This intimate Lake Placid wedding was small from the start. Jenn and Mike new they would be hosting an event with those closest to them well before the pandemic was a thing. As a result, it made preparing for their day a lot easier. There were no postponements, switching of events or downsizing – and I share that not to make anyone else feel badly, but to say that it was really wonderful to walk alongside them through this.
My role as a photographer is not just to hold a camera and take a picture, but help build the plan, direct when needed, and be the person behind the camera that can make some laugh, smile or just feel comfortable being there. This is even more true in the year 2020.
Lake Placid Lodge Intimate Wedding
There are just a few locations in the Adirondacks to host an intimate wedding with a luxury experience. The Lake Placid Lodge is one of them. The food is next level, the experience on the water is private and inviting and the onsite accommodations make it so easy for a destination wedding that is typically much closer than expected.
from the bride :
“Mike and I met through a mutual friend while we were both in school at West Virginia University. When we first started dating, we spent many weekends off campus exploring the mountains of WV and taking in whatever sights were within driving distance. Throughout our relationship, traveling, being outdoors, and seeing beautiful places quickly became some our favorite things to do.
When we started planning our wedding in the Fall of 2019, we decided not to go with the traditional route. All we needed was just a few things – our immediate family, a stunning location within a drive of our home in Buffalo, delicious food & drinks, and each other. After lots of research, we took a trip to Lake Placid Lodge in the Adirondacks and knew the moment we stepped foot on the property that it was exactly what we had envisioned for our wedding day.
Intimate Lake Placid Wedding Photographer
Based in Saranac Lake, Mary Dougherty travels often to photograph thoughtful love stories from an editorial perspective. The opportunity to stay home is always welcome. Out of the 15 weddings she accepts a year, 2-3 are as an Adirondack wedding photographer. Local photographers know the best locations, light and secrets to each venue, right?
Wedding Day Schedule
The day started with Jenn and Mike in their respective cabins at the Lake Placid Lodge. With enough time to photograph getting ready moments and thoughtful details, we then left for the ceremony. On the terrace with a view of the lake the bride and groom stood for their vows. It was an emotional ceremony for all. A smaller event came make the day even more meaningful.
A ride on the boat allowed us time to create some iconic portraits, and join in for all of cocktail hour. As cocktail hour wrapped up we stepped out for portraits. The wine cellar was the location for their wedding dinner – perfect for 12 and with a cozy ambiance. Stepping out into golden light we finished the day with portraits by the fire and on the dock with sparklers.
Jenn + Mike I wish you so many happy years together. I can not think of a better way to celebrate the start of your married life. Thank you for inviting me to join you and create these images. (and for everyone else reading this, if you loved these photographs too share them with a friend!)
