Lindsey and Joe’s Bee-eautiful (sorry – you’ll know why I couldn’t help myself soon!) wedding day at Chantelle Marie Lakehouse in Auburn, NY was a stunning display of joy and love! The excitement to shoot their day started early in the planning process as we learned more about them and the details they had planned (plus, they’re just super adorbs – check out their engagement session here!). Lindsey’s Dad is a beekeeper (!!) as well as the owner of Lasca’s in Auburn. Therefore, Lindsey planned to include the honey from his bees (and honeycomb shapes) and delicious food from his restaurant. Two perfect touches (in a list of many!) in a dreamy Finger Lakes wedding day!

Lindsey and her ladies got ready at a beautiful A-Frame within walking distance of the venue. They enjoyed the lovely autumn view while putting the finishing touches on their wedding day looks. Once her look was final, Lindsey made a point to share a special moment with her dad by allowing us to set up a first look for them. If you look closely, you can see a bee hovering next to her dad as they embrace. Sarah only saw it once she was editing images and had to point it out to Lindsey at the image reveal party. We all agreed it was another sign that their day was just perfect! Meanwhile, Joe and his fellas relaxed at his childhood home before getting into their maroon suits. We loved this off-beat choice for the groomsmen attire. The fellas all looked fantastic and soon would compliment the venue and blush bridesmaids dresses just right! Both Sarah and Jenn got some time during getting ready to photograph fun details like Joe’s George Costanza sweatshirt and cufflinks made from drawings of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac as well as gorgeous ones like Lindsey’s jewelry and the wedding day invitation suite (made by Sarah’s fellow creative friend Emma). Before heading over to the venue for the ceremony, Joe took some time to pose with his guys one last time as a single man.

This was our first time working at Chantelle Marie and we were super pleased with our “workspace” for the day! Not only are the bones of the venue just lovely, but Lindsey and Joe hired Megan Hiltbrand of MLH Events to plan and bring their vision to life. So, of course, the ceremony space was a breathtaking sight (to start!). Guests were first welcomed by a display of geometric metal sculptures, florals, lit candles and a table covered with champagne flutes filled with rosé. The entry to the ceremony was draped in white linen and decorated with greenery as well as dusty pink and burgundy florals. Guests were encouraged to take a glass of rose to their seats and the ceremony began once everyone was settled.

Joe’s face lit up the moment he saw Lindsey walk down the aisle in a beautiful silk, white gown. Her brother married them in a short but sweet ceremony and before they knew it they were embracing as Mr. & Mrs.!! While the newlyweds posed for family portraiture, guests were invited into the eclectically decorated boathouse for cocktail hour. There’s vintage tchotchke from floor to ceiling and the bar is made out of an overturned vintage boat! Lasca’s had an amazing spread of shrimp cocktail, lump crab, impressive charcuterie and pickled snacks. They also served teacups of tomato soup with triangles of grilled cheese. A perfect snack for the crisp beginning of fall! Guests mingled and some treated themselves to the craft beer, Juice Bomb by Sloop Brewing that was specially brought in for the festivities or the couple’s signature cocktail named after their beloved dog, Seamus.

The venue staff made sure to keep the reception space off limits to the guests until just the right moment, which was perfect to build excitement and anticipation but also for Jenn to have time to capture every last stunning detail! Each farmhouse table was decorated in an abundance of greenery, including eucalyptus and the place settings were simply elegantly completed by gold silverware and a stunning menu card. The roundtables were draped in burgundy, velvet tablecloths, adding an extra lush layer of detail!! The honeycomb geometric shape was tastefully incorporated in the shape of the menus at each setting, the table numbers, and the epic idea for their table cards! The couple made a giant wall to hold honeycomb shaped marble tiles with each guests name and table number on it. It was quite an eye catcher and done so well! The guests were invited into the space and asked to find their table numbers first. As they explored they could see there were jars of honey to take home at the end of the night. Special honey collected just for this occasion by Lindsey’s Dad. He even brought some of his bees to be a part of the favor table display!

Lindsey and Joe explored the property with Sarah (and Gabby of Live Oak Films) for some portraits together after the wedding party images were done. They incorporated the stunning view of Owasco Lake for some. Before they knew it, it was time to be formally introduced as husband and wife for the first time ever! DJ Humphrey kept the event and guests on track for the entire elegant night. He introduced Lindsey and Joe to a roaring crowd and they shared their sweet first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.

Joe’s brother, Tom, toasted the newlyweds first and achieved the perfect combination of funny and sentimental. He almost brought the crowd to tears as he recounted the moment he realized his brother actually did love him and then brought the laughter as he shared some advice he had gathered from Joe’s coworkers. Lindsey’s Maid of Honor Amanda brought the sweetness with her toast to the newlyweds as well. Before dinner, Lindsey’s Dad took time to thank everyone for coming and then each table was served an impressive display of pickled vegetables for the first course to kick off the family-style dinner portion of the evening.

To bring everyone’s attention back to the dance floor after dinner, the couple then invited their parents to the dance floor for the time-honored tradition of parent dances! Lindsey is a dancer, and she invited all her dance ladies to the wedding, so it seemed not a beat was missed once the dance floor was open! It flooded with people, dancing in celebration of Lindsey and Joe. What a treat of a dance floor to photograph! For most of the night, it seemed not a single person was sitting at a table.

Lindsey and Joe must have known they had a crowd of fun, dancing partiers on their guest list because they also hired a food truck to arrive for the last hour of the celebration! Sarah couldn’t help but wait for it to open up, so she could take a few last fun shots of the couple enjoying a late night snack. Guests were definitely kept happy at Lindsey and Joe’s beautiful best day ever because they took every step possible to make sure everyone would be(e… hehe) content. Check out some of the breathtaking highlights below!

Congratulations & best wishes, Mr. & Mrs. Costello!

Featured Wedding Professionals || Dress Designer & Retailer – Lovely Bride | Bridesmaid Attire – Azazie | Wedding Rings – RJ Jewelers | Groom & Groomsmen Attire – Giovanni’s Formal | Hair Artist – Jodi Humphrey, Head West Salon | Sara Scollan, Crazy Beautiful Co. | Wedding Planner – Megan Hiltbrand, MLH Events | Caterer – Lasca’s Restaurant | Cake – Patisserie | Florist – Whistlestop Florist | DJ – DJ Hump | Videographer – Live Oak Films | Transportation – Uber | Ceremony Music – Ally Colvin