Alix + Matt // A Winter Wonderland Wedding at the Lake Placid Lodge

Winter is nearly (officially) here in Upstate New York and so most days you'll find me bundling up in sweaters and drinking hot tea round the clock! The beginning of December also means that it's Alix and Matt's first anniversary--a perfect time to look back on their gorgeous wintery wedding day in the snowy north! 

I still remember the first note I ever received from Alix when she was beginning their planning. As she and Matt were considering their photography plans for their wedding day they had two very important elements in mind: they wanted to work with someone who wasn't afraid to photograph in the snow (Alix herself was willing to traverse frozen mud in Manolo Blahniks to find the perfect position for a portrait) as well as someone who would share their love of romantic candlelit ceremonies and receptions. I knew instantly it would be a beautiful match, as they had also planned to incorporate the third member of their little family, Puck, their pup into their portraits and ceremony too (still my one and only regret of my wedding day was not having our sweet floofs by our side at least for a few moments—they spent the day at their favorite kennel instead  ;)

Having witnessed dozens and dozens of weddings over the years, I know that planning a wedding in upstate New York is a balancing act at the best of times (we can have thunderstorms at the drop of a hat, strong winds, scorching heat and rain's always in the mix too!)—but it takes the bravest of hearts to wed in Lake Placid in December where temperatures are freezing and the snow falls thick! Luckily Alix and Matt had both a beautiful vision for their day, and the most wonderful planner (Elexis of Placid Planner!) by their side to ensure that their winter wonderland dream could come to life when they said their I do's.

A few of my favorite moments from the day included:

• Seeing all of the bridesmaids snuggled in their matching furred robes on the balcony!
• Alix and Matt’s first look on the patio of the lodge. It was absolutely freezing out, but Alix wanted to meet her groom for the first time without her stole, and wearing her cathedral length veil so he could have the full effect of the ensemble!
• How adventurous Alix and Matt were for portraits. Though the snow was thick and there was ice everywhere, we had our hearts set on a handful of portraits with the lake in the background, and so we picked our way very carefully across frozen mud and slippery snowbanks (an easier feat for me and Matt since we were in flats!). Kudos to Alix for being willing to through mud in Manolos to get the perfect photo ;) (no shoes were harmed in the making of these images!)
• Seeing nods to the name of their sweet pup (and Matt's passion!) (Puck/hockey) everywhere throughout the day—from making an appearance on their wedding stationery, to having (hockey) “puck” shaped deserts after dinner to accompany their cake and cigar table, to just having Puck present in general! I especially loved seeing him as the ring bearer during the wedding, it was so sweet to see how much they adore their fur babe.
• Matt's snazzy outfit change later in the evening--white tuxedo jackets FTW!
• Sneaking away with Alix and Matt just before we said our goodbyes so they could have one more quiet portrait in the wine cellar of the lodge <3

Before their beautiful church ceremony that evening, I was able to spend time with Alix as she and her bridesmaids prepared for the day. The Whiteface suite at the lodge was a beautiful spot to spend the afternoon and offered plenty of room to spread out and capture all of Alix's beautiful wedding day details.Matt and his groomsmen were in the Buck cabin by the lake which offered a beautiful snowy backdrop as they toasted the groom and affixed bowties and boutonnières.

The night was a study in understated elegance, and though they kept the aesthetic simple throughout the Lake Placid Lodge, they were able to incorporate decor elements that were both glamorous and cozy to compliment their black tie theme by accenting the stone fireplaces, polished mahogany tables and rustic lodge accents with plenty of soft blankets (positioned strategically on the backs of guests chairs for extra warmth), rosemary and pine boughs for hints of green, and candles absolutely everywhere! The romantic touch that the candle-lit tables and fireplaces added throughout the reception was a photographer's dream come true.

The reception itself took place between two floors of the lodge with plenty of spots for guests to mingle and enjoy a cocktail with friends and family around roaring fireplaces, or sneak outside for a  quiet moment by a fire pit while wrapped in a blanket for extra warmth. Adding little personal touches throughout the day without detracting from the simplicity and elegance of their natural surroundings, Alix and Matt also incorporated their personal monogram on stationery, pillowcases and even a carved crest created specially for the occasion by Alix's dad.

Later in the evening, Matt changed his classic black tuxedo jacket for a white one and they danced the night away serenaded by their band and surrounded by all those they held dear.

Many, many thanks to the wonderful team that made this day possible:

Venue: The Lake Placid Lodge

Planning: Placid Planner

Band: Atomic Funk Project

Dress: Carolina Herrera

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Hair and Makeup: Nicolette Terry of Vignette and Vogue

Flowers: Renaissance Floral Design

Cake: Enuf Chocolates

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