bridal Collections
The Night Before
Elena and Jarred wanted to have a chill evening with friends and family the day before the wedding - they chose to have it at a speakeasy in Asbury Park. When Teddy and I walked in, we had to ask for the password to get in, and the vibes were immaculate.
Elena and Jarred were able to sneak away for about 10 minutes to get some pre-wedding day photos, in addition to some group photos they weren’t sure they would have time for the next day.
The Wedding Day
About five minutes from the ocean, Elena and Jarred prepped for their wedding day! In the morning, Teddy and I decided to head to the Asbury Park boardwalk and get some footage and photos of the ocean to put into their final video and gallery.
After, we met Elena in her room and the day started full speed ahead.
When Teddy and I arrived at the The English Manor, everything was coming together perfectly. Having a tour of the manor the day before, we had a good idea on where we can do the first looks Elena and Jarred without guests seeing them, as well as where we can do portraits.
stunning omg
Elena and Jarred wanted to do their first look and vows in the garden.
I (not surprisingly) sobbed the entire time.
this is my favorite compilation from the day
Elena decided to surprise Jarred but cutting her hair halfway through the reception, right before the cake cutting.
Needless to say Jarred loved her new look (as we all did)
Now watch their photos come to life in their wedding film!
Photo by Elena’s wonderful bridesmaid :)
Based in Upstate New York, I specialize in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + video far and wide.
My interest in documenting love stories began when I was a teenager, but photography has been in my life since I was about 8-years-old (my pet chickens were lovely models back then).
My favorite part of being at a wedding is documenting real emotions and approaching a day as a professional fly-on-the-wall. My goal is to always make sure you are comfortable, excited and living in the present.
When I’m not editing or at a wedding, I’m probably watching Parks and Rec, making pizza or hanging out with my husband.
JZPS PHOTO
GALLERY
JZPS VIDEO COLLECTION
Summertime Ithaca Farmers Market Wedding
Jolan and Ben had their summer wedding at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market in Ithaca, NY surrounded by close family and friends, and made it their way.
I don’t think there’s anything better than a perfect summer wedding on the lake. Ben and Jolan had an intentional wedding day that focused on being with family and friends, and sharing quiet moments together.
VENDORS:
Venue: Ithaca Farmers Market
Catering: Beacon Events and Catering
Photographer: Juliette Zyg Picture Studios
Florals: Plenty of Posies
Desserts: Ithaca Bread Works
Hair: Mavin Hair & Beautty
Bride's Dress: Lulu’s
Band: Silver Arrow Band
ABOUT JULIETTE…
Based in Upstate New York, I specialize in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + video far and wide.
My interest in documenting love stories began when I was a teenager, but photography has been in my life since I was about 8-years-old (my pet chickens were lovely models back then).
My favorite part of being at a wedding is documenting real emotions and approaching a day as a professional fly-on-the-wall. My goal is to always make sure you are comfortable, excited and living in the present.
When I’m not editing or at a wedding, I’m probably watching Parks and Rec, making pizza or hanging out with my husband.
Have a question? Want to schedule a call or learn more about the process?
Should We Do An Engagement Session?
This blog post answers the question so many newly engaged couples have — an engagement session is included in my package…should we do it??
If you’re reading this, you’re either:
A) Engaged (yay!), and may have seen how engagement sessions are included in photographers’ packages.
2) You’re not engaged, but you’re interested to find out this inner circle wedding thing called an engagement session.
Welcome, regardless, to my Ted Talk about Engagement Sessions.
What is an engagement photo session?
An engagement session is a photoshoot before you get married (thanks, captain obvious). Usually, the photos you take during this session are used for your wedding save the dates, wedding invitations, and your wedding website, but are not limited to putting as your phone background or posting constantly on social media.
This session can be as long as you’d like, but they normally last 1-2 hours at a location of your choosing.
What’s the point of an engagement session?
I suggest my couples do engagement session for three reasons:
Reason #1: Get to know each other
It can be overwhelming to meet your photographer on the day of the wedding, so engagement sessions are a perfect way to get to get to know your photographer and for them to get to know you!
Being able to see how a couple interacts with each other, what jokes make them laugh, what posing prompts they really enjoy, or if they like PDA, etc. The goal is to get comfortable in front of the camera!
Reason #2: The chance to get comfy with the camera
Being comfortable in front of a camera is easier said than done. Some people are naturals and some are camera shy. Doing an engagement session allow couples to experience the photo prompts they may have on their wedding day but with much less going on - so it’s a perfect time to practice and get comfortable!
