Golden hour settled over the shores of Cayuga Lake as Emily and Josh’s wedding unfolded at Inns of Aurora, setting a warm, buttery tone that touched every detail of their summer celebration. The palette centered on butter yellow, citron, and tangerine, colors that found their way into everything from tableware to lighting. RD Events and Design tailored the day with rattan chandeliers suspended above intimate seating areas, while She Rents Vintage provided fringe umbrellas that offered shade and a nod to classic lakeside style. Ribbed glassware caught the light just right, reflecting the sun’s soft descent and adding texture to the tables.
The floral arrangements made a point of standing apart from typical wedding bouquets. Tarry Grove Flower Farm & Design crafted airy compositions featuring peonies, poppies, and anthurium, delivering a subtle but distinct look that avoided the usual roses and hydrangeas. The choice of flowers brought a natural freshness that complemented the lakeside setting rather than competing with it.
Music set the mood as guests arrived and mingled. The Magnolia String Quartet played live, their melodies weaving through the breeze and across the lawn, adding an elegant soundtrack to the afternoon. When the couple sent their guests home, it wasn’t with standard favors but with live watercolor portraits created by Uncorked Creations, a personalized keepsake that captured the moment in a way photographs alone could not.
Photographer Megan Wallach, a member of The Little Black Book, was on hand to capture everything. Her images documented the details with a clear eye—from the folds of the bride’s dress to the golden lake reflecting the sky behind the bridal party. Among the standout moments was the couple’s choice of an ice cream cake from Cayuga Lake Creamery, a local touch that kept things sweet and cool on a warm day.
The Inns of Aurora, a collection of historic inns overlooking the Finger Lakes, offered the perfect backdrop. Its lakeside charm and understated elegance matched the couple’s vision. The venue’s natural beauty allowed the yellow and citrus tones to pop, while the vintage elements brought a hint of nostalgia without feeling dated.
The couple’s insistence on avoiding “basic flowers” and standard wedding fare showed in every choice. Instead of conventional centerpieces, the florals breathed lightness and movement, while the fringe umbrellas added a playful texture that guests noticed and appreciated. The combination of natural elements and curated vintage touches made the event feel both relaxed and thoughtfully designed.
Emily and Josh’s wedding wasn’t about flash or extravagance but about atmosphere and detail. The butter yellow glow at sunset, the soft rustle of string quartet music, and the personal touch of watercolor portraits created a day that felt intimate and authentic. The choice of local vendors like Cayuga Lake Creamery reinforced a connection to place, while the design choices gave the celebration a distinct personality.
This lakeside wedding at Inns of Aurora offers a clear example for couples looking to mix color with comfort, and local flavor with thoughtful design. It’s a reminder that weddings don’t have to be over-the-top to be memorable; sometimes, a simple palette and a few well-chosen details are all it takes.
According to Style Me Pretty.
