Erin and Austin's Magical Hillside Wedding at The Ruins at Sassafras in New Lebanon, NY

We’ve been hearing about this venue just over the border into New York state called The Ruins at Sassafras for around three years now and we have followed along with the restoration of the property on Instagram during that time. We’d seen the photos and envisioned being there for so long that finally stepping foot on property for Erin and Austin’s wedding felt sort of like a dream at first. The Shakers first settled the site in 1760 and stayed there through 1938, leaving behind a smattering of buildings that would sit in various states of dilapidation until it was purchased by its current owners Carol and Jerome. It’s since been restored in a way that respects the property, incorporating as many bits and pieces from the original structures as possible while honoring their historical purposes. The hillside it’s all built into faces west which makes for great atmosphere and changes the mood of the space depending on where the sun is in the sky. Watching this wedding day flow through the space was magical. These two live and work in Washington D.C. and their vision for an intimate wedding at the peak of summer at one of the prettiest venues we’ve ever seen was something that they thought about for a long time. Bringing all of the people in their lives to enjoy it with them was a big priority, and seeing it all come together on a day with perfect weather and gorgeous light just felt right.

They first saw one another beneath a towering black walnut tree and shared private vows dockside beneath the feathery branches of a creaky weeping willow. Their wedding ceremony took place at the foot of that same willow tree and began with Erin’s brother Sean walking her to meet Austin. The ceremony, officiated by a dear friend, was brief but so lovely and a summer breeze accompanied Erin and Austin as they marched back down the aisle together. Guests moved through the space so organically after the ceremony concluded, finding their way back up towards the big yellow Chair Factory building for cocktail hour and into conversation with friends and family. As the sun got closer to the ridgeline everyone migrated towards the single long dinner table, set with a billion candles and wispy florals, and just before toasts began we stepped out with the two of them into the golden light landing gently on the hillside. Family and friends gave toasts in the bluest hour while candles twinkled idly and Erin and Austin spent every last minute in the remaining light reveling with their guests. One quietly beautiful first dance and a few moments of frantic, bubbly dance floor action later it was our time to head out and begin to reflect on the day we’d just had the privilege of documenting.

Venue/Coordination: The Ruins at Sassafras / Lara Burek (also shout out to Seth!!)
Catering:
Back To Basics
Florals: Lisa Light
Desserts: A Frame Bakery
Dress: Hera Couture / Bridal Beginning
Menswear: Indochino
Rings: L Priori
Rentals: Classical Tent and Party Goods
Film/Processing: Kodak Portra 160, 400, 800 & Cinestill 800T / Kerry’s Warwick Photo

Hannah-Marie Hayes