Erica and Andrew’s Cedar Lakes Estate wedding embraced the property’s spirit in the most joyful way, and transformed the weekend into a true summer camp for adults, while still delivering an elevated and intentional wedding design.
As a Hudson Valley wedding planner, I’m always looking for venues that allow couples to create not just a beautiful wedding day, but a fully immersive guest experience. Cedar Lakes Estate is one of those rare properties that makes that possible. Nestled in the Hudson Valley, it offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and the kind of flexibility that allows a wedding weekend to feel deeply personal and endlessly memorable.
A Garden Rehearsal Dinner with Playful Details
The rehearsal dinner took place the evening before the wedding in Cedar Lakes’ Garden, setting the tone for the weekend ahead. The atmosphere was intimate and relaxed, designed to encourage conversation and connection among close friends and family.
Leaning into the season and the garden setting, the couple served tomato martinis, a playful and unexpected cocktail that quickly became a guest favorite. Tables were dotted with tomato-shaped salt and pepper shakers, a small but memorable detail that added personality and charm to the evening.
This rehearsal dinner perfectly reflected the spirit of the weekend: thoughtful without being overly formal, elevated yet fun.
A Wedding Weekend That Felt Like Summer Camp For Adults
From the moment guests arrived, the focus was on connection, fun, and creating shared experiences. Cedar Lakes Estate is uniquely suited for multi-day celebrations, and this couple leaned fully into that opportunity.
Guests spent the day enjoying classic camp activities with a refined twist. There was The Blob for those feeling adventurous, a zip line weaving through the trees into the lake, paddleboarding, and a spirited pool party that instantly set a relaxed, celebratory tone. A casual picnic lunch featuring a canoe full of beverages encouraged guests to mingle and enjoy the summer sun.
Getting Ready In The Farmhouse & Treehouse
The bride and her closest friends gathered in the Cedar Lakes Estate farmhouse, a space that feels both welcoming and timeless. Soft natural light poured in as hair and makeup unfolded, creating an atmosphere that felt relaxed and unrushed. Meanwhile the groom and his party enjoyed whisky and laughs as they finished tying their bowties.
This getting-ready time wasn’t just about logistics—it was about carving out space for connection before the celebration began. These quiet moments often become some of the most meaningful memories of the day, and the farmhouse and treehouse provided the perfect backdrop.
Portraits In The New Glasshouse
Erica and Andrew wandered around the Cedar Lakes property for photos, and when a surprise rain shower blew in off the lake, we moved inside to the new Glass House on the property. This modern structure offers a striking contrast to Cedar Lakes Estate’s rustic elements, with clean lines, transparency, and incredible natural light – the perfect spot to get out of the rain but keep the portraits bright.
A Ceremony In The Outdoor Amphitheater
Fortunately for us, the weather cleared up, so the ceremony could take place in Cedar Lakes Estate’s outdoor amphitheater, one of the most magical ceremony settings in the Hudson Valley. Tucked into the landscape and surrounded by trees, the amphitheater feels intimate yet expansive.
As guests took their seats, soft light filtered through the trees, casting a warm, dappled glow over the floral chuppah. Erica and Andrew exchanged vows and rings, guided through the ceremony by two close friends.
An Elegant, Earthy, Classic Reception Design
As evening fell, guests made their way into the Cedar Lakes Estate barn for the wedding reception. The design transformed the rustic structure into a warm, layered space that felt elevated without losing its charm.
Hanging drum shades cast a soft glow overhead, while green and cream-colored linens echoed the surrounding landscape. Gold table lamps added warmth and intimacy, complemented by delicate place settings and hanging greenery that softened the space and brought the outdoors in.
A live portrait artist added an interactive and personal layer, creating custom illustrations of guests throughout the evening.
This wedding perfectly captured why Cedar Lakes Estate remains one of my favorite venues as a Hudson Valley wedding planner. Its ability to host multi-day celebrations, offer diverse and beautiful spaces, and support both playful experiences and elevated design makes it truly exceptional.
Cedar Lakes Estate Wedding Vendors
Cheers to the amazing team of pros who brought this wedding weekend to life.
Photography — Forged in the North / Venue — Cedar Lakes Estate / Planning & Design — Canvas Weddings / Floral — Athabold / Lighting — Event Lights / Lampshades — Social Decor / Paper — Westport Wedding Ware / Beauty — Beautini / Band — 45 Riots / Rentals — Peak Event Services / Portraits — KP Design Co