Plus, you don’t get engaged everyday, and it’s fun little excuse to plan a date night.
Reason #3: The chance to be camera ready
Once the wedding day arrives, we have met in person, we all know each other, and we can also create some of those cute engagement photos! You and your family/friends have seen a full gallery of photos, and you already can’t wait to see what’s next. Most importantly, you feel confident and comfortable in front of a camera while you get to marry a really cool human.
We’re SO awkward. What if it’s a trainwreck?
Nah, I don’t believe it one bit.
What if I told you all the couples in the above photos said the same thing? Because they did. And I’ll be honest - photos can be very awkward but these don’t seem awkward at all, right?
With the right photographer giving you prompts that help you forget that you’re being photographed, that awkwardness melts right away. I always recommend seeing these photos as an excuse to plan a perfect date, so you’re doing the things you love most, with the person you love most. Thinking of a photo session this way makes everything look more natural, and you won't feel like you're not just posing for the camera.
Clever secretly planned this session to propose to his high school sweetheart, Niamh at Wildflower Creek Farm during prime bloom time because Niamh loves flowers.
He had reached out to me a few weeks prior to a Pick and Pose event for couples, and wanted to know if he’d be able to do something similar but in the morning so they can spend the day celebrating, and for a little longer. Clever had said he wasn’t sure when he wanted to pop the question during the session, but when he felt like the time and place were right, he would give a signal (see the first image hehe).
After a very teary and happy engagement, the two frolicked around the field and spent the rest of the day celebrating :)
Van and Alex are both are filmmakers and artists, so they wanted an engagement session that matched that vibe. They chose Ithaca to do their session and started at Angry Mom Records to look at vinyls and the huge display of VHS tapes. After, we stopped at the local arthouse cinema, Cinemapolis, where they purchased some popcorn and we hung around the hallways in the coolest light (see above) for some fun vibey shots.
What do we do at this session?
Let me roll out the list of fun things to do on your engagement shoot:
- Grab a cup of coffee/tea at your favorite coffee shop
- Going to a museum of a shared interest
- Going to the farmers market or botanical gardens
- Having a little pizza picnic where you first met (or at your wedding venue)
- Bar hopping
- A friendly game of tennis or pickleball
- Picking flowers at a flower farm
- Bike riding or rollerblading at a local park
- Cooking at home or at a cozy Airbnb
- Thrifting
- Hiking your fave trail
- Making snowmen outside (hot chocolate optional)
So what now?
think about the season you’d want your photos to take place
think about the location you’d want to go
do you want a more nature-y scene or cityscape?
what’s your favorite things to do together?
From there, we’ll schedule your session depending on your favorite month/season, and plan an activity you both enjoy and look forward to doing.The goal is to make you look forward to this and to celebrate your whimsical, unique, weird little love :)
“We love a mix of documentary and editorial styles—absolutely adore the candid, in-the-moment memories, and also appreciate some direction with posing”
“I also like that most of your photos seem organic. They're still capturing people in the best light while seeming natural. That's what's really important to me because I want everything to be as genuine and natural as possible (but with some artistic editing to make it look better ha)”
this was completely unprompted!
“I feel like your photos really reflect what I want out of photography - they capture real moments and don't feel posed or stiff. I love the documentary style, romantic vibe.”
“I can FEEL the yearning in your pictures and I am here for it. I read way too many romance novels and I want my pictures to feel like I am in one.”
Have a question? Want to get in touch? Ready to plan your session??
— Meet Your Photographer —
I’m Juliette and I’m an Upstate New York photographer and videographer specializing in weddings, lifestyle and branding.
My interest in photography started by taking portraits of my pet chickens as a 6 year-old, and has since then expanded into documenting cinematic and nostalgic shenanigans and stories for humans nationwide.
I’ll tell you to sing silly songs to each other during your session, or proclaim 100 times about how good you both look and show you sneaks during each set of photos.
When I’m not editing, you can find me watching The Great British Bake Off, making food with my husband, Teddy, or playing the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. :)
engaged now, but planning the big day?
Check out my wedding photo gallery
is cinema more your vibe?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Intimate Summer Elopement at Dinosaur BBQ
a look at the photography and videography of jess and vincent’s intimate reception at Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse last summer.
the photography and videography of an Upstate New York elopement.
it’s about yam time.
Jess and Vincent are very cool if you didn’t know that already.
You may have seen their photos on my website a lot because it was one of my favorite weddings from 2022. Plus, it was one of the first weddings I did both photo and video for!
