Romantic Estate Wedding with Double Rainbow at The Inn at Taughannock Falls | Sam and Len

Couple standing at the alter with the end of the rainbow beaming in the background.

Sam and Len’s wedding — a romantic estate wedding complete with a double rainbow at the Inn at Taughannock Falls — was one for the books in every conceivable way.

Truly one of the most wonderful, fun, and down-to-earth couples I’ve ever worked with, their day was a conglomeration of timeless elegance, contagious energy, and electric chemistry. Sam and Len were there to celebrate, to commemorate their relationship, to embrace family and friends from both near and far away, and in a nutshell, to have a one-of-a-kind Labor Day wedding weekend experience. I was alllllll about this! In choosing the Inn at Taughannock as their wedding venue, they landed 12-acres of lush countryside and picturesque gardens, making their day a perfect concoction of natural beauty and palpable enthusiasm.

black and white photo of the bride posing in her wedding attire.

“I’ve never pictured my wedding day until very recently, but I know I want to look back at my wedding photos and feel joy,” Sam told me on her inquiry form. “I want to feel the warmth from deep within my gut!”

It was this very sense that, in my opinion, became the driving motion for their day and defined their whole wedding weekend experience. Not only did they crave a wedding that was for their own personal joy and benefit — that much was a given — but on an even bigger scale, they aspired to create an unforgettable wedding weekend for every guest that was relaxed, heartfelt, and and dare I say exceptional. They desired a weekend event where they could connect with their guests in a real and meaningful way, curating a nostalgic experience that would live on for their guests long beyond their actual wedding.

Wedding weekends seem to be all the rage, a growing trend in the wedding industry, and Sam and Len’s wedding was a great testament to the concept of maximizing time and fostering a deep sense of community with their loved ones.

This makes perfect sense especially when you have guests traveling from out of town, or you’re hosting a destination wedding, because you have a chance to truly connect with the people there for you. It gives you ample time and opportunity to see, squeeze, and savor the presence of each guest, whereas traditional big-day wedding timelines have limitations in that regard. More than that, wedding weekends become a retreat, a reunion, and a revitalizing experience for everyone in attendance, creating a relaxed atmosphere beyond the formalities of the wedding ceremony and reception.

The groom standing in the window as he buttons up his suit jacket.

Imagine this: A multi-day wedding weekend celebration that stretches over 3-4 days with extra matrimonial festivities between the typical ceremony and reception.

Oftentimes, this includes welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, day-of recreational activities, reception “after parties,” and farewell brunches, and that’s exactly what Sam and Len’s wedding weekend was. A lavish, multi-day celebration of their love that was a full-fledged party. 💃🏼

Anchored around Labor Day weekend, Sam and Len’s romantic estate wedding was kicked off at neighboring venue, The Treman Center — an elegant barn venue located just 12 miles south of The Inn at Taughannock. It is a three-story, 1800s Tuscan barn that features masonic fireplaces with tastefully decorated antiques, but the best part to me — its outdoor living space! The Treman Center boasts beautifully manicured grounds, an Italianate stone courtyard, and a reflecting pool that is surrounded by 12-foot-high, hand-cut stone walls. It is truly an idyllic, mesmerizing location, enveloped by climbing ivy, flowering vines, and outdoor cafe string lights, and it made for the most picturesque setting for Sam and Len’s welcome dinner. 

Couple in wedding rehearsal dinner attire walk hand-in-hand toward garden party.

The Treman Center is located on the edge of one of the Finger Lakes’ most scenic gorges, Robert H. Treman State Park, which amplified the tranquility of this stunning location. Treman State Park is home to Enfield Glen, 12 impressive waterfalls, deep green forests, a stream-fed natural swimming hole, and best of all, Lucifer Falls — a 115 foot, natural waterfall that allows onlookers to peer unobstructed down the gorge for a mile and a half. Between the park, the Treman Center, and the natural beauty of Upstate New York, Sam and Len scored a little slice of heaven — otherwise known as New York’s Finger Lakes region! Such a peaceful and naturally beautiful environment melded so perfectly with the warm, rich undertone of their wedding weekend.

