Cayuta Lake Wedding by Mabyn Ludke Photography

Who doesn’t love an affair that starts with a book of love letters and ends up becoming a gorgeous, detail-filled love fest on the lake? I can tell you who does love that scenario – this little lady over here on this side of the computer screen! Mabyn Ludke Photography, the talent behind the lens for this pretty party and the sender of the sweet description below, captured the day in such a way I feel like I was there. She also jam-packed the gallery full of images for us all to enjoy so this pretty party doesn’t have to end!

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From the Mabyn Ludke Photography… I couldn’t have asked for a better kick off to my wedding season. It was about an hour & 1/2 drive to reach the Fontaine Bleau Inn, but I loved every minute of it! There was a warm breeze was in the air, the ominous clouds held off their rain, and the countryside displayed it’s splendor. When I finally reached my destination I was welcomed by a friendly voice from a second story window. Leah’s face glowed with excitement waving down from her bed & breakfast nook. The whole place was a buzz with last minute details. Chairs being set up, flowers being placed, & cute little touches EVERYWHERE! Leah & Patrick had thought of everything.

I came into Leah’s room while she wrote in her journal (or so I thought). Upon further discussion Leah revealed that it wasn’t just a journal, but a book of love letters she had been writing to Patrick since they had started dating. She had even tucked in letters from when she was a little girl & teenager. Leah’s room that morning was a refuge of peace. Everyone rallied around her to get her put together from her dress all the way to her great grandmothers cameo necklace & earrings. Patrick’s room however, was electric with excitement! From the grin on his face to the jitters in his fingers, Patrick was alive with the thought of marrying Leah. His energy was undeniable!

I put together a “First Look” session for Leah & Pat. We ventured down a sweet little woodland path where we were greeted by a gorgeous old stone church. I had my assistant tuck Patrick away there while Leah made her way through a field of little purple flowers. When Patrick turned to see Leah all of that electricity burst out into tears and laughter. Both Leah & Patrick couldn’t hide the intense love they felt for one another.

I was so overwhelmed with emotion and the ceremony hadn’t even started yet! We made our way back just in time. Leah walked down the isle to “Hymn” by Brooke Fraiser with her bare feet & her parents to support her. Tears streamed down both couples faces as the reality of their dream finally set in. It was no surprise that the ceremony was just as emotional as the first look. Tears of joy were falling everywhere! Leah, Patrick, both sides of parents and even the guests! In hindsight maybe their favors should have been handkerchiefs! The ceremony ended with two very important details. The first was Leah washing Patricks feet like Jesus washed the disciples. It was a surprise gift to Patrick and touched the whole wedding congregation. The second was their first kiss. Up until that point, Leah & Patrick hadn’t allowed anyone to see them kiss! So when they were announced husband & wife the kiss was of epic proportions!

The reception was a plethora of DIY details! From the flowers that were picked from a local garden to the hand stamped candy bags & table tags that hung from a beautiful display of cherry blossoms. I especially loved their little jars of honey with pieces of antique lace tied to the top. Leah & her family did most of the work and it came together beautifully!

The rest of the day was filled with more chatter & laughter than tears, it was a gorgeous celebration of their love!

Photography: Mabyn Ludke Photography / Hair & Makeup: Hannah Heath, Sister of the Bride / Wedding Dress: Ann Taylor / Jewelry: Vintage / Bride’s Shoes: Banana Republic / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew + David’s Bridal / Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: The Fontainebleau Inn / Florist: Plenty of Posies / Floral Crown: Plenty of Posies + The Bride / DJ & Lighting: Ormond Entertainment / Catering & Cupcakes: Ithaca Bakery / Wedding Invitations & Stationery: Michael’s