Location: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA (Ceremony); Putnam Station, New York, USA (Reception)
Setting: Hotel, garden, tent
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 50 (ceremony); 150 (reception)
How long did the couple plan the event: 7 months
Wedding theme/style: Cozy, Laid back.
Gillian and Melvin’s love story is rooted in the suburban town just south of Albany, New York, where their journey began. Introduced during high school by a mutual friend, their friendship blossomed into a loving relationship, culminating in a heartfelt engagement in June 2022. Now residing in Denver, Colorado, the couple shares a deep affection for the Rocky Mountains and Boulder’s front range, which profoundly influenced their wedding aesthetic.
The couple envisioned their wedding day as a simple, family-oriented celebration, avoiding grandiosity in favor of intimate, joyous moments with loved ones. The ceremony occurred at the Surrey Williamson Inn. The wedding was intimate, with a farm-to-table dinner at the inn attended by 50 close family and friends, set against a backdrop of well-manicured gardens and rustic charm.
The bride’s morning was filled with lightness and serenity. Gillian was preparing for her wedding, surrounded by her close friends who helped her wear her wedding dress.
Gillian’s look was minimalist yet incredibly feminine, capturing the bride’s fragility and tenderness. She wore a straight silk dress with thin straps, complemented by a lace bolero that enveloped her like a delicate web. Gillian chose an updo with loose strands framing her face and adorned her hair with a few baby breath sprigs. Her soft makeup was so natural that it merely accentuated the bride’s beauty.
Melvin spent his wedding morning getting ready, surrounded by his friends and family who were there to support him during this exciting morning. The groom chose a blue suit in which he looked very elegant. His lapel was adorned with a white rose, adding an especially festive touch.
The ceremony space was a well-manicured grass courtyard with a chest-high stone retaining wall laid with moss that only time could provide. The space was decorated minimally with white rose arrangements around the bride, groom, and officiant, as well as some lining the isles.
The ceremony was incredibly touching, with the beautiful bride walking down the aisle accompanied by her brother, who led her to the altar where her enamored groom awaited. Against the backdrop of a stunning forest that served as the setting for the ceremony, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, and the guests witnessed the beautiful moment when Melvin and Gillian became husband and wife.
Maisie Snyder, the photographer who captured Melvin and Gillian’s wedding, took beautiful photos that conveyed the essence of this fantastic two-day event. After the ceremony, she took lovely portraits with the guests, filled with happiness and reflecting the joyous atmosphere.
Afterwards, the couple took some time for a private walk, during which Maisie Snyder captured those touching moments. Her keen sense of beauty allowed her to convey the tender atmosphere of true love. Maisie, like a true artist, conveyed the beauty of the ceremony’s location and, most importantly, through her photographs, every emotion of the enamored couple was visible. Thanks to her skill and talent, one can see the wonder of this beautiful wedding.
The place set for the dinner looked hot and cozy. Tables covered with white tablecloths added a sense of solemnity to the space, while small bouquets of roses and baby’s breath, along with little candles, created an atmosphere of comfort. Wooden chairs reminded of the closeness to nature and that the chosen wedding style emphasized the coziness and comfort of this celebration.
Before dinner, the guests and newlyweds gathered for a cocktail hour, a perfect time to enjoy socializing. The couple had the opportunity to spend time with each guest and enjoy delightful drinks.
The dinner took place in an atmosphere of love and happiness. When the newlyweds entered the room, the guests greeted them with joyful shouts and applause. The atmosphere was filled with pleasant conversations, the clinking of glasses, and a sense of happiness. And the evening went just as Gillian and Melvin had planned, in a friendly and cozy atmosphere.
On the second day, the couple cherished their planned intimate and family-oriented setting. They shared their memories, saying, “We intended to keep it as family-oriented and intimate as possible. Having two days to celebrate with close family and friends was special for us and made each day unique. What made the reception particularly unique was having family and close friends at our family’s lake house. A space that is very meaningful to us.”
Advice from couple:
• Planning can be overwhelming, but it is important to stay true to what you and your partner envision for your day. This will make the day special for you both.
PHOTOGRAPHER Maisie Snyder Photography | VENUE (CEREMONY) The Surry-Williamson Inn | VENUE (POST-CEREMONY RECEPTION) The Mouzon House | HAIR STYLING Ambiance Salon | FLOWERS & DECOR Ceremony: Family Member, Reception: The Mouzon House
