One Venue, Four Weddings: Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca, NY
There’s just something about the Ithaca Farmers Market…
It’s rustic, but still has that “crunchy Ithaca granola” vibe to it
It loved throughout the community, and some of my couples even visited the market while they attended school in Ith, and decided to get married there!
It has a built in rain plan! No need to worry about tents.
It’s RIGHT on the lake. On hotter summer days, I can’t tell you how wonderful a cooler lake breeze feels.
The space allows for your personality to shine - you can dress it up or keep it to its bones. This blog post is to showcase how different couples approached their wedding day decor, and it always looked lovely.
It’s outside of downtown Ithaca, and is quiet easy to get to.
Also with it being close to downtown Ithaca, you have ample places to get ready, including hotels, Airbnb’s, and Bed and Breakfasts.
Last summer, they paved their parking lot, so now parking is simple, well-lit and weather resistant!
It’s ADA accessible so all of your guests can be comfortable.
Two Quick JZPS Photo Tips:
If you have a lot of set up, I highly recommend hiring a month of or day-of coordinator to ensure that everything gets set up!
The sweetheart table is usually placed at the entrance of the market - now with the snazzy new parking lot set up, another option can to have it near a booth for speeches, dances (reaction shots), and dinner.
Getting Ready
Van and Alex got ready in a big house through AirBnB in downtown Ithaca on separate sides of the house.
Lizz got ready at her childhood home with her family, while James got married at Firelight Camps with his friends and family.
Jolan got ready at a cozy AirBnB near Ithaca College, and Ben got ready only a short walk away at the Inn on Columbia
Emily got ready at a funky, modern AirBnB outside of downtown
First Look & Vows
Couples Portraits
Ceremony
Emily and Ethan were SO worried about the weather - there was a chance of rain all day. BUT right before the ceremony, the sun appeared, and they were able to have their ceremony outdoors as they had hoped.
Van and Alex’s wedding day was so rainy! That didn’t stop the ceremony though - they were able to have it in the market and bring all the chairs in. It still overlooked the lake, but everyone was able to stay dry and celebrate.
The morning pf the wedding day, James built a chuppah with his friends, made with wood from the area.
Jolan and Ben’s wedding was in late spring, but the day was PERFECT.
Venue Decoration
Everyone had different aesthetics for their wedding days.
Van and Alex went all out! Customized napkins, felt made flowers, greenery lining the market sign, and bundles of balloons everywhere. This was a super cool, artsy couple, so they really wanted to showcase their love of prop-making and design. They had long tables so friends and family can easily chat and share stories.
Jolan and Ben welcomed the early spring aesthetic and really let the venue shine - they focused on bright, colorful florals, and minimal design. Those florals were GORGEOUS !
Emily and Ethan’s authentic was super classy - think white and sage colors, with clean florals. Everything fit the mood - a calm day that was meant to focus on connection and getting married.
With Lizz and James, they loved hosting dinner parties and having friends over - to them their wedding was no different. Each table included a flower on guests plate, along with recipes on the back of the table numbers. With them, each guest was an intentional part of their story, and they wanted them to feel at home.
Reception
Each of these weddings had different receptions - all had energetic or lovey first dances, wholesome cake cuttings, and speeches that made everyone in the room tear up. However, they were all different enough to match the personality and goals of the couple.
One thing I love about the Farmers Market, is how you can really make it your own. There’s so many ways to decorate and incorporate your personal styles.
No matter how many times I photograph a wedding, it’s always different. But the people are always the kindest cuties :)
VENDORS from each wedding
Lizz and James
Planner: KM Lyons Planning
Catering/Desserts: Gola Osteria
Rentals: She Rents Vintage
DJ: DJ Tuggle
Van and Alex
Day-of Wedding Coordinator: Terra Rosa
Bar/Rentals: Serendipity Catering
Catering: Van Noble Farm
String Trio: Rintaro Wada
Actor/Puppeteer: Lilypad Puppet Theatre
Hair Stylist: The Ivy
Florals: Plenty of Posies
Emily and Ethan
Planner: LuLu Bee Weddings
Catering/Dessert/Rentals: Serendipity Catering
Florals: Willow Floral Studios
Hair & Makeup: Grace Holistic Beauty & Wellness
DJ: Westphal Music
Jolan and Ben
Catering: Beacon Events and Catering
Photographer: Juliette Zyg Picture Studios
Florals: Plenty of Posies
Desserts: Ithaca Bread Works
Hair: Mavin Hair & Beautty
Band: Silver Arrow Band
A nostalgic Skaneateles weekend spend exploring the lake, a wedding at the Sherwood Inn, and dancing so hard you forget the cake cutting.