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 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