Lauren and Stephen were married at the Athenaeum Hotel at the Chautauqua Institution in gorgeous Chautauqua, New York. The hotel was built in 1881 and is at the center of a cultural wellspring through arts, opera, symphonies and a general thirst for knowledge. With it’s sensational vantage point over Chautauqua Lake, it is an absolutely stunning location for a wedding. Lauren and her family have vacationed in the area for years, so it was an even more of a perfect venue for them.
Lauren and Stephen’s story goes way back,as they went to school together and knew each other back in elementary school. The wedding was on a Sunday afternoon and the weather, the calm surroundings and Lauren and Stephen being so easy going created as relaxed of an atmosphere as is possible at a wedding. Lauren got her makeup done on the porch out side of the bridal room, surrounded by flowers, her bridesmaids and well wishers walking towards the lake. Stephen got ready on the other side of the hotel, sequestered enough so that he and Lauren wouldn’t run into each other by accident. Their ceremony began with their adorable ring bearers and flower girl walking down the aisle with a sign introducing Lauren. Stephen’s eyes were locked on Lauren as and the light from the late afternoon sun lit up the room. The ceremony ended in a Chautauqua tradition, with all of the guests waving handkerchiefs and Lauren and Stephen left the ceremony.
After a quick portrait shoot walking around by the lake, Lauren and Stephen were introduced as husband an wife as they walked down the grand staircase at The Athenaeum. After dinner, the party commented and had everyone moving! So much so that all of the waitresses got together and began a few impromptu dances together throughout the night! It was a wonderful wedding with a fantastic couple and I was so honored that Lauren and Stephen chose me to document their perfect day! Thank you both!!
-Vincent
