David’s Country Inn Wedding of Megan & Joe
David’s Country Inn Wedding of Megan & Joe
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless Love Stories in countless venues, but photographing a wedding at David’s Country Inn was truly a standout experience. This family-owned and operated Victorian mansion, built in 1840 and lovingly maintained for 46 years, offers an unparalleled backdrop for stunning wedding photos.
From the moment I stepped into the elegantly restored mansion, I was struck by its timeless beauty. Crystal chandeliers, pressed tin walls, and gleaming hardwood floors add a touch of vintage charm to every shot.
One of my favorite spots was the antique bar, dating back to the 1700’s (wait until you see the bridal party photo below). It added a touch of classic elegance to the cocktail hour, and the happy guests totally loved it too!
The exterior of David’s Country Inn is just as captivating. The ivy-covered walls, white columns, and beautifully landscaped grounds, filled with vibrant flowers and charming garden statuary, provided a picturesque backdrop for Megan & Joe’s ceremony.
Every detail at David’s Country Inn is designed to enhance the beauty of the wedding day, and as a photographer, I found endless inspiration around every corner. The gracious country hospitality and the exclusive, personalized experience made this venue a joy to work at. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines historic elegance with modern charm, David’s Country Inn is the perfect choice.
Let’s start with a flashback to their engagement session at Burnt Mills Cider.
When planning their engagement session, Megan & Joe said that they enjoy trying new breweries. I asked if they’d ever been to Burnt Mills Cider and they said it was one of their favorite places. Fun fact, my wife and I LOVE it there too! So, what better place to have some fun?
How did you meet each other?
The first time Joe and I "technically" met, we were two prom dates away from each other at Joe's senior prom. We didn't even know it! Fast forward a few months and we actually met at a then-boyfriend's house. There was something special about Joe, and his personality and attention to my discomfort at our friend's swept me off my feet. Joe wound up driving me home that night and it was then I was sure something incredible would happen between the two of us.
How has your relationship grown over the years?
In the beginning, we were young and needy and did not know much about ourselves, let alone how to sustain a relationship. Fast forward to the present day, we are independent people who live our own lives while supporting each other, and knowing without a doubt we have a partner through life and the good and bad.
How did the proposal happen?
For MONTHS, I had to play a long con of telling Meg that "One day, when I can afford a ring, I will propose to you." The night before the planned proposal, she finally had enough of me saying and it and sternly told me to drop the subject entirely because it is making her upset. Little did she know, I already had the ring and the following day of going to a winery with friends was the planned day. We get there, have a grand old time, and right before we leave, outlooking the Hudson Valley, I drop to one knee and ask her to marry me. What I actually said I couldn't tell you because I blacked out, but for some reason she said yes, and we went out to celebrate with tacos after.
What are some fun things you do together as a couple and with friends?
We LOVE to host game nights with friends. From card games, board games, to playing Dungeons and Dragons (that's just Joe, I stay WAY clear of that), we play it all. We also love to just come up with on the spot 'day adventures' we call it. It can range from going to a new hiking trail, a cidery, a farmers market, or even volunteering for a local animal rescue.
What’s new since being married? What’ s solidified/bonded/grown in your relationship since?
More in love than ever. Looking forward to the next few years adventuring with our pups before hopefully starting a family.
Details of your day (theme, colors, favors)?
Colors- Sage Green and Dusty Blue
Party Favors- Hershey Kiss Bags "Hugs and Kisses from the New Mr. and Mrs."
Joe and I love Hershey Kisses and often throw them at each other as a kiss from afar. We knew we wanted to incorporate that into our special day.
Why did you choose your venue?
The second we walked into David's, we knew there was something special about the venue. The stained glass windows, the antique bar, the outside grounds, the balcony in the reception area, all of it add up to a venue that you can't help but look at with awe.
What was your menu, what was your cake flavor?
This ain’t your average wedding cake. With the flavors of cannoli and raspberry marmalade, it was A HUGE HIT!
What wasn't on our menu is a better question LOL. We had a little bit of everything for our guests, and with Meg having celiac, they were super accommodating to make sure that everything she ate was gluten-free. Our cake flavors were cannoli and raspberry marmalade.
Description of your gown? Why was this “the one”?
My gown was nothing that I thought it was going to be, but it was perfect. It had beading throughout the dress a deep plunge with netting. It was comfortable so I could dance the night away and made me feel so beautiful.
What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?
Memories by Weezer was the last song of the evening. We gather the bridal party around us in a circle. Joe then leaves the circle to grab everyone else to form a circle around them. He jumps back in and we spend the rest of the song singing and dancing surrounded by the people who made this day possible.
One detail you couldn’t live without?
THE ICE CREAM BAR!
Did anything go wrong?
Nope! The perfect day. Anything that went "wrong" added to the beauty of the day.
First dance song?
Detour- Claire Kelly
This song is special to us because we first heard it at a music festival while visiting Joe's sister in Wisconsin.
Where did you honeymoon?
Nowhere yet! Greece in the summer!!
How did you find out about me? What was it about me and my services that told you I was the one?
We found you through a website and what immediately drew us to you was seeing how much love and care you can pour into all your art. It is so obvious from looking at your art that what you are doing is a passion of love, not just something to pay the bills. And we say art because that's truly what it is.
When you know…you know.
Megan, Joe & I hit it off right from the get-go, and I was anticipating this epic day from the moment we all said I DO to each other!
Advice for other brides? Grooms?
Don't take the day too seriously. Things can and will go wrong, but the day isn't about that. It is about celebrating your love for each other with the people who truly matter in your lives.
