Rustic Wedding, Catskills NY | The Inn at West Settlement | Susie and Brendan

Susie + Brendon - The Inn at West Settlement - Highlights from Alchemedia Studios on Vimeo.

Nestled in the heart of the Catskills under layers of fall foliage and wispy willows, Susie and Brendan sealed their vows in a rustic wedding ceremony with an intimate group of friends and family. 

At the start of the day, a murmur of busy excitement weaved in and out of the bridal room. The makeup artist skillfully readied the bridesmaids while Susie, basking in the morning light, surrounded herself with conversations about what lay ahead. 

Meanwhile, Brendan and the groomsmen transformed the reception area from an empty