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