Michael & Victoria’s Buffalo City Hall Elopement & Hartmann’s Distilling Wedding | Buffalo NY Wedding Photographer

Michael and Victoria’s wedding story is a perfect example of how you can celebrate your love in a way that feels intimate and inclusive, starting with a meaningful small elopement and ending with a full wedding celebration surrounded by everyone they love, all in Buffalo, NY.

An Intimate Buffalo City Hall Elopement

Michael and Victoria first tied the knot during a Buffalo City Hall elopement, choosing to share the moment with only their closest family members. Buffalo City Hall is one of the most iconic elopement locations in Western New York, and its art deco architecture made the perfect backdrop for timeless, romantic portraits.

After their ceremony, we explored downtown Buffalo for portraits, capturing the excitement, joy, and quiet moments that made the day feel so personal. The city streets, architecture, and energy gave their elopement photos a classic Buffalo feel while still keeping the focus on the two of them.

A Month Later: The Wedding Celebration Continues

A month after their elopement, Michael and Victoria gathered all of their family and friends for a full Buffalo wedding reception at Hartmann’s Distilling Company allowing them to experience the best of both worlds.

They began the day with getting ready portraits, then we headed to the Buffalo History Museum, where they shared portraits with their bridal party and took advantage of the museum’s beautiful architecture for classic group and couple photos.

Mighty Taco Stops & Downtown Drinks

In true Buffalo fashion, the celebration didn’t stop there. Michael and Victoria embraced the fun of the day by grabbing a bite at Mighty Taco in their wedding outfits, making for some of the most joyful and personality filled moments of the day.

Next, they stopped at Fattey Beer Company in downtown Buffalo for a drink before heading to their reception. These in-between moments are often the most memorable, relaxed, unscripted, and full of laughter.

Hartmann’s Distilling: A Modern Wedding Venue

Their reception took place at Hartmann’s Distilling in Buffalo, NY, a modern industrial venue that perfectly matched the laid-back yet intentional vibe of the day. Before guests arrived, we captured portraits throughout the space, including the venue’s hidden speakeasy, which added a fun, moody element to their gallery.

Michael and Victoria kicked off the reception with a first dance and heartfelt speech, setting the tone for an evening centered on gratitude, connection, and celebration. From there, guests filled the space, dancing, socializing, and enjoying the night together, exactly how a wedding reception should feel.

A Wedding That Truly Reflected Them

From a Buffalo City Hall elopement to a vibrant reception at Hartmann’s Distilling, Michael and Victoria’s wedding journey was thoughtful, personal, and deeply meaningful. Their day proved that there’s no single way to get married, only the way that feels right to you.

If you’re planning an elopement in Buffalo, NY, a City Hall ceremony, or a modern Buffalo wedding celebration, I’d love to document your story in a way that feels true to you.