Sustainable wedding weekend . Sarah & Tristen . 6.28.25
June 28, 2025 at The Maples Estate
Schoharie, NY – Upstate New York
A Naturally Elegant, Sustainable Celebration:
Sarah & Tristen at The Maples Estate
A sustainable wedding weekend with wild florals, wood fired food, and a packed dance floor.
Sarah and Tristen’s June wedding at The Maples Estate felt like the kind of weekend you never want to end—laid-back, vibrant, and filled with personality. With a guest list of 50 and a focus on sustainability, incredible food, and great music, their day was grounded in intention and elevated by community.
As a sustainable wedding venue in upstate New York, we love working with couples like Sarah and Tristen who want their celebration to reflect their values. From locally sourced florals and a thoughtful ceremony led by Sarah’s dad, to a custom DJ set by the groom and an unforgettable wood fired kitchen menu, every detail was designed with care.
Getting Ready: Calm, Comfortable, and Close-Knit
Sarah and Tristen kept things easy and authentic from the start. Sarah did her own makeup in the farmhouse surrounded by her closest friends—no stress, no rushing, just a slow, joyful morning surrounded by love. Tristen and his best man had their own quiet moments, getting ready and soaking in the stillness before the celebration began.
First Look & Private Vows
They shared private vows during a quiet first look—just the two of them tucked on the backside of the pond, framed by summer greenery. These personal moments are some of our favorites to help facilitate at The Maples—intentional, unrushed, and free of an audience.
A Tree Grove Ceremony with Heart
Under the shade of our tree grove, 50 guests gathered in a soft semi-circle for a ceremony led by Sarah’s father. A cluster of wild, locally grown florals framed the aisle, and a single seat was saved in honor of Sarah’s mother. A friend played acoustic guitar, giving the moment a grounded, familiar feeling. It was casual, progressive, and deeply personal—everything they hoped for.
Cocktail Hour on the Lawn
After the ceremony, guests moved to the cocktail lawn and meadow for a relaxed hour of drinks, grazing, and games. Tables were dressed with textured linens, bud vases, and flickering votives, and cocktails flowed from the bar. It was a warm, social moment, with guests lounging in the sun, playing lawn games, and enjoying the calm before the dance floor came alive.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Tristen shared a private moment together before rejoining the fun.
Reception Design Rooted in Nature
Inside the pavilion, their reception reflected the modern organic look they loved—brutalist-inspired design softened by wild blooms and candlelight. The tables featured local, sustainable florals, bud vases, garden edibles, and bronze-toned accents, creating a romantic but unfussy vibe. Guests found seating throughout the space, with lounge furniture adding comfort and flexibility for everyone to enjoy the night at their own pace.
Dinner through a Wood Fired Kitchen
Dinner was one of the most memorable parts of the night—not just for the flavor, but for the experience. Sarah and Tristen chose a wood fired catering co that served family-style dishes straight from the wood fired kitchen, using locally sourced ingredients and open-fire cooking. The result? A menu that was as exciting as it was nourishing.
The wood fired kitchen menu included charred seasonal vegetables, rustic breads, roasted meats, and summery sides that captured the best of upstate New York’s bounty. As a sustainable wedding venue, we love working with food partners who align with our values—and this one did just that.
Golden Hour Along the Creekside
As golden hour settled over the property, Sarah and Tristen took a quiet walk along the creekside path, pausing for sunset portraits overlooking the wildflower meadow. The soft evening light cast a warm glow across the landscape, with views of the pavilion and cocktail lawn in the distance—a peaceful, picturesque moment that captured both the beauty of the setting and the ease of the day. These photos feel like a breath of fresh air—romantic, grounded, and entirely them.
A Sweet & Meaningful Finish
Dessert featured a cake layered with fresh berries and whipped cream—topped with birthday candles to celebrate a trio of special birthdays that all fell on their wedding day: Tristen’s, a dear guest’s, and Sarah’s late mother’s. It was a heartfelt moment that added even more meaning to an already memorable evening.
Later, coffee, tea, and snacks made their way out as guests cozied up around the fire for late-night conversations. Before rejoining the group, Sarah and Tristen enjoyed a private last dance—closing out the day exactly how it began: just the two of them, grounded in love, presence, and intention.
