Sarah Heppell Photography

An Elegant Jewish Wedding at The Sinclair of Skaneateles

A wedding day from beginning to end at The Sinclair of Skaneateles.

As wedding photographers, we gleefully look forward to a wedding day at The Sinclair of Skaneateles! We were excited to return to one of our favorite CNY venues, plus Emily and Jake are super adorable – just wait and you’ll see what I mean! But first, let me give you the rundown of their best day ever from Team SHP’s perspective!

We started off in different locations. Sarah and Wesley met Emily and her ladies at the Sinclair’s gorgeous third floor getting ready space. The bridesmaids’ dresses, in various shades of purple, hung on a rack in the middle of the room. Emily was Facetiming with her Grandma as the stylist finished up her hair. Everyone buzzed around with excitement. Emily, the bridesmaids, and Emily’s mom all wore coordinating plaid shirts with lace trim at the hem – a perfect, seasonal touch!

The getting ready portion of the day allows us to take a lot of detail photographs that fill in the couple’s love story.

Meanwhile, Jenn met up with Jake and his guys at the couple’s home, and their cute little dogs greeted her at the door. The guys kept it casual as they got into their grey suits. All the groomsmen wore white shirts, while Jake had a purple one! They helped each other into brown suspenders that matched their shoes. Jake also gave them all matching purple argyle socks to wear for the day! He paused to get a photo with his pups before putting on his suit jacket and pouring everyone some whiskey. With a few words from Jake’s father, they all raised their glasses in honor of the couple.

Back at the Sinclair, Emily’s her mom looked on while her daughter’s makeup artist finished. Before getting into their dresses, they posed for a few photos in their adorable plaid shirts. Emily was the first to get into her dress (the first of two for the night!!), with a little help from her ladies. In the final moments before seeing her groom for the first time that day, Emily posed for a few beautiful bridal portraits. She then made her way to the backyard of the Sinclair where Jake was eagerly waiting.

The couple had a romantic first look experience!

We rave so much about the Sinclair; we just can’t help it! Even in the late fall, the backyard had lovely photogenic nooks. A tree hanging on to it’s last bright reddish orange leaves allowed Sarah to create a stunning backdrop of Emily as she approached Jake for their first look moment. As he stared off into the distance, his back facing her approaching beauty, she placed a hand on his shoulder to signal him to turn around. And then there they were, face to face, as bride and groom – soon to be officially together forever!

The first look experience allows couples to have more time for portraiture before the rest of the day gets crazy with joy and excitement. Sarah took Emily and Jake around the grounds and was able to use several scenes for their wedding portraits. They even embraced Emily’s veil for a few (which is something Sarah has had the opportunity to do a lot this season – stay tuned for a winter blog post featuring only these stunning, intimate images!). With the Ketubah signing scheduled to happen before the ceremony, they put the couples portraits on hold to get the wedding party and family together inside for some group photos!

Before heading to the chuppah for the marriage ceremony, Emily and Jake gathered with their families on the third floor for the Ketubah signing. Guests filled the seats on the second floor in front of chuppah draped in one of Emily’s grandfather’s shawls. A bundle of ribbon wands adorned the end of each aisle. Jake was escorted down the aisle by his parents, and then Emily was too. They met under the chuppah and circled each other. After being draped in Emily’s other grandfather’s shawl, and the reading of the Ketubah, they were married. Everyone waved their ribbon wands in celebration as the couple made their way back down the aisle to take some time alone together (Sarah snuck up and peeped in on them to get some photos of them soaking it in, looking at their rings, and sharing some kisses).

All about the elegant decor!

Emily and Jake’s wedding reception vision was an industrial chic, purple & pink dream. Greenery, white lights, and purple and pink roses draped the fireplace. The table centerpieces coordinated. Inside beautiful bursts of greenery sat purple roses, babies breath, and table numbers inscribed on slices of birch trees. Each table also had bottles of Pellegrino and formal place settings of white china and purple napkins. As guests made their way downstairs, they were greeted by a beautiful cocktail hour spread by Scratch Farmhouse Catering of pickled veggies, hummus, and even lamb bacon brittle! Guests mingled as Emily slipped into her second dress of the evening – a white number with a bold neckline, perfect for partying! Sarah got a few more portraits of Emily and Jake after Emily changed. They were so smoldering and GQ about it!

Guests took their seats in preparation for the formal reception. Emily and Jake were introduced as husband and wife for the first time as The Sinclair’s signature garage door opened and they made a grand entrance to roaring applause. Then, they had their first dance and delightfully surprised everyone with a sweet choreographed number to “The Woman I Love” by Jason Mraz. Jake also shared a dance with his mom. Emily’s dad and a family member blessed the challah bread, and then it was time to eat, family-style! Jake’s two siblings and Emily’s sister toasted the newlyweds as dinner was served.

A DJ will help fill the reception time with fun!

The DJ helped Emily and Jake entertain the guests with The Shoe Game as dinner wrapped up. They sat back to back so they couldn’t see each other. The DJ asked them questions about each other, and they gave their answers by holding up the corresponding shoe. It’s a fun game for people to get to know the couple. Everybody has some laughs at the disagreeing responses and some awwwwws at the agreed upon ones! The dance floor opened for the Hora at the end of dinner!! This is such a fun tradition! The couples’ expressions as they’re lifted up in their chairs to float above the crowd are so fun to capture. Jake and Emily did not disappoint!

With the dance floor on pause, the cake took center stage for the cake cutting ceremony. Emily danced with giddy glee as she tasted the piece Jake fed her. Emily tossed her bouquet to a mixed crowd (an awesome twist on an old tradition). It burst into pieces so everyone “caught a bit of joy.” Then the guests were asked to join the couple outside for sparkler exit photo opportunity! They were awesome sports to brave the cold to make this magical moment a reality for the couple. Sarah stole them away for 2 more epic shots too – one in front of the Sinclair and the other along the breezeway decorated in twinkle lights! We are excited for you to see the highlights of this epic celebration of love!