There are some emails that hit your inbox and instantly feel like fate. When Sarah reached out about her wedding at Vanderkamp in Cleveland, NY, I couldn’t type my “Yes!” fast enough.
Vanderkamp holds a massive piece of my heart. My husband, Dylan, and I held our own reception here in 2024 the year after we eloped! Walking back onto the grounds of the Frank Soule Lodge to capture Sarah and Tristan’s day felt incredibly special. As an Upstate NY wedding photographer, being able to capture Sarah & Tristan’s love at a place that gathered my own friends & family was a huge honor.
The Vanderkamp Weekend Wedding Experience
If you’re looking for a weekend wedding experience, Vanderkamp is essentially a 850-acre private sanctuary. It’s not just a venue; it’s a retreat where your guest list becomes a community.
One of my favorite things to tell couples is that when you book here for your Vanderkamp NY wedding, you get exclusive access to the entire property. Sarah and Tristan’s guests weren’t just attending a ceremony; they were canoeing the private lake, exploring 9 miles of hiking trails, and ending the nights at the massive sunken fire pit. With five different lodges on-site, including Frank Soule Lodge where we spent much of the day, you can actually sleep your core wedding party right on the property. It turns a wedding day into a high end wedding wedding.
A Sun-Drenched Ceremony at Frank Soule Lodge
It was a classic, hot August day, the kind of Upstate summer that we all know to expect. Their ceremony took place on the front lawn of the Frank Soule Lodge overlooking the private lake.
The details were deeply personal. Tristan’s uncle designed the stunning floral arrangements, adding a layer of family legacy to the altar. As Sarah walked down the aisle, the heat of the day was totally forgotten, the focus was entirely on the two of them.
High Energy & Heartfelt Moments
I have to give a shoutout to this wedding party! I have never seen a group of friends more ready to hype up their couple. From the moment the ceremony ended to the final song, the energy was unmatched!
But amidst the cheering, the family-first heart of this wedding kept shining through. My favorite highlight? Seeing both dads absolutely tearing it up together on the dance floor.
Golden Hour by the Lake
As the August heat began to mellow, we snuck away for sunset portraits. If you’ve never seen a Vanderkamp sunset, you’re missing out. The way the light filters through the pines and reflects off the water is a photographer’s dream. We caught that perfect, “just married” glow that only happens when the sun starts to dip and the reality of the day finally sinks in.
Sarah and Tristan, thank you for letting me revisit my favorite place to document your best day. It was an honor to see the Vanderkamp through your eyes!
If you’re celebrating your love at a place like Vanderkamp, let’s chat! I’d love to capture it for you.
The team:
Photography: Madison Vaughn
Venue: Vanderkamp NY
Hair & Makeup: Pastel Weddings
Coordination: Miss Priss Events
