LISA + ANDREW
SPILLIAN: Forest Outdoor Wedding Venue NY
FOREST WEDDING CATSKILLS
Thinking about Spillian for your Forest Wedding Catskills?
Forest Wedding Venues NY
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Catskill Mountains, Spillian A Place to Revel, is one of the best outdoor wedding venues NY has to offer, weaving the charm of its historic mansion with the magic of its outdoor settings. A place where nature meets elegance, Spillian offers a weekend experience for couples dreaming of an outdoor forest wedding. From the ceremony space set against a backdrop of a moss-covered stone wall and twinkling lights amidst the trees, to dining under the bistro lights and dancing under the stars, every detail at Spillian is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable weekend. The main estate has rooms for the couple and a selection for friends and family as well. This incredible outdoor wedding venue in NY became one of my favorites the first moment I got there. As I wandered further into the property, I just fell in love. I bet you will too.
Getting Ready in the Spillian Main House
Rich Character, Plenty of Rooms and Great Light
In the richly toned rooms of Spillian's historic mansion, Lisa and Andrew started their day, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. The air was filled with a sense of calm and ease, reflecting the couple's laid-back nature. Lisa, looking stunning in her Alena Leena gown, had her beauty effortlessly enhanced by Eye of Luna's hair and makeup artistry.
Andrew put on his black tux by The Black Tux, ha, in the Groom’s Suite upstairs in the historic
Catskills house. The texture and depth of the woodwork made me crave to create black and white images. So much of my creative spark is influenced by the mood of where I’m shooting, the lighting, the tones and depth, the energy of who I’m with.
They also chose to exchange cards during the morning and I love when couples do this. It’s like a hug in an envelope from your person that you can’t wait to see again!
Father Daughter First Look at Spillian Outdoor Wedding Venue NY
Family Matters on your Wedding Day
One of the day's most heartfelt moments happened on the porch. Lisa and I made our way down the stairs and were greeted by her father who was waiting on the porch. This honest moment is a perfect example of just letting things happen, not over planning, and taking the time to soak in the day with the people you love. As a parent, these moments always choke me up and I have to make sure I don’t get too
forest so it feels so incredibly intimate up there as the trees form walls around you. I always talk to my couples about how they want to approach the First Look. It doesn’t have to be contrived or cheesy. It can simply just be two people dying to see each other on their wedding day. Meeting in a beautiful spot and then just being left alone to enjoy their experience before creating some portraits for them.
First Look at Spillian Forest Wedding Venues NY
Magical Outdoor Wedding Venue NY
The old basketball courts, outlined by stone walls and an old ice house veiled in moss and wildflowers, set a magical scene for Lisa and Andrew's first look. The canopy of tall trees and the sun's dappled light created an intimate, light-hearted mood, perfect for their casual First Look. I love the way the light filters in through the trees in this spot. The wide open, overgrown basketball court, is surrounded by a sloped
caught up in the moment! This is always a big reason why I love venues where everyone stays on site. There are so many more opportunities to be together and share honest moments. Spillian only hosts one wedding per weekend so waking up on your wedding day, already at your venue, allows a much more relaxed experience.
Casual Friends and Family Photos at Spillian Wedding
The start of your Family’s Library
It is always my goal to keep Friends and Family Photos efficient and well thought out ahead of time so they can be lighthearted and fun. This should NOT be the most stressful part of the day. I never ever use the words "fake" or "pretend" and all the chaos, fun and emotion you see are real! It’s amazing what happens when you just
give people who love each other the space to just be together and share a moment. The family portraits at Lisa + Andrew’s wedding were a display of deep bonds, particularly highlighting Andrew's close relationship with his grandmother. It was evident that family connections are a cornerstone of their lives.
Spillian Wedding: Forest Ceremony
Forest Wedding Catskills
Under the canopy of the Catskills, the ceremony stage - a magical stone stage that looks like it’s been there for hundreds of years - was beautifully decorated with whimsical flower arrangements by Flora Good Times. Encircled by moss-covered
walls and illuminated trees, this ceremony nook was the ideal space for a nature-loving couple- it’s absolutely magical. The ceremony area, lit by the soft glow of the afternoon, was filled with their closest friends and family filled with anticipation.
