A Saranac Lake wedding in winter has a way of slowing time down — inviting everyone present to lean into connection, fresh mountain air, and the quiet magic of the Adirondacks. Kristen and Dakin’s wedding weekend embraced exactly that feeling: communal, exploratory, and deeply connected to place. After a fresh Adirondack snowfall the night before, their wedding day unfolded like a quiet winter adventure shared with the people who matter most.

A couple in formal attire embraces in a snowy winter forest landscape with snow-covered evergreen trees.
Group of winter sports enthusiasts posing together on a snowy forest trail with ski equipment.
A couple in burgundy suit and cream dress share romantic moments in a snow-covered winter forest setting.
A winter wonderland scene with snow-covered trees and snowmobiles parked in a pristine white landscape.

A Wedding Weekend Inspired by Adventure


Kristen and Dakin are outdoor recreationists at heart — hikers, Nordic skiers, and explorers who feel most at home outside. Choosing to plan a Saranac Lake wedding allowed them to celebrate in a place that naturally reflects how they spend their lives together.

The night before their wedding brought nearly blizzard conditions across the region. Instead of disruption, it created possibility. Fresh snow blanketed the mountains, setting the tone for a weekend that included night skiing at nearby Dewey Mountain and quiet moments surrounded by winter’s stillness.

By the following morning, the storm had transformed the landscape into something unforgettable — soft snow clinging to pine branches and trails ready for exploration.

People walk through a snowy winter forest path illuminated by warm glowing lights at dusk.
A red sign reading 'Skiing is Great' hangs on a snow-covered tree trunk in a winter forest setting.
Two winter hikers with ski poles and warm clothing stand together in falling snow on a snowy trail.

Winter Portraits in a Snow-laden Adirondack Forest


Kristen and Dakin chose to begin their wedding day photography outdoors — something that felt perfectly aligned with who they are.

Outdoor recreationists who love hiking and Nordic skiing together, starting their Saranac Lake wedding surrounded by winter trails simply made sense.

We met at Fowler’s Crossing, where mountain views, the Adirondack Rail Trail, and towering northern pine forests create one of my favorite portrait locations in the area. Fresh snow rested on the branches and softened the landscape, giving us calm, unhurried moments before the celebrations began.

These portraits felt less like stepping away from the wedding day and more like grounding themselves within it — a quiet walk together before gathering with their community.

Moments like this are one of the reasons couples are drawn to planning a Saranac Lake wedding in the first place: nature becomes part of the story.


A couple in wedding attire stands together in a snowy winter forest landscape with snow-covered evergreen trees.
A couple shares joyful laughter together in a snowy winter forest setting while wearing burgundy and white formal attire.
A group of people walking through a snowy winter wonderland with snow-covered trees and paths.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a snowy winter forest with orange autumn leaves still clinging to branches.
A ballet dancer in a red coat performs an elegant arabesque pose on snowy stone steps.
A couple shares a joyful moment together while standing outside elegant wooden doors.
A person in a white coat walks up a vintage staircase with ornate railings and mint green walls in a hospital setting.
A series of wooden slats or benches arranged in rows, photographed from different angles in a warm-toned interior setting.
Elegant ballroom with wooden chairs arranged in circular pattern under ornate gold chandeliers and green-trimmed stage.
Guests seated in wooden chairs at an indoor event venue with string lights and green curtains along the walls.

An Intentional Ceremony at Harrietstown Town Hall


Following portraits, guests gathered at Harrietstown Town Hall for a ceremony that felt deeply personal and refreshingly intentional. Kristen and Dakin chose a Quaker-style meeting ceremony, inviting friends and family to actively participate by sharing reflections, memories, and blessings throughout the gathering. Instead of a scripted timeline, the ceremony unfolded organically, shaped by the voices of the people who know them best. The atmosphere was calm, emotional, and incredibly grounding — a true celebration of partnership witnessed by community.

A Classic Winter Celebration at Hotel Saranac


After the ceremony, guests made their way to nearby Hotel Saranac for cocktail hour, where conversations flowed easily and loved ones signed the Quaker marriage certificate together.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was being invited to sign the certificate as well — not only documenting their Saranac Lake wedding through photography, but standing as a witness alongside their family and friends.

A crowded indoor event with people mingling in an elegant room featuring exposed wooden beams and a chandelier.
People sitting at tables in a workshop setting write and collaborate during a creative session.

A Thoughtfully Designed Reception at Harrietstown Town Hall


As evening settled in, everyone returned to Harrietstown Town Hall, now beautifully transformed for the reception through the thoughtful vision of Kristen and Dakin together with Katy of VanBee & Co. The design reflected the same intentional simplicity that defined the entire day. Their winter palette of copper, merlot, and navy added warmth against the historic hall while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.


Personal details invited guests to explore the space — including hand-calligraphed animal illustrations at each table, a subtle tribute to the Adirondack wilderness surrounding Saranac Lake.


And instead of a standard reception playlist, DJ Matt Hagan spun vinyl records throughout the evening. The sound of records playing created an organic, grounded mood that carried effortlessly from dinner conversations into dancing and celebration.

It felt joyful, low-key, and unmistakably authentic to Kristen and Dakin.

Elegant wedding reception table settings with glowing candles and place cards in a warmly lit banquet room.
View through an architectural detail of a large concert hall with choir and orchestra setup on stage.
A couple shares a joyful dance moment at an indoor reception venue decorated with string lights.

A Wedding Centered on Community


If there was one defining thread throughout this celebration, it was togetherness.

From guests speaking during the ceremony to signing the marriage certificate and gathering late into the evening, every part of the day emphasized connection over production — presence over perfection.


After receiving their preview gallery, Kristen and Dakin shared words that perfectly captured the feeling of the weekend:

“Oh boy oh boy Jordan these are unbelievable! Thank you for your presence and your talent behind the camera… We are definitely still floating in the glow!”  


And truly, that post-wedding glow was felt by everyone who experienced the weekend alongside them.


Wedding guests dance and celebrate under twinkling string lights at an indoor reception venue.
A couple shares their first dance at a wedding reception with guests seated at tables and a DJ setup in the foreground.
A candlelit yoga studio with people practicing meditation on mats during an evening wellness session.
A DJ in a yellow vest and blue shirt operates turntables and mixing equipment during a performance.

Planning Your Own Saranac Lake Wedding


If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends meaningful moments, natural beauty, and space to truly enjoy time with your people, a Saranac Lake wedding offers something incredibly special in every season — especially here in the Adirondacks.


As a local Saranac Lake wedding photographer, I help couples design photography experiences that feel relaxed, adventurous, and true to who they are — while ensuring the story of the day unfolds naturally.

If you’re planning your wedding in Saranac Lake or anywhere in the Adirondacks, I’d love to hear about what you’re envisioning.


Reach out here to start the conversation about your wedding photography experience.


Vendor Team | Saranac Lake Wedding Professionals


Planning a wedding is always a collaborative effort, and this incredible team helped bring Kristen and Dakin’s vision to life: