A Cozy, Fall, Jewish Wedding in Upstate NY | Gavriela and William
Gavriela and William planned a cozy, fall, Jewish wedding in Upstate NY, and between the mosaic of autumn colors, the cultural traditions, and the rustic barn charm of their venue, their day felt equal parts sentimental and elegant.
From chuppah to fireworks, ketubah signing to spirited dancing, every aspect of their wedding reflected a beautiful blend of heritage, close-knit community, and an appreciation of the finer things in life. Tucked into a painterly landscape of crimson, amber, and evergreen foliage, their Jewish wedding felt richly romantic and so attuned with the beauty of the season, and I’m endlessly thankful I was able to celebrate their marriage through authentic, artful storytelling!
After talking with Gavriela, it was clear that it had been her childhood dream to be married in nature, and their October wedding felt like the perfect realization of that vision. Her heart was set on something that balanced rustic charm with quiet elegance, and with the natural landscape as her inspiration, she struck gold in a setting of rolling hills and autumn-kissed trees.
The date itself also held special meaning.
Gavriela hoped to be married on the 19th— a nod to the day she and William began dating. And while that anniversary actually falls in January, winter wasn’t quite the setting she had in mind for her wedding day. Instead, they chose October in Upstate New York, when the countryside feels especially alive with color and calm. Crisp air drifts through the hills, the trees turn brilliant shades of amber and scarlet, and the slower rhythm of the season creates a setting that feels both peaceful and magical. It was exactly the kind of atmosphere they had envisioned.
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The scenery for Gavriela and William’s wedding was a vibrant tapestry of color, where olive and deep forest tones mingled with moss and dusty sage, and swaths of mustard yellow flickered through the trees like gold.
It was the kind of day that seemed to glow from within— just as Gavriela had always imagined— and they secured the most amazing team of Upstate New York vendors for their celebration.
Photo: Emilee Carpenter Photography
Floral: Affections Floral Design
Gown Boutique: Lotus Bridal
Gown Designer: Justin Alexander
MUAH: K. Rae Salon & Spa
Groom’s Attire: Marcy’s & The Boys Club
Video: Flower and Oak Films
Venue: Homestead Blessings Barn
Catering: 518 Kosher
Fireworks: Skylighters Fireworks
Living in NYC, she and William desired a slower, more serene celebration, removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
They envisioned a serene setting and a retreat-like experience— free from horns and crowded sidewalks— and amid turning leaves, layered treelines, and the wide openness of the countryside, they found their slice of heaven at Upstate NY wedding venue, Homestead Blessings Barn.
Set within a sweeping rural landscape, the venue’s fully restored 1860s dairy barn is surrounded by open fields and wooded edges and has no shortage of rolling lawns, tall trees, and expansive views. It was the picture-perfect, storybook backdrop for the outdoor wedding Gavriela had longed for— and it came complete with a quaint farmhouse across the road, conveniently situated for getting ready.
Homestead Blessings’ bridal space leans modern farmhouse with a soft, neutral palette. It blends white shiplap walls, light wood tones, and matte black accents with cozy textures, giving it an airy aesthetic and a touch of rustic character.
It was the perfect, intimate space for Gavriela, her Mom, and a handful of her other immediate family members to gather, get ready, and share quiet, unrushed moments before the festivities kicked off for the day.
While they got ready, I focused on some of the finer, more exquisite details of Gavriela’s bridal look. Her Justin Alexander gown, sourced from Lotus Bridal, was a Crepe Long Sleeve Wedding Dress— and full stop, it was absolutely jaw-dropping. An elaborately beaded motif decorated the sheer illusion back, and its chapel-length train gave Gavriela a truly regal look. She paired it with a Kelly & Katie Drema Sandal— a classic, ankle strap bridal heel— and brought the look home with Swarovski Constella Drop Earrings and Swarovski Constella Necklace, both of which feature small crystals, pearl accents, and a constellation-style design. The final touch was Gavriela’s engagement ring— a deep emerald set in a rose gold braided pavé band— and its entwined design added a resounding note of elegance.
