“True love is the joy of life.” – John Clarke
I’ve been struggling to write this blog. Struggling, because I cannot seem to find a way to put into words what a truly beautiful wedding day we had the pleasure of sharing with Jessica and Casey, and although I know that I will finish this and be kicking myself for not adding this or that, I will try my best to retell all of the amazing memories from their day. First let me tell you a little about Jessica and Casey. Jessica and Casey reached out to us last fall, and because they lived in Ithaca we decided to meet in the middle for a cup of coffee in Armory Square. The first time meeting them felt like catching up with friends. We were instantly greeted with hugs and warm conversations where we learned about their their family, friends, and themselves. They told us about their jobs as a chef and baker, and how they met in culinary school, and about their wedding plans. Jessica and Casey were SO incredibly excited to tell us all about their day that just talking about it made tears well up in their eyes. That same sincere joy and love for each other only grew by the next time we saw them and was radiating from them full force on their wedding day.
The Treman Center in Ithaca was the PERFECT backdrop for Jessica and Casey’s big day. Renovated from an 1870’s hay barn, this venue was unlike any “barn wedding” we’ve ever worked at before. From the gorgeous handmade Italian courtyard (made with local stones) to the white washed great room with exposed wooden beams, every detail from ceiling to floor was breathtaking. Jessica, along with her bridesmaids began the day getting hair and makeup in the bridal suite upstairs, a vastly spacious room with windows perfect to peek down at the guests arriving at the garden below. Meanwhile Casey was driving back and forth from a home a short distance away, crunching time as he made sure all the details of the day were ready, as well as making sure he was ready. When it came time to get dressed, Casey had the help of his groomsmen to fix up his bowtie and tuxedo coat tails. Back at the suite, the bridal party helped each other into a variety of emerald green dresses and gold heels as Jessica was getting her lips painted the timeless and always classic shade of red. With just minutes till the start of the ceremony, Jessica stood surrounded by her bridal party as they slid her gown on, clasped her bracelet and perfected her veil. I still cannot get over what an absolutely stunning bride Jessica was, her dazzling white sequin gown was so beautifully unique, and the floral and vine detail on the back was utter perfection!
Rain began to drizzle as Jessica made her way down to the courtyard, but yellow and blue umbrellas started popping up, keeping everyone dry as they anticipated the ceremony. Casey stood waiting for his bride beneath the arbor, with a smile so big his cheeks might burst, and even doing a little happy dance to pass the time. *Cue the music* – it was time. The bridal party made their way down the aisle under the strands of hanging bulbs and past planted trees and watermelon patches. Everyone turned their heads to the gate, and out came Jessica, arm in arm with her dad. Surrounded with so many family and friends, all seats were full, but in that moment Jessica and Casey’s eyes did not leave each other. As soon as they could, they took each others hands, and only let go to read the most adorable handwritten vows, and to plant a tree together (symbolizing the roots of their relationship, and the growth of their love.) When it came time for the big kiss, a gust of wind blew through the courtyard and swept up Jessica’s hair and veil, like something straight out of all the greatest romance novels.
With the ceremony finished it was time for photos – our personal favorite part! Honestly, Jessica and Casey (along with their entire bridal party) were naturals behind the camera! Their genuine happiness was effortless to capture, and hard to contain ( like during those straight-faced photos.) During the portrait session Tom and I even got to meet little Eli, Jessica and Casey’s fur-baby, he was rocking the bow tie, and getting so much love from his mom and dad!
The reception was held in the lower two floors, the upper level was home to the dining area, and the lower level was the dance floor. Guests flooded into their main room and were seated at their tables. White and green floral centerpieces were arranged in golden mason jars, surrounded by miniature white pumpkins, baby succulents and gold tea lights all stacked on a wooden slab. The warmth of the hanging string lights and wooden chairs looked so beautiful paired with the cool contrast of the all white walls, ceilings, and tables. The wedding party was announced down the stairs and shared hilarious toasts and heartwarming prayers. Dinner was made by Casey, and I wish that I could have exactly what I ate that night, every night for the rest of my life, that is how amazing it was. Let’s also talk about that cake, because I am still obsessing over it. This four tiered white with green watercolor cake was wrapped in white flowers and adorned with reflecting gold leaf and topped with the cutest figurines of Jessica and Casey. The figures were even personalized perfectly right down to their blue eyes, his black tux and her red lips. When it came time for the cake cutting we hated seeing them slice it open, but we LOVED watching them smush it into each others faces! Jessica and Casey opened up the dance floor with parent dances and their first dance, and finished up the night with a huge bonfire and homemade marshmallows…the talent they have is incredible (and incredibly tasty!).
Congratulations to the Cunningham’s! Thank you Jessica and Casey for inviting us to be a part of your incredibly beautiful wedding day! We wish you SO much love and happiness!!!
Vendors:
Florist: Tara and Allison from Little Flowers
Makeup: Merrill Szabo
Cake: Dessert deli, Inc in Buffalo, NY
Dj: Aran Gallagher
Absolutely beautiful pictures and beautiful wedding. That picture of Casey and his mom is so touching. You know that old saying….the way a man treats his mother says so much about him and how he will treat his wife! Jessica, you are in good hands 💕
The picture of the two of you from a distance with the barn and water is stunning!!!