Jenah & Dakota
Black Barn at Harvest Moon is a newer wedding venue in the hills of Smithville, NY. You know how sometimes you go to a place and you can just feel the magic? That’s Black Barn at Harvest Moon. I swear there are fairies living in those woods. I loved this venue as soon as I stepped foot onto the property. The owner, Cassandra, is also amazing and incredible to work with.
I always start my day with wedding detail shots and had plenty of time afterwards to meander the property and document all the things this venue has to offer. I even had time to walk out through the woods and find the rustic glamping tents. Jenah and Dakota were staying in the “Adirondack” tent which is appropriate since Jenah and I bonded over our time spent in the Inlet area (near Old Forge) and Limekiln Lake.
The woods were nice and cool compared to the sweltering temperature out in the sun. I even found a little toad journeying on his merry way to who knows where. Probably lunch with the other toads. Or forest gnomes. This part of the woods definitely has forest gnome energy.
Jenah finished getting ready in the main barn and then filled me in on her “first look” plan. Dakota was under the impression that they were going to share a first look before the ceremony but what was REALLY going to happen was Jenah’s bridesmaid would deliver him a gift instead. Jenah did a boudoir shoot sometime before the wedding and wanted to surprise Dakota on their wedding day. His facial expressions are priceless. Jenah watched through a crack in the door at his reactions and we were all cracking up.
Black Barn at Harvest Moon has multiple spots where ceremonies can be held. Jenah and Dakota chose to do their ceremony in the forest surrounded by gorgeous trees and moss. The woods are always so much cooler on a hot day so it was a welcome spot to sit for guests. The ceremony was short and sweet and segued seamlessly into family portraits and bridal party portraits.
I couldn’t get enough of these woodsy photo opportunities. I could have stayed in there all day. There really is something magical about this part of the forest. I spend a lot of time in the woods all over NYS and it’s rare you feel a magical presence quite like this. You really have to go experience it for yourself to know what I’m talking about.
There’s also so many details and nooks that are super dreamy for bride and groom portraits. I wish we would have had time to hike back to some of the glamping tents to do photos there but there was just SO much to work with all around.
I love the symmetry of the sauna.
This wedding venue is dog friendly and their yellow lab had the time of his life swimming in the pond, running around to get lots of pets from guests and making sure to shake the water off next to mom and dad at every opportunity.
The wedding reception was split in between the barn and a tent outside. All of the dinner tables were in the tent and decorated beautifully. Desserts and dancing were in the barn. Once the dancing started it was full on party and I had so much fun dancing around and taking pictures of everyone having a great time.
I’ll be back at Black Barn at Harvest Moon on July 27th for a styled shoot and then from 7-9PM we’re opening the event to the public for an impromptu wedding show. Newly engaged couples will be able to walk the property and catch some inspo for their own wedding. They’ll be able to see how epic this wedding venue is and get an idea of how it might look if they (wisely) chose this venue as their own. There will be plenty of wedding vendors milling about and the newly engaged can chat with them, or not. There’s no pressure here and we just want everyone to enjoy the show, the space, and everything in between.
Photographers can sign up here: https://lightfol.io/624324/s/qBdVQVOw
Newly engaged couples can sign up here: https://lightfol.io/624324/s/dBZymK0A
Vendors from Jenah + Dakota’s wedding…
Venue: Black Barn at Harvest Moon
Photographer: Jen Pecka Photography
Bouquet: Jenah made her bouquet!
Dress: Bliss Bridal
Rings: Etsy/Ridge
Cake: Dakota’s Grandma
Catering: Limp Lizard
Hair: Emily Spears
MUA: Cassidy Lee
