A Magical Union: A Tented Wedding Weekend at Shadowbrook Campground in Cooperstown, New York

Nestled in the heart of Cooperstown, New York, the Shadow Brook Campground witnessed a truly enchanting wedding that seamlessly blended the families of Ellen & Gary. This unique celebration, meticulously crafted from the ground up unfolded as a picturesque weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

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Designing the Dream: Two years in the making, the foundation of this extraordinary wedding was laid with thoughtful planning and creative design. Ellen told me at our first meeting that she and Gary were buying a campground and it was their dream to get married there to celebrate all aspects of their new chapter.  We were given a truly blank canvas of an open field overlooking their pond. We said, "say no more" and we hit the ground running with design and logistics. We worked closely with the couple to create a personalized experience that reflected their individuality and honored their backgrounds. From the hand crafted chuppah for their ceremony to the elegant tented reception every detail was carefully curated to ensure a magical atmosphere.

Uniting Traditions: While the groom is not jewish, one of the standout features of this wedding was the harmonious integration of Jewish customs and the the blending of the two families. The ceremony beautifully combined elements such as the breaking of the glass and singing of jewish blessings. The chuppah (that the groom built himself!) was draped in passed family members' tallits and adorned with stunning florals from Rose Is A Rose.  This seamless blending of traditions showcased the couple's commitment to honoring their respective heritages and families.

A Family Affair: The bride's three children played an integral role in the celebration, adding a heartwarming touch to the proceedings. Beyond being the wedding party, they took center stage during the officiation, contributing to the vows and exchanging heartfelt promises with the couple. Additionally, the children graced the celebration with a touching rendition of the couple's processional and first dance songs, making it an unforgettable family affair without a dry eye in the house.

A Weekend of Celebration:  When you own the venue, why keep it to one day?  The festivities extended beyond the wedding day, turning the occasion into a full-fledged wedding weekend. We orchestrated a series of events, beginning with a warm welcome BBQ from Tickled Pink BBQ, complete with live performances by the Rylee Lum Band and a campfire singalong by Dennis Winge. This laid-back gathering created the perfect backdrop to allow guests to mingle, eat and get to know one another. The big day was no less exciting, with a fabulous disco inspired reception (complete with a disco ball) that had everyone shaking their groove thang!  

Food for Thought: On the wedding day itself, a grab and go breakfast station was set up to fuel up their guests before they enjoyed their morning and early afternoon exploring Cooperstown. Upon their return, guests were greeted with a pre-ceremony "Happy Hour" with light bites and raspberry kissed champagne. During the reception guests enjoyed a gourmet meal provided by Chef Deanna and her team before burning it off on the dance floor. The celebrations concluded with a heartfelt farewell brunch provided by Rooster On The Run, offering the perfect opportunity for guests to bid adieu and share their well-wishes with the newlyweds.

​Congratulations Ellen & Gary: The wedding at Shadowbrook Campground stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful planning and the magic that unfolds when traditions are blended with creativity. From the tented ceremony to the heartwarming involvement of the bride's children and the well-planned weekend of events, this celebration was a true reflection of love, unity, and artistry. As the sun set over Cooperstown, the newlyweds embarked on their journey together, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends who had witnessed the creation of a truly magical wedding weekend.  Mazel Tov to the newlyweds! 

The Dream Team
Planning, Design & Coordination: Keep It Sweet Studios
Venue: Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground
​Tent & Rentals: Morris Tent Rentals
Entertainment: Rylee Lum Band, Dennis Winge, La Valley Group (DJ)
Catering: Chef Deanna, Rooster On The Run, Tickled Pink BBQ
Bartending: Sunrise Specialty Catering
Photography: Paul Saunders Photography
Florals: Rose Is A Rose Florist
Cake: Keep It Sweet Studios
Dessert Table: Kelly Banks Cakes