A Delaware Park Maternity Session With The Growing Butler Family

I've been photographing the Butler family for the last several years, and it always brings me so much joy to have them in front of my camera because they are 100% themselves at every photo session. Silly, wild, and free – and I'm not just talking about the kiddos! Their easy-going personalities and understanding that the best photos come when not overly forced, truly allows me to capture the spirit of their family together.

This session was extra special to be a part of as they are about to be adding not one, but TWO more kiddos to their family! To document this time in their lives, we roamed Delaware Park, hiding out briefly from a passing rainfall under the trees, followed by looking for trolls under the Delaware Park Ivy Bridge, and "rawr!"-ing our way all the way back to the car. It was such a blast... even though we never did find those sneaky trolls (I guess next time we'll have to dance a bit longer)!

Oh dearest Butler family, I am soooo excited for you in this next chapter going from 2 kiddos to 4 in a single leap. You're going to rock this and just think... our next session is going to be 2x more fun! ;-)

Sessions like this, filled with the laughter and silliness of those in your family, are hands down the best way to show off these days together, whether you're anticipating your next arrival or not. If you have an energetic and playful family, I am now booking a limited number of Real Life family (and maternity) sessions from now until November. I look forward to hearing from you!

Buffalo Birth Photography at Millard Fillmore Suburban | Welcoming Ava

The most wonderful thing about birth is that each story is truly unique. The method of delivery, the location, the time of day, and of course the way in which each mama labors. Well, let me just say, this mama was a total rockstar. I got the call to go to Millard Fillmore Suburban for her labor and delivery in the overnight hours, and there was such a calm in the room as I entered. Dad was getting some rest and mom was handling her contractions like a champ solo! We shared in conversation to distract mama from her contractions and help pass the time and before long, they were welcoming their beautiful daughter into the word! Then just like that, they were off to get a bit of rest just as the new day was beginning, and I exited their delivery room just as quietly as I entered. It was probably the calmest and quietest of births I've photographed, just like the morning hours in which it all took place.

If you are interested in having your birth documented, I'm excited to announce that I still have several openings for October 2018 and onward. My offerings have expanded as well, so that not only will I continue to offer the on-call birth photography services I've had the last several years, but I am now offering Off-Call services (for last minute inquiries) as well as First Hours (Fresh 48) Sessions (for those who just want coverage post-delivery). If you are interested in learning more about any of these services, please don't hesitate to inquire today for a free consult! I'm happy to go over any questions you may have and walk you through everything either over the phone, or (preferably) at a comfortable in-person location.

And if you're having a hard time deciding if birth coverage of any kind is for you, take a few moments to read this mama's first hand feedback of her experience! And then of course, be sure to stick around for the beautiful images that follow!


Why was having your baby's birth photographed important to you?

It was so important to me because I have two older children that I didn't have their births photographed and I regret not doing It. It's such a blur and there's so much to try to take in and remember during the chaos of the moment that I wish I remembered the moments more. I knew that being able to capture our last child being born would help me/us remember the moments that much more. Sure enough, looking at these pictures helps us remember it all, that much more.

How would you describe the experience of having me in the room with you throughout the waiting and delivery process? Was it helpful to pass the time, a distraction?

Having Dawn in the delivery room while we got through labor and waited for the baby to arrive was literally a godsend! It was all throughout the night and very late into the morning hours and she was amazing. She distracted me and was very reassuring and helpful offering her own help often, on top of capturing great pictures the whole time! My fiance slept most of the process lol! Dawn jumped up and took control being a great support person. She truly was amazing! I'm so glad she was there honestly!

What does having the photos of your labor & delivery mean to you?

It means the world to me to have these photos. I'll never have this time back, of having our daughter. It's truly a once in a lifetime deal. You'll only get this moment once and you cant get it back after. I'll always be able to pull out these photos and remember the day though, like it was yesterday, thanks to having them now. Thanks to Dawn we'll have these memories forever.

Jenessa + Clint's Unique Buffalo Wedding at Asbury Hall by a Buffalo Wedding Photographer

Doggie in a bow tie. Rooftop first look. Dinosaurs on the dinner table. Geode cake, name cards, and decorations. Giant LOVE sign. And a balloon drop during the first kiss! Jenessa + Clint's wedding at Asbury Hall in Buffalo this spring was full of unique and fun touches that perfectly reflected their laid back and fun-loving personalities, but above all else it was a day centered around the; a celebration of their love! It was such a blast to be a part of this day and I'm so excited to have kicked off the 2018 wedding season with them this past April!


Special shout out to all the vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Asbury Hall @ Babeville
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Austin Scaccia II
Officiant: Kyle Bradstreet
Photographer: Dawn M. Gibson Photography
Florist: Wegmans
Caterer: Exquisite Catering @ Asbury Hall
Cake/Bakery: Blackbird Sweets for the cake, cupcakes, and cookies // Paula's Donuts for the donuts
DJ/Band/Entertainment: Toy Bros. Entertainment (also provided the Social Booth)
Invitations: Minted
Hair & Makeup: Lizzy Dugan @ Salon Elizabeth
Bride's Attire: Sottero and Midgley - The Emery
Groom's Attire: Groom - Express
Shoes: Badgley Mischka / TOMS
Accessories (jewelry, hairpiece, cufflinks, ties, etc): Hair Piece from Salon Elizabeth, Her Ring: Ken and Dana, The Sarisa and the Bella, His Ring: Lashbrook Designs, Meteorite in Black Zirconium
Wedding Party Attire: Girls - Modcloth // Guys - Express
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: Balloons, Lanterns, and Cafe Bulb Lights - Balloon Masters, Love Sign - Fine Scale Designs
Favors: Geodes inscribed with guest names made by the bride and bridal party, Gold Dinosaurs painted by the bride and bridal party, Treats from the Dessert Room to take home in DIY boxes
Late night food/snacks: Pizza and Wings - La Nova

Allysa + Jordan's Genesee Valley Club Wedding in Rochester, NY

Wedding Date: 8/27/2016
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Genesee Valley Club
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Patti Taylor Brown by All Occasions Catering (helped with planning and organizing), Genaro Felix Wedding Coordinator at Genesee Valley Club
Officiant: Father Salmon
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Videographer:
Florist: Fiorvanti's
Caterer: Genesee Valley Club
Cake/Bakery: Tammy Fuchs at Genesee Valley Club
DJ/Band/Entertainment: The Shine
Invitations: Minted
Hair: Benn Lobol from Ape and Canary
Makeup: Sonja George
Bride's Attire: Silk Bridal (best place ever!)
Groom's Attire: Jos.A. Banks
Shoes: Dee Keller from bhldn.com
Bride's Accessories: bhldn.com (hairpiece), jewelry present from mother and sister
Wedding Party Attire: J.Crew (Bridesmaids), Jos.A.Banks (Groomsmen)
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: tea tied vintage lace (thanks to my mom Mary Mayle), mercury vases
Favors: homemade Italian cookies from my grandmother Theresa Ruocco

 

 

Favorite moments/memories from the wedding?: The entire day/evening was absolutely magical! The Genesee Valley Club was so hospitable to me and my bridesmaids (making sure I was calm and fed) before the ceremony! I loved my first dance with my husband. The whole night was so much fun and I loved that everyone enjoyed themselves almost as much as Jordan and I!

Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?: Our wedding coordinator that was part of the venue was a major part in making sure the day went on without a hitch! If there was an issue I certainly did not know about it! He made sure I was fed and attended to at every moment!