Aaron & Kayleen // Belhurst Castle Wedding in Geneva, NY

Here’s the things about best friends – they tend to know you better than anyone (I mean, that’s kind of the definition of a “best friend”, right?) So, when your best friend introduces you to someone & teases that she thinks you might make a good pair, you should probably listen to her.

Kayleen & Aaron met exactly like that: Kayleen’s best friend, Katie, went ahead and officially introduced the two of them. They had mutual friends but had never “officially” met, so Katie stepped in & made the connection. It’s something Kayleen & Aaron will owe her a debt of gratitude for the rest of their lives.

Their relationship started slow, but as they plugged along, it became clearer & clearer that this wasn’t a shallow friendship.

Remember Katie – Kayleen’s best friend? She got married last year over the 4th of July weekend (I was there to photograph the wedding!) and Kayleen was Katie’s Maid of Honor. After the wedding, she & Aaron had plans to head up to Canada to spend the week with her family at her Grandparent’s Lake House.

Completely unknown to Kayleen, Aaron had bought a ring & made plans with Kayleen’s family to propose to her that weekend. He had talked with Anna, Kayleen’s sister, and together they had orchestrated a plan to surprise Kayleen, in one of her favorite places, surrounded by her favorite people, with a proposal.

Of course, no good proposal story can go off without a hitch. As they crossed the border into Canada, Kayleen & Aaron hit the worst traffic they had ever encountered. They literally came to a stand-still. And as time dragged on, Aaron began to get worried – and so did Kayleen’s family. Talking in code (so as not to give Kayleen any hint as to what was coming), they called & asked how things were going. Aaron explained that they were stuck in some sort of traffic jam & that they’d be there as soon as they could.

Slightly panicked that time was running out on his plan, they finally emerged from the horrendous traffic & continued the trek up to the Lake House. They pulled into the driveway just as the sun was setting.

As nonchalantly & casually as possible, as Kayleen & Aaron walked into the Lake House & greeted everyone, Anna suggested they go out onto the deck that overlooks the lake & take a family photo. They all agreed & out onto the deck they went.

With the completion of the family photo, Aaron asked if someone could take a photo of just him & Kayleen. This was the first moment that Kayleen began to suspect something. This was out of character – her guy would never suggest they take a photo together – she was always the one to think of something like that! She shrugged off the thought, simply happy that he had thought of it – and as they smiled at the camera, Aaron turned to Kayleen, pulled out the ring, & asked her to marry him.

You can probably guess how utterly shocked Kayleen was. It was the perfect proposal – with her close-knit family there to celebrate & in a place that already held so many precious memories – this was just one more monumental moment to add to the list.

This past Friday, as a cold-front blew 80º weather out & brought 50º weather in, Aaron & Kayleen got married along Seneca Lake at the Belhurst Castle.

Aaron & Kayleen – you guys have been the absolute sweetest to work with! Your wedding day might have been chilly, but you were champs the entire day – from your First Look, to portraits, to your ceremony – not everyone would be so enthusiastic to hang out outside! I had so much fun celebrating with you, your friends, and your family – I can’t wait to see you all again in a few months when Anna gets married!

We left the Belhurst Castle & went over to White Springs Manor for Aaron & Kayleen’s First Look & portraits! We had originally planned to do this so that we wouldn’t have to worry about arriving guests seeing us while we took portraits, but it ended up having another added benefit: it was warmer! It might have been just a few miles up the road, but since we were also a few miles from Seneca Lake, we were able to avoid the breeze that was coming off the Lake! And when temps are in the 50’s, I’ll take any extra help I can get!

Then it was back to the Belhurst Castle for the rest of the day!

One of my absolute favorite pictures of the day!!

I loved this moment during their first dance!

Remember Katie & Casey? It was so fun to see them & catch up with them! Matt & Tara were at the wedding too (their wedding is where I met Katie & Casey!) I loved seeing so many familiar faces – it made the wedding feel more like a reunion!

And of course, what’s the end of the night without an awesome castle portrait?

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Aaron & Kayleen’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony Venue & Reception Venue: Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY
Venue Coordinator: Carmen Brennan-Bain
Catering: Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY
Cake Bakery: Simple Sweets Bakery in Geneva, NY
Hair & Makeup: Isabella Salon & Spa in Geneva, NY
Bridal Gown Retailer: Ever After Bridal Boutique in Endicott, NY
Bridesmaids Gowns Retailer: David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Centerpieces & Fresh Florals: Arnold’s Flower Shop in Dryden, NY
Ring Designer: Reagan Steele Jewelers in Sayre, PA
Invitations: Minted
Officiant: Reverend Jim Gerling of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva, NY
DJ: DJ Joe Quaterla in Rochester, NY
Videographer: Mayer Video in Skaneateles, NY
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA