Caitlin and Ryan’s wedding day at Fort William Henry felt timeless. It was romantic, personal, and rooted in tradition. Lake George stretched endlessly behind it all.

Set against the water in early October, their day balanced meaningful moments with celebration, emotion with ease. They got ready on site. The ceremony overlooked the lake. The reception was high-energy at the Carriage House. Everything about this wedding felt intentional without feeling overproduced.

Getting Ready On Site at Fort William Henry

Caitlin and Ryan decided to get ready on site at Fort William Henry. This decision made the entire day flow naturally. Caitlin spent the morning in the Carriage House. She was surrounded by her mom and best friend. They eased into the day instead of rushing through it.

One of the most meaningful details of the morning was Caitlin’s getting-ready robe—custom made from her mom’s wedding gown. It was quiet, emotional, and deeply personal, setting the tone for a day centered on family and legacy.

Ryan got ready elsewhere on the property. He was with his side of the wedding party. They kept things relaxed and close to where everything would unfold.

Meaningful Moments Before the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, Caitlin and Ryan made space for the moments that mattered most to them.

A ketubah signing took place shortly before guests arrived. This was a meaningful, intimate moment. It was grounded in tradition and shared with the people closest to them. Caitlin also exchanged gifts with her mom, mother-in-law, and officiant. She brought gratitude and intention into the quieter parts of the day.

These moments did not feel like “extras.” They felt like the heart of the wedding.

A Private First Look Overlooking Lake George

Caitlin and Ryan chose to do a private first look. They hoped for a view of Lake George stretching out behind them.

The lake served as their backdrop. The early fall air was settling in. The first look was calm, emotional, and unhurried. No vows were exchanged here—just presence, grounding, and a chance to be together before the ceremony began.

Caitlin also shared a first look with her father earlier in the day. This is one of those moments that quietly carries more weight than anything staged ever could.

Afterward, they completed bridal party photos and portraits ahead of the ceremony. This allowed them to fully enjoy the rest of the day. They were not pulled away later.

An Outdoor Ceremony on the Carriage House Lawn

The ceremony took place outdoors on the Carriage House lawn, overlooking the lake—an iconic Lake George wedding setting.

Their ceremony was personal and true to who they are. It incorporated a hand fasting ritual and the breaking of the glass. They chose a song that felt meaningful rather than performative. Caitlin walked down the aisle to “Yellow.” Ryan’s reaction to her walking was one of the most emotionally charged moments of the day.

It was the kind of ceremony where guests leaned in—not because they were told to, but because it felt real.

Cocktail Hour by the Water

After the ceremony, guests flowed directly into cocktail hour on the Carriage House deck and patio. With everyone staying on site, the transition felt seamless.

Caitlin and Ryan made it a priority to be fully present for cocktail hour. They mingled, laughed, and spent time with their families. They chose this over disappearing for photos. This decision shaped the rest of the evening, grounding the celebration in connection instead of a rigid schedule.

A Romantic, High-Energy Reception at the Carriage House

The reception took place inside the Carriage House at Fort William Henry, where romantic details met high-energy celebration.

The evening included:

• A first dance that set the tone
• Parent dances filled with emotion
• Speeches from the maid of honor and best man
• A cake cutting that actually mattered to them

At one point, Caitlin changed into a second dress. Ryan helped her. It was a small, intimate moment tucked into the middle of a big celebration.

They chose to stay present instead of stepping away for sunset photos. They wanted to soak up time with the people who traveled to celebrate them.

A Fort William Henry Wedding Rooted in Connection

Caitlin and Ryan’s wedding was not about spectacle—it was about intention, tradition, and presence.

Their Fort William Henry wedding began with getting ready on site. It included meaningful rituals. They spent the night fully immersed in their reception. This wedding reflected what happens when couples trust their priorities and let the day unfold naturally.

Classic. Emotional. Timeless.

Exactly as it should be.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography

I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. I am based in Upstate New York. My work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach. It creates space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple. I aim to make images that feel true to who you are. They show the genuine you, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
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Vendors: 

Venue: The Carriage House at Fort William Henry | The Florist: Blooms Floral Design | DJ: Love of Music Entertainment | Videography: Gifford Videography | Cake & Desserts: Indulgence Bakery | Hair: Julie Potter | Makeup: Sarah Marquart | Dresses: Ivory & Main