They say rain on your wedding day brings good luck. We say rain on your wedding day brings a cozy atmosphere with a special kind of beauty that CAN NOT be matched. And of course, we’re sure it brings good luck too. It was definitely good fortune that Clark+Walker Studios was on hand to capture the beautiful day for this lucky couple. And good fortune to us that we have a full image gallery to cozy up in all day!
Our wedding took place on a pouring rain day in Lake Placid, NY at The Lake Placid Lodge. It was very difficult for me, as the bride, to comprehend that I had planned for 18 months and my wedding that I had been picturing in a certain way was not going to be exactly as planned. The ceremony was suppose to take place on the lawn by the lake facing the mountain my husband proposed and the cocktail reception to follow was going to be on a dock full of rugs and rustic lounge furniture. Being a perfectionist, I was bummed but tried to put it out of my head. Needless to say, everything went smoothly – even given all the new locations for ceremony & cocktail hour.
One of the most memorable experiences during the wedding occurred before the ceremony even began – it was putting on that gorgeous Oscar gown and seeing the whole picture together & of course having that emotional moment with my Dad.
Then it was time to toast and freshen up one last time before me and all my ladies walked down the aisle! All the girls were lined up inside right outside the long, rustic porch The Lake Placid Lodge provided as a backup location. It was decorated exactly as I imagined the outside location to be! They even took a mum and stuck my “Ford Wedding” sign in it so no detail would be missed! As I waited in the elevator for my groom to get to the alter I was nervous and slightly panicked! As soon as I stepped out and saw my dream come true and my dad to walk me down the aisle – all was calm and the fun was about the begin!
I turned the corner to 65 closest family and friends, wooden chairs made from local artisans covered in blankets for the 50 degree rainy day, my birch cones full of hydrageas and other beautiful florals matching my bridesmaid bouquets, a wood burning fireplace, rustic rugs covering the deck, pack baskets overflowing with branches and flowers and of course my wonderful husband at the end of the aisle.
Christopher looked amazing – he is a guy that likes to be comfortable but look good! Boy did he ever – he had a very non-traditional assemble on.He even kept his beard of now three years and it really completed the picture. The best part of it all is I got to be “me” and he got to be “him”.
The ceremony was short, non-traditional but oh so sweet – we read our vows to one another and then it was time. I wasn’t even thinking about it at the time I just know we had to hold that kiss for a photo opp. Then before I knew it he had thrown me to his side and we a princess worthy first kiss! My guests all threw up leaves I had provided in clear envelopes (picked fresh two days before) at that moment.
My first look at the reception room screamed romantic rustic fairytale! The way the flowers were arranged reminded me of the light and flowiness of my gown, Everything was so clean cut and beautiful. We had the cones from the ceremony reused in the lounge areas & wooden kissing balls that lit up above everyone seated for dinner. Everything at that moment came together for me. But it was ONLY a moment – we didn’t have a minute to sit down when Alisha, the photographer ran up to me saying it was suppose to stop raining for 15 minutes!
After that I was satisfied and as far as I was concerned it was time to celebrate! We did our first dance to a choreographed mash up of Justin Timberlake – My Love and Lovestoned. We had a dessert display of a small cake to cut, donuts, candied apples, cobblers, cider, brownies and cupcakes to fit our fall rustic theme. At the end of the night – everyone dug into the pizza we served before everyone went off to bed! It was a great night and a memorable day to last a life time!
Photography: Clark+Walker Studios / Flowers & Event Design: Ann Graham Floral and Event Design / Event Planning: Vanessa Valenti of Lake Placid Lodge / Ceremony & Reception Location: Lake Placid Lodge / Invitations: a’Paperie / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groom’s Jacket: Ptarmigan Gun, Made to Measure Jacket / Groom’s Pants & Shirt: Filson / Groom’s Tie: Vineyard Vines / Groom’s Shoes: Nike / Groomsmen Bow Ties: Rugby Ralph Lauren / Groomsmen Socks: The Sock Lady / Catering & Desserts: Lake Placid Lodge