Cassandra and Trevor’s Wedding at The Lodges at Cresthaven in Lake George, NY this weekend was one I won’t soon forget. This weekend was a wedding I had been looking forward to for YEARS. Seriously. I went to high school with Cassandra, although we didn’t really know each other back then.  We were friends on facebook and she posted a picture of their wedding venue when they booked it (way back when I was starting wedding photography!) and I messaged her to tell her I wanted to photograph her and Trevor’s wedding- if they would have me!

Cassandra and Trevor’s love story is one I absolutely swoon over.  She 14. He was 16. Fourteen years old when they met and dedicated themselves to spending the rest of their lives together (although I hardly imagine they knew this then.)  It was on a camping trip in New York; Cassandra went up with her family and Trevor went up with friends. After spending days together hiking, quading, spending time sharing stories and sitting around the fire, they quickly became best friends. Lucky for them, they had incredible parents who drove them everywhere for their dates in their teenage years.

After seven years of dating, they took their next step.  Trevor, Cassandra and their two friends, went up to Lake George for the day to hike to a waterfall that led to a lake. They visited this spot every year during their summer vacation. As her friend Sami was taking pictures of them at the bottom of the waterfall, she pointed to the top and said “Wow, what is that?” As they turned around, Trev got down on one knee and Cassandra saw all their friends holding a huge “Will you marry me sign” at the top of the waterfall. He then popped the question! Fast forward 3 years from that and we are here on this gorgeous day in Lake George, where it all began. I love that their love story came full circle on this special day.

Cassandra and Trevor define fun-loving, adventurous, outdoorsy couples in love and this is everything I hope for when I photograph couples. I wish for laughter, and joy, engagement sessions outdoors, and down-to-earth brides with big hearts for the people in their lives.  This is Cassandra and Trevor to a T! We were outstandingly lucky to have a beautiful fall engagement session in the Shawagunk Mountain Range in Pine Bush, NY and their wedding day was even more perfect!

The day started in the cabins on the property where hair and make-up was done, the guys hung out, and the girls had a dance party in their cowgirl boots and flannels. Cassandra was surrounded with so much love from her girls and her mother and in-law’s to be and they gifted her a scrapbook in which they each wrote a letter to her.  I’m pretty sure her heart was exploding with gratitude at this point, because mine sure was and I was just overwhelmed with the love that was felt in that cabin.  

After they gave her this gift, she got her dress on and everyone screamed when she came out.  She was jaw-dropping and her positivity was more radiant than ever. She has an unbelievable heart for serving and loving others and I find myself always looking forward to hearing from her. This became so apparent when she was surrounded by her bridesmaids as they all were just so excited to be a part of the day.

 

Love this ring box! Love their personal touches, Can you believe this view!?
Love this idea! Signs of when she met all of her bridesmaids. SO cute. The happiest bridesmaids ever. And happiest bride! The girls scrapbook they made for Cassandra!

Then comes the groomsmen.  Christy had such a blast with them as they took pictures overlooking the property.  They were surrounded with laughter and fun all day and I can’t imagine a more perfect wedding day.

 

Sweet moments with mom. The Minnie Ha-Ha boat that tours around Lake George! Everyone was waving to us!

The ceremony overlooked the lake and their rustic and personal touches left so many people in tears. They read their own vows and had a unity ceremony with sand.  The weather was a perfect 76 degrees with no humidity which was such a treat compared to the four 100+ degree weddings I’ve been shooting lately!

 

And then it was time for the ceremony!! Trevor’s face when he saw her for the first time was pure joy!

Celebrating their mothers. So sweet! <3 THEY’RE MARRIED!!!!

After the ceremony, we took family and wedding party photos and then it was time for the bride and groom portraits!!

Ta-dahhh!!

They rented a Hacker Craft boat and we took it for a ride on the lake!! I mean seriously, how cool is that?!!? I was laughing and smiling like a kid in Disney. I love lakes and the water and boat rides so this was absolutely perfect.  After the boat ride we wrapped up with some portraits on the property and then went to the boathouse to get the party started!! The wedding party had the best entrances I’ve ever seen and the dance floor was hopping all night.

 

SO COOL!

I got to go on a ride with them and if you know me, you know I love boats so this was freakin’ awesome!!Yup. Insanely fun.
Bon voyage!Love how they decorated the boathouse!! THey did such a great job with all the personal details!!Always and forever. <3
Love this moment so much.Love this shot!! Such a cool place for a reception- in the boathouse!!Sweet moments with mom <3

We snuck out for some night portraits and sparkler shots and I’m so glad we did! I love these so much!!

What kind of rustic bride would she be if there wasn’t a little bit of line dancing?

Love my couples so much!!!Last dance!
Making S’Mores! The besttttttt.My favorite!! Cozying up with the blanket.LOVE THESE SPARKLER SHOTS!! 

All in all, it was truly a perfect day and the threat of rain held off until literally the last minute of the reception! Together, Cassandra and Trevor completely compliment one another. He is always smiling (as is Cassandra) and loves her deeply, and quietly. They are, indeed, a perfect match, and I am just bursting with joy that I get to document their love.

Cassandra and Trevor, no one deserves this perfect day more than the two of you. I am so beyond happy that I got to be there to witness the beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness!

Thank you to my amazing second shooter and dear friend Christy for capturing this incredible day with me and to these incredible vendors for making Cassandra and Trevor’s dreams come true. <3

VENUE: The Lodges at Cresthaven
VIDEOGRAPHER: George Segale Films
FLORIST: Lasting Impression Florist
CAKE ARTIST: Lake George Baking Company
DJ: Global Productions
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Krystal Rose Studio
HAIR ARTIST: Krystal Rose Studio
BRIDESMAIDS DRESS: David’s Bridal
TUXES: Men’s Warehouse
OFFICIANT: Hudson Valley Officiants
BRIDAL GOWN: Park Ave Bridals.
INVITATIONS: Shutterfly