Maggie + Corey’s New Year’s Eve Wedding at Tailwater Lodge
There are a lot of wonderful things about a New Year’s Eve wedding. It’s a great excuse to double the celebration and keep the party going late, it allows for extra festive decor and party favors, and you get to celebrate the holiday surrounded by the people you love the most. Sounds like a win-win-win to me! Leading up to Maggie and Corey’s New Year’s wedding, I was so excited to see how things would unfold. I’ve photographed plenty of weddings at the stunning Tailwater Lodge in Altmar NY, and I knew they had a strong vendor team orchestrating the whole event. I was sure this would be a New Year’s Eve to remember!
With a long night ahead of us, we dove straight into Maggie and Corey’s first look upon arrival. We used the little wooden bridge in the woods, which had a dusting of snow on it. Corey had the biggest grin on his face when he saw Maggie for the first time! The whole thing was so sweet.
After that, we headed down to the river to snap some photos. There’s this one little clearing right along the water that makes a beautiful frame for wedding photos. I loved how the snow is creeping into the corners of the images and the backdrop of rippling water and rows of leafless trees. Maggie’s furry shawl was the perfect touch for these winter wedding photos, and the florals in their bouquet and boutonniere matched the blues and whites of their surroundings perfectly.
We had a little bit of time left before the sun fully set, so we gathered up their families for formal photos on the patio. After that, they got in place for the ceremony while I snapped some last-minute detail photos.
The ceremony was held inside at the Barn at Tailwater Lodge. Maggie and Corey started things off with a candle unity ceremony, followed by a couple of readings by loved ones. Their ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by a friend of theirs, and ended with an enthusiastic round of applause by their guests. Let the party begin!
As their guests headed into the cocktail hour, I took Maggie and Corey outside for some additional portraits. Taking wedding photos at night is something I’m always prepared for, especially in the winter months. We used a combination of on- and off-camera flash to create a sparkly effect that really summed up the vibe of their New Year’s Eve wedding.
The reception kicked off with dances, speeches, and dinner, before the party began. Anticipation was growing for the countdown to midnight. Guests were adorned with boas, glow sticks, glasses, and party horns, and the energy in the room was incredible! The big moment arrived, and the dance floor was packed. Everyone counted down togeher and when the clock struck midnight, there was cheering, hugging, kissing, and toasting of champagne. Everyone shared one last dance, then headed outside for a surprise sparkler exit!
Congratulations, you two! I had so much fun photographing your winter wedding, and I wish you many years of happiness and a lifetime of memorable New Year’s Eves!
Venue & Catering: Tailwater Lodge
DJ: Perfect Sounds
Dessert: Fairy Cakes
Makeup: Luminous Beauty by Hannah
Hair: Jenna Wescott from MKW Salon
Dress: New York Bride