A little backstory
Before partying it up at Dinosaur BBQ, Jess and Vincent had a small ceremony and reception in New York City prior to the celebration at Syracuse. Before that, I was luck enough to document their love at an engagement session at the Johnson Museum of Art on a chilly January day.
During the session, we chatted about how Jess and Vincent met, what they were planning for the wedding, and explored the Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell campus.
One reason I love offering engagement sessions to the couples whose wedding I’m photographing or filming —
Engagement sessions give myself and my couples a fun time to get aquatinted with each other before the wedding day.
I get to see how the couple interacts with each other: what jokes make them laugh or poses they really enjoy, if they like a lot of PDA or a smol amount.
My couple benefits too (obvi) - They get to know me and my personality, they get used to being in front of the camera (you don’t get engaged everyday), and they get a fun little excuse to plan a date night. Like, how can you not love this.
Then, once the wedding day arrives, we have at least met in person once (especially if they are out of state or a bit further away) and we both go into the wedding day knowing exactly what we want - to document the big and little things.
Wholesome.
the wedding
!!
the wedding !!
After their NYC ceremony, Jess, Vincent and I got on a call to discuss what the plan was for their Syracuse ceremony. They initially said in their inquiry form:
“We’re envisioning it to be a more relaxed, chill night where we can celebrate our love with the people we love most, have some good BBQ, and have a ton of fun together!”
And dang it we were going to do that.
So, we decided that we would do an hour at Franklin Park for their couples photos, and then go full into party mode once we got to Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse.
AND THEN….
wait wait wait…
I grabbed this little photo before their entrance :)
ok back to the party!
PARTY TIME.
Jess and Vincent entered the party dancing to Music For a Sushi Restaurant by Harry Styles (THE BEST SONG AHHH) and the had the most lit reception at Dinosaur BBQ, dancing, eating, and celebrating with some of the coolest people.
one of the great parts about their afternoon, was how *relaxed* it was.
there wasn’t any pressure to perform for the camera. they were authentically themselves, enjoying their friends and family and dancing to some really good songs.
that to me, is a perfect wedding day :)
And now, you can watch their film to truly relive their day,
by watching their film.
VENDORS
Photographer/Videographer - JULIETTE ZYG PICTURE STUDIOS
Photographer/Videographer Assistant - MARK FEOCCO
Venue - DINOSAUR BBQ
Florals - AFFECTIONS FLORAL DESIGN
Hair & Makeup - BLOOM ON WILLOW
Bride’s Dress - THE BRIDE PROJECT
DJ - TORGO ENTERTAINMENT
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
Her interest in the documentation of the human experience has lead her into becoming something of a professional third wheel/hype woman/paparazzi/for her clients.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.
A Wedding Flatlay Guide
From vow books and ribbon, to Polaroids and fruit, this is the ultimate guide on how to pick and prep the items to give your photographer/videographer on the morning of your wedding day.
You have probably seen this style of photography in commercial catalogs like Crate & Barrel, Essie, Target, Ulta, or even in books - but in wedding photography/videography it’s used as a way to document items you are using to get ready for your wedding day, in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Grab a cup of tea, coffee or a martini and let’s chat.
WHAT IS A FLATLAY?
A flatlay is all the small details that tell your love story that are laid out in an oh-so-artistic fashion to be photographed or filmed.
It could be as simple as your shoes, jewelry, invitations and vow books, or it can be more intricate and include polaroids, past letters, ticket stubs, postcards, or any tokens from throughout your relationship.
WHEN DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FLATLAYS?
Most commonly, photographers and videographers photograph/film your flatlay items in the early hours of the wedding.
That way, we have easy access to the items you’ll be wearing (jewelry, shoes, ties, vows) or using (flasks, handkerchiefs, florals, etc).
On wedding days, I usually like to give myself 15-20 minutes to cook up a cute little flatlay moment with whatever items you’d like to include with a background that fits the vibe of your day (rustic vibes = wooden tones, sleek mod = black and white tiled floor, etc).
It also takes a little prodding to see how each item can interact with the space and other objects, and I try to get a few shots that include everything you’ve given me.
HOW TO PREP YOUR FLATLAY ITEMS
If you are planning to have your photographer/videographer do some flatlays, here are some tips to help you out.
Place all the items you want photographed/filmed into a box the morning of or the day before so you don’t have to hunt them down while the hairstylist is running after you with a curling iron trying to finish your hair (not a true story, thankfully). It can be a shoe box, packing box, or even a bag (as long as nothing gets damaged). This will alleviate stress on the morning of your wedding!
Ask your florist to put aside a few flowers for your photographer to play with. Sometimes we like to take off petals, or remove flowers from the stems so we can see them easier on the image.