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Venturing deeper into the Homestead Blessings property brought us to William’s getting ready space— a quiet enclave of three tiny cabins that were equally as rustic, and yet somehow still, like a modern hideaway.
The cabins’ tawny, honey-warmed wood blended seamlessly against the natural landscape, while the black metal roofs provided a striking contrast. Clean, modern lines cut sharply against the sky, giving the cabins an architectural edge amid the rural countryside. And the dark, urban-inspired accents throughout— from the trim to the fixtures and outdoor furnishings— gave the cabins a subtle edge softened by the rural surroundings.
William was joined by his dad, to-be father-in-law, and a handful of immediate family members as they prepared for the day and captured some getting ready photos. Like Gavriela, William’s look was refined and polished. In a tailored navy suit from Marcy’s & The Boys Club and golden-tan leather shoes, he introduced a subtle depth of color with a maroon silk tie. His ensemble was finished with a navy yarmulke, which was a meaningful nod to the traditions woven throughout the day. His entire look felt classic and quietly confident, and the inclusion of the traditional Jewish head covering reflected both reverence and an intentional acknowledgment of his and Gavriela’s faith.
Once Gavriela and William were dressed and ready for their first look, we made our way across the street to their ceremony site, which showcased breathtaking fall foliage.
This is where we decided to do their first look— where in every direction, the landscape was saturated with burnished red undertones and muted cranberry leaves. Pockets of burnt orange, rust, and copper glowed along the horizon, fallen leaves blanketed the grounds, and the entire scene felt layered with texture and warmth, as though autumn had finally settled in.
Gavriela and William were playful and giddy after seeing each other for the first time, and we leaned into all the nose-scrunching eskimo kisses, hand-squeezing happiness, and sweet, silly slow dances. Simply overjoyed to be marrying their best friend, they wore wide grins and carried a contagious, giggle-filled energy. Yet for all their laughter, their first look also felt serene— like a shared exchange that said, “Oh my gosh, it’s us— it’sfinallyus.”
Moments like this are one of the many reasons I’m such a fan of first looks. That quiet pause before the day truly begins gives couples space to breathe together, soak in the significance of such a momentous occasion, and step into the celebration feeling settled rather than rushed.
Instead of the ceremony being the very first time they saw each other, Gavriela and William were able to quiet their nerves, laugh together, and share a few private moments before the rest of the festivities unfolded. By the time guests began arriving, the two of them already carried a calm, joyful ease that stayed with them throughout the evening.
After finishing their portraits, we transitioned into their pre-ceremony gathering.
Common in traditional Jewish wedding celebrations, a pre-ceremony gathering is essentially the cocktail hour— just one that happens before the ceremony (which was one of many things that I came to learn while planning and prepping for their wedding day!) I found the pre-ceremony especially fun and engaging, not only for the chance for guests to schmooze with the bride and enjoy the gorgeous-looking apps (cause honestly, charcuterie boards, fresh sushi rolls, and fried finger foods? Say less 🤤🙌🏼) but also for the way the entire time was anchored around meaningful, community-oriented traditions.
The pre-ceremony gathering unfolded at Homestead Blessings’ rustic hillside barn, where fall foliage and softly glowing café lights created an atmosphere that felt cozy and inviting.
Guests mingled across a stone patio tucked beside the barn, with its weathered wood stretching overhead and rolling autumn hills stretching into the distance. The relaxed, communal setting flowed naturally into the reception space itself, where the barn glowed with soft light, sweeping greenery, floating candles, and lush arrangements of romantic, moody florals.
The aesthetic that tumbled out of the barn was one of moody romance and deep decadence— a layered palette of rich burgundies, wine-toned maroons, velvety crimsons, and inky purples. Paired with the sweeping greenery, which was so abundant and lavishly arranged, the barn was a harmony of intoxicating reds, blush pinks, deep purples, and textured greens that breathed life into the entire space.
“Gavriela had a vision in mind,” her mom, Sara, told me.
“She had me look at probably 100 venues across New York State, some even in neighboring states, until she finally found what she was looking for in Homestead Blessings. The space needed a barn with soaring beams overhead, grass beneath her and her guests’ feet, and nature all around— a place that felt rich and alive.”
