Lauren + Jesse’s Mansion Garden Wedding
Lauren and Jesse’s mansion garden wedding started with the trees. What I mean by that, is they chose the Oneida Community Mansion House as their wedding venue partly because of its magnificent trees. The property houses multiple trees that have been awarded for being the tallest of their species in the entire state. I’d of course heard about the beautiful tree canopy, but when I arrived on the day of Lauren and Jesse’s wedding, it was immediately clear just how special the Oneida Community Mansion House is, and what makes it a dreamy place to say “I do.”
Brandon and I arrived just in time to grab a few photos of Lauren and Jesse getting ready, then we headed down to the courtyard behind the mansion for their first look. Lauren was grinning ear to ear while nervously waiting to see her groom. Jesse came out the door and made a beeline to see his bride. The moment was simple and emotional - the perfect way to start their day together.
Once the first look was done and the jitters were gone, we transitioned straight into photos with the wedding party and family. The courtyard ended up being the perfect spot to tackle all these photos since it was not only stunning to look at, but hidden from view as guests arrived. While the family and wedding party got in place for the outdoor wedding ceremony, I pulled Lauren and Jesse into the mansion’s library for a few quick portraits.
The ceremony took place near the garden, with a backdrop of wildflowers and greenery surrounding a wooden pergola. The nuptials were short and sweet with Lauren’s sister serving as Maid of Honor and Jesse’s dad standing next to him as Best Man. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, the three of us ventured off to explore the mansion’s property and gardens while taking plenty of photos of just them. Late August isn’t typically known for its beauty, but the Oneida Community Mansion House was filled with lush trees and blooming wildflowers, which gave so much color and depth to the images.
Lauren and Jesse took a few minutes to refresh and collect themselves while I snapped pictures of the reception details. All of the ceremony and reception signs were DIY’d by Lauren, her mom, and her sister, and turned out so elegant. Scarfs, ballet flats, and custom bottles of hand sanitizer were provided for the guests, which was such a nice touch.
The happy couple walked out of the mansion together and shared a first dance under their reception tent. Lauren and her Dad danced together, then he, the Maid of Honor, and the Best Man, all gave heartfelt speeches. The rest of the reception was a blur of delicious food, desserts, and plenty of candid photos (including when Jesse stole my camera to take some of his bride!).
Thank you to Lauren and Jesse for including me in your perfect garden wedding day!
Officiant: The Honorable Michael J. Misiaszek
Venue: Oneida Community Mansion House
Planning: Love Birds Wedding Co.
Hospitality & Event Coordinator: Chelsea Schuerman
Food: Toss & Fire Pizza
Desserts: Biscotti Cafe
Macarons: Sugar Blossom Cake Shop
Florist: Floribunda
Musician: Dennis Winge
Tent Rental: Intents Events of Munnsville
Chair Rentals: Ralston Supply Center
