Autumn Wedding Elegance – A Warm + Cozy Celebration in Upstate NY

It all started as a work conference love connection.

Jessie + Jesse were both in Phoenix, AZ for a tradeshow. Jesse noticed Jessie as they passed each other on the escalator. Later, they shared drinks with some mutual friends + colleagues. They realized they were both named Jessie/Jesse, they danced the night away, and Jessie wrote her number on a napkin. The rest is history 🧡.

After a romantic seaside proposal in Cabo San Lucas on Jessie’s birthday the couple started planning what would become this gloriously autumnal celebration in upstate New York. 

Jessie + Jesse collaborated with event designers + planners from EVL Events to embrace all of the coziness of Fall. The stone + wood setting of Ellicottville, NY’s Holiday Valley was the perfect spot for all of the immersive, autumn floral installations and warm, velvety textures.

“I was inspired by the Fall and the changing of leaves, with more hints of burgundy and blush pink than red and orange,” says Jessie. “I also wanted it to be romantic and whimsical with a touch of enchantment.”

These beautiful pictures from Anomaly Photo are the evidence that Jessie + Jesse created one of the dreamiest October wedding days we can remember. So grab your coziest sweater, brew a cup of tea, and prepare to *Fall* for this stunning celebration!

Graphic-Poetry created these unique, modern clear acrylic arched wedding invites! How cool would it be to get one of these in the mail!?

Jessie found her beautiful beaded wedding gown at Bridal Chateau. We love the way the beadwork extends into those sheer side panels.

This rich + abundant Fall bridal bouquet is just one of the many incredible floral creations from Beck & Forth that gave the day its lush, autumnal vibe.

Jessie’s besties found their dreamy mismatched warm-tone Fall bridesmaid dresses from Revelry.

We love the way Jesse and his fellas added a pop of color to their light neutral looks with those orange statement ties! Check out our list of groomsmen suits your crew will love to find create wedding party vibe that’ll compliment the day’s design like this one did.

The First Look

Pictures of this private + romantic moment are totally priceless. That’s one of the reasons we love a first look.

The Ceremony

“We were happy with how beautiful the mantel looked by the fireplace since we were rained out from having our ceremony on top of the hill,” remembers the couple. “The whole room transformed into a romantic fairy tale wedding, and the candles everywhere really mirrored the vibe.”

Explore our collection of 45 dreamy Fall wedding ideas if Jessie + Jesse’s celebration has you considering all the benefits of an autumn wedding date.

Jessie was played down the aisle by String quartet Buffalo Heart Strings.

We love to see brides embracing bridal jackets + wraps during the chillier months!

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
Recessional
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" by The Four Seasons
First Dance
"Millionaire" by Chris Stapleton

Honey Beauty Bar created Jessie’s half-up half down bridal hairstyle and glam wedding makeup look.

Also, we love the way the beaded edging on Jessie’s wedding veil matches the details of her dress.

The Reception

“I loved the seating chart that appeared to be an old antique bookshelf,” says Jessie of this totally vibey seating chart creation by B in a Bonet.

Take a look through our fave wedding reception seating chart ideas to brainstorm something as beautiful as this moody modern bookshelf setup.

Tabletop decor from Petunia Rose gave each tablescape its warm terracotta + rose gold glow.

We are mesmerized by these lush, greenery-filled floral installations!! “The flowers all the way up the banister were amazing,” remembers the couple, “and our guests really loved getting pictures in front of them.”

How cute are the monogrammed custom cookies that Jessie + Jessie left at each guest’s place setting!

Grab some rosy, peachy taper candles to recreate the delicate warmth of these beautiful blush centerpieces.

Jessie + Jesse brought in a caricature artist to sketch their friends + fam during the celebration! Such a unique wedding guest favor!

How dreamy is this three-tier wedding cake from Fairy Cakes! LOVE the subtle, glinting edible gold leaf detail!

Why stop at cake?! Stock your sweets table with lots of different wedding desserts like Jessie + Jesse did!

Our Favorite Memory
From the bride: "I would say the fireworks, the dessert table (which was to die for and looked amazing), and the dance floor as it was just full! Also, my husband surprised me with a song that he wrote and sang to me, so that was really amazing."

Our Advice
From the bride: "I would say if you're a busy couple, consider a wedding planner. If you plan to have a large wedding, it is essential to have someone to help with all the details, especially keeping you on track for the big day. I feel like it was an investment that was really worth it in the end."

Congrats, Jessie + Jesse, on your elegant autumn wedding day! GWS wishes you both all the best!