And that vision came together so beautifully. Between the open air, the glow of evening lights, and the layered florals and greenery woven throughout the space, the entire pre-ceremony and reception setting carried an almost garden-grown warmth. It made for an especially fitting backdrop for their pre-ceremony gathering— one grounded in community, rich with family-oriented traditions, and filled with a deep reverence for their faith.
One of the Jewish wedding customs that Gavriela and William included during their pre-ceremony gathering was the “breaking of the plate.”
Typically done by the mothers of the bride and groom, this held true for Gavriela and William as their moms smashed a plate while guests cheered, “Mazel Tov!” To the best of my understanding, the tradition symbolizes the idea that marriage is a binding agreement— and like a broken plate, the commitment is not easily undone. And even though it carried a sacred and solemn meaning, the moment itself was upbeat and joyful, marking the joining of two families before they had even formally shared their vows.
Also during their pre-ceremony gathering, Gavriela and William signed their Ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract, and invited many of their male guests to gather for a communal prayer. Even though the customs woven throughout their Jewish wedding differed from those of my own Christian faith, experiencing them firsthand deepened my appreciation for such longstanding traditions. Rooted in family and fueled by a deep joy for celebrating life’s milestones and most meaningful moments, Gavriela and William’s community turned out in full force and truly showed up with warmth, enthusiasm, and marked joy.
As Gavriela and William wrapped up their pre-ceremony gathering, we migrated to their ceremony site— an open clearing nestled at the edge of the woods, bordered by towering trees that were awash in greens, golds, and deep crimson.
The scenery was exquisitely beautiful, but it was SO windy that day— a blustery squall that felt equal parts wild, whimsical, and borderline obnoxious (like lowkey, we were about to get blown away lol).
The gusts were strong enough that their chuppah, the traditional Jewish wedding canopy, couldn’t even be assembled outside at the ceremony site and instead had to be built inside their florist’s van. (Shout out to Charmaine of Affections Floral Design who bootstrapped that baby like an absolute legend!) Once it was ready, the chuppah made its way from the barn (and yes, from Charmaine’s van 😆) to the ceremony clearing, carried by a group of their guests in keeping with Jewish tradition.
Set against a backdrop of blazing fall foliage— saturated reds, burnt oranges, and glowing golden yellows— Gavriela and William were married by their college rabbi.
Their ceremony was peppered with tradition, prayer, symbolism, and the steady presence of community and heritage. It concluded with the familiar crack of the glass beneath William’s foot (another Jewish custom that also made an appearance at Kat and Nitzan’s magical Catskills wedding! 😌) One more jubilant chorus of “Mazel Tov!” rang out beneath a now pitch-black sky, seeing as evening had arrived a little sooner than everyone expected.
Following Yichud, the Jewish tradition that gives the bride and groom a brief moment alone immediately after the ceremony, we made our way to the reception space, which felt like warmth layered upon warmth. Crisp white linens dressed each table while deep burgundy runners cascaded boldly down the centers. Overhead, delicate hoop chandeliers glowed softly, suspended among exposed beams that framed the barn’s ceiling. Strands of café lights crisscrossed the room and greenery draped lavishly from beam to beam, softening the rustic architecture with organic movement.
The exposed timber, the honey-toned floors, and the vaulted wood ceiling gave the entire space a grounded, welcoming texture— refined, yet still unmistakably barn at heart— and the candlelight glow was soft and luminous.
Tall glass cylinders flickered at the base of Gavriela and William’s sweetheart table, their flames dancing across the polished floors, while votives and floating candles lined the other tabletops, casting a golden glow over glassware and florals alike. The layered heights— tapers, pillars, and votives— created depth and intimacy as the evening settled in and guests mingled in conversation.
Even the table numbers were thoughtfully styled— modern acrylic arch signs set into simple wooden bases, their soft ivory tone and clean script offering a contemporary contrast to the wood-rich surroundings. Minimal yet intentional, they served as another small detail bridging modern elegance with the barn’s natural character. Altogether, the space balanced crisp with cozy, refined with organic, and the glowing wood, flickering candlelight, lush greenery, and rich crimson accents worked together in a quiet, goosebump-worthy harmony.
