The love story of Dani Cummins and Chandler Keller goes all the way back to high school, where they met in their ninth-grade history class and eventually started dating after attending prom together junior year. Years later, Chandler surprised Dani with a memorable proposal in a beautiful snow-covered park in Aspen, followed by a celebratory dinner with their parents. 

When planning their summer wedding for the following year, Dani and Chandler relied on the expertise of their partner planner, Victoria Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events, to give them advice and orchestrate the perfect day. The Brooklyn-based couple selected a stunning private estate in the heart of the Hudson Valley that offers breathtaking views overlooking tree-lined lakes, rolling hills, and picturesque mountains. “We loved how Cedar Lakes Estate has space for so many people to stay on the property, making it a weekend escape,” describes the bride. 

Since she and her groom both love outdoor activities and grew up with wonderful memories of summer sleep-away camp, they desired an outdoor, upscale “camp” feel for their entire wedding weekend, which included an array of camp activities for friends and family to enjoy, even in the hours leading up to the ceremony. “We both spent as long as we could by the lake with friends and family the day of the wedding – we even ziplined into the lake before getting ready!” smiles Dani. When it came time for the vow exchange, attendees followed a winding path lined with lavender blooms and greenery to find their seats on wooden benches facing that very same lake. 

“I wanted the look to be ‘elegant rustic,’ playing into the beautiful scenery and vibe,” shares the bride of the florals and foliage that adorned the forest setting. She was gorgeous in a high halter-neck, floral-embellished gown from Mark Ingram Atelier as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom beneath the chuppah. The lush arch of greenery and flowers in shades of purple and blue highlighted the tallit of her late father in his memory, and to further personalize the day, the ceremony was officiated by Chandler’s father and incorporated both of their religions. 

“I wanted the look to be ‘elegant rustic,’ playing into the beautiful scenery and vibe.”

After the “I dos,” loved ones enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour and found their table assignments on a wood display decorated with ferns and colorful blossoms. When they entered the reception space, guests were met with a design scheme similar to the style of the ceremony. Lush greenery, blue hydrangeas, and purple delphinium decorated long tables strewn with embroidered runners and surrounded by wooden vineyard chairs topped with ivory cushions. Warm candlelight filled the room, as did lighting from overhead bistro lights and chandeliers embellished with verdure. 

“As big foodies, it was important to us to have good food, and we were even able to have sushi catered by Dani’s uncle’s restaurant,” Chandler notes of the impressive family-style fare that delighted guests. They also chose to further honor the father of the bride with various epicurean delights, including placing his photo next to the Ibérico ham carving station – “his favorite!” confirms Dani of the sweet touch – as well as having barbecue rub, made with his recipe, placed in welcome bags. For an additional sentimental familial detail, the ‘pink cake’ Dani’s mom made for her on every birthday was beautifully recreated by the venue. 

From all of the personalized elements the couple incorporated into the day, to the magnificent décor that complemented such an extraordinary setting, to the unforgettable memories they made with their guests, the entire celebration exceeded the pair’s expectations. The bride urges other couples preparing to say “I do” to release their stress once the wedding weekend arrives. “Soak it all in and have as much fun as you can being surrounded by the people most important to you,” she smiles. “It is probably the only time all of these people will be in the same room!”