A Dream Fall Wedding at The Lake House on Canandaigua
Nestled in the serene beauty of Canandaigua, New York, The Lake House on Canandaigua provided the perfect backdrop for Ashley and Troy’s unforgettable fall wedding. With its lakeside charm and cozy, boutique atmosphere, the venue was the ideal setting for a celebration that was as warm and romantic as it was elegant. From their love story that began two decades ago, to a stunning lakeside ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. This wedding was filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful details that perfectly captured Ashley and Troy’s unique journey.
Ashley & Troy’s Love Story: From College Freshmen to Forever
Ashley and Troy’s love story began more than 21 years ago at the University of Maryland. They first crossed paths on the Circulator, a college bus that would become the unlikely setting for their meeting. Both freshmen, they connected after a night of drinking. Of course, their friendship blossomed over time. Greek life, chemistry classes, and countless Dollar Bourbons created the perfect mix for a growing bond.
By senior year, their friendship had evolved into something deeper and more meaningful. The pair moved from the “friend zone” to something much more serious… they’ve been inseparable ever since!
Fast forward 14 years, Troy decided it was finally time to pop the question. He wanted the proposal to be as special as their journey together, combining Ashley’s love for Miami, NYC, shopping, and of course- ice cream. Troy orchestrated a surprise proposal that unfolded in the most unexpected of ways. First they ‘happened upon’ an ice cream truck while out shopping. Troy had planned this, and as Ashley turned around, he was on one knee. Next, they headed back to their apartment where Ashley was surprised to find them surrounded by friends, family, and more tears of joy! The celebration extended long into the night, but didn’t stop there! After that, a long weekend trip to Miami.
(These events greatly influenced our decisions for their engagement session! Check out the gallery here!)
Wedding Vision: A Cozy Fall Celebration at The Lake House
Ashley and Troy always envisioned a wedding in the Finger Lakes region, a place that held special meaning to them from the very start of their relationship. They were drawn to the natural beauty of the area, the simplicity, and the warmth of its people. Fall, with its vibrant foliage and cozy vibes, was the perfect season to host their celebration.
Once they began planning, Ashley took the lead, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the Finger Lakes, their favorite season, and the idea of creating a warm, romantic, cozy, and elegant atmosphere. The Lake House on Canandaigua was the ideal fall wedding venue. With its lakeside charm, the couple envisioned a weekend full of love, laughter, and natural beauty.
Color Scheme & Floral Details: Fall-Inspired Elegance
The wedding’s color palette reflected the beauty of the season, with black, ivory, blush, burgundy, peach, tans, and olive green. Seasonal flowers and natural grasses were incorporated throughout the day, echoing the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region. Ashley and Troy worked closely with their florist to create lush, asymmetrical bouquets and arrangements that felt both organic and elegant.
The bridesmaids’ bouquets were wrapped in trailing ribbons from Native Ribbon Company, giving them an effortlessly flowing, wind-swept look. The ceremony aisle was lined with meadow pops, capturing the moody fall foliage. The reception featured bud vases and mini arrangements to maintain a simple yet chic aesthetic.
For their wedding party, Ashley encouraged her bridesmaids to pick out long black dresses that made them feel beautiful + sophisticated. With this in mind, the mix-and-match element gave the bridal party a fun, personalized touch. Troy’s groomsmen had the option to wear a custom black tux or their own black formal attire, adding a modern, relaxed twist to the overall look.
The Bride’s Timeless Elegance
Ashley’s wedding day look was the epitome of timeless elegance. Her Katherine Tash “Cecilia” gown, customized with removable shoulder sleeves, was the perfect balance of modern sophistication and classic beauty. The dress was paired with a veil by Alexandra Grecco and Jimmy Choo shoes that added a touch of glamour.
Ashley kept her accessories simple but meaningful: First, diamond earrings– a gift from her parents. Second, a pinky ring given to her by her mother as something old, borrowed, and blue. Lastly, her bouquet, a petite arrangement of seasonal flowers in ivory, burgundy, blush, + peach tones.
Her hair and makeup were designed to feel natural and glamorous. The old Hollywood curls and dewy makeup created a look that was both timeless and modern—reflecting Ashley’s personality and the romantic vibe of the day.
Troy’s Unique Fall-Inspired Look
Troy’s attire was equally stylish and personal. He wore a custom burgundy houndstooth dinner jacket with a black shawl collar and black tuxedo pants, a nod to the fall season and the romantic color palette. He paired the jacket with black suspenders, a black bow tie, and Del Toro tuxedo slippers.
