Inns of Aurora - The Rowland House and Dorie's Bakery

The Inns of Aurora have just added two fabulous properties to their already impressive lineup! I had the privilege of photographing their newest gem, the Rowland House, on its opening day. It is a lovely lakefront mansion that has been remade, the team has done an excellent job of marrying modern furnishings with the traditional elements of the historic 1902 home. I especially loved the light fixtures and the impressive art on loan from philanthropist Pleasant T. Rowland's personal collection. There are ten guest rooms and I anticipate documenting many bridal parties as they prepare for weddings (I am really looking forward to seeing the greek temple and the two story boathouse once landscaping is complete). The third floor rooms are more playful as they are lavishly decorated with MacKenzie-Childs' bold designs and accessories. It was hard to choose a favorite from the hot pink room, the hand painted polka dot room, the hand painted "courtly check" room, and the Russian antiques room! After shooting at the Rowland house I took a quick stroll down to Dorie's Bakery, a lovely little lakefront spot offering many treats made on site by the Inns of Aurora's pastry chefs. If you are in town you must stop by and treat yourself to some wholesome quiche or a decadent confection (or three)! I can't wait to see what the Inns of Aurora does in the future, they consistently impress me with their style and class and I always look forward to the weddings that I have the pleasure to shoot on their properties!!

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Sherwood Inn Wedding Show - 2013

I was delighted to attend the Sherwood Inn's latest wedding show this past Sunday. Skaneateles is a wonderful place to get married, there is a great variety of distinct venues and it's no surprise that you need not look outside of the village limits to find outstanding vendors! I was honored to be the featured photographer and I was surrounded by amazing floral creations by our best local florists; Wild Flower, Fleur de Lis, and Folls Flower Farm. The always cheerful Michael Cheney from the Patisserie was in attendance to discuss his beautiful confections and the Sherwood Inn provided many tasty hors d'oeuvres and a generous sampling of Fingerlakes wine and Champagne cocktails. Additionally, our very own Pomodoro, Too! was on hand to offer advice on fine stationary for all your wedding needs. The only thing missing was the bride and groom!

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Lodge at Welch Allyn Group Tasting 2013

On Friday I had a great time photographing the Lodge's group tasting--the term 'tasting' is really misleading since they basically put on a full-blown reception for dozens of their 2013 and 2014 couples--about 130 in all. It was memorable not just for all the tasty food but also due to the great vendors they brought in to pull off the elaborate event. Unbelievable lighting design was provided by Visa Versa Entertainment, Michael Cheney from the Patisserie provided delectable sweets, Backyard Garden Florist showed off their floral style, and Young Explosives Corporation put on a $3000.00 fireworks show at the end of the evening! I also had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Buerkle Ciciarelli with Stella and Dot Jewelry, she was there showing off very stylish baubles great for your wedding day or for any 'ole day (next time I promise to shoot your jewels and shop less)! Visa Versa Entertainment can light the h*ll out of a place.

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Aurora Inn - Winter Wonderland in the Finger Lakes

There is something magical about Christmas in the Fingerlakes especially after the first snow and this year we are going to have a white Christmas! I have been able to visit some lovely Fingerlakes locations during the holidays and they happen to be some of my favorite wedding venues as well. With all the vibrant decorations and sparkling lights it makes me wonder why more couples don't have Christmas weddings. The Aurora Inn in charming Aurora, NY is elegantly decorated in any season but during Christmas with the roaring fires and lovely garlands it warms the heart.

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Mirbeau Inn & Spa Wedding

Entering Mirbeau is like being transported to an old world French country estate inspired by a Monet painting, it is the most elegant inn and spa the Fingerlakes has to offer making it a premier location to host weddings and receptions. Luxury is the first word that comes to mind when describing Mirbeau, the grounds alone makes it very special and when you take into account the world class spa and the award winning dining you and your guests are sure to have an extraordinary experience at Mirbeau. If Mirbeau is not what you had in mind for your wedding celebration you should at least book a couples massage before your nuptials with your soon to be spouse, there is nothing like a little Mirbeau pampering to erase a little pre-wedding stress.

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Frog Pond Wedding

The Frog Pond Bed and Breakfast can be described in one word, charming. The elegant 180 year old stone house is decorated beautifully with personal touches throughout the well appointed home, you can't help but to feel welcomed in its pleasant spaces. Just steps from the inn is the equally charming carriage house, a perfect venue for those seeking an upscale country wedding in Skaneateles. The immaculate carriage house has the character of a structure that was built nearly 200 years ago thus elevating the "barn" weddings that have become popular recently. Surrounding the inn and carriage house are 130 acres of private and peaceful rolling hills, grassy meadows, woodsy paths, and of course the frog pond. The Frog Pond Bed and Breakfast is the kind of venue I could see featured in Martha Stewart Weddings-classic and romantic grounds in which to host (and shoot) a gorgeous wedding!

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The Lodge at Welch Allyn Wedding

The Lodge at Welch Allyn in Skaneateles has a split personality, by day it is a classy Adirondack style lodge and by night it turns into a glamourous jewel-toned retreat. Rough hewn beams dress the entire space framing peaceful views onto the pond and when your guests need a break from the dance floor they can retire to the enormous fireplace surrounded by cozy leather couches. A taste of the Adirondacks have come to the Fingerlakes in this impressive and airy wedding venue.

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Lourdes Camp Wedding

Over the past few weeks I have been shooting at stunning wedding locations in Skaneateles and today I want to feature Lourdes Camp located at Ten Mile Point on the Eastern Shore of Skaneateles Lake. If you are looking for a charming and rustic fingerlakes wedding venue look no futher, Lourdes is a stunner of a lakeside wedding location!  The camp has 1,500 feet of lakefront, 100 acres of land enhanced by large shade trees, sprawling lawns, surrounding hills, creeks, and trails. There are 20 cabins, a main lodge, boathouse, and charming chapel. Imagine having the entire campus to yourselves for your private wedding weekend!

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Anyela's Vineyard Wedding

There are so many wonderful locations to get married in Skaneateles and I am taking the time this fall to feature some of the stunning venues that surround our beautiful lakeside community. Anyela's Vineyard sits atop a hillside that overlooks picturesque Skaneateles Lake making the sprawling grounds well suited to hosting your ceremony and reception. Anyela's is a dream to photograph because there are so many backdops to take avantage of and the grounds are perfectly manicured despite the fact that Anyela's is a working farm. If you are considering a wedding in Skaneateles you should put Anyela's on your short list, especially of you love a good glass of wine!

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