When brainstorming ideas for styled shoots, I often find inspiration from visual sources, contemporary art, art history, or emerging crossover trends. However, this particular shoot was born from a writing exercise I did so the original spark can be traced back to a story deeply rooted in a sense of place and its values. Collaborating with a group of talented creatives, we embarked on a journey to craft an intimate, cozy narrative that would truly resonate with couples envisioning a quietly romantic atmosphere for their special day.

Nestled in the woods of upstate New York, Foxfire Mountain House provided the idyllic setting we were dreaming of. Its rustic charm and serene ambiance set the stage for the intimate story we aimed to tell. All the vendors involved stayed on the property, which was a special experience that fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration that infused every aspect of the weekend.

Highlighting the shoot were the real-life couple, Kateri, Foxfire’s event manager, and her partner Angelo. Their genuine connection brought depth and authenticity that added an extra layer of magic to our storytelling. They portrayed a potter and a forager, embarking on an intimate wedding day. The couple began their day together, leaning into the quiet romance of a small celebration and reveling in the cozy hospitality that Foxfire provides to all their guests. Then the couple foraged for flowers and greenery on the property’s expansive grounds for all of the floral decor. Kateri donned a stunningly simple gown from True North Bridal for the exchanging of vows in the scenic field off the main house, and then they celebrated with loved ones over a heartfelt dinner.

Fulton Events took the reins and seamlessly brought our narrative to life. Every detail was meticulously curated to ensure it harmonized with our vision of a weekend getaway gathering. From the lush greenery and florals to the delicate ceramics by the local Suga Pottery and hand made paper goods & signage by Shindig Bespoke, all elements were sourced from small and local purveyors. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the talents of small and local businesses.

Highlighting the culinary delights at Foxfire, the in-house chef created a menu that celebrated the flavors of organic and locally-sourced produce, fish and meats, a testament to Foxfire’s farm-to-table ethos.

As we reflect on this extraordinary experience, we are reminded of the power of storytelling through photography. Styled shoots like this allow us to explore the boundaries of our creativity, breathing life into concepts born from our imaginations. It is a true joy to create and even more so to do it collaboratively with a team that really believes in the story they want to tell! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented group of vendors that flawlessly contributed to a story of love, intimacy, and the beauty of collaboration.

Check out the feature on The Wedding Sparrow!