2015 July 27

Oh my. How do I even begin to describe this day? I suppose the more I sit here and think about it the more I know that no amount of words will ever do it justice. But the photos just might and for that I am beyond thankful and so excited to share them with you. Our wedding day was magic. It was more than I could have dreamed and better than I ever imagined. We were engaged on the coldest and brightest of New Year’s Eves and although we will always now have a special place for winter in our hearts, summer is where our souls are meant to be. So on a gorgeous day in June we were married. We planned our celebration in just over 6 months and both agree we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We have been together for what seems like forever. So many summers and falls and winters and springs. And are thrilled to keep loving each other until forever and a day.

I grew up spending my summers on Skaneateles Lake, a gorgeous little spot tucked right into the Finger Lakes in New York. When we started to look around for venues the Mandana Barn in Skaneateles literally dropped right into our laps — or maybe I should say we dropped right into theirs. I knew I wanted a simple wedding. One filled with green grass and flowers and family and friends. I worked hard to bring the vision I had in my mind for this day to life. And with the help of everyone around us it was more than I could have hoped for and then even better still.

The morning of the wedding Zan and I met up for breakfast on the water. We went to the bakery in town, got donuts and coffee and sat quietly with our feet over the edge of the lake. We weren’t nervous or anxious, only completely and wonderfully at peace. I am so glad we got that time together the morning of our day– before the hustle and bustle, before the thrill of it all.

My cousin Paige gave us some of the best advice before our wedding day. “Stay together the entire length of the day,” she said. Someone had given the advice to her and I will forever pass it on to others. It seems kind of obvious, but there are certainly times where we could have become separated during all the excitement. So many different friends to talk to! Such a big family! But once we came together for our first look we never left each other’s side.

Although much of the wedding was planned by yours truly (and thankfully my mom who was able to be so close when Boston felt so far),there was certainly a team that helped the magic come alive. Our vendors include… Venue: Mandana Barn / Catering & Planning: James Hares, Mandana Inn (James help was immeasurable. Since we didn’t have a traditional wedding planner, James took over so many of the important venue details and truly helped the day come together perfectly.) / My dress: Ceremony Boston, designed by Karen Willis Holmes / Bridesmaid dresses and my blue suede shoes: J.crew / Zan’s suit and Groomsmen attire: J.crew / Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar / Band: Silver Arrow Band / Officiant: Emily VanLaeys / Flowers for tables, arbor, and ceremony: Fifty Flowers {with help from a massive team of my family and friends} / Bouquets, flower crowns, and garland: Laxton’s Florist / Hair and Make-up: Melissa Evans, Arabella Salon / Boat Rental: The Sherwood Inn / Wedding Arbor & Best Day Ever sign post: made by Zan, decorated and hand-lettered by my Aunt Heidi / Invitations and paper: designed by me, hand-lettered and illustrated by my Aunt Heidi ♥

And last but absolutely not least— an amazing photographer was my number one requirement {besides the groom, of course!}, and if there’s a word stronger than incredible then that would most certainly describe ours. Chad and Rebecca Hansen from First Mate Photography were a dream. They captured our day exactly how my memories keep it — beyond perfect. These photos are everything to me. A celebration of love, indeed…