Cocktail Hour on the Porch at magical Spillian Wedding
The front porch and sloping lawn hosts the cocktail hour at Spillian weddings. Guests were treated to individual charcuterie boards on the porch and a selection of cocktails from the full bar. Lisa + Andrew hired the Bernstein Bard Trio to set the mood. It was a time of laughter
and conversation, a perfect time to greet all their guests and say hello. We took the time to create some extended family pictures as well with their favorite Aunts and Uncles, cousins and friend groups.
Last Light Portraits at Forest Wedding Catskills
As dinner approached, we took a last moment together alone, ventured through Spillian's gardens to a secluded meadow that opened up in the middle of the forest. This moment, just before the party started, was a perfect moment for Lisa and Andrew to reflect on the day
that’s happened and the night to come. We used the last of the golden light and the far side of the forest wedding venue that hadn’t explored yet. Spillian weddings are quickly becoming my favorite as it just never disappoints.
Spillian Wedding Reception in the Forest
Dinner under Bistro Lights at Farmhouse Tables
The dinner, a buffet catered in-house by Spillian, showcased a medley of local flavors, including fresh fish and chicken, alongside an array of side dishes and salads. Flora Good Times adorned the farmhouse tables with whimsical and unique floral arrangements,
in neutrals with little pops of bright colors. The tables are arranged in a large square with a bonfire pit right in the middle. The tables are warmly lit with candles and bistro lights strung from the trees. The night was sweetened with a gorgeous cake from Newburgh Flour.
Dancing under the Stars
Spillian’s Outdoor Wedding Venue NY
The Atomic Funk Project ignited the evening with their vibrant energy, turning the makeshift dance floor into a lively celebration. A quirky tradition involving a wig, the Groom and his friends and their horrified wives and it added a humorous twist, as guests donned it in a spirited dance-off.
The Ceremony stage doubles as the band’s stage and it’s a perfect setting for the party. The
trees that surround the space are colorfully lit with uplights so the forest around you glows as the party moves through the night. The band was so so good and I always have a great time when they play! As the night drew to a close, I found myself so immersed in the energy and joy of the occasion that I set aside my camera to join the dance for one song with the couple!
Tips for Booking a Wedding at Spillian
To ensure your Spillian wedding is as enchanting as Lisa and Andrew's, consider these tips:
Seasons and Capacity: Spillian accommodates up to 125 guests, with peak seasons from May through October. Choose a season that aligns with your wedding vision.
On Site Rooms: Decide if having overnight rooms is important to you. Spillian offers several rooms in the main Farmhouse for you and your friends to stay for the weekend.
Menu Options: Spillian offers diverse menu options including options like a cocktail hour charcuterie board and a flexible dinner menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Included Services: Take advantage of Spillian's comprehensive services like bar and catering services, weekend event staff, and lighting/sound.
Venue Restrictions: Be mindful of the venue's policies, such as all food and beverage being handled by the venue and their music ending time.
Final Thoughts on Lisa + Andrew’s magical Spillian wedding
Making your Wedding Day as unique as you are
Having an intimate yet intentional wedding at Spillian is like stepping into a magical story book. The venue's intimate ambiance, nestled in the lush Catskill Mountains, provides a picturesque backdrop for a storybook wedding. Lisa and Andrew's experience highlights the seamless blend of nature's beauty with Spillian's impeccable service. Every element, from the emotional first looks to the lively party under the stars, weaved together to create a day that was not only a celebration of love but a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Spillian's unique charm lies in its ability to offer a warm, cozy atmosphere while handling the logistics and details that make a wedding day special. The venue's dedication to creating personalized experiences shines through in its versatile offerings, from the ceremony to the reception. The lush gardens, historical architecture, and attention to detail create a setting that is both elegant and inviting.
For those considering a Spillian wedding, remember that it's more than just a venue; it’s a place where stories come to life. Whether you're dancing under the bistro lights, sharing a
moment in the secluded meadows, or enjoying the gourmet meals, Spillian promises an unforgettable wedding experience. It's a place where the magic of your of your love story can unfold in the most enchanting way.
As Lisa and Andrew's wedding story shows, Spillian is not just a venue but a canvas on which couples can paint their dream wedding. The blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and dedicated service ensures that each wedding is as unique and special as the couple celebrating their love.
In conclusion, a Spillian wedding offers an idyllic setting for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and personalized service. It's a venue that promises not just a wedding day but an experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. As you plan your special day, let the magic of Spillian and the beauty of the Catskills be the backdrop to your love story, just as it was for Lisa and Andrew.
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