Classic Lakeside Wedding on Seneca Lake | Zoe and Mike
It was the most seamless choice for Mike and Zoe, who were putting down roots in New York’s Finger Lakes region, to plan a classic lakeside wedding on Seneca Lake.
This area, a naturally scenic and idyllic setting, set the tone for a timeless and minimalistic wedding. It allowed them to focus on intimacy and privacy for their day, curate a small, yet very intentional wedding, and keep their guest list to just 80 of their closest friends and family members. It was both serene and gorgeous, situated on the sprawling grounds of Wagner Vineyards, where guests could savor the holiness of Mike and Zoe’s marriage all while feasting on the breathtaking, panoramic views of Seneca Lake.
Zoe shared with me that she and Mike met during their sophomore year in college and how it wasn’t long before they began spending all of their free time together.
She was studying to become an occupational therapist and Mike was pursuing a degree as a physical therapist, so with an equal sense of drive, ambition, and passion, they helped push each other to reach their goals and dreams.
They share a quiet, yet fierce romance — one that you might miss if you weren’t looking closely — but that’s one of the things I loved most about working with them. They weren’t about flamboyance or showy gestures, nor were they worried about appearances or empty traditions. Instead, they desired for a classic lakeside wedding that showcased their raw, yet rich love, characterized with loyalty, tenderness, and fierce commitment to each other.
Check out Mike and Zoe’s incredible team of wedding vendors who brought THIS FINGER LAKES wedding to life:
Venue: Ginny Lee Cafe at Wagner Vineyards
Florals: Business is Blooming
Wedding Gown: Spy Baby Bridal (Syracuse)
Their ceremony was beautiful in a quiet, peaceful type of way, situated on the manicured grounds of Wagner Vineyards, kissed by a gentle breeze, and wrapped in the blanket that was their heartfelt, handwritten vows.
Everything about their day felt like a breath of fresh air.
The sun warred overhead with the clouds, cracking the grey skies with dramatic, fleeting rays, and Mike and Zoe became husband and wife in front of lush vineyards, sloping hills, and sparkling waters. To borrow an idea from Anne Shirley (and give it an Emilee twist): "I believe the nicest and sweetest *weddings* (are those that) bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” That’s what Mike and Zoe’s wedding felt like — a sweet, yet spectacular wedding that was classic, timeless, and serene in every way.
Seneca Lake is actually one of the most popular of New York’s Finger Lakes region, and it organically makes for a great wedding location.
It is the largest and deepest glacial Finger Lake, measuring in at 38 miles long, 3 miles wide, and 630 feet deep (200 feet below sea level!)
It is a natural beauty that is lined with sprawling vineyards, well-tended farmlands, and charming villages and is known for boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities like fishing and boating. However, in the wedding industry, it is renowned for an entirely different set of reasons. It is adored for its luxurious views, its lavish, lush greenery, its endless, rolling hills, and its glittering, blue-green waters.
In addition to its raw beauty, Seneca Lake is also home to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Boasting more than 50 vineyards, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail includes 34 of said vineyards and is an experience that attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually. (Wow!!!!!) It is acclaimed for its Riesling, but also has a reputation for its Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a variety of sparkling wines. Note to self: Consider a tour of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail as the perfect bachelorette outing or anniversary getaway. (To look into a wine tour, check out the Current Winery Offering, or check out Seneca Lake’s upcoming Wine and Food Pairing Events schedule here! 🤗)
New York’s Finger Lakes region is truly a one-of-a-kind setting and is home to so many gorgeous wedding venues, including Seneca Ridge Events (also on Seneca Lake), Lakehouse on Canandaigua (Canandaigua Lake), Inn at Taughannock Falls (Cayuga Lake), and Inns of Aurora (Cayuga Lake). Like Wagner Vineyards, each of these destination wedding venues offer dreamy, lakeside views, and nestled amidst the picturesque scene of Upstate New York, they share the same lavish surroundings of dense woodlands, sprawling acres, and unfathomable blue skies that feel incredibly refreshing and timeless for a wedding day.
Mike and Zoe knew they wanted a classic lakeside wedding — but they also knew they wanted a lakeside property to get ready at, spend the morning with their families and bridal parties, and share an intimate first look. Single Island Shores was the perfect location for this, located on the east side of Seneca Lake (just minutes from Wagner Vineyards), and it had recently been renovated with luxury cottage rentals.
All of the property rentals have a rustic, relaxing appeal with luxurious comfort. But Zoe and her bridesmaids chose the Lakeside Chalet, a 2,100 st. ft. a-frame that has four bedrooms and can accommodate up to 14 perfect people.
It boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with sliding glass doors, making it spacious, open, and airy — any wedding photographer’s dream for getting ready photos with ample natural lighting! Nestled directly on the shores of Seneca Lake, the chalet had a large, wrap-around deck with panoramic waterfront views and private dock access. This doubled as the perfect location for Mike and Zoe’s first look.
Shortly after Zoe got into her gown, she descended the built-in steps on Seneca's rigid shoreline, and calmly walked to Mike who awaited her in the center of the dock.
They shared the most beautiful, grounding first look together, savoring the tranquility of Seneca Lake and the calming sound of the water lapping against the dock as they melted into each other under the embrace of the warm, afternoon sun. During these personal, private moments, they were able to savor the intention and meaning of their wedding day, basking in the love they felt for each other, before stepping into the certain hustle and bustle that is the rest of a wedding day. But their first look was calm, quiet, and anchoring — it was beautiful.
Zoe wore a custom gown designed by the owner of Spy Baby Bridal, Marie Adornato, and get this — it was the combination of TWO dresses! The top of Zoe’s gown was from one dress, and the bottom was the skirt of another dress. She requested the addition of lace on the neckline as well as removable, off-the-shoulder sleeves — not to mention pockets 😍 — and voila! The dress of her dreams was complete, and I’m still shaking off the VISION that she was!
All in all, Mike and Zoe’s classic, lakeside wedding on Seneca Lake was truly something special. I’m so thankful they entrusted me with their love story because it was an honor to be invited into their special day and to create a visual narrative of their wedding.
Truly, what a beautiful gift marriage is, and even more, what a gift it is to use my photography to celebrate it! Not a day will go by where I don’t recognize this “job” for the actual dream that it is — to celebrate marriage, to point to the gospel, and to savor the glory of God!
For more Seneca Lake wedding inspiration, check out Taylor and Dan’s Magical Belhurst Castle Microwedding or Shannon and Austin’s Modern Seneca Lake Wedding — or for other general Finger Lakes weddings (because there are sooo many good ones!), check out Jordan and Casey’s Wedding on Skaneateles Lake or Nicolette and Sean’s Wedding on Cayuga Lake! That’s all for now, sweet friends! 🤗