Mike + Nikki

Mike and Nikki's wedding stood out in so many ways. So much love and effort went into every tiny detail to make this such a special day. The day before the wedding, I was invited to take part in a group yoga session for friends and family to relax and de-stress before the big day. Led by Sonia of Tribe Yoga  in Oneonta, we all had a peaceful few moments before the chaos of planning, executing, being in or (in my case) working at a wedding! The wedding itself took place at Skytop Springs Fish Farm, a business started by Mike and his family a few years back, with Nikki now helping significantly. Taken from the website..."Skytop Springs is a local, family-owned and operated farm business dedicated to producing healthy and high quality freshwater fish." The fish is produced for restaurants, grocery or your own table. In fact, the smoked trout served at cocktail hour and the fresh fish featured in one the main dishes prepared by Chef Deanna featured Rainbow Trout from Skytop Springs. And I have to say; not only was the food prepared by Chef Deanna delicious, it was absolutely beautiful as well. You'll see for yourself in the pictures below! Family was a HUGE part of Mike and Nikki's wedding, and it was amazing to see so many people working so hard to pull everything together. Nikki's mother made the beautiful wedding cake (a Death by Chocolate chocolate fudge cake that's Nikki's favorite), and Mike's mother made the Italian cookies that covered the dessert table. Mike's sister, Jen, made cheesecakes for dessert as well. Nikki's father, owner of Lawton House Ales, made a special Summer session ale for the wedding called Summer Lovin'. Nikki's sister, Stephanie, did her hair and makeup. Mike's brother, Tom, officiated the ceremony. (Fun fact, Mike officiated his brother Tom's wedding 8 years ago!) The list goes on and on. The day of, the entire family armed with walkie talkies, were doing their part to make everything come together. 

Not only did Mike and Nikki have a signature drink for their wedding brewed by her father, they also had a signature drink from Awestruck; 52 Fridays. Mike and Nikki met at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney. Every Friday, they made it a habit to go there and have a toast. So when Mike decided to propose after a year, Awestuck made them their own exclusive line of cider for the proposal (which also took place at Awestruck). 52 Fridays was on tap until it run out, and then it was made again specifically for Mike and Nikki's wedding. How cool is that? On the big day, guests were treated to fantastic food, the option to camp out, and even fireworks! I had such a great time photographing your wedding, Mike and Nikki! Congratulations, and many years of love and happiness to you! 

Sending Mike and Nikki love and peace for the hours ahead...

I found this amazing mushroom during the rehearsal and couldn't resist snapping a few pics, of course! 

What a cool idea for a cake topper! Nikki and Mike were photographed separately, and then the cake topper statuette was printed by mpix.

I've never seen a bundle of tree roots from a fallen down tree used as a ceremony backdrop before, but it was perfect! 

Beautiful bouquet from Nana's Keepsakes. 

This little guy was super smiley all day!

Nikki helps keep her young niece distracted while she gets her hair done!

Mike and Nikki had a tree planted in honor of their wedding day. Their two grandmas took part in the ceremony by shoveling the last bit of dirt into place. I loved the shovel high five at the end! 

Mike's niece discovers what "happy tears" are!

And then it was time to wander for photos... The beauty of the woods was amazing. The beautiful tall trees, the soft green moss, and the warm light filtering through the leaves was magical. 

I love it when I get a cool sequence of shots that I didn't expect; such as when the bride and groom need a chapstick break! 

You can see the honeymoon tent in the distance in this last reflection shot. 

Nikki and Mike rode into their first dance in "The Pug." 

I don't think they were prepared for the wall of birdseed they were about to encounter! 

So much birdseed! 

And then it was party time! Music provided by Magical Gatherings Entertainment kept the party going all night.

That was the biggest disco ball I've ever seen. 

Yoga: Tribe Yoga
Venue: Skytop Springs Fish Farm
Flowers: Nana's Keepsakes
DJ: Magical Gatherings Entertainment 
Nikki's Dress: House of Brides
Mike's Suit: Men's Wearhouse
Cake: Nikki's mother, Dori
Italian Cookies for Dessert Table: Mike's mother, Maria
Cheesecake for Dessert Table: Mike's sister, Jen
Catering: Chef Deanna
Officiant: Mike's brother, Tom
Hair & Makeup: Nikki's sister, Stephanie
Tent: Floyd's Rent-All 
Cake Topper: mpix
Summer Lovin' Ale: Lawton House Ales
52 Fridays: Awestruck Ciders