Be intentional with the items you choose
Don’t be afraid to include unique items; if you’re really into plants bring a few plant cuttings. If you’re both bookies, bring your favorite books. If you both love Star Wars, bring R2D2 (jk, but maybe a sticker).
Don’t think you have to do what your sister did for their wedding - start with finding 2-5 items you would like photographed, or think sums up your relationship.
WHAT SHOULD BE PHOTOGRAPHED?
Flatlays can include anything! Here are some ideas:
rings
jewelry
vow books/letters
flowers
invitations/RSVPs
flasks
shoes
tie/bowtie
cufflinks
perfume/cologne
hair accessories
handkerchiefs/pocket scarves
watch
ADDITIONAL CUTE THINGS TO ADD:
oranges
lemons
radishes
dried fruit
polaroids from throughout your relationship
plant leaves
vintage cups/saucers
postcards from places you’ve both visited
old love letters
tea bags or coffee beans
ticket stubs from concerts or movies you’ve attended
both of your favorite books
disco balls
ribbons
THE LATE NIGHT FLATLAY
Perhaps one of my favorite detail elements!
In the morning, we’re photographing the things you’re going to use (shoes! perfume! jewelry! etc!) but then the night hits :)
This is to showcase the evening details - your dinner menu, custom napkins, fave desserts, and more little things!
DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE ALL THE ITEMS LISTED?
Absolutely not - you can pick and choose what you’d like to be photographed, and it even helps to look up examples of what you’d like featured.
If you find that you don’t really want to have anything photographed or filmed, that’s ok too!
If you’d rather have more documentation of the getting ready process, or just don’t find a need for these photos, tell your photographer and/or videographer.
BUT, HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A WEDDING FLATLAY —
Of course, it’s important to remember the bigger parts of a wedding day (like getting married or partying with all your favorite homeskillets), but it’s also nice to remember the smaller details that start off the day.
Being handed a little box of goodies at the beginning of the day is so exciting - it’s one of the first things we style, and puts us into the mindset of what the overall vibe and aesthetic the wedding day will be. It’s also just another way to help tell your story of how you got to where you are now.
Lastly, my advice: the more personal, unique and detailed the items you pick are, the more memorable the photos turn out.
ABOUT JULIETTE…
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
Her interest in the documentation of the human experience has lead her into becoming something of a professional third wheel/hype woman/paparazzi/for her clients.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.
Photo by the marvelous Kate Elaine Photography!
New here?
Let me show you around!
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY
CRY OR DANCE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE WEDDING FILM COLLECTION
DIRECT FLASH for your wedding? HECK YES.
a blog to convince you to add one of the raddest aesthetics to your wedding photography package - flash photography.
a list of the reasons I love direct flash
nostalgic feel in color and capture
timeless etheric for portraits
black and white cake cutting photos feel like a 50s vintage image
showcases the chaotic energy of a dance floor perfectly
photo outtakes have personality
colors pop in photos
Post cake cutting, I usually take my couples aside to eat the cake, and get hecka cute portraits so it doesn’t feel forced.
So now, without further ado, here is the JZPS list that showcases my favorite direct flash photos.
(Cue Flash by Queen)
🎶 Flash! AHHH-HHA! Savior of the universe!🎶
Direct flash gives off such a fun, nostalgic aesthetic that can be perfect for anytime of your wedding day or session.
If you dig the look, I highly recommend adding it to the timeline 😎
Have a question about how to infuse flash in your wedding day?
Want to get in touch and see if I’m available for your wedding?
Click the button below to get in touch with me! I’d love to hear from you.
check out the wedding photo collection
about juliette
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.
in 2023…we blog!
i started a blog! huzzah!
Hi there :)
I’m Juliette. I’m a photographer & videographer based in Central New York, and I specialize in weddings, elopements and lifestyle sessions.
In addition to documenting major life events and adorable people, I also love cats, tea, hats, and plants.
I’ve wanted to start a blog for a long time. But honestly, I’ve never really had the time or the content to create one.
However, during my 2022 wedding season, I experimented with different cameras and photo trends, and I was quite happy with the results. I wanted to be able to share how my 2023 and 2024 clients can incorporate nostalgic, trendy or non-traditional photo or video aesthetics to their weddings.
Alas, I finally had a reason to blog!
My first resource blog will be coming out on March 3rd and will be about one of my favorite photo aesthetics that I’ve played with all last year. You can say the blog will be up in a FLASH *hint hint cough cough elbow nudge elbow nudge*
Ok, I swear, that future blogs won’t include too many bad puns*
*no promises though