I’m so excited to share Laurie and Darby’s wedding day! It’s been a long time coming.
Laurie and Darby were married at Stonewall Estate which is a gorgeous rustic wedding venue in upstate NY. Nestled in the Catskills, it has a house onsite for getting ready, a large space for the reception and views for days to serve as the perfect backdrop for a ceremony and wedding portraits.
The space inside has great lighting with lots of windows and the bridal suite is my absolute favorite. I always say that your pictures will only be as good as the aesthetic of the space a photographer is working in and Stonewall Estate does not disappoint.
There’s also a great space upstairs where the groom and groomsmen generally get ready and hangout before the day starts.
As always, my day begins with detail shots. Amour Daydream Studio designed the invitations which were GORGEOUS! Laurie and Darby live in the Adirondacks so it was only right that their invitations reflected that ADK charm. Cullen Creations provided me with flat lay flowers which I am always so grateful for. Flat lay flowers make your detail shots pop in the best of ways.
See what I mean about the bridal suite? Who wouldn’t want to get ready in here?
It was so sweet watching Laurie interact with her friends and family. There’s always a lot of nerves on a wedding day and Laurie and Darby had worked so hard putting everything together. It’s easy to see how loved these two are in the way that their loved ones showed up for them, even in the little moments.
On of my most favorite details in this wedding was the disco ball theme. Laurie had this fabulous disco ball purse that was SO COOL.
Just like every wedding in 2023, the weather forecast was for rain. Laurie and Darby are located up in the Adirondacks and were traveling to the Catskills for their wedding day earlier in the week so there was no time to have umbrellas shipped to them in the ADK. I happily offered to have them shipped to me so I could bring them the day of. Laurie ordered dozens of umbrellas in preparation and, because she’s a wonderful, sweet, caring, incredible soul, gifted them to Jen Pecka Photography for future rainy day weddings. When I show up with umbrellas for the whole wedding party, THANK LAURIE!! She is the bride that takes care of other brides just like she’s a woman who takes care of other women.
Luckily for our first look and wedding portraits, the rain held off. It was dark and the sky was threatening to open up at any minute but our first look took place without a hitch and it was so sweet watching Darby’s reaction to his beautiful bride.
Darby is one of the funniest grooms I’ve ever met. I know it’s statistically a little bit harder for grooms to be in front of a camera but his sense of humor made it really easy to capture his personality, middle finger and all. To be honest I initially missed the middle finger and just thought he was sarcastically posing with the bouquet but I like the picture ten times better now.
Laurie and Darby definitely win the “largest bridal party” prize. These guys were so much fun to work with! Sometimes it can be really tough working with a larger crowd but it wasn’t at all with these folks.
Wanderbus Photo Booth was at the wedding! Super cool idea that every couple should adopt for their own wedding.
Right as we finished up with photos, the sky opened up. Though unexpected weather might alter plans, the magic of a Catskills rain transforms the day into a celebration of love that feels both timeless and uniquely adventurous.
Laurie and Darby were married in front of their most precious loved ones while the rain falling onto the barn roof created a cozy and romantic ambiance.
The ceremony segued perfectly into the wedding reception which was MC’d and set alive with music by the Metplayers band. Tables were decorated beautifully by Cullens Creations and there were desserts for days made by Holiday Farm Biscuit Co.
The night ended with a fireworks display by American Fireworks. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. I’m so happy Laurie and Darby entrusted me with capturing their wedding. I had so much fun working with them and am so excited to head back to Stonewall Estate this next wedding season!
A huge shoutout to all of these vendors for help making the day so amazing! I recommend each and every one of them so definitely utilize these resources for your own wedding!
Venue: Stonewall Estate
Photographer: Jen Pecka Photography
Flowers and Draping: Cullens Creations
Dress: Lily Saratoga
Photo Booth: Wanderbus Photobooth
Hair: Hair by Cait
MUA: Emily Elle Makeup
Wedding Cake + Desserts: Holiday Farm Biscuit Co.
Dress Alterations: Mosca Alterations
Audio Guestbook: Afterthetone.co
Band: Metplayers
Invitations: Amour Day Dream Studio
Fireworks: American Fireworks
Video: Key Moment Films
Shoes/Purse: Betsy Johnson
Wedding bands: Kay Jewelers, Nef Jewelry, Manly Bands
