Bride and Groom walk hand-in-hand through the woods during forest wedding photos at New Park Ithaca

When planning a fall wedding, especially one with an outdoor wedding ceremony, couples are most likely dreaming of a day much like the one Katie and Matt had for their forest wedding at New Park in Ithaca, NY. The weather was warm and sunny, the leaves were golden yellow and scattered majestically on the forest floor, and their moody wedding colors really added a beautiful pop of color to the scenery. I was thrilled to photograph their wedding at this stunning finger lakes wedding venue!

Katie’s mom, sister, and best friend helped transform her into an ethereal bride. Her gorgeous flower crown was really the icing on the cake - I loved it! The ceremony space featured an arch absolutely covered in stunning flowers, and the fallen leaves were left on the ground in a golden layer underneath the guests’ feet. It was the dreamiest location for an outdoor wedding ceremony!

Katie incorporated her family’s dog into the ceremony, which was so sweet. Meanwhile, Matt waited patiently to see his Bride for the first time. When she and her dad arrived at the end of the aisle, Matt’s face instantly lit up! Their ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by their friend for a little special touch. Sunbeams streamed through the tree branches and illuminated the happy couple while they exchanged vows and rings.

After the ceremony, we took photos with family and friends, then headed into portraits with just the two of them. There were so many gorgeous locations around New Park for us to explore, and I loved that Katie and Matt wanted to hit each and every one. Some of my favorite photos were the ones we took toward the end, on the bridge, and with the woods behind us. They were so happy to just soak in each other’s presence while I snapped away taking sunset wedding photos.

We made it back in time for them to chat with their guests during cocktail hour. Meanwhile, I was inside photographing all the fall wedding decor at their reception. I loved all the special touches, like the tarot cards as table numbers, and the temporary tattoo wedding favors! Katie and Matt had the cutest mushroom wedding cake, with frosting moss and mushrooms adorning the top and sides. I loved all the woodland-inspired details.

Finally, it was time for introductions and their first dance. At the end of the song, they invited all couples to join them on the dance floor. This was a great opportunity for me to snap photos of most of the guests dancing. Afterward, Matt’s dad sang a song for them, which was such a treat for everyone in attendance. Katie and Matt shared dances with their parents, and it was apparent how much love was in that room.

In case they weren’t busy enough on their wedding day, they DJed their own reception! This made for some fun pictures of the two of them discussing the playlist and selecting songs. Their guests danced all night long, so they must’ve done a good job!

I am so honored to have photographed Katie and Matt’s wedding day. It was a truly magical day from start to finish!

Venue: New Park
Florals: Biz Bloom Floral Design
Catering: Gola Osteria
Cake: Ithaca Bakery
Dress: New York Bride & Co
Suit: Mr. Shop
Harpist: Lisa Fenwick