Elegant Adirondack Whiteface Lodge Summer Wedding
“Fun, relaxed and happy” – those were the words that Cara and Andy used to describe how they wanted their wedding day to feel over a year ago when we first started to discuss their wedding in Lake Placid. If I were asked to pick three words today to describe how their wedding day actually felt I would answer: “Fun, relaxed and happy”: however, I would also throw in amazing : )
The Wedding
From the moment the first rays of sunlight appeared over the mountains on June 9th, it was a beautiful day in the Adirondacks. When I first met Cara and Andy I saw how much they respect and love one another. I am truly thankful to serve and photograph couples that are truly meant to walk through this life together and Cara and Andy epitomize that relationship. You just want to be around them, and I think you can see in their photographs that they literally never stopped smiling the WHOLE day.
The day started when I met Cara at the River Rock Salon in Lake Placid for some fun “getting ready” pictures before heading down the road to the Whiteface Lodge to spend some time with Andy and his groomsmen. I love this part of the day because it allows everyone to warm up to the idea of having their pictures taken. I find the extra time photographing before a wedding allows everyone to relax because they see that it is a fun experience having your picture taken by me : )
Prior to their wedding Ceremony at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, Cara and Andy did a first look at the Whiteface Lodge. When couples opt to take this time together, they often have more time to enjoy themselves after the ceremony. Cara and Andy used their time to take an amazing boat ride from the Canoe Club. I love when my couples decide to do a “first look” because they enjoy so much more of their cocktail hour and reception! Plus they can squeeze in going to a fun location or doing something exciting like a boat ride on their wedding day : )
Weddings at the Whiteface Lodge are such a joy, especially when the weather is as perfect as it was for Cara and Andy. Friends and family enjoyed drinks, lawn games, live music by Schroon River String Band and the warm evening sun before dinner and the party really got started on the dance floor! These two know how to dance! Their reception was amazing with dancing well into the night by Lee Kyler of the Lake Placid DJ!
A huge Congratulations to Cara, Andy and your families! This is just the start of so many amazing memories and adventures that you will have together : )
Wedding Professionals:
Ceremony: St. Agnes Catholic Church – Lake Placid, NY
Reception: The Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid, NY
Officiant: Father Joseph Busch
Wedding Planner: Nicole Zaluski
Ceremony Organist: Drew Benware
Florist: Trillium Florals – Tupper Lake
Salon: River Rock Salon – Lake Placid
Wedding Bands: Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Bakery: Noonmark Diner
Bridal Shop: Angela’s Bridal
Wedding Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca
Groom’s Attire: Bonobos suit, Brooks Brothers tie, custom pocket square from Etsy
DJ: Lake Placid DJ (Lee Kyler)
Invitation Designer: Mary Ballou Designs
Transportation: Whiteface Lodge Vans and Ground Force 1
Signs: Andy custom made signs for us with friend and co-worker Morris Kopels
Welcome to the BLOG
FOLLOW ALONG
JUMP TO
MODERN | TIMELESS | HEARTFELT
Wedding photography for couples in love who want to love their wedding photographs
Stunning Mirror Lake Inn Valentines Day Getaway
The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid was the perfect venue for a sweet valentines getaway for my couple from New York City. As busy creatives, the winter mountains were the perfect escape for spending time together with all the distractions. The Mirror Lake Inn sits right on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. The Inn is one of the most romantic getaway venues. With a suite right on the shores of the frozen lake and understated Adirondack elegance, I could not think of a better Valentine’s Day getaway. It also matched perfectly with Kyle and Nigel’s impeccable style.
Location: Mirror Lake Inn – Lake Placid, NY
Photographer: Julia Rebecca Photography
A Mirror Lake Inn Photo Session
We started their photos in their beautiful hotel room, with great music playing and a bottle of wine to make it a party. I loved their first choice of outfits, which brought out their amazing style. Is it just me, or does Kyle have an uncanny resemblance to a young Barack Obama?
Besides amazing style Kyle and Nigel were beyond fun and a joy to photograph. Their session had everything from tenderness to big laughs and playfulness. What you might not be able to pick up on was how incredibly cold and windy it was this day! Lake Placid in February is no joke, especially on the lake! But these two were troopers, and we had a blast.
If you are looking for an amazing getaway, the Mirror Lake Inn in the Adirondacks should be on your list!
Are you planning a romantic getaway and what to capture this amazing time in your lives? Let’s start the conversation about booking your photographs! CONTACT ME HERE.
Adirondacks Destination Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Julia Rebecca Photography serves the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Vermont, Saratoga, Hudson Valley and New England region with timeless yet modern photography. You photos should be a reflection of you, no gimmicks or filters just real love and authentic photos.
A Whiteface Mountain Wedding in the Spring
An inspirational spring Whiteface Mountain wedding for couples planning a small wedding or elopement in the mountains of Upstate NY. Luxury destination weddings are 90% of the weddings I photograph yearly. Couples choose to host their wedding in the Adirondacks for so many reasons and I love that they choose this special place for their celebration.
