Monina & Patrick’s Beautiful Wedding at Juniper Springs — A Celebration of Love, Community & Grace

When I first spoke with Monina and Patrick on the phone a couple of weeks before their wedding, I immediately knew they were something special. They were so kind, genuine, and full of love — the kind of couple you can’t help but look forward to photographing. Their celebration took place at Juniper Springs in Saratoga County, one of my favorite venues and a place where I’m honored to be a preferred photographer. I photograph there often, and every time, it feels like stepping into something magical and new.

Their wedding planner, Casey Dunleavy, was the one who booked me for Monina and Patrick’s day, and it was my first time working with her. From the very start, I could tell how much care and attention she put into every detail — her communication and organization made everything flow so smoothly. I was really looking forward to finally meeting her in person and seeing her vision come to life at Juniper Springs.

As we spoke more about the details of the day, I could tell how much love and thought Monina and Patrick poured into every aspect of their celebration. One of my favorite parts was hearing about Monina’s bridal party — made up entirely of the sweet children in her family, ranging from just one year old to seven. I could already picture how precious those moments would be as they walked down the aisle and surrounded her with love.

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Life Happens… & Community Shows Up

At 4:00 AM on the morning of their wedding, life took a very unexpected turn. My husband woke up with severe chest pain, and we rushed to the hospital. After several tests, we learned he was having a heart attack caused by a complete blockage. He required an emergency stent and immediate care.

In that moment, my heart was torn — I wanted to be there for the couple whose story I had already grown to love, but my place was undeniably by my husband’s side.

This is where the beauty of the photography community shines.

Thanks to strong relationships and an incredible support network, I was able to contact Yesenia from YM Photography, who immediately stepped in. Yesenia is unbelievably talented, compassionate, and professional — and knowing she would be fully present for Monina & Patrick’s day allowed me to stay with my husband through his procedure and recovery.

If I had not found someone, I would never have left a couple without a photographer — ever. But because Yesenia was available and said yes without hesitation, I was able to remain where I needed to be most — and Monina and Patrick still had a dedicated, fully-focused photographer by their side for every moment of their celebration.

Yesenia — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are an absolute lifesaver in every sense of the word.

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A Loving Congratulations

Monina & Patrick — congratulations again on your incredibly beautiful wedding day. The joy, elegance, and love that filled your celebration shines through every single image. Though I am heartbroken I could not be there in person, I am so grateful your day was captured so beautifully and surrounded by love.

Thank you for your kindness, your grace, and your understanding during such an unexpected situation. I celebrate your love story through these images and share in the beauty of the day you created.

Wishing you both a lifetime of laughter, warmth, and moments just as meaningful as your wedding day.

With love,
Nikki
Nicole April Photography