True to a Jewish wedding steeped in tradition, Gavriela and William incorporated a few final customs, including ritual handwashing and the cutting of challah, the braided bread traditionally enjoyed on Shabbat and holidays. But the metaphorical “cake,” in my opinion, was found on the dance floor. 🕺🏼
Exuberant and deeply communal, Gavriela and William’s celebration quickly gave way to spinning, clapping, and joyful chaos, especially among the men. William took part in the Hora, the well-known Jewish wedding dance where the bride or groom is lifted into the air on a chair (a moment Sam and Len included at their romantic estate wedding, too!)— and in both cases, it was definitely a highlight of the reception.
What struck me throughout the evening was how deeply communal Gavriela and William’s day was.
As it turns out, Jewish weddings have a beautiful way of turning guests into tremendously active participants. Whether it was gathering close during the pre-ceremony traditions, surrounding the couple during prayer, or erupting into dance on the reception floor, every moment felt shared. Gavriela and William weren’t simply hosting a wedding— they were being carried through the day by the energy, support, and joy of their community.
Wrapping things up on a sweet note (pun definitely intended 😉), Gavriela and William designed a churros-and-ice-cream bar complete with chocolate drizzle and all the fixings. This 5-weeks-postpartum, give-me-all-the-carbs mama was not mad. Warm fried dough, scoops of vanilla, and a lineup of nostalgic toppings— need I say more? The build-your-own dessert station was playful in the best way, loaded with chocolate sauce, cherries, nuts, whipped cream, and every sugary classic you could hope for, and I, for one, was absolutely thriving.
Gavriela and William’s evening ended with a literal bang— an amazing display of fireworks by Skylighters Fireworks, which was a surprise for Gavriela and William arranged by Sara, her mom.
As guests gathered outside the barn beneath the open night sky, the fireworks cracked to life above the field, erupting into a cascade of light that illuminated the rolling hills and treeline beyond.
Standing hand in hand in the grass, Gavriela and William turned toward the sky as color after color bloomed overhead. Brilliant whites burst into star-like sprays, and fiery reds mixed with glowing golds scattered across the darkness like embers caught in the wind. Smoke drifted through the air as each explosion created new shapes— some sharp and sparkling, others wide and feathery, expanding outward before fading back into the night.
Standing hand in hand in the grass, Gavriela and William watched the sky as color after color bloomed overhead.
Brilliant whites burst into star-like sprays, and fiery reds mixed with glowing golds scattered across the darkness like embers caught in the wind. Smoke drifted through the air as each explosion created new shapes— some sharp and sparkling, others wide and feathery, expanding outward before fading back into the night.
Gavriela and William leaned into each other, exchanging glances and grins of: “Can you believe this is real life?!” Meanwhile, around them, the open field glowed in flashes of light while the trees flickered between shadow and brilliance with each burst overhead. When the final crimson firework split across the sky— its sparks stretching outward in a wide, radiant bloom— it felt like a glowing flower had painted the sky before dissolving into the night, petal by petal. It was such a spectacular ending to a day that was already filled with so much beauty, tradition, and joy.
There was so much intentionality woven into every aspect of their Jewish wedding.
Every tradition, every design choice, every moment of laughter or prayer pointed back to something deeper— a couple stepping into marriage surrounded by people who loved them fiercely and traditions that anchored their wedding in a deep, steadfast faith.
And even though our faiths differ— Gavi and Will Jewish, myself Christian— the depth and holiness of their wedding day resonated profoundly. Their cozy, fall, Jewish wedding was a testament to the sacred covenant of marriage— one man and one woman being woven together in a single, exclusive, lifelong relationship— and it was an honor to celebrate a union so intentional, reverent, and rooted in community.
I left that day grateful not only for the beauty and promise of marriage itself, but also for the friendship, trust, and kindred connection I discovered both with Gavriela and William, and the family surrounding them.
Cheers to the Wossers— to their future as one, and to many more weddings like theirs, anchored in heritage, family, and exquisite details that, as Anne of Green Gables so beautifully puts it, “unfold like pearls slipping from a string— each moment luminous and beautiful in its own turn.” 🥂