Sam and Len truly share the most magnetic connection, and I knew from the moment we did their Cornell Botanic Gardens engagement photos that their wedding weekend would be something special.

For starters, Sam explained to me, “Len and I went to Ithaca College — a year apart. We had the same major — a year apart. And believe it or not, we had the same exact apartment — a year apart. We knew of each other on campus, but never really interacted. And despite following each other on social media, nothing ever happened until we both lived in NJ and (so romantically) matched on Tinder 7 years later.”

At their wedding, friends and family members described their relationship as not only complimentary, but one-in-a-million — the type of connection that comes once in a lifetime and is undeniably world-changing. They are calculated and organized (Sam) meets driven and passionate (Len). They are cat lover (Sam) meets dog lover (Len). And summarized in one simple phrase, they are opposites who perfectly blend and balance the other.

Full view of the Inn at the Taughannock.

They chose the Inn at Taughannock for their romantic estate wedding due to its serene location and its proximity to their alma mater, Ithaca College.

It carried so much sentimental value for them, because as Sam said, “I always knew I wanted to get married near home in Upstate New York, and the Ithaca area held a special place for both of us since we both are IC grads! As soon as we saw the Inn, there was no question that it was right for us. It was stunning without any bells and whistles, and they allowed us to get creative and put our personalities into the day.”
Sam and Len worked with an amazing team of Upstate New York wedding vendors to bring together the Finger Lakes wedding of their dreams, and from her strapless, sophisticated wedding gown to her timeless, lush bridal bouquet, every detail of their wedding weekend felt exquisite and lavish. Check out this incredible Finger Lakes wedding team:

The bridal party stand posing together infront of the Inn at taughannock.

Sam’s vision for her wedding weekend was classic and sleek.

She described her own personal style as simple and practical, and while she wanted to include elements of this into their wedding style, she also wanted to elevate her wedding aesthetic with a romantic, timeless essence. This was perfectly manifested with the natural oasis of lush greenery that is Upstate New York in September, and Sam collaborated with her florist, Anastacia of Arnold’s Flower Shop, to curate a color palette that was composed of whites, greens, and pops of blue (both her and Len’s favorite color). Set against the backdrop of Cayuga Lake and the perfectly manicured grounds and gardens of the Inn, Sam and Len’s wedding weekend felt like a luxurious lakeside retreat — a serene estate wedding that was nestled within the gorgeous scenery of Taughannock Falls State Park.

Being only 9 miles from Ithaca, the Inn at Taughannock is a 12-acre estate that has become a premiere destination wedding venue in Upstate New York. It can accommodate up to 300 wedding guests and boasts not only a Victorian manor, but five other buildings with a total of 24 vintage guest rooms for any wedding traveler. It is a meticulously restored, grand manor that’s enveloped by lush gardens, rich history, and gorgeous forests, and by every measure, possesses an atmosphere of celebrating and wedding in style. Tucked into the shoreline of Cayuga Lake, the Inn feels like an artistic jewel with its lake-view rooms, oversized suites, and private balconies, and its panoramic views of the lake provide an intimate, up-close Finger Lakes experience.

The beautiful couple stand infront of the falls as they share private vows with one another.

Sam and Len loved this idea of a Finger Lakes experience, which is why they opted to have their First Look at Taughannock Falls State Park overlook.

Giving a birds’ eye view of the tallest, single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies, the overlook’s vantage point is one of breathtaking grandeur. Not only could we savor an impressive view of the 215 foot, plunging drop of Taughannock Falls or the 400 foot magnitude of the surrounding gorge (in all its sandstone, shale, and limestone glory!) but we were able to do so within the context of marriage.

Standing atop the overlook and absorbing the raw, riveting beauty of this Upstate New York gemstone was especially impactful when falling to the background of Sam and Len’s first look — gorgeous wedding attire, personal wedding vows, and a love and longing that shook me to my core.

It was like the raw beauty of Taughannock Falls was augmented by Sam and Len’s connection, and its picture-perfect views faded to a blur when Sam and Len came into focus. Their first look was not only private and intimate, but with the gorgeous, panoramic view of Taughannock Falls in the background, it was truly sacred.

