August 10, 2024 at The Maples Estate

Schoharie, NY - Upstate, NY

Gina & Jay’s Shades of Green Wedding at The Maples Estate

Some weddings feel like a single, fleeting moment, while others feel like a beautifully unfolding story—one filled with heartfelt connection, artistry, and effortless elegance. Gina & Jay’s Shades of Green Wedding at The Maples Estate on August 10, 2024, was just that: a celebration of love, family, and intentional design, wrapped in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed into a world of lush greenery, romantic candlelight, and organic textures, where nature intertwined seamlessly with personal details and thoughtful touches.

A Ceremony Rooted in Meaning

Nestled in the Tree Grove, Gina & Jay’s ceremony was a breathtakingly intimate affair. Surrounded by loose, natural greenery and floral pops of pale blue and peach, the space exuded a feeling of organic elegance. But the most meaningful design element? The ceremony arch, handcrafted by Jay himself. As a skilled NYC carpenter, he built not only a stunning focal point for their vows but also surprised Gina with a custom dining table as their sweetheart table—a timeless piece they could cherish forever.

Before the ceremony, Gina shared an emotional first look with her father in the historic farmhouse foyer, standing at the top of the staircase against the estate’s signature wallpaper. Moments later, she met Jay for their private first look, a quiet exchange before the day’s celebrations unfolded.

An Italian-Inspired Cocktail Hour & Dinner

Cocktail hour on the Cocktail Lawn was all about connection and effortless flow. Guests mingled freely, enjoying live music from @hotclubofsaratoga and indulging in a raw seafood bar by @preciousoysters, a nod to the couple’s love of fresh, high-quality food. A cigar bar offered another moment of relaxation before dinner.

As the evening transitioned to dinner in the Reception Pavilion, the atmosphere was intimate yet elevated, featuring:

✨ Relaxed, mixed seating arrangements with candlelit tables and cozy lounge vignettes
✨ Organic floral arrangements by @farmhousefloraldesign, effortlessly draped throughout the space
✨ A feast by @craftedcateringandevents, inspired by Gina’s Italian heritage, featuring seasonal flavors and rich, comforting dishes

Guests dined under soft candlelight, natural linens, and touches of mixed metals, creating a warm, inviting aesthetic that felt both timeless and personal.

Thoughtful Details & Personal Touches

Gina’s love for shades of green was woven throughout the design, from the florals to the decor elements. But one of the most heartfelt additions was their "Family Tree" installation—a tribute to loved ones, featuring family photographs strung along one of the estate’s tree grove.

A live wedding painter, @sharondwyerbolton, captured the ceremony in real-time, creating an heirloom piece that Gina & Jay would cherish forever. And let’s not forget their dog, Lucci, who made a guest appearance on the custom bar signage—because no family celebration is complete without four-legged loved ones!

As a playful and unique favor, they gave guests TechDeck skateboards, a fun nod to their personalities. Instead of a traditional guest book, they opted for a Jenga guest book, where friends and family left messages on wooden blocks, perfectly complementing the handcrafted details Jay created for the day.

Dancing, Ice Cream & Late-Night Magic

Once dinner wrapped up, @djtomb took over, keeping the dance floor packed all night long. The celebration carried into late-night indulgences, including hand-scooped ice cream from @highlawnfarm—a nostalgic and delicious touch.

To round out the weekend, guests enjoyed a rehearsal dinner by @roosterontherun_, breakfast and lunch by Country Cafe, and even kayak rentals from @schoharievalleykayakrentals for a little outdoor adventure. @soulgazestudios led a calming yoga session, allowing guests to relax and fully immerse in the peaceful surroundings of The Maples Estate.

A Wedding That Felt Like Home

Gina & Jay’s wedding was more than just an event—it was a deeply personal experience, celebrating their love, their family, and their shared appreciation for craftsmanship, connection, and good food. It was inviting yet sophisticated, relaxed yet elevated, a space where laughter and meaningful moments took center stage.

For couples dreaming of a Shades of Green Wedding that blends natural beauty, thoughtful details, and effortless elegance, The Maples Estate offers the perfect setting. Let’s create a wedding weekend that feels just as personal, just as meaningful, and just as unforgettable.