Dancing, DJ Sets & a Packed Floor
After dinner, the pavilion transformed into a full-on dance party—Sarah’s dream. She absolutely loves dancing, and while Tristen usually prefers to stay behind the scenes, this moment was something special. The two actually met in college when Tristen was DJing a party Sarah attended, so it felt full circle when he stepped behind the booth again for his set. The lights dimmed, the playlist turned up, and Sarah—along with all their guests—filled the dance floor under the warm glow of the bistro lights. It was joyful, high-energy, and one of the most memorable parts of the night.
Intentional Planning, Start to Finish
Sarah and Tristen’s weekend was a true collaboration—every detail chosen with thought and purpose. Through our planning and design package, we helped curate their design, vendor team, layouts and decor, and guide the weekend’s flow. From the wood fired food to the progressive ceremony and sustainable florals, this was a wedding that reflected their priorities beautifully.
Planning a Sustainable Wedding with Wood Fired Food?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like you—natural, relaxed, full of flavor and meaning—we’d love to help bring it to life. At The Maples Estate, we specialize in full-weekend celebrations with space to breathe, connect, and savor every moment.
Whether you’re excited about a wood fired kitchen menu, a laid-back cocktail hour, or energetic dance floor, we’ll help you build a weekend that’s undeniably yours.
Explore More Real Weddings at The Maples Estate
The Vendor Team
Venue + Planner: @themaplesestate
Photographer: @nicolenerostudio
Caterer: @theswellparty
Florist: @seachangeflower
Hair Stylist: @leshagbeauty
RD Caterer: @restaurant_navona
RD Ice Cream: @emacksalbany
FB Caterer: @middleburgh__coffee_co
Rentals: @columbiatentrentals @tbirdsrentals
Stationery: @paperculture @themaplesestate
Printing: @shutterfly
Wedding Dress Shop: @harperandivorybridal
Wedding Dress Designer: @truvellebridal
Suit Shop / Designer: @maestro_tailor
Tent: @citizencanvas @canvascamp
Victorian Wedding Theme . Vicki & Michael . 5.24.25
May 24, 2025 at The Maples Estate
Schoharie, NY – Upstate, NY
A Victorian Wedding Theme with Personal Touches
Vicki & Michael at The Maples Estate
A relaxed, romantic wedding weekend rooted in poetry, nature, and presence.
When we say our favorite weddings are the ones that feel like you, this is exactly what we mean.
Vicki and Michael’s spring wedding at The Maples Estate was a beautiful blend of intention, romance, and presence. With fewer than 30 guests, it had the feeling of an intimate retreat—relaxed, welcoming, and filled with personal touches. And while their style leaned into a Victorian wedding theme, nothing about the weekend felt stiff or overly formal. Instead, it was soft, thoughtful, and full of heart.
As a full-service wedding planner here in upstate New York, I love helping couples design a celebration that feels like them. For Vicki and Michael, that meant leaning into a Victorian wedding theme—but in a way that felt fresh and natural, blending literary references, vintage pieces, and gentle, romantic details with the beauty of our surroundings.
Getting Ready in the Farmhouse
The day began slow and cozy, with soft light pouring into the farmhouse. The room was filled with laughter, quiet excitement, and a few happy tears as she stepped into her gown—lace-trimmed and perfectly suited to the romantic tone of the day.
A First Look & Private Vows
At the pond, surrounded by trees and stillness, Vicki and Michael shared a private moment before the ceremony. They read vows to each other quietly, just the two of them. It was deeply personal, grounding, and exactly the kind of space we love helping couples create—unhurried and meaningful.
Ceremony in the Tree Grove
Guests made their way to our tree grove for a late afternoon ceremony. A floral ground arch framed the space where Vicki and Michael said their vows (again, this time with friends and family watching), accompanied by live strings and sunlight filtering through the leaves. It was simple, poetic, and full of heart.
Ceremony in the Grove
Vicki and Michael shared private vows before their ceremony, which took place in our tree grove surrounded by floral ground arrangements and the gentle rustle of leaves. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect for their Victorian-inspired wedding—a peaceful, natural backdrop that emphasized connection and simplicity.
