I am obsessed with Full Moon Resort. Do you dream about having a wedding that spans for a weekend where your guests can go swimming, have a BBQ and go wading in a creek? If so, Full Moon Resort is the place for you. Situated in the Catskill Mountains just a few minutes west of Phoenicia, it’s an easy Thruway trip back to NYC and the perfect weekend long wedding venue. Full Moon Resort hosts conferences and workshops for musicians and has amazing original photographs of artists like Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin to spark the history and vibe of the area.
And the best part? It’s dog friendly. Thank god, because my couple K + J have the most fun rescue dog named Penny that absolutely needed to be included in their special day.
Okay, to set the scene, it was a moody early November day. The clouds hung heavy in the sky, giving us the most beautiful diffused light. The warmth of the fallen leaves combined with the cool glow from the atmosphere created a contrast that I adore and don’t get to see often. November is often overlooked when it comes to picking a wedding date, but I love the drama you only get right at that deep fall moment.
K and her crew got ready in the Dancing Bear cabin, an octagonal one room cabin with natural light and pretty minimalist furniture; J in the pool hall, a dark and moody space with interesting ambient light and a hipster dive bar vibe. After they were ready, J waited near the Esopus Creek on a little bridge for their first look. His face when he saw K said it all, just the biggest beam you could ever hope for. I may have choked up a little behind the camera. We took advantage of the big open field and moody skies for their couples portraits and then family photos. It began to drizzle ever so much just as we neared the end but the weather cleared up just in time for the ceremony.
Their ceremony took place in the Lower Grove along the Esopus. Guests gathered under umbrellas just in case, though the rain seized for the rest of the day. K + J invited loved ones to do readings, most notably one where K’s nephew recited a beautiful passage from memory. It was intimate and beautiful.
As their guests went to cocktail hour in the barn, Penny the pup came out to visit her parents and go for a portrait walk. I love her. We met at their engagement session in Brooklyn and she’s an energetic, super friendly girl who is so pretty. I was pumped to have some Penny time again!
Inside the reception space in the Pavilion, I loved the drama from the tall centerpieces - they truly felt like they filled the height of the lofted room so nicely. Instead of a DJ, K+J opted for an AMAZING band which brought the party. Best. Time. Ever.
Vendor credits!
Venue - Full Moon Resort
Band - Erin Harkes
Florist - Cherry Brandy Designs
Hair and makeup - Baby Breath Bridal Services
Wedding dress - Rembo Styling from Veka Bridal, Brooklyn
Suit - Indochino
Rings - Michael F and Co.
