Bride and Groom have a forest photoshoot at their Tailwater Lodge wedding in central NY

Tailwater Lodge in September is a dream. The temperatures are starting to drop and the leaves are taking on a golden tone that signifies fall is almost here. The sun is setting earlier, giving us tons of luscious golden hour light, filtering through the trees in the forest. When I arrived on this particular September day for Samantha and Cole’s wedding, I knew it was going to be so special!

All of Samantha’s details were ready and perfectly arranged for me to photograph in her hotel room, which is always super helpful on a busy wedding day. Cole was stationed in a room just down the hall, which made taking getting ready photos a breeze. Once they were dressed, the guys headed outside to take some pictures together by the river overlook.

While the guys were outside, Samantha and her Bridesmaids got ready, then waited for their cue that Cole was back inside before heading out themselves. The last thing we want on a wedding day is an accidental first look!

Samantha’s dad was stationed at the river overlook waiting to do a father-daughter first look. She walked up, he spun around, and it was the sweetest moment! We took a few family photos, then moved on to pictures with the Bridesmaids. I took some portraits of Samantha alone (wasn’t she stunning?!), then we all headed back inside to get ready for the ceremony.

When Samantha walked down the aisle toward Cole, he was absolutely beaming. The ceremony took place inside, officiated by a friend, with the wedding arch place in front of a wall of large windows overlooking the forest outside. The happy couple read the vows they wrote, alternating between laughter and tears, before exchanging rings and saying I do. There was so much excitement in the air as they shared their first kiss and were announced as husband and wife in front of all their friends and family.

After the ceremony, we snapped all of the big family group photos, and a few quick ones with their SUNY ESF crew, since that’s where they met. We finished up group photos outside with the immediate family and their wedding party before splitting off from the group for photos with the newlyweds. We took some at the river overlook and in the woods. The light at that time of day made the forest photos look so magical. Samantha and Cole took a few moments to practice their first dance. It was the perfect way to spend those final minutes together before the reception began!

Inside Tailwater Lodge, they had the cutest camp and national park themed details, with each table named after a different national park that Samantha and Cole had visited together. Each placesetting featured a coaster with their cats’ image imprinted on it. The wedding party was introduced into the reception and they went straight into their first dance, which was beautifully choreographed.

Parent dances were next, which were especially touching, then toasts were made by Samantha’s dad and sister, Cole’s sisters, and Cole’s Best Man. After dinner, they cut their cake. It was an adorable one tier creation with roses and a large sunflower on top. Everyone enjoyed sunflower-themed cupcakes then danced the night away courtesy of he DJ’s awesome playlist.

The party didn’t stop the rest of the night, and only slowed down for a few slow songs and the anniversary dance, where Cole’s grandparents took the crown. Samantha’s friend surprised her by handing her a microphone and asking to sing a duet with her. It was so touching to experience!

We ended the night with s’mores by the fire pit and a few final night portraits of the happy couple. Thank you, Samantha and Cole for letting me witness such a fun and joy-filled day!

Venue: Tailwater Lodge
DJ: Salt City Sound Machine
Florals: Designs of Elegance
Desserts: Cakes by Michelle
Dress: Madi Lane Bridal through Still White
Suits: Men's Warehouse