Why Jen Pecka Is One of the Finger Lakes’ Most Soulful Wedding Photographers

There’s something magical that happens when you share a creative space with someone who truly gets it. That was my experience at a recent wedding where my band played the reception at Cornell’s Statler Hotel in Ithaca. The photographer that day was Jen Pecka, and although we’d never met before, I found myself completely impressed—not just by her effortless professionalism, but by the way she managed to be everywhere and nowhere all at once. Later, when I saw her images, I was floored. I knew I had to feature her here on Dennis Winge Music—not just as a nod of admiration from one artist to another, but as a way to introduce more people to the rare and beautiful magic she creates behind the lens.

An Artist with a Story to Tell

Jen Pecka is far more than a wedding photographer. She’s a visual poet. Her images carry a sense of breath and intimacy, blending crisp natural light with soft emotion in a way that feels at once honest and cinematic. Her tagline, “creative. romantic. stunning.” isn’t just clever branding—it’s a concise truth about what she delivers.

Jen began her journey with a film camera given to her by her mother, and from there, her passion for capturing human connection blossomed into a calling. Today, she’s based in Binghamton, NY but works throughout the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, Catskills, and beyond. Her work isn’t bound by geography; it’s driven by people and stories.

As a wedding photographer, she accepts no more than ten weddings per year, opting for depth over volume. This decision isn’t about exclusivity for its own sake—it’s about honoring the commitment to each couple and ensuring she can pour her full creative energy into every shoot. If she’s not available for your date, she’ll refer you to her equally talented team at Lily Moon Weddings, a sister company she created to extend her values and vision.

Style That Breathes

One glance at Jen’s portfolio and her style is instantly recognizable: light and airy, yet full of contrast and life. Pops of color accentuate the storytelling, while each image still feels grounded and natural. She describes herself as a “photojournalism inspired, true-to-life, storytelling photographer,” and it’s spot on.

There’s a fine line between candid and unpolished, between styled and staged. Jen walks that line gracefully. Her direction is subtle and affirming—no prom poses, no artificial smiles. Just genuine, radiant moments. Her goal? To make you feel like yourself in the most beautiful way possible.

Beyond the Lens

Jen brings more to the table than her camera. She’s a yoga teacher, an emergency room nurse, and a mom to two teenagers, five cats, two dogs, and even a horse. Her down-to-earth approachability comes through in every interaction. Clients describe her as calming, intuitive, and unexpectedly funny—qualities that go a long way on a high-stress wedding day.

She’s also an adventurer. If you’re the kind of couple who wants your engagement session on a mountain trail or by a lakeside dock at sunset, Jen’s your huckleberry. She’s scaled rocks, kicked down tree branches, and braved ice storms and gale-force winds to get the shot—and you can feel that sense of commitment in her photos.

Offerings That Go Beyond Photography

In 2025, Jen expanded her services beyond traditional photography, offering cinematic video shorts and iPhone-based content creation. The cinematic shorts are like two-minute trailers of your wedding day—set to music, artfully cut, and visually rich. They’re not about speeches or full ceremony coverage. They’re about mood, motion, and memory.

The content creation option is equally forward-thinking. Recognizing the reality that everyone wants quick, casual photos for social media—Jen now has her assistant capture high-quality iPhone images and videos during the day, delivered within 24 hours. It’s the perfect blend of formal and fun, professional and personal.

What Clients Say

The testimonials say it all. Clients consistently highlight Jen’s ability to blend into the background while still capturing every important detail. They describe her as professional, personable, intuitive, and immensely talented. One bride said it best: “I didn’t want the usual or the canned photos. Jen was willing to skate down a slippery ice slope or withstand the gale-force wind of a white-out snow squall to get the perfect photos.”

Others mention how she becomes more than a photographer—often a friend and emotional anchor on the wedding day. Many are surprised at how deeply Jen commits to getting to know them as people—not just subjects to pose, but whole humans to witness.

And the results speak volumes: breathtaking shots of windswept first looks, stolen glances during toasts, the tear on a father’s cheek as he gives his daughter away, or the joy of grandparents clapping from the front row. These aren’t just photos. They’re heirlooms.

Collaboration, Not Competition

As a musician who often works weddings myself, I’ve seen the full range of vendor personalities. Some are aloof. Others are all business. Then there are collaborators like Jen. She understands that the best events flow when all the vendors are in sync—and she goes out of her way to create a team mentality.

Whether it’s making space for a videographer, giving the band room for setup shots, or coordinating with the officiant to avoid any disruptions, Jen is a dream to work with. She radiates a respect-for-the-craft energy that makes everyone around her raise their game.

Final Thoughts

In a world of filters and fast content, Jen Pecka reminds us what timeless photography looks like. Her work doesn’t just document what happened. It makes you feel it again. For couples looking to preserve the spirit of their day with authenticity and artistry, she’s a treasure.

And from one creative professional to another: Jen, I see the intention and heart behind every frame you capture. Thank you for sharing your gift. I hope more people are lucky enough to experience it.

You can explore Jen’s work at jenpeckaphotography.com and follow her daily updates on Instagram at @jenpeckaphotography.

If you’re planning your wedding in Ithaca, the Finger Lakes, the Catskills—or anywhere with a story worth telling—give her a call.

You’ll be glad you did.

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