The Adirondacks truly have everything from beautiful mountain tops like Whiteface Mountain to vows at sunset in a wildflower field. There are a number of venues that cater to small weddings, and I have listed some of my favorites below for you. If you are looking to plan your wedding in the Adirondacks, I would love to talk more about what you envision. The options are endless, but all are equally amazing.
Adirondack Wedding Venues for Small Weddings and Elopements
- The Lake Placid Lodge – Lake Placid NY
- The Bark Eater Inn – Keene, NY
- The Sagamore Resort on The Morgan – Lake George, NY
- The Stage Coach Inn – Lake Placid, NY
- The Mirror Lake Inn – Lake Placid, NY
Tips for Planning your Whiteface Mountain Elopement
If you are planning an elopement or engagement session on Whiteface, you should know a few key things! After photographing sessions in the spring, summer, and fall on Whiteface Mountain, I have learned a few things on the way that you should take into consideration.
1: The road to the top of the mountain is not open in the wintertime. Typically late May – October, the toll road opens for driving.
2. Don’t count on the elevator being open. Think of it as a bonus if it is!
3. Good walking/hiking shoes are necessary. Put your nice shoes in a backpack with water, coats, and bug spray. Most of the walk up is on slippery rocks, not stairs.
4. It is always colder than you will think because of the elevation and wind. Be prepared with a coat/jacket, hat, and gloves.
5. Black flies (biting flies) love the top of the Mountain in May/June. So if you don’t like bitting flies, this may not be the best photo location option. A windy day can be your best friend In the spring to keep them at bay.
6. Expect other people to be around and enjoying the summit with you. This is not a private venue, so think of onlookers as spontaneous guests at your ceremony : )
Bonus Tip: It costs $20 per person, not per car! So have your cash handy : )
Whiteface Mountain Wedding Professionals:
Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography
Design: Katharine Phillips Design
Flowers: Fern Croft @fern_croft
Host: Mary Dougherty
Linens: Latavola Linens
Makeup: @amandahopcraftmua
Dress: @silk_bridal
Styling: @jade.magnolia
Invitations: @stonefruitstudio
Model: @tessschilkephotography
A Romantic Adirondack Christmas Wedding in Lake Placid
Whiteface Lodge Winter Wedding
We often talk about the Christmas spirit, but sometimes I don’t think we see it as often as we speak about it. Ashley and Steve’s wedding embodied what we believe Christmas is in our hearts. It is being with those we love most important, sharing a meal together, laughing and telling stories, hugging someone you have not seen in ages, and toasting to new love and old. This is what we cherish at Christmas. This is what their Adirondack Christmas wedding was filled with.
The Whiteface Lodge was dressed to the nines for the Holidays with twinkling lights, red bows, wreaths, and Christmas trees that touched the sky. Ashley and Steve spent the morning getting ready with their family and friends in their suites. I loved the white winter details and classic elegance of their day. The combination was perfect for a December wedding in the Adirondack Mountains.
With the warm weather, much of the snow had melted around the Whiteface Lodge, but I found a spot earlier in the morning where there was still snow for their first look and portraits. I just love how elegant and gorgeous their photographs are in front of the pines trees. We then went to a beautiful location in front of the frozen pond.
You have to have a first look before the ceremony with a winter wedding because the sunset is so early. The sun disappeared at 3:45 on their wedding day. If we had not done the first look, Ashley and Steve would not have had any photos in natural light.
The Kanu Room at the Lodge is one of the most gorgeous locations I can imagine for a December wedding in Lake Placid. However, this room can be dark and dreary without flash, especially on a cloudy day. The Christmas tree framing them during their ceremony was magical, to say the least.
Adirondack Christmas Weddings are stunning, but what made Ashley and Steve’s genuinely magical was the love that surrounded them at their wedding. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room during their ceremony, and the toasts and first dance.
These two deserve a world of happiness together. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day!
Wedding Professionals
Venue: Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid, New York
Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography
Flowers: Lake Placid Flower and Gift
Band: Silver Arrow Band
Bridal Shop: The White Dress by the Shore
Designer: Jenny Yoo
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
MY LATEST POSTS
Destination Ausable Club Wedding in September
The serenity, beauty, and legacy that the Ausable Club of the Adirondacks has is truly special. The landscape envelopes you and as the mountains rise from the valley floor into the clouds floating by. It is hard to imagine a more spectacular place to celebrate love,...
A New Year’s Eve Wedding at the Canfield Casino
Canfield Casino New Year’s Wedding is such an amazing celebration for a wedding. I was thrilled when Mary Kate and Cristian reached out about photographing their wedding day. Saratoga Springs is one of my favorite upstate NY towns. The Canfield Casino is one of the most beautiful venues in Saratoga. Their wedding was classic and timeless but infused with so much fun. It truly was one of my favorite weddings to be a part of.
JULIA REBECCA
PHOTOGRAPHY
New England Photographer Based in Essex and Lake Clear, New York
Serving Lake Placid, Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, Vermont and the New England Region
Follow along on Instagram to see more weddings and recent photos!