Nothing compares to an Adirondacks Lake Wedding. The scenery was just stunning for Melissa and Bear’s wedding on Lower Chateaugay Lake. The wedding took place at the groom’s family camp, which is a picturesque collection of buildings perched on boulders by the side of the lake. The couple lives in Chicago and works in the film industry, but decided to drive out with their dogs for a few weeks and get married at the lake over Labor Day Weekend.
Bride Getting Ready
I was already in the Adirondacks at my in-law’s lake house, so it was a short drive up north to Chateaugay for the wedding. When I arrived the guys were out boating, and the girls were getting hair and makeup done in the yellow camp. Dogs almost outnumber people in this family, but only the bride’s dog Titus was allowed in during bride prep. And he completely posed for the camera the entire time! Their other dog Walter would join later for the ceremony.
Groom Getting Ready
It started raining pretty hard, shortly after I arrived. The guys returned in the boat a little while later looking pretty soggy. So they went off to shower and get ready, and then came out to the shed for finishing touches just as the rainstorm was departing and the sun was coming out. They did the typical guy stuff, you know, boutonnieres and bourbon!
Adirondacks Lake Wedding Ceremony
Then it was time for the wedding ceremony by the lake on a boulder in front of the main camp. Everyone in the family had a special role in the ceremony. The groom’s father Buzz officiated, there were dog handlers and even an adult flower girl! The bride’s close family friend Jeff even drove through the night to surprise her and walk her down the aisle.
Champagne Toast
After the wedding ceremony, the couple retreated to the (cutest ever) shed for a champagne toast. They got to check in with friends who weren’t able to attend due to COVID, but had been watching via zoom.
Adirondacks Lake Wedding Photos
For the formal wedding photos, we went to lots of special places around the camp. We started in front of the stone fireplace in the main camp, where their dog Walter decided to make a bed in the train of Melissa’s wedding gown. Then we went up to the highest point with beautiful views over the lake. We finished up down by the lake just as another storm was rolling in. We took cover and cut the cake before it was farewell for me.
See the full wedding slideshow here.
Contact me to find out more about my wedding photography services.
