Non Traditional Wedding . Emily + Mark . 10.11.25
A Laid-Back October Wedding Weekend with Bold Design
Emily & Mark | October 11, 2025 | Schoharie, Hudson Valley New York
When Emily and Mark first visited The Maples Estate, they knew immediately it was the place where their wedding story would unfold. They weren’t looking for a ballroom or a traditional reception hall. They wanted something more relaxed, more personal. Something rooted in nature but still beautifully designed.
That’s exactly what they found here: a non traditional wedding venue in Hudson Valley New York where they could turn their wedding into a full weekend experience with the people they love most.
And that’s exactly what they did.
A Weekend That Felt Like a Getaway
Emily and Mark approached their wedding the way we love to see couples do it, treating it as a weekend gathering rather than a single event. On Thursday the inner circle arrived ready to slow down and settle into the rhythm of the property and the surrounding landscape.
They kicked off the celebration with a scenic hike Friday morning before hosting their welcome party at the estate that evening. One of the things Emily mentioned in her review was how seamless this part of the weekend felt. Our team handled the full setup so they could simply enjoy time with their guests.
“We kicked things off with a beautiful nearby hike before our welcome party, and having a venue where we could host multiple events made everything feel effortless.”
By the time Saturday arrived, everyone already felt connected. Exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes a wedding day feel joyful and relaxed.
A First Look & Private Vows
The morning of the wedding unfolded slowly, with Emily and Mark opting get ready in the farmhouse followed by a first look and private vows before the ceremony. These quiet moments together allowed them to connect away from the crowd and settle into the day.
It’s one of those decisions couples never regret. By the time they walked into the ceremony with their guests, the nerves were gone and the excitement had taken over.
And of course, they weren’t alone - their dog joined the celebration, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the ceremony.
Ceremony Florals that Made a Statement
Emily and Mark’s wedding design was the perfect balance of laid-back and striking. Their palette centered around greens and deep plum tones, creating a rich autumn feel that complemented the October landscape.
The ceremony featured a lush floral ground arch that framed their vows in a natural, organic way - full of movement, texture, and color. Rather than letting such a beautiful piece exist for only one moment of the day, we repurposed it for the reception, placing it behind their sweetheart table and DJ setup.
It became the visual centerpiece of the evening.
Small details added personality throughout the space, including stained glass welcome signage and table numbers that caught the light beautifully and echoed the couple’s artistic style.
Seeing the Reception for the First Time
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when Emily and Mark stepped into the pavilion to see their reception space for the first time.
The room had transformed.
Above the dance floor hung a disco floral installation, reflecting light across the pavilion and setting the tone for the party that was about to begin. Wooden farm tables mixed with linen-covered tables, creating a relaxed but layered tablescape that felt natural and welcoming.
The moment Emily saw it all come together was emotional - and exactly the kind of moment we love creating.
“She took my vision and brought it to life in a way I didn’t think was possible outside of my own imagination.”
Dancing Under Disco Florals
Everyone gathered in the pavilion where the dance floor quickly filled up. The disco floral installation overhead created the perfect atmosphere as the lights dimmed and the music started.
Friends, family, and the newlyweds danced late into the night beneath a canopy of flowers and mirror reflections.
It was joyful, playful, and exactly what Emily and Mark had imagined.
A Food Truck Alley for Dinner
Emily and Mark wanted dinner to feel casual, fun, and interactive - something that matched the overall vibe of their celebration.
So instead of a traditional plated meal, we created a food truck alley behind the pavilion where guests could wander and grab dinner from a variety of trucks. The lineup included dumplings, wood-fired pizza, burgers, and fries, something for everyone.
Cocktail hour featured a beautiful grazing table, giving guests something to snack on while they explored the property before the trucks opened for dinner.
The result felt more like a vibrant outdoor festival than a traditional reception, and guests absolutely loved it.
A Wedding That Felt Completely Theirs
Emily and Mark’s wedding is a perfect example of what happens when couples embrace a non traditional wedding venue in Hudson Valley New York and lean into what truly matters to them.
A weekend spent outdoors.
A relaxed celebration with incredible design.
Great food, music, and laughter with the people they love most.
And of course, a venue team ready to bring it all together.
“From the moment we saw The Maples Estate, we knew it was the venue for us…the entire Maples Estate team went above and beyond our expectations.”
We couldn’t have loved this weekend more.
Planning Your Own Wedding Weekend in Hudson Valley New York?
If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels relaxed, creative, and completely personal, The Maples Estate offers a non traditional wedding venue in Hudson Valley New York designed for immersive weekend celebrations.
Explore our wedding packages or reach out to start planning your own unforgettable weekend.
The Vendor Team
Venue + Coordination: @themaplesestate
Catering: @thedumplingwagon
Catering: @itsapizzatruck
Catering: Innovo Kitchen
Bar: @barswithoutboundaries
Ice Cream: @benjerrysmadisonavealbany
Florals: @madeofleaves
Photographer: @bellagenophotography
DJ: @empirestate.events @officiallywyatt
Photo Booth: @saratogaphotobooth
Transportation: @firststudentinc
Cake: @whiskybusinessbakery_
RD Catering: @gershonsdeli
Stationery: @love.letters.market
Wedding Dress Shop: @anthropologieweddings
Wedding Dress Designer: @watters
Suit Shop: @indochino
Accessory Designer: @shoplovelocked
Video: @steezy_luiz
Cocktail Tent: @canvascamp
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