New York

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Camp Perna: Jolea & Cameron’s Wedding Weekend at Camp Adirondack

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From the moment guests arrived at Camp Adirondack, it was clear this wedding would be something truly special. Jolea and Cameron transformed the beloved summer camp into Camp Perna (Perna being their married last name), creating a full weekend experience that felt equal parts nostalgic, intentional, and wildly joyful. With everyone staying together in open-air cabins, the celebration unfolded less like a single event and more like a shared adventure. Mabel; The Perna’s German Shorthair Pointer, loved running around the campsite just as much; if not more, as all the guests!

Friday set the tone. Guests leaned fully into camp life—hiking wooded trails, canoeing across the lake, playing tennis, gathering around board games, and reconnecting in ways that only happen when phones are put away and time slows down. As the sun dipped low, the energy shifted into one of the most inclusive rehearsal dinners we’ve ever witnessed. Every guest was invited, reinforcing the couple’s vision that this weekend was about community, not formality.

An open mic followed dinner, and it quickly became a highlight of the weekend. Friends and family shared heartfelt memories, meaningful reflections, and more than a few hilariously embarrassing stories about Jolea and Cam. Laughter echoed across camp as the night wound down and guests eventually retired to their bunk beds—unaware that one final twist awaited.

Later that evening, the camp staff alerted the couple to an incoming storm projected to hit directly during their scheduled ceremony time. With all guests already on-site and flexibility built into the weekend, Jolea and Cameron made the calm, decisive choice to move their ceremony to the following morning. Bacchus Event Co. handled the overnight timeline shift with such professionalism and ease that most guests would never have guessed a change had occurred at all.

Saturday morning arrived early, and remarkably, everyone rose with excitement. The camp buzzed as guests dressed to impress in the bright, joyful colors Jolea had requested. Florals by A Blooming Affair perfectly matched the mood—vibrant pinks, purples, oranges, and blues bursting from bouquets, centerpieces, and a stunning floral altar at the water’s edge.

Though the ceremony time was moved to avoid the storm, fate had other plans. Rain began to fall just as Jolea and Cameron exchanged tearful vows beside the lake. If it’s true that rain brings good luck, these two were absolutely showered in it. The moment felt cinematic, intimate, and deeply emotional—one of those rare instances where nature amplifies, rather than interrupts, the significance of the day.

After the ceremony, a camp-wide nap settled in as rain continued to fall—a perfectly on-brand pause before the celebration resumed. Once the clouds cleared, Jolea and Cameron emerged looking effortless and radiant for their formal portraits, the camp refreshed and ready for the night ahead.

And what a night it was. The reception exploded with energy as DJ Scott Sonic of Empire State Events kept the dance floor packed for hours. The party truly lasted all night long—so much so that even Jolea’s grandma stayed up late celebrating right alongside everyone else.

Jolea and Cameron’s wedding weekend was not just a celebration of their love, but a reminder of how powerful it is to gather people you love in one place, slow down, and simply be together. Camp Perna will be remembered not just as a wedding, but as an experience—one filled with laughter, color, rain-soaked romance, and a dance floor that never quit.

Clothes that made it all happen;

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How to Include Your Beloved Pets on Your Wedding Day

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For so many of our couples, pets aren’t just pets—they’re family. They’ve been there for first dates, lazy Sundays, moves across state lines, and everything in between. So when it comes time to plan your wedding day, it’s only natural to want your furry best friend included in the celebration.

Over the years at J. R. Poole Photography, we’ve seen some incredibly thoughtful, creative, and downright fun ways couples have honored their pets—whether they were physically present on the wedding day or represented in meaningful details throughout the celebration. Here are some of our favorite ways to make sure your pets are part of your “I do.”

If Your Venue Is Pet-Friendly: Bring Them Along!

The most straightforward (and often the most emotional) way to include your pets is to choose a location where they’re welcome. We’ve even had couples intentionally pick their wedding location because it allowed them to include their animals—and we love that level of commitment.

Some pet-friendly wedding ideas we’ve seen include:

🏖 Renting a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Think beachfront vows, mountain cabins, or private estates where your dog can roam freely while you get married. These locations often provide flexibility and privacy, making them ideal for couples who want a relaxed, intimate day with their pets nearby.

