Matthew & Catherine
Some love stories are straight out of a fairy tale, and Catherine and Matt’s wedding day was the perfect example. Returning to their home state from Colorado, the couple chose to celebrate their love in a picturesque winter wonderland surrounded by their closest friends and family. With snow blanketing the landscape and warm moments shared at every turn, their wedding day was a beautiful testament to love, laughter, and lifelong connections.
The day began in Syracuse, NY, at Catherine’s parents’ home, where the bride was surrounded by her closest friends and family. The house was filled with warmth and nostalgia as the bridal party gathered around the dining table, reminiscing about childhood memories and sharing stories. The laughter and chatter created an atmosphere of love and support, a perfect way to start such a momentous day.
A highlight of the morning was capturing a fun pajama photo of the bridesmaids, a joyful moment before the whirlwind of the day truly began. As the final touches were made, Catherine’s mother and bridesmaids zipped her into her stunning gown. She then shared a quiet and heartfelt moment with her brother before stepping into the next chapter of her life. A particularly touching moment was when Catherine took a few minutes to help her father with his attire, a small yet meaningful act of love that spoke volumes.
Catherine and Matt exchanged their vows at the breathtaking St. Michael & St. Peter’s Church in Syracuse. Adding to the significance of the day, Catherine’s grandfather, a deacon, officiated the ceremony. From the grand balcony, a stunning view captured the vast beauty of the church and the love-filled gathering below. As the couple exchanged their vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The heartfelt homily, their emotional “I do’s,” and the first kiss as husband and wife were moments that will be cherished forever.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds took part in a receiving line, personally greeting their guests and sharing in the joy of the moment. Family formals were captured inside the church, preserving the beauty and love of the day.
On the way to the reception, Catherine and Matt made a very special stop—one that held deep sentimental value. They visited Catherine’s childhood babysitter, a woman who had played an instrumental role in her life. Sharing this beautiful moment with her and her son was a touching reminder of the relationships that shape us.
Guests arrived at The Lodge in Skaneateles, greeted by a warm and inviting hot chocolate bar, alongside champagne to celebrate the newlyweds. The ambiance inside was nothing short of breathtaking—a golden glow from candlelit tables, elegant floral arrangements by Josh Whaley (@theflowerboyevents), and a rustic, cozy atmosphere that made everyone feel at home despite the winter chill outside.
The bridal party braved the crisp winter air for photos outside the venue, sharing laughter and joy. With a large bridal party made up of lifelong friends from different stages of Catherine and Matt’s lives, each member held a special place in their journey. Their energy and closeness made for some truly heartwarming and fun moments.
As the sun set, Catherine and Matt took their couples’ portraits among the towering trees and fresh snow, embracing the ethereal beauty of the season. A highlight of the evening was their horse-drawn carriage ride—a true fairy-tale moment. Wrapped in warmth, they took in the magic of their first moments as husband and wife, the crisp winter air making every breath feel even more alive.
The reception kicked off with a grand entrance as the bridal party made their way down the grand staircase to the main level, all eyes on them. This built up to the highly anticipated entrance of Catherine and Matt, who made their way down the stairs in a breathtaking moment, leading straight into their first dance. With the spotlight shining on them and the soft glow of candlelight reflecting around the room, their dance was a picture of love and elegance.
Heartfelt speeches followed at the sweetheart table, with Catherine’s parents, her best friend, and Matt’s brother sharing stories of their journey as a couple. Their words painted a beautiful picture of two people meant to be together, reinforcing what everyone in the room already knew—this was a love that would last forever.
Dinner was a delicious buffet by The Lodge’s catering team, enjoyed under the warm glow of candles with soft music creating an intimate atmosphere. The parent dances were another sentimental highlight, with Catherine sharing a tender dance with her father and Matt with his mother, both moments capturing the deep bonds of family love.
In the midst of the excitement, Catherine and Matt took a quiet moment together for their cake cutting. Stepping away from the crowd, they shared a private, intimate moment as they sliced into their beautifully decorated wedding cake and fed each other a bite, laughing and savoring the sweetness of both the cake and the moment. This short but meaningful pause in the evening gave them a chance to soak in the magic of their wedding day, just the two of them, before returning to the dance floor for a night full of celebration.
Before the dance floor opened, the couple gathered all their guests for an unforgettable full-room group photo—a treasured keepsake from the night.
Then, the real party began. The dance floor came alive with dazzling spotlights and vibrant colors, creating an electrifying atmosphere. DJ CJ of Visa Versa Entertainment kept the energy high, ensuring that the dance floor remained packed all night long. Guests of all ages joined in the fun, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Catherine and Matt’s wedding was a celebration of love, family, and friendship. Every detail, from the winter landscape to the glowing warmth of their reception, contributed to a truly magical day.
Seeing the motion and emotion of the day through video
adds another layer of storytelling that we are SO thrilled to provide!
Matt & Cat’s Highlight Film & Trailer
From start to finish, this day was the perfect blend of elegance, warmth, and joyful celebration. Congratulations to Catherine and Matt—may your love continue to shine as beautifully as it did on this magical winter day!
Thank you to the amazing vendors who made this day possible:
Photography & Videography: JV Films
DJ: CJ (Visa Versa Entertainment) | info@vvep.com | 315-440-2048
Dress: Boulder Bridal (@boulderbridal)
Suits/Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Florals: Josh Whaley (@theflowerboyevents)
Catering: The Lodge
Hair: Paula Petit (Fredrick Anthony’s Salon)
Makeup: Nicole Marie (@nmbmakeupartistry)
Coordinator: Joelle Eddy (The Lodge)
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