Kevin's cousin Rachel got married that weekend in upstate New York so we were thrilled to find out we'd be able to go! We are both so blessed to have amazing families and since Kevin's family all live on the East Coast anytime we have the chance to visit them we take it!
The wedding was at one of the Bed and Breakfast's on New York's Finger Lakes. Even though I once lived in New York, I hadn't ever heard of this area but wow, was it gorgeous. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend a visit. I heard a few of the locals say that the Finger Lakes are New York's best kept secret and I couldn't agree more!! Beautiful area, HUGE lakes, lots of wineries....what's not to love?!? ;)
We stayed a few minutes away from the wedding/reception site at The Trimmer's House Bed and Breakfast. It was a really precious home, really friendly couple that owned it and super yummy food! We were lucky to find a place (last minute) that was so conveniently located to the wedding/reception, the lakes and the wine trail!
Kevin and I hanging out on the front porch swing...
Our 1st day there we kinda just hung out with Kevin's dad, sister and brother-in-law. Sadly, Kevin's mom wasn't able to make it; Kevin's grandmother, Sophie, (who lives with his parents) isn't doing very well - please keep her in your prayers. We had a great time catching up, hanging out and checking out some local restaurants. Kevin's sister is pregnant with identical twins so it was wonderful to be able to catch up with her about her pregnancy, plans for the nursery...ya know, all the fun baby stuff...but, x's 2!! Identical twins - what an awesome blessing, huh?!? I can't wait to meet them! It will be so much fun!! ...After what felt like 20 minutes of catching up (really it was about 3 hours), it was time to get ready for the rehearsal!
The chapel is one of the neatest chapels I've ever seen! It's located on the side of a mountain overlooking Keuka Lake. The view was stunning!! It was such a perfect place to get married!
The Chapel
The back of the chapel
Arches right outside the chapel - isn't this architecture just stunning?!? LOVE it!!
Gorgeous views...
After the ceremony rehearsal, we were off to dinner - which was at Glenora winery. Dinner was outside overlooking Seneca lake. Another beautiful view!
The nest day, we had time before the wedding to visit a couple of the local wineries. Both had great views and yummy wines! The wine trail was really fun and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to check it out!
Here's a view from the Keuka Lake Vineyard....Seriously, I could have sat in those chairs, sipped wine and stared at the view all day!
The tasting room
After our quick wine trail trip, it was time to get ready for the wedding - yay!! I just love weddings!! And this one was so sweet, their vows to each other were so heartwarming, they are just such a precious couple!. The intimate setting of the small chapel make it really special and we were so happy that we were able to be there for Rachel and Adam. The Reception was at the Esperanza Mansion. The views from the mansion grounds were just spectacular - it was "postcard perfect"! Most of the Rooney side of the family was at the wedding so it was wonderful to chat and catch up with the aunts, uncles and cousins.
Rachel and Adam...they were sooooo happy!!
Kevin and I at the wedding.....
Seriously - this view was just spectacular!!
Kevin with two of his beautiful cousins
The next day we all woke up early, said our goodbyes and all headed out. Saying goodbye is always hard but this time it was especially hard since we really aren't sure when we will have the time/opportunity to get back to the East Coast. Hopefully, we will start going up more once the twins are born! ...Did I mention Kevin's sister is going to wait to find out the sex of the twins?!? So exciting!!!
Kevin and I flew out of Ithaca, which was a couple of hours away so we headed out pretty early because we weren't sure of quite how long it would take. I'm so glad we left as early as we did because it provided the opportunity to visit Ithaca College and Cornell University. I loved, loved my college time at the University of Oklahoma's gorgeous campus (Boomer, Sooner!!) and I think it's because of all my positive experiences that I really enjoy visiting other campuses.
Ithaca's campus was more modern than I expected. I'm not sure why but, I pictures more traditional New England architecture. Either way, it was very pretty.
Cornell university was exactly what I expected!! It is a very picturesque campus also with gorgeous mountain views!
Our weekend trip was such a great little get-a-way, a true blessing for us and we are just so happy that everything worked out allowing us to go!