Jackie and Dan returned to Dan’s childhood stomping grounds of Skaneateles, NY to get married surrounded by family and friends at The Sinclair. They currently live in Arlington, VA, so they enlisted Megan Hiltbrand of MLH Events to help them plan their wedding from 370 miles away, and we are so happy and lucky they did! We can’t stress enough how awesome it is to have an organized, creative, take-charge person like Megan by the couple’s side. She seems to effortlessly bring the couple’s vision to life, and she keeps everyone from the wedding party to the caterers on track. But I digress… as this is about Jackie and Dan’s best day ever (we’ll have to collaborate with Megan in the future so we can elaborate further on the positives of hiring a wedding coordinator!)
Jackie started her day with some of her girls doing yoga at a studio nearby. This set a calm and loving tone for the day. And even into her getting ready moments, we noticed her closing her eyes and taking in the moments that were happening around her. Total zen. Her ladies (in adorable coordinating robes) met her on the exquisite 3rd floor of The Sinclair where they slipped into their dusty pink dresses. Before getting into her dress, Jackie took some time to rehearse a song with her mother that she planned to surprise Dan with during the reception speeches. The bridesmaids watched on in awe, and Sarah thought it was just the cutest thing to document. With the help of her mom, Jackie got into her dress. When the girls turned to face Jackie for a big reveal, there were tears. Not long after, Jackie’s dad came up to see his daughter in white before they walked down the aisle together. There was so much sweetness in the room.
Meanwhile, Dan and his fellas got ready at 34 State Street, a historic bed and breakfast seconds from the heart of Skaneateles. Dan greeted each groomsman with a gift – a pair of all black, hi-top PF Flyers to wear with their steal grey suits for the day! The tone was pretty laid back as one of Dan’s groomsmen made Dark & Stormy’s for anyone that wanted, and his ring bearer rapped happily on the grand piano in the front room. Soon they were all dressed to the nines and ready for some formal portraiture!
The May weather was wet and unkind for the first half of the day. Mother Nature allowed Jenn some time to photograph the guys outside, but the ceremony was moved indoors. Megan and her crew made quick work of setting up the ceremony space in front of the gorgeous two-way fireplace. The setting was just as lovely indoors as it would have been outdoors. Guests were invited to fill in the seats or watch from the balconies above. Their wedding bands sat on a table at the end of the aisle for each member of their wedding party to warm them as they passed by during the processional. Dan was a real example of dapper and totally composed until he saw Jackie coming down the aisle. There may have been a few tears, which we thought was super sweet! He quickly pulled himself back together though, and they exchanged written vows before sealing their forever promises with a kiss.
The rain clouds dissipated just in time for guests to enjoy cocktail hour in the beautiful backyard. Scratch Farmhouse put on a lovely spread of pickles, roasted veggies, queso, bruschetta burrata, and bacon brittle (drooooool!). Their cocktail food display was unique and welcoming. Everyone mingled and enjoyed hand-passed fried green tomatoes while Jackie and Dan gathered with family for formal portraits.
The formal reception kicked off with a speech from Jackie’s Dad, as well as the maid and matron of honor (her sweet sisters) and the best man – Dan’s Dad. Just when Dan thought they were to sit down to dinner, wedding coordinator Megan and her assistant revealed guitars, and the DJ quickly arranged some microphones in front of Jackie and her mom. Jackie then serenaded Dan with her own personalized version of Kenny Loggins’ “Danny’s Song” as her mom accompanied her on guitar. It was a sweet and funny moment that brought everyone together to sing the familiar chorus!
After a family-style meal put on by Scratch, the dance portion of the night started with Jackie and Dan’s first dance. Each then shared a dance with a parent before asking all the couples to join them out on the dance floor. After a few short minutes of a slow, sweet song, with one more surprise from the couple, the DJ broke into The Hand Jive. Dan and Jackie got everyone jiving and jumping, and from there, the party did not stop!
The love Jackie and Dan share was so beautifully on display for their best day ever. We were honored to be able to capture these memories for them to cherish forever. Check out the highlights!
Featured Wedding Professionals || Wedding Coordinator – Megan Hiltbrand, MLH Events | Caterer – Scratch Farmhouse Catering | Florist – Folls Flower Farm | DJ – DJ Humphrey’s |
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