Some couples just radiate joy, and Lydia & Richard are exactly that! From the moment they reached out, I knew their couples session at Delaware Park was going to be something special. When I asked what made them choose me, Lydia’s response made my heart so happy—she told me that my tagline, “LIVE.LAUGH.PHOTO. Love, Ariel”, truly resonated with them. They wanted a session full of laughter, real moments, and genuine connection—and that’s exactly what we created!
There’s something truly magical about spring weddings in Western New York—the fresh blooms, the crisp air, and the anticipation of a new season. But as any WNY local knows, springtime weather can be unpredictable! Luckily, Alaina & Dave’s wedding at Binksberry Hollow in Wilson, NY was blessed with the perfect day, and every single detail came together beautifully.
Okay so how cute are Sam & Matt and their 3 fur babies!!??
I went over to their house to give them their wedding album and asked if it was alright if I photographed them looking through it. As I came into their house I noticed they had photos from their session ALL over their home! These are my FAVORITE kind of clients. They LOVE their art and hang it proudly all over the house.
It's important to find a photographer who includes an album. Trust me. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
A wedding album isn’t just an add-on—it’s the heart of your love story, preserved in pages that will be cherished for generations.
Would you love a custom-designed wedding album to relive your love story over and over? Most of my packages include an album! Let’s chat!
It's always fun hanging out with the Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce! I had a blast hanging out with all the members during the annual Board Installation at The Grill at the Dome in Tonawanda.
One of my favorite wedding moments to capture is the first look. It calms the nerves, is really beautiful and gives the bride and groom a chance to enjoy seeing eachother before standing up in front of everyone. It's special.
I had such a great time with Stacey & Doug for their wedding day at Binksberry Hollow!
Stacey and Doug’s wedding at Binksberry Hollow in mid-November was an absolute joy, filled with laughter and memorable moments. The weather cooperated beautifully, offering a mild day that felt like a blessing in the unpredictable Buffalo winter, where snowstorms can arrive without warning.
Loved working with Jenn and Brian for their in home family session with their adorable pup Alfred! We were able to get the last remnants of all the fall foliage before all of the leaves fell and we had such a great time! I enjoyed working in their home to capture some great photos of them in their own space. It was comfy and inviting and I was welcomed by all. Hope you guys enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them for you!
Loved seeing Megan & Cody along with there brand new addition Calvin and their doggo! We had such a fun time hanging out again and catching up with each other. It’s so great to see couple’s having babies and adding to their family. It makes my heart so full. And oh my gosh isn’t Calvin seriously the cutest little chubby cheeked redhead!?? Thanks for coming out friends!
Sam and Matt’s wedding at Freedom Run Winery in Lockport, NY, was the perfect celebration of love, friendship, and Buffalo pride. On a crisp fall day, their closest friends and family gathered to celebrate this special couple in one of Western NY's most beautiful settings, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves and stunning vineyards.
💍 Surprise Proposals, do's and don'ts!
Do's:
Do consider your partner's personality: Make sure the proposal aligns with their comfort level. If they’re more private, opt for an intimate setting rather than a public spectacle.
I met Louie a couple of years ago when I was selling some old photo gear. We became friends on Facebook and have stayed in contact over the years. He’s also a photographer and his wife Aleiah is his favorite subject! I had the pleasure of FINALLY meeting her as well and I’m smitten. I see what the big deal is too! These two are high school sweethearts celebrating 11 years together and what a cute freaking couple. Thank you so much for thinking of me for your anniversary friends, loved working with you!
I had such a great time with Kevin & Amy for their engagement session! They are planning to get married in Thailand which is so cool! We had a ton of fun walking around Knox Farms State Park the other day, laughing and asking what to do with hands.. haha (see my YouTube for the behind the scenes on that one)! I love working with new couples who are fun, hope you guys enjoy your full gallery!
I'm so excited you've decided to commit to styling your upcoming portrait session! By committing to curating the perfect outfits you're putting one piece of the puzzle together to create the most magical pictures. Take a look at my inspiration in this guide and get ready to be inspired.
I had such a great time with Taylor & Gary! The weather forcast only had a little bit of rain tea then it decied to reain the entire day which was just crazy! I haven’t shot a rained out wedding in a while but my couple didn’t dissapoint! They totally embraced the rain, had fun in it and just went with the flow. That’s the way to do it too. We still got amazing photos and I just know they are going to love these!
Loved working with Ella for her senior session! She’s a track and field girl as well as a swimmer at Niagara Wheatfield High School. She’s a little shy and quiet but once you get her going it’s like you’re old friends. We had a blast going up to Fort Niagara and to her high school for her senior portraits. The day started off a little gloomy and the sun really didn’t peak out but we had such a great time together!
Have you ever been to the Brickhall in the Hollow? No, you’re missing out, this place is magical and was the perfect setting for Julie & Brendan to get married! Earlier last year the pair got some devastating news that their original venue was cancelling all the weddings they had booked so they had to find another spot and I’d say this one was just perfect!
Love seeing the Heath family every year for photos! Natalie is such a beautiful little lady and has come more and more out of her shell each year we have done photos! She’s too dang cute and I really enjoy working with them. We had a lot of fun roaming around the park together and adventuring.
I had such a lovely time with Jill and her family! They now live in Florida but do family photos every year which is near and dear to my heart as a photographer. They were traveling up to Niagara Falls and asked if I could do a session for them. We met up at Goat Island to take photos of her family and it was soooo much fun!
Loved working with Jon & Ashley for their engagement session! We traveled to downtown buffalo atop a local parking garage to start. I wanted something different and these two were just the couple to pull it off and have fun while doing it. Our conversations were easy, like we’d known eachtother for years. While talking we realized Jon and I graduated the same year and had kids the same age! Crazy! We also went to rival school and Jon ended the night yelling “West is Best” haha. After the rooftop downtown we went and took some pictures by the Outer Harbor and Riverworks to end off the night. What a fun and energetic couple! Hope you enjoy the sneak peeks.
I had such a great day with Katie & Jeff for their wedding! It honestly was a beautiful day full of thunder, lighting, mixed rain and even some hail! But between all the crazy Buffalo weather we had a wonderful day together.
A well-planned timeline is crucial for capturing all your special moments. Work with your photographer to ensure there's enough time for everything. To help you stay organized, here are some essential to-dos:
I'm so excited you've decided to commit to styling your upcoming senior portraits! By committing to curating the perfect outfits you're putting one piece of the puzzle together to create the most magical pictures! Take a look at my inspiration in this guide and get ready to be inspired!
What a crazy, whirlwind, fun day I had with Kate and AJ for their wedding! I headed out around towards Akron around noon to find out that Kate had forgotten her dress haha, so while we were a little behind schedule the rest of the day went off flawlessly. It was so good to see some of my friends who have since moved away and my gosh, KATE, you are a stunning bride! Loved working with you and your families and hope to do it again soon! Enjoy this sneak peek while I work on the rest of your big day! LIVE.LAUGH.PHOTO. Love, Ariel
Jackie & Andrew’s wedding day was absolutely fantastic. From start to finish we were laughing having fun and enjoying everyone’s company! These two have such a sweet little love story and I’m so glad I have been there to capture it for them.
From our freezing cold engagement session to a nice hot August Wedding at The Bank of East Aurora we have had such a blast hanging. The Bank provides a beautiful getting ready area as well as ceremony site and reception hall. It also came with a slick old car provided by the owner!
A professional branding photo shoot can elevate your business and attract more clients. It's all about presenting a polished, professional image that stands out. Let's take your brand to the next level with Ariel Hawkins Photography!
LOVED working with Kaylea, Tyler and their families for their big day at Akron Acres last weekend!
We truly had such a fun day together. The vibe was chill, the mood was great and we hit it off like old friends hanging out enjoying each other's company at a backyard party.
I love my job, my clients are like friends and this life is the best!
Heyyy friends!
You know your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, filled with countless moments that you’ll want to cherish forever. That’s why hiring a professional wedding photographer is essential to capturing these memories, but have you considered the benefits of having a second photographer?
At Ariel Hawkins Photography, we believe that family photos should capture the essence of your family's unique spirit, not a contrived version of it. If you're looking for perfectly posed family photos where everyone is stiffly smiling at the camera, then we might not be the right fit for you. Here's why:
We had such a great time hanging out with the kids from Amherst High School for their senior prom at the Sterling at Arrowhead! Please feel free to tag your friends and share!
We love hanging out with our BMX family at Nationals! Although I didn’t get out to do as much photography as I would have liked, it was fun capturing what I could! Hope you enjoy!