Isaac & Rebecca
January 18, 2025 | Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY
Some wedding days just *feel* like magic from the minute you walk in—and Rebecca and Isaac’s was one of those. It was a chilly January day in Verona, NY, but inside The Lodge at Turning Stone, everything was warm, calm, and buzzing with excitement in the best way. From start to finish, their celebration felt like something lifted from a classic romance, with the perfect balance of joyful tradition and genuine emotion.
Rebecca’s day began in the stunning bridal suite at The Lodge. As soft winter light poured through the windows, she was surrounded by her four bridesmaids—an atmosphere filled with laughter, hairspray, and the clink of champagne glasses.
Meanwhile, Isaac and his groomsmen prepped just a few floors away in the VIP lounge. Before he slipped on his jacket, we delivered a special detail back to him—his wedding day cufflinks, a gift from Rebecca. It was one of those quiet, meaningful moments that only a groom gets to experience alone.
By early afternoon, Rebecca stepped into her gown with the help of her bridesmaids. The energy shifted to one of soft anticipation and happy nerves as she transformed from a bride-to-be into a bride.
Then came the first look with her dad and brother, and whew... not a dry eye. Her dad’s reaction was everything. Rebecca gifted him custom cufflinks with a childhood photo of the two of them. It was such a special pause in a fast-paced day, the kind of memory that will live in both of their hearts forever.
Rebecca then shared an impromptu moment with her brother Stephen—and it turned out to be one of the most emotional parts of the day. As soon as he saw her, he froze, completely overwhelmed with emotion—his little sister, in her wedding dress, glowing. You could feel how close they are, and how proud he was to be standing by her side not only as her brother, but also as her officiant.
Set inside the beautifully lit Shenandoah space, the ceremony glowed with warmth. Dozens of candles and lush roses created a romantic ambiance, and guests hushed as Rebecca walked down the aisle. Her brother Stephen, who also officiated the ceremony, brought a deeply personal and heartfelt touch to the vows.
The ceremony was brief but powerful—exactly what Rebecca and Isaac wanted. They walked back down the aisle to applause and smiles before we slipped away for family portraits in front of the fireplace nearby.
With the cocktail hour underway, we stepped outside just before sunset to brave the January chill for a few breathtaking portraits. The snow sparkled, and the love between them kept everyone warm.
We even took the time to recreate a few of their engagement session photos inside the venue, adding a beautiful layer of continuity to their love story. It was such a meaningful way to tie everything together—from the early days of their engagement to the celebration of their wedding—capturing the full arc of their journey in a way that felt both intentional and deeply personal.
The Shenandoah Clubhouse was glowing with candlelight, florals by Affections Floral, and the elegance only Turning Stone can offer. Rebecca and Isaac got a first look at the reception space before their guests did—and their reactions were priceless. You could see how much intention went into every little detail.
The couple’s first married dance came next, a quiet and emotional moment before the party began. Rebecca’s dance with her dad began traditionally, then turned into a full-blown choreographed surprise featuring “Stayin’ Alive”—yes, disco moves and all. Isaac’s dance with his mom followed, sweet and full of sentiment.
Heartfelt thank you’s from both fathers were next, alongside speeches from some of the couples closest family members and friends. Dinner and lots of happy tears followed.
Later in the evening, as they stood side by side to cut their wedding cake, that same sense of connection and intention was woven into the moment. Surrounded by laughter, cheers, and the warmth of their loved ones, it felt like every chapter of their story had led them right there.
And then came one of my favorite parts of the whole night: the cookie cart. Rebecca and Isaac rolled through the reception, personally delivering Italian cookies to each table—one of their favorite family traditions. It was such a cool way to connect with guests, and honestly, everyone *loved* it.
At 8 PM, the dance floor officially opened, kicked off with “Lazy Mary,” an Italian tradition where everyone waves their napkins in the air. The room absolutely erupted—it was the perfect way to transition from cozy dinner vibes to full-blown celebration. Salt City Sound Machine kept the party going strong all night long, and it was one of those dance floors that stayed packed straight through to the end.
To Rebecca and Isaac, your wedding day was full of the kind of magic that can’t be staged. It was elegant and fun, intimate and full of life, and above all, uniquely yours. Thank you for trusting me to document it all. Cheers, to a lifetime of laughs, family traditions, and love that feels like home.
It was an honor to work alongside so many talented vendors who brought this day to life:
Photography and Videography: JV Films — @jv_films_photo
DJ: Salt City Sound Machine — @saltcitysoundmachine
Florals: Affections Floral — @affectionsfloral
Hair: Ilana Lucenti, Revival Hair Studio — @ikhairart
Makeup: Olivia Lisi-Brown, Upstate Glamour — @upstateglamour
Dress: Heart to Heart Bridal — @hearttoheartbride
Tuxes: Charney’s — @charneys_clothing
Catering & Venue: The Turning Stone — @turningstoneweddings
Seeing the motion and emotion of the day through video
adds another layer of storytelling that we are SO thrilled to provide!
Isaac & Rebecca’s Wedding Trailer
Their final film will be COMING SOON to a screen near you!
If you're planning your own special day and want to ensure every moment is captured with the same care and attention to detail, feel free to reach out. We’d love to help you tell your unique love story through stunning photography and videography.
Stay Beautiful,
Natalie Javier | JV Films Photography