Jackie & Javier / Tioga Gardens Owego, NY / Wedding Photographer

rainy day wedding photographer Tioga Gardens Owego, NY Sparkler Exit

They may have gotten married on the east coast, but Jackie & Javier’s story begins 5,000 miles away – in Hawaii.
Jackie was studying for her PhD in Oceanography at the University of Hawaii and Javier was stationed in Oahu with the Marine Corps. Mutual friends hosted a halloween party and it was there that a certain 80’s hip-hop singer & gypsy were introduced.

And thus their adventuring started! Quickly their lives overflowed with great friends, karaoke, dancing, fancy dinners, opera performances, the Marine Corps Ball, and traveling the world. Javier spent time deployed in Japan, Korea, and Australia, and Jackie was able to make short trips to visit him. They also made trips up and down the east coast, from New York to Florida, to introduce each other to family & friends.

Back home in Hawaii, on the eve of setting out for more travels [including Paige & Andrew’s wedding!], they went out to dinner with a group of friends. Swallowing his anxiety, Javier asked Jackie to come outside for some fresh air with him. Unsure of what was going on, Jackie followed her best friend outside. He led her to the front of the restaurant, in front of the big window [coincidentally, right where their group of friends were seated] and there he got down on one knee. He asked Jackie to continue adventuring with him, as he couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone else. Beyond herself, Jackie said yes!

Jackie & Javier: I was so blessed to be a part of your wedding last Saturday!! And when Hurricane Joaquin invited himself to your party, instead of getting upset, you simply set out an extra place-setting. You rolled with the rain and cold like true adventurers and had the most amazing wedding day! Congratulations!!

rainy day wedding photographer Binghamton, NY getting ready details dog

Jackie got ready at home, with her closest girlfriends at hand and the family dogs, who kept a close eye on everything that was going on.

rainy day wedding photographer Binghamton, NY bridal getting ready details Casablanca gown

Jackie & Javier decided to do a first look! With so many friends and family in attendance that they hadn’t seen in ages, they wanted to spend as much time with their guests as possible! Seeing each other before the ceremony allowed us to take almost all of the formal photos ahead of time & allowed them to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.

[second perspective by my amazing sister & favorite photographer: Ellen]

Tioga Gardens is this gorgeous venue that Jackie picked for the fabulous gardens and landscaping! However, with the rain pouring down, Tioga Gardens provided the most amazing greenhouse for us to take pictures in – while staying completely dry!

With the rain still coming down, the ceremony was moved from the lawn, to under the pavilion. Nothing could dampen Jackie & Javier’s spirits though!

Jackie’s brother just joined the Navy and was not able to attend the wedding – so they had a life-size poster printed of him to “attend” in his place!

Isn’t this cake amazing?! Jackie’s favorite part was the penguins – so I’m sure some of the guests thought we were stealing them – but after the cake was cut, we snatched them up for the following image with their rings!

I love alternative guest books & they had three! A large plate for all of their guests to sign, Jenga blocks for guests to write messages on, and a thumbprint balloon art image!

After the toasts, the maid & matron of honor celebrated Jackie & Javier’s home of Hawaii and presented them with leis! They talked about the significance of the lei, and the traditions that went along with a Hawaiian wedding ceremony. It was a huge surprise & such a beautiful way to incorporate their Hawaiian life!

Remember Paige & Andrew? I photographed their wedding last summer! They were one of the weddings Jackie & Javier were traveling to attend the day after they got engaged!