The Stonewall Estate Rustic Wedding in Upstate NY

The Stonewall Estate wedding of Jessica and Peter was a beautiful rustic celebration that captured the essence of their love and commitment. Located in the picturesque Hudson Valley, the estate provided a breathtaking backdrop for their special day. From the stunning outdoor ceremony to the elegant reception, every detail was carefully planned and executed to create a truly unforgettable experience. Join me to recollect memories from that special day and learn more about the Stonewall wedding venue in this article.

Jessica and Peter’s story began fittingly upstate. They met at a bar at Binghamton University on Halloween when they were just 19. It was an instant connection. From there, they spent their college years growing up together before graduating and moving to Manhattan. For the past few years, they’ve been working from home on the Lower East Side. And while Peter works in finance and Jessica in cancer research, they agree they’re each other’s favorite coworkers. Even after 10 years together, they still prefer doing literally everything side by side. Peter proposed on Halloween in 2020, right on their balcony — a full-circle moment from the night they met. When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they had to return upstate, back to where it all began. Though they were eager to get married right away, they waited two years to ensure their family and friends could travel safely. It was well worth the wait.

Planning the wedding in the Stonewall Estate

“A great marriage is not when the "perfect couple" comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”

Dave Meurer

Jessica had always dreamt of a rustic-style wedding, with nature as her backdrop and an elegant simplicity that would capture the essence of their love for each other. After starting the planning process in 2020, the couple found it nearly impossible to locate an upstate New York wedding venue that had a restored barn and modern amenities. But one day, they stumbled upon the Stonewall Estate in Delaware County, NY, and it was love at first sight.

From the moment Jessica reached out to the estate, she knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their love. With Louann and her team’s expert help, they were able to plan their dream wedding down to the last detail. Countless video chats, emails, text messages, and even in-person visits were made to ensure that everything was just right.

The Stonewall Estate was an ideal choice for the couple, as they wanted to spend the entire weekend surrounded by their closest friends and family. With two homes on the property, one for the couple and the other for their loved ones, they were able to create a warm and intimate atmosphere that perfectly reflected their personalities.

Getting ready for the wedding in the Stonewall estate

On that magical day, the sun was shining bright and the temperature was just perfect – not too hot, not too cold. As soon as I entered the Stonewall Estate that morning, the high ceilings, massive fireplace, and a lot of natural light caught my attention – it was the ideal backdrop for capturing getting-ready shots. With an abundance of rooms and ample space, we had plenty of options for capturing the perfect shots of the bride and groom separately.

While Laura Beckerman did an incredible job with Jessica’s light waves hairstyle and natural-looking bridal makeup, I had the opportunity to photograph the stunning rings by Goldrich Brothers International and the elegant invitations designed by Elyse Fuerth. Soon after, it was time for Peter’s photoshoot, where he looked dapper in his Alan David tuxedo, surrounded by his father, brother and friends.

By the time I was done with Peter, Jess was ready to go. She was surrounded by her sisters and friends who were relaxed and having a great time, enjoying drinks and snacks, and chatting and dancing around in their pajamas. It was like a fun pajama party! Jess remained positive, kind, and full of excitement for the day ahead. After taking some wonderful pictures of Jess with her friends, she slipped into her gorgeous Amsale ballgown, featuring a beautiful light pink bow in the back. Her mother and sisters helped her with the final touches, fastening her jewelry — each piece carrying a story. Jess wore Peter’s late grandmother’s wedding band, along with a ring that every Schulman woman had worn on their wedding day since the 1800s. On the back of her gown, she pinned her great-grandmother’s brooch — a cherished heirloom that symbolizes a Jewish woman of valor. These meaningful details made her bridal look not only beautiful but also deeply symbolic. Before heading to the ceremony, Jess shared a private first look with her father. As he turned around and saw his daughter, his eyes filled with tears. The room fell silent, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

First look and couple photoshoot

After the bride and groom had completed their preparations, it was time for the first look shots. Our team unanimously agreed that the best place for the first look would be around the Stonewall Estate, surrounded by the beauty of nature and majestic trees.