View of the wedding ceremony location with a view of the lake.

But that wasn’t the only thing that was magical about their wedding day.

Something that was especially surreal — something that I’ve actually never seen in my 10+ years as a wedding photographer — was a double rainbow the happened during their ceremony. It showed up not once, but twice — once before their ceremony and a second time during their ceremony, arching perfectly behind them as they said their vows — and it was unreal. To Sam, it felt like a beautiful reminder of her grandparents. They passed away the year prior to their wedding, and while their absence was felt deeply, the double rainbow provided a warmth and beauty that felt supernatural to Sam.

The groom holds his bride as they share their first kiss.

Under the most majestic double rainbow, I can honestly say that Sam and Len’s romantic estate wedding was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever been a part of.

Sam, an absolute vision in her strapless, silhouette-shaping Justin Alexander gown, was radiant as she committed her heart to Len. And Len, the epitome of dapper, was every bit emotional as he was proud to be becoming Sam’s husband. It was the most touching and powerful wedding ceremony, and it was a testament to the virtue of an outdoor wedding — letting nature point you to God, paint His beauty in the skies, and reveal His majesty in all creation!

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

The bride and groom share their first dance together.

Situated in front of the glistening waters of Cayuga Lake, every guest was able to feast on the breathtaking views of the waterfront. Cayuga Lake is the longest of Upstate New York’s glacial Finger Lakes, stretching for almost 40 miles, and it is all greenery, sloping hills, and dense woodlands. The lake is surrounded by year-round lake homes, vacation rentals, and sprawling wineries, and if you drive the 87-mile loop around the lake, you will be taken aback by its rugged bluffs, lush vineyards, and the stunning blend of spacious fields and open countryside. Cayuga Lake made the dreamiest background for their lakeside wedding, and spoke especially to the beauty of an outdoor Upstate New York wedding.

The bride and groom cheers as they take a shot together.

No strangers to outdoor beauty, Sam and Len were actually engaged in Ireland, making me feel like nature should definitely be an official theme of their relationship.

😜 Sam told me that they were traveling with her parents in Ireland when they got engaged, and that Len had actually walked around for two full days with the ring burning a hole through his pocket before taking the plunge and popping the question! “He wanted to do it at a botanical gardens we were visiting, where there was a monastery and a gorgeous waterfall, and hoped to find the perfect spot and setting to propose. But of course, he got nervous and waited until we were back at our hotel. 🤣” What a hilarious, but truly incredible memory — getting engaged in Ireland!

So many elements of Sam and Len’s story have this very same essence of ‘epic’ to it, their wedding weekend being no exception.

After an absolutely lit wedding reception (I’m talking saxophone meets Earth Wind and Fire, and rave meets Jersey Shore!) it was only fitting to cap off their wedding day with fireworks — a sure way, in my book, to guarantee that your wedding will definitely live on in legacy (but seriously, don’t just take my word for it — see Nicolette and Sean’s timeless Finger Lakes wedding here! 😆) From toasts, to dance party, to fireworks, their wedding was unforgettable in every way, and I will never forget the palpable energy that coursed through their dance floor. (Shout out to their DJ, Christian from Blanc Noir Event Group, who was absolute fire and created the most electric wedding reception atmosphere!)

The bride and groom share a kiss under the fireworks at their wedding.

Sam and Len created the most timeless, romantic estate wedding at the Inn at Taughannock that was complete with a double rainbow, and to this day, my heart is so full for them!

They’ve since shared with me that they are expecting their first baby boy (!!) who is due the week of their wedding anniversary, and I couldn’t be more excited for them as they continue walking this incredible adventure called life together. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — weddings are beautiful, but marriage is the true gift, giving us the promise of future love, the security of lifelong companionship, and the most sacrificial, redemption picture of the gospel — a love that showcases the way Jesus loves His church! I’m so thankful for these two clients-turned-friends, who will forever be imprinted on my heart, and I’m so excited to champion them as they embark on this next chapter of parenthood!

Wedding, GalleryEmilee CarpenterThe Inn at TaughannockRomantic, Estate, Experience, Tasteful, Serene, Classic