Ashley and Max's wedding at the Inns of Aurora was a beautiful celebration of modern elegance, set against the rich colors and crisp air of fall in the Finger Lakes. Perched on the edge of Cayuga Lake, the property’s timeless charm, layered history, and thoughtful design made it an ideal setting for a wedding that felt both personal and elevated.
As planners, we love working at venues that offer variety without compromising intimacy, and the Inns of Aurora never disappoint. With several unique spaces across the estate, we were able to design a wedding weekend that felt cohesive, immersive, and uniquely reflective of Ashley and Max’s vision.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding weekend or simply looking for a stunning New York venue, we can’t recommend this location enough. If you're considering the Inns of Aurora for your own celebration, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life! Learn more about working together here.
New York Wedding Planner Review
Before diving into all the stunning details of Ashley and Max’s fall celebration, I have to share a few kind words from the bride herself. As an out-of-state couple, Ashley and Max entrusted me with every aspect of their wedding weekend—from design to execution—and I’m so grateful they did. It was a true privilege to help bring their modern fall wedding to life in such a meaningful and memorable way.
“We chose to work with Desirée because we loved her designs and her attention to detail! Desiree knows what she is talking about. She understood my vision and was extremely organized, which I LOVED. During welcome drinks and on the wedding day, I got to fully relax and enjoy the moment with my family and friends while Desirée made sure everything was buttoned up, running smoothly and perfect. I am super sad that the wedding and planning is over and will miss Desirée's positive attitude and her “get sh*t done” energy.”
A Lakeside Ceremony
Ashley and Max exchanged vows in a lakeside ceremony surrounded by 100 of their closest family and friends. With the sun glinting off Cayuga Lake and a soft breeze in the air, the setting couldn’t have been more picturesque. Every time we plan an Inns of Aurora fall wedding, there’s a moment during the ceremony when the light catches the water just right, and it feels like something out of a dream. Ashley and Max’s day was no exception.
From the very beginning, Ashley envisioned a ceremony aisle flanked by tall white roses, creating the feeling of walking through a field of florals. Bringing that vision to life was a true collaboration, and the result was breathtaking. The roses were arranged to look as though they were growing organically from the ground, leading her toward the altar in the most elegant way.
Framing the ceremony space were two lush meadow arrangements, overflowing with texture and seasonal blooms that added depth without distraction. The entire design struck the perfect balance. It was modern yet timeless, understated yet striking. Ashley and Max had a heartfelt, personal ceremony set against one of the most captivating backdrops in the Finger Lakes.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is one of our favorite parts of the wedding day. It sets the tone for the celebration to come, and for Ashley and Max, it was all about creating an elevated yet inviting experience. Guests had the option of two bars: one inside the Lakeside Room and a satellite bar on the lawn. Not only did this help avoid bottlenecks, but it also gave guests more freedom to mingle and enjoy the space.
We also brought in a custom lounge setup to add comfort and style. Thoughtfully placed on the lawn, it offered a cozy alternative to standing tables and doubled as the perfect photo backdrop. The plush couch played beautifully with our fern green velvet high-top linens, tying in seamlessly with the ivory and peach palette we carried into the reception. It was a thoughtful detail that added both function and flair, something we always strive for in our designs.
The Reception
Ashley and Max’s reception was a true reflection of their style. Their Inns of Aurora fall wedding was warm, modern, and effortlessly refined. The color palette set the tone: ivory velvet linens paired with florals in burnt orange, soft peach, and blush, with subtle touches of green. To ground the softness, we layered in matte black details through the flatware, glassware, and stationery for just the right amount of contrast.
Lighting played a key role in the overall ambiance. We layered taper candles and votives throughout the tablescapes to create a glow that felt intimate and romantic without obstructing conversation. And for the finishing touch, we added a classic waterfall napkin fold. This is one of our favorite ways to add polish to the place settings without making things feel overly formal.
The final result was warm and inviting, with just the right balance of color, texture, and light. It was Ashley’s vision brought to life in the most beautiful way.
The Sweetheart Table
For Ashley and Max’s sweetheart table, we wanted to create something that felt intentional, sculptural, and a little unexpected. Rather than a symmetrical setup, we anchored the table with floral arrangements placed in opposite corners, bringing balance through contrast and movement.
A low, textural arrangement graced the table itself, featuring seasonal blooms and foliage in their warm fall palette. On the opposite side, we introduced a grounded meadow installation, echoing the ceremony florals while adding height and softness to the overall look. The result was a design that felt organic yet elevated, whimsical without being too playful, and perfectly in tune with the rest of their celebration.
Sunset Boat Rides
One of the most memorable touches from Ashley and Max’s wedding day was the sunset boat ride on Cayuga Lake. Just after dinner, the couple snuck away for a private cruise, giving them a few quiet moments to soak it all in before the dance floor opened. Meanwhile, guests were also invited to enjoy rides on a locally restored antique boat, which added a sense of charm and nostalgia to the evening. It was the kind of thoughtful, immersive experience that made the entire celebration feel like a true escape. And the photos? Absolutely breathtaking.
The Dance Party
The Inns of Aurora offers a layout that’s truly ideal for celebrating, especially when it comes to the reception. With a dedicated tent for dinner and a separate one for dancing, guests were free to enjoy the evening at their own pace. Some lingered over dessert and conversation, while others made their way to the dance floor for a high-energy celebration. Ashley and Max’s first dance was a standout moment. It was intimate and heartfelt, with their loved ones gathered close. As the evening continued, the music picked up, and the dance floor quickly filled. This was such a fun way to close out the night.
Planning a Wedding at Inns of Aurora
Feeling inspired? Helping Ashley and Max bring their vision to life at The Inns of Aurora was such a joy. From the thoughtful details to the meaningful moments, every element reflected their style in a way that felt both modern and timeless. At Verve, that’s always our goal. We strive to create celebrations that feel deeply personal and entirely you. If you're planning a wedding at The Inns of Aurora, or dreaming up your own unforgettable weekend somewhere just as special, I’d love to connect and explore how we can bring your vision to life together. Inquire here to get started!
Photo Credit for this post goes to the wonderful Laura Rose Weddings. For a full list of wedding vendors (and even more photos!), check out their wedding gallery here.
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