The personal touches didn’t stop there. Troy wore Ashley’s father’s cufflinks and carried his favorite David Yurman bracelet in his pocket, keeping them close as he stood beside the woman he loved.
The Wedding Ceremony at The Lake House on Canandaigua
To begin with, the lakeside ceremony was as breathtaking as Ashley and Troy had envisioned. Despite the unpredictable fall weather, the day was perfect, with the lake shimmering in the background. A string quartet set the mood with a mix of classical and modern love songs, creating a magical atmosphere. Guests were greeted with champagne before the ceremony began, adding a touch of elegance to the day’s festivities.
The ceremony itself was intimate and personal, performed by Justin, one of the couple’s best friends. His heartfelt words, which included plenty of laughter and tears (including his own), brought their love story to life. Guests were moved by the authenticity and warmth of the ceremony.
A Cocktail Hour with Canandaigua Lake views
During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a perfect fall afternoon on the covered patio outside The Lake House. With sweeping views of the shimmering lake, the crisp autumn air + vibrant foliage created a stunning backdrop as everyone mingled and enjoyed the serene beauty. It was the perfect setting for guests to sip on champagne and signature cocktails, like the Blackberry Bourbon Smash and Spicy Margarita, while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty of the landscape, made cocktail hour feel like an extension of the couple’s vision—elegant, cozy, and effortlessly romantic.
Reception: Cozy Elegance in The Lake House Barn
Then, the reception in the Lake House Barn! The couple wanted a setting that felt both cozy and elegant. The venue was transformed with a stunning custom sheer ivory drape that wove through the barn’s exposed beams. Black napkins, ivory candles, and mini floral arrangements dressed the tables.
The couple’s love for music shone through in the reception’s playlist, expertly curated by DJ Mickey Hamilton of Encore Events. The mix of genres, ranging from classic to contemporary, kept the dance floor packed all night long.
Finally, dessert- a heart-shaped cake with red velvet layers and vanilla frosting was a playful touch, featuring the words “foreva eva” (a nod to their love for Outkast). Guests couldn’t stop raving about the cake’s taste and the fun sentiment behind it.
A Weekend to Remember
From the heartfelt toasts by their siblings, to the sweet nod to their beloved dog Bernard (whose face appeared on cocktail napkins and matchbooks), every detail of the day was thoughtfully designed to honor their love and the people who meant the most to them.
One of the most memorable moments came when Ashley’s great-aunt Frances, who was 104 years old, attended the wedding. Her beaming smile and presence added an extra layer of love and family strength to the day.
Advice from the Couple
When asked about their advice for other couples planning their weddings, Ashley and Troy had one key piece of advice: Don’t overthink it. “A wedding is about you as a couple and celebrating your love,” they said. “Stay true to the core of your relationship, and it will shine through.”
A Perfect Fall Wedding at The Lake House on Canandaigua
Ashley and Troy’s wedding at The Lake House on Canandaigua was a true reflection of their love story—warm, romantic, and effortlessly elegant. With its lakeside views, intimate ceremony, and cozy, fall-inspired reception, the venue was the perfect setting for a day that neither they, nor their guests, will ever forget.
If you’re considering a wedding in the Finger Lakes, The Lake House on Canandaigua is a breathtaking choice! Just ask Ashley and Troy, whose dream wedding became a reality at this stunning lakeside boutique hotel.
Venue: The Lake House on Canandaigua https://lakehousecanandaigua.com
Photo: By Bridget Photography www.bybridgetphoto.com
Florist: Pistil & Pollen https://www.pistilandpollenstudio.com
Rentals: Hank Parker’s Rentals https://www.rentrightnow.com
Bride’s Hair + MakeUp: Nichole Olan http://beautystudio22.com
Bridesmaids Hair + Makeup: Nichole Olan http://beautystudio22.com,
Sarah Jensen + Sam B of GlamSquadSyr https://www.glamsquadsyr.com/
Dress Designer: Katherine Tash Bridal https://www.katherinetash.com
Dress Shop: Lovely Bride NYC https://lovelybride.com/stores/new-york-city-bridal-
shop/
Veil: Alexandra Grecco https://alexandragrecco.com
Video: Josh Ramos, Encore Events http://www.rochesterdj.com
DJ: DJ Mickey Hamilton at Encore Events http://www.rochesterdj.com/team
String Quartet: Silver Arrow Band https://www.silverarrowband.com/