As the couple saw each other for the first time, their emotions were palpable. Their love and excitement were captured in every shot as they hugged, laughed, and kissed each other. Peter couldn’t stop admiring Jessica, and her beauty was truly breathtaking.

We continued with the couple photoshoot, and it was a magical experience. The lush greenery of the Stonewall estate served as a perfect backdrop for the couple’s love story. The natural beauty of the surroundings enhanced the couple’s romantic chemistry, and it showed in the photographs. As the shoot progressed, they asked me and my team to have a moment alone to exchange some private vows with no witnesses around.

Ceremony at the Stonewall Estate

The wedding ceremony at the Stonewall estate was a truly magical affair. The sun was shining down upon the picturesque location, which was decorated beautifully with a stunning arch adorned with delicate florals, expertly arranged by the talented Cullen Creations team. Against the backdrop of the breathtaking view, the bride and groom exchanged their vows and rings, surrounded by their loved ones.

The ceremony was filled with emotions as the couple shared their personalized vows, which were heartwarming, touching, and brought tears to many eyes. Peter’s vows were particularly memorable, as he had a unique way of incorporating humor into his heartfelt words. Jess was laughing her heart out and her joy was infectious.

As a Jewish wedding, there were also some special traditions incorporated into the ceremony, such as the groom breaking the glass at the end of the ceremony. This tradition symbolizes the fragility of life and reminds us that even in moments of great joy, we should remember the pain and suffering in the world. The couple also exchanged the traditional Jewish wedding vows, known as the Sheva Brachot, which express the hope for a happy and long-lasting marriage.

Wedding ceremony at the Stonewall estate 1

Reception at the Stonewall Estate barn

After capturing the timeless shots with their loved ones, the newlyweds and their guests headed over to the reception area where a delightful cocktail hour awaited them. Personalized cards were located on the table in front of the entrance of the barn so every guest was able to find their own card whenever they were ready to enter the barn. Everyone had an opportunity to unwind and socialize while sipping on their favorite cocktails and catching up with friends and family.

The barn for the reception was nothing short of breathtaking, looking like something out of a fairytale with its grandiose beams and magnificent chandeliers. It was a sight to behold, providing an enchanting backdrop that captured the essence of the evening.

The highlight of the evening was the couple’s first dance, accompanied by the Cafe Wha entertainment band, who kept the energy high throughout the night. Jessica’s sister Lauren performed a few songs and was singing from the stage, and the guests joined in on the singing, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and love.

The culinary delights crafted by the Stonewall Estate at the Meredith were exquisite, leaving guests wanting more. The night included cutting the cake, blessing of the Challah, a Jewish wedding tradition, and the Hora dance, a traditional Jewish dance where the couple is lifted up on chairs and carried around the dance floor by their guests, symbolizing the couple’s unity and the community’s support.

Jess and Peter’s thoughtfulness towards their guests continued throughout the night. They knew it could get chilly, so they ordered some customized merch with their wedding date and names, which included cozy hoodies to keep everyone warm during the afterparty. They also provided flip-flops in all sizes, allowing their guests to dance the night away in comfort.

As the night went on, the celebration only grew more vibrant. The dance floor was packed, laughter echoed through the venue, and every moment felt like pure magic. Just when it seemed the evening couldn’t get any better, the sky lit up with a breathtaking fireworks display — a dreamlike ending to an already perfect day. But the celebration wasn’t over yet. Jessica and Peter, along with their closest family and friends, ran straight into the after-party, where Louann and her team had transformed the space into the ultimate late-night hangout. With a bar fully stocked and comfort food classics like pizza, French fries, and mac and cheese, the party kept going until nearly sunrise.

Capturing Jessica and Peter’s story was an absolute honor, and witnessing their joy firsthand made this day truly unforgettable. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends rustic elegance with heartfelt moments, Stonewall Estate offers the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life.