Afterward, guests enjoyed cocktails on the lawn while the couple explored the property for photos—strolling along garden paths, pausing by the pond, and soaking in the springtime beauty of upstate New York. Dinner and dancing followed under the lights of the open-air pavilion, bringing everyone together in celebration and joy.
A Gathering of Less Than 30 Guests
One of the most beautiful parts of this wedding? The scale. With a guest list under 30 people, there was space for everyone to feel present. We paused for a photo of the entire group—smiling, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be part of the day. You could feel the connection between every person there.
A Kids’ Table with Creative Charm
For the younger guests, we created a cozy table filled with activities—coloring books, and a few quiet games. It gave parents a chance to relax and the kids a space to play, while still feeling like part of the celebration. Just another small but meaningful touch that helped the day flow naturally.
Reception Setup & Tablescape Details
Inside the open-air pavilion, the Victorian wedding theme really came to life. Dusty blue runners, vintage goblets and flatware, old books and candles set the mood. The florals were loose and textural, arranged in a way that felt romantic but not too fussy. Everything was intentionally mismatched and perfectly charming.
The pavilion was transformed with layered candlelight, wild florals, vintage books, and eclectic china that made every table feel like its own vignette. Gauzy blue runners flowed down long tables, while botanical menus gave the whole space a collected, lived-in elegance. Lounge areas encouraged guests to linger, while the soft evening glow made it all feel timeless and cozy.
Dinner Under the Pavilion
Dinner was served family-style as golden light filled the space. The couple opted for minimal formalities so guests could really enjoy themselves—sharing food, toasting the newlyweds, and lingering in conversation. It felt like an elevated dinner party surrounded by wildflowers and candlelight.
Dancing Under the Lights
As the sun set, the energy shifted naturally into celebration. Guests danced under the pavilion’s warm glow—some swaying quietly, others dancing like no one was watching. No big announcements or over-planned transitions, just a good flow and the kind of music that makes you want to stay up late.
Sunset Portraits
During golden hour, Vicki and Michael snuck away for a few sunset portraits. The hillside and open fields were glowing, and the photos feel like something from a storybook—romantic, soft, and effortlessly timeless.
A Fire-Lit Finish
As the night wound down, we lit the firepit. Guests cozied up, swapped stories, and lingered under the stars. It was the perfect way to close the evening—with warmth, calm, and a shared sense of joy.
Thoughtful Planning & Seamless Execution
Vicki and Michael worked with us on full-service planning and design, which meant we could help bring every detail to life—from the vendor team and rentals to the flow of the day and the overall aesthetic. Their kind review says it best:
“The Maples Estate was the perfect host for our small wedding weekend! Katie and Louis have created something so magical here… Katie was amazing to work with throughout the wedding planning process, creating a weekend that felt genuine to us and completely matched our vision. Every vendor she suggested was spot-on… The entire weekend felt well-paced and relaxing… We will forever cherish our memories of our wedding weekend at The Maples Estate!”
Planning a Victorian-Inspired Wedding in Upstate NY?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s full of character, intention, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t follow a trend, we’d love to help you bring it to life. At The Maples Estate, we specialize in full-weekend weddings that give you the time and space to truly connect—with each other, and with everyone you’ve invited to celebrate.
Explore more real weddings at The Maples Estate
The Vendor Team
Venue, Wedding Planning & Design, Save The Date, Drapery: @themaplesestate
Private Chef: @littlevikingco
Bakery: @villaitaliabakeryny
Florist: @flowerscout
Photographer: @nicolenerostudio
Hair & Makeup: @leshagbeauty
Rentals: @tbirdsrentals
Rentals: @totalevents
DJ: @thejamsbond
Musicians: @samuel.boundy
Transportation: @albanycarservice
Officiant: @michelezippofficiant
Kayaks: @schoharievalleykayakrentals
Stationery: @zola
Wedding Dress Shop: @lilysaratoga
Wedding Dress Designer: @missstellayork
Suit Shop: @markthomasnewyork
Suit Designer: @jackvictorofficial
Rings: @her_rockjewelry
Alterations: @moscaalterations
Security: A&D Security Solutions
Additional Catering: Country Cafe