Sage Chapel & Statler Hotel – Cornell Wedding » Jen Pecka Photography – Binghamton, Ithaca, NY and Adirondack Wedding Photographer

Alexandra + Alberto

I am so excited to share this blog! These Cornell alumni lovebirds met on campus and then in perfect synchronicity with this college love story, brought their friends and family back to Ithaca in order to have a stunning wedding at Sage Chapel and Statler Hotel.

When I first met Alexandra, we clicked right away. Immediately I felt like she was my soul sister and the most kindred of spirits. Maybe it’s because we’re both Eastern European and our ancestors blood was calling to one another. I don’t know! But I adored her immediately and felt like we were on the same wavelength.

Alexandra got ready at the Statler hotel which is my new favorite venue to go to. The staff were incredible and lovely to work with. They accommodated everything we needed and were even sweet enough to provide me with complimentary valet services. Some venues don’t see the value in being kind to other vendors but the Statler hotel took it to the next level and made me feel like family. HUGE green flag when booking your wedding! Go with those who take care of each other. Team work means your wedding day will run smoothly and efficiently.

Business is Blooming (bizbloomfloraldesign on IG) did the flowers for this wedding and as always, the flowers were gorgeous and the flatlay flowers provided made the detail shots pop.

Alexandra looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding dress. She looked like a royal painting come to life. Absolute perfection. I was super pumped for the first look and bride and groom photos!

This wedding day was stifling hot. The air didn’t have much movement and I had to feel a little sorry for Alberto who was decked out in black. We tried to keep to the shade as much as possible. Luckily there is a lot of that around Sage Chapel. We kept to the small courtyard under the trees and the moment I saw Alberto tear up while seeing his future wife, I was happy the camera was in front of my face. No matter how many first looks I’ve seen, I still get teary eyed during these special moments. It was so apparent how much these two love each other and I feel so grateful I got to capture this part of their journey together.

It was so tough choosing which bride and groom portraits to share. We stayed pretty close to Sage Chapel but visited some sentimental spots to Alexandra and Alberto too. I love everything about Cornell when it comes to photography. The views are beautiful, the architecture is beautiful, the landscaping is on point and the people, whether they are transplants or not, are always a delight to be around. I’ve always said that Ithaca is like a vortex and pulls in a certain kind of person. I mean that in the best way possible. I love being there.

Also, have you seen the library?!?

Just Alexandra being a medieval painting come to life.

The wedding ceremony went perfectly and at the very end I was taken by surprise when Alexandra and Alberto started running at me down the aisle. In all fairness, I think they were surprised too because this was not the plan. I have never run backwards so fast in my life and somehow I did not crash and burn. The wedding Gods were with me I think. They paused just long enough for a dramatic dip and then out the doors they went. I laughed SO hard when it was all said and done. I love a dramatic exit, even when I’m not expecting it.

The Statler Hotel is luxurious and charming and the food is off the charts. I actually can’t say enough good things about the food. Straight out of a magazine in appearance and every bite was delicious. My biggest compliments to the chef and staff because WOW. And there was SO much of it! It just kept coming and I couldn’t help but “yes please” every server who came by with a tray loaded up with some sort of delectable wizardry. I’m hungry just talking about it.

I had so much fun at Alexandra and Alberto’s reception. Family and friends traveled far and wide to be here and I loved hearing the speeches and meeting some of their loved ones.