A Quintessential Lake Town Wedding at Windridge Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding’s color palette featured a timeless combination of white, cream, and subtle pops of blue, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The focus was mainly on soft neutrals, which brought a sense of classic serenity to the outdoor setting.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Our vision for the wedding was deeply inspired by our hometown of Cazenovia, a picturesque lake town in upstate New York, where we both grew up and fell in love. We wanted our guests to experience the charm of the place that means so much to us, so we incorporated unique elements tied to Cazenovia throughout the celebration. From a stunning watercolor painting of Cazenovia Lake used on the envelope liners and the front of the bar to a custom dance floor designed to evoke the feel of an outdoor patio, each detail was crafted to reflect the beauty of an upstate summer. My husband’s Italian heritage was honored through limoncello shots for every guest, accompanied by the toast “per cent’anni,” meaning “for 100 years.” The number 11:11 holds personal significance for us, so we designed our escort wall with the phrase “Our Wish Came True,” symbolizing our shared belief in angel numbers and how our prayers for a soulmate were answered. The overall aesthetic seamlessly blended the beauty of Cazenovia with meaningful, personal touches.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

On June 3rd, 2023, a significant day that marked exactly 12 years since Ben and Kathleen first exchanged their heartfelt ‘I love you’s, a momentous proposal unfolded. Knowing that Kathleen was not an easy person to surprise, Ben, along with the entire family, meticulously crafted a plan that had been in the making for months. The day was originally set for a Broadway show outing with Ben’s grandparents, beginning with lunch in the city. However, as they were en route to the city, Ben’s mom called with an urgent need to return home to retrieve Meme’s (Ben’s grandma) forgotten medicine, promising to meet up with them at the show later. After lunch at City Winery, Ben guided Kathleen to the rooftop, where he explained that there was a special installation by his company in the park up there, so they had to check it out. As they reached the rooftop, with the sprawling cityscape of NYC as their backdrop, Ben knelt on one knee, and with a heart full of love, he asked Kathleen to be his life partner. Their joyous moment was further heightened as Teddy and Bailey joined them for photographs, capturing the essence of their love. The surprises didn’t end there, though. Ben had orchestrated a grand celebration, with their entire family and friends waiting to join the festivities. The party kicked off and never seemed to stop as they danced the night away, celebrating their love until they could no longer stand. It was a day filled with love, surprises, and the promise of a lifetime together.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

For the church ceremony, I wore a stunning Galia Lahav gown, embodying classic elegance. My main wedding dress was a show-stopping creation by Berta paired with Rene Caovilla heels and Verstolo jewelry. For the after-party, I slipped into something fun from Retrofete, and for the welcome party, I chose a chic look from Bronx and Banco. Each outfit was carefully selected to reflect the different parts of our celebration, blending timeless beauty with modern style.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

My bridesmaids each selected their style of black dresses, adding a touch of individual flair while maintaining a cohesive look. Some of them rented from Janet Mandel, a boutique specializing in designer rentals. It was important to me that they felt comfortable and fabulous in whatever they chose. My mother also looked radiant in a Zuhair Murad gown, bringing a touch of haute couture to the day.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Ben looked incredibly sharp in a custom suit from Suit Supply. His tailored look was classic, perfectly fitting for our special day. Our dogs also had their custom-made outfits designed by Fur Rescue Fashions, making sure even our furry family members were stylish!

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

We worked closely with our caterers to create a menu that felt uniquely ‘us.’ Our signature cocktails were inspired by special moments in our lives: the “Romo Ranch Water,” a nod to our love for Aspen, and “Leena’s Lemonade Blueberry Spritz,” a refreshing favorite. The highlight of the night was the wine, specially sourced from our family winery, Benziger Winery. Guests were greeted with a trio of food displays—charcuterie with Mediterranean vegetables, a seafood spread featuring colossal shrimp and ceviche, and a selection of hors d’oeuvres like baozi, caviar parfaits, and Southern fried chicken on buttermilk biscuits. For dinner, guests had the choice of bacon-wrapped sirloin, Statler chicken, roasted halibut, or a vegetable terrine paired with a risotto cake and grilled vegetables. We also served gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches late at night for those wanting a comforting bite after dancing.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Since our reception was held outdoors in a tent, florals were key in creating the lush, romantic feel I envisioned. We went with an abundance of white and cream blooms, which added softness and elegance to the space. The tables were dressed in neutral linens, accented with soft blue plates and gold and silver cutlery, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Elevated floral arrangements and candles filled the tent, adding warmth and beauty to the evening.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was a simple but elegant design in soft blue and white with minimal florals, which complemented the overall aesthetic. However, the real star of the dessert scene was our dessert bar, featuring an array of sweets like cake pops, mini pies, cookies, and brownies, offering something delicious for every guest to enjoy.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Music played a huge role in our day, from the ceremony to the reception. I walked down the aisle to a beautiful string quartet rendition of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and we exited the ceremony to “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, which felt so fitting for our journey together. The string quartet continued to play during cocktail hour, giving it a “Bridgerton” feel. For the reception, we opted for a DJ accompanied by an electric violinist and saxophone player, which gave the night an energetic, concert-like atmosphere. One of the most memorable moments was when Ben and I performed “Shallow” from A Star Is Born for our guests, a karaoke favorite of ours. My brother officiated the ceremony, and we had both our mothers read a poem, including “Wedding Poem” by Whitney Hanson, which added a personal and emotional touch.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Weekend-Long Celebration: We wanted the wedding to be more than just one day, so we planned an entire weekend of activities. It kicked off with a church ceremony for close friends and family on Thursday, followed by a rehearsal dinner with an Italian theme, reflecting my new last name. Friday was the big day with an outdoor lake ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and a Great Gatsby- themed speakeasy after-party. The weekend wrapped up with brunch and a lake day, where we had 15 boats tied together for a relaxed and fun-filled Saturday.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Speakeasy After-Party: The after-party had a Great Gatsby-inspired theme, with a finished barn transformed into a speakeasy, complete with red up-lighting and Gatsby-style hats. It was a magical and fun way to end the evening, and the food kept the energy high throughout the night.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Speakeasy After-Party: The after-party had a Great Gatsby-inspired theme, with a finished barn transformed into a speakeasy, complete with red up-lighting and Gatsby-style hats. It was a magical and fun way to end the evening, and the food kept the energy high throughout the night.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

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