🏕 Campground or Outdoor Weddings

Camp-style weddings are perfect for adventurous couples and free-spirited pups. We’ve photographed weddings where dogs essentially had VIP access to the entire day—running around, greeting guests, and soaking up the love.

🏔 Getting Married in Colorado

One of our favorite fun facts: Colorado allows dogs to “sign” (with a paw print!) as witnesses on your marriage license. It doesn’t get much more iconic than that. Your pup can literally be part of the legal moment.

💍 Walking Down the Aisle

From dogs trotting down the aisle with floral collars to pups escorting the bride or groom, having your pet in the bridal procession is always a crowd favorite—and makes for unforgettable photos.

When Pets Can’t Be There in Person (and That’s Okay!)

We know not every venue is pet-friendly—and sometimes, even if they are, it’s not realistic to trust Spot with the rings. The good news? There are so many creative ways to include your pets without having them physically present.

Here are some of the most fun and meaningful alternatives we’ve photographed:

📸 Engagement Photos & Save-the-Dates

Including your pets in your engagement session is a perfect way to honor them early on. Many couples then use those photos on save-the-dates, invitations, or wedding-day signage so their pets are still part of the story.

🪧 Wedding Signage Featuring Your Pets

Large prints, welcome signs, or even ice sculptures featuring your pet—sometimes with phrases like “Our humans are getting married!”—are a sweet and personal touch that guests love.

🍸 Signature Cocktails Named After Your Pets

A custom cocktail named after your dog or cat is a subtle but meaningful nod. Bonus points if the drink matches their personality.

🧷 Cufflinks, Napkins & Details

We’ve seen:

  • Custom cufflinks engraved with pets’ faces

  • Cocktail napkins that read “We can’t believe we weren’t invited”

  • Bar signage featuring illustrated versions of the couple’s pets

These details always spark conversation and laughter.

📐 Giant Cutouts (Yes, Really)

Life-size or oversized cutouts of pets make for incredible reception decor—and even better photos. Trust us: guests will take pictures with them all night long.

🎂 Cake Toppers

From custom cake toppers to hand-drawn pet illustrations incorporated into stationery, this is a timeless way to include your furry family members in your wedding design.

Your Love Story Includes Them—Your Wedding Can Too

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you—and for many couples, that includes the animals who have been part of your journey from the very beginning. Whether your pet is standing beside you at the altar or smiling back from a cocktail napkin, there’s no wrong way to include them.

As wedding photographers, we always encourage couples to lean into what matters most to them. Those personal touches are what make your day feel authentic—and what make your photos truly timeless.

If you’re planning a wedding and wondering how to thoughtfully include your pets, we’d love to help document it all.

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A Dreamy Engagement Session at the Upstate New York Lilac Festival | Jolea & Cameron

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At J. R. Poole Photography, we love turning life’s most special moments into memories that last forever. Recently, we had the honor of spending a magical weekend with Jolea and Cameron in Upstate New York to capture their engagement photos at Highland Park in Rochester. Their timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as the famous Lilac Festival was in full swing, offering stunning backdrops of blooming lilacs and vibrant spring colors.

One of the highlights of the weekend was staying at Jolea and Cameron’s home, where we were able to connect on a personal level before heading out for their engagement shoot. It made the experience feel intimate and relaxed perfect for creating natural, candid photos.

For this shoot, Jolea looked radiant in her Rafina dress from Reformation, its flowy elegance complementing the natural beauty around us. The soft pastels of her dress harmonized beautifully with the blooming lilacs, creating the perfect blend of style and scenery. We also made sure to capture the couple’s fur baby, Mabel, their adorable German Shorthair Pointer, who added even more personality to their session. Including pets in engagement photos is always a special touch, and Mabel’s playful energy made for a truly heartwarming moment!

Highland Park was the ideal setting, known for its beautiful landscapes and the renowned Lilac Festival, which attracts visitors from all over. It felt like the perfect celebration of Jolea and Cameron’s love story, blending the vibrancy of spring with the joy of their engagement.

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