Like something out of Middle-earth: romance, rain, and a little bit of magic in the mountains.


Some weddings feel like they belong in a storybook—and Emily and Jake’s wedding at Windham Manor was exactly that. Tucked in the Catskills, surrounded by mountains and magic, they celebrated their day with a vibe that felt straight out of a faerie forest or a scene from Lord of the Rings. With dusty blue accents, eucalyptus, fairy lights, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you believe in magic, this day was unforgettable—from a rainy woodland ceremony to a glowing, intimate barn reception.

The morning was unseasonably cool for late May, hovering in the 50s, but the energy in the getting-ready rooms was nothing but warm. Emily and her crew started the day in the salon downstairs before moving up to the bridal suite, where laughter and music filled the air. Emily custom-designed her dress, complete with a pearl-beaded collar and an ethereal cloak-style veil that looked like it belonged to an elven queen. Every detail was intentional and stunning.


Before heading out for her first look, Emily did a private reveal with her bridal party—and their reactions said it all. Total awe.

A white wedding dress with ruched detailing hangs on a beaded hanger with intricate lace details at Windham Manor.
A delicate white lace robe-clad person admires an elegant wedding gown with a long train displayed on an ornate mirror at Windham Manor.
Back view of elegant bridal updo hairstyle with delicate beaded lace cape and open back wedding dress at Windham Manor.
Elegant backless wedding dress with delicate pearl beaded cape and lace details shown from behind at Windham Manor.
A bride in an elegant white wedding dress with delicate lace capelet sits smiling while wearing pearl bracelets at Windham Manor.
A bride putting on pearl earrings wears a delicate lace wedding dress with pearl jewelry and an updo hairstyle at Windham Manor.

Emily and Jake shared their first look at the ceremony site in the woods. The trees towered around them, and for a moment, the world felt perfectly still. Wrapped in her cape veil, Emily looked like magic incarnate, and Jake’s face completely lit up the second he turned around. We stayed in the forest for some quiet, just-the-two-of-them portraits, soaking in the setting before guests arrived.

A couple in wedding attire stands on wooden benches in a peaceful forest setting surrounded by tall trees at Windham Manor.
Romantic wedding moment outdoors with delicate lace details and vibrant purple and white floral bouquet at Windham Manor.
A couple poses in the woods for their wedding photo, wearing a light gray suit and elegant white lace gown at Windham Manor.
A wedding bouquet with white roses, purple lilacs, and eucalyptus greens held against a light gray suit at Windham Manor.
A romantic wedding moment features a light grey suit and an elegant white dress with intricate beaded neckline detail at Windham Manor.
Romantic outdoor forest wedding with wooden benches and floral arch decor in a woodland setting at Windham Manor.
A couple embraces on a path between wooden benches in a forest setting with greenery-decorated wedding arch at Windham Manor.

Once portraits wrapped, we brought in their wedding party—who were all absolute troopers with the chilly temps. Everyone leaned into the cozy, enchanted energy of the day, and the soft overcast light in the woods made every photo feel cinematic. The dusty blue color palette mixed with muted florals and greenery brought a quiet, whimsical elegance to the entire group.

Wedding party in blue bridesmaid dresses and white wedding gown pose on front porch of classic white house at Windham Manor.
Wedding party in matching grey and blue attire poses together on outdoor path surrounded by lush green trees at Windham Manor.
Wedding party celebrating in blue and gray attire during outdoor ceremony with bridal bouquet at Windham Manor.

Emily and Jake’s ceremony took place in a serene clearing deep in the woods—Twilight wedding vibes fully activated. Inspired by the wedding scene from Breaking Dawn, the setting felt truly cinematic. Flowers dangled underneath the arbor, eucalyptus and green lined the aisle, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation.


Just as Emily began her walk down the aisle, light rain began to fall. But as “A Thousand Years” played softly on violin and she stepped beneath the trees, the sun broke through. It was like the moment had been choreographed by the universe itself. Their vows were emotional, heartfelt, and surrounded by nature in its purest, most magical form. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

A rainy outdoor wedding ceremony in a forest with guests holding umbrellas along a path lined with flowers and benches at Windham Manor.
A romantic wedding couple shares a kiss under a lush floral arch decorated with cascading greenery and flowers at Windham Manor.
A joyful couple celebrates while walking down a forest path decorated with white petals and floral arrangements at Windham Manor.
Couple exchanges vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony while bridesmaids in blue dresses hold purple bouquets at Windham Manor.
A woodland wedding ceremony with wooden benches and a floral arch set among tall pine trees in a forest clearing at Windham Manor.
A couple shares their first kiss on a flower petal covered forest path during an outdoor ceremony with wooden benching at Windham Manor.
Rustic wooden barn interior with glowing lights and a window silhouetting figures at Windham Manor in Windham, New York.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the patio behind the manor for cocktail hour. The mountain views were breathtaking, even under the moody spring sky. There were cozy spots to gather, glasses of bubbly to clink, and live music that tied everything together. The whole thing felt relaxed, romantic, and so them.

Wedding reception venue at Windham Manor with cathedral ceiling, hanging greenery, string lights and white draping over dining tables.
Elegant rustic barn wedding reception setup with wooden crossback chairs and white linens under vaulted wooden beams at Windham Manor.
Elegant wedding reception venue with white draped canopies, rustic wooden beams, and gray table settings in a barn at Windham Manor.
Elegant table setting with gold charger plate, teal napkin, eucalyptus garland, and menu card on wooden farm table at Windham Manor.
Wedding reception venue at Windham Manor with cathedral ceiling, hanging greenery, string lights and white draping over dining tables.
Elegant wedding reception table with tall greenery centerpiece, white linens, and rustic wooden chairs in a barn venue at Windham Manor.
Windham Manor, a large wooden barn-style event venue with green roof and stone pillars sits on a manicured lawn under cloudy skies.
Panoramic view of a well-maintained grass lawn with wooden pergolas and pathways surrounded by lush green trees at Windham Manor.

The reception took place in Windham Manor’s barn, which was transformed into a glowing woodland dream. Draped fabric, fairy lights, eucalyptus, intimate table lamps, and soft dusty blue accents filled the space. It felt warm and welcoming, almost like a magical hideaway. From heartfelt toasts to a packed dance floor, the night unfolded with so much joy and intention.

A romantic first dance between a newlywed couple under wooden beams adorned with string lights during their barn reception at Windham Manor.
Wedding reception guests lift up celebrants during lively dance celebration under draped fabric and string lights at Windham Manor.
Newlyweds share their first dance at a rustic wedding reception under draped fabric decor while guests look on at Windham Manor.
A joyful celebration of guests dancing with the newlyweds at a rustic barn wedding reception at Windham Manor.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate with arms raised on a rustic dance floor decorated with white drapes at Windham Manor.

Every detail reflected Emily and Jake’s vision—romantic, otherworldly, and totally unforgettable. Their wedding was a reminder that sometimes, the best kind of magic is the kind you get to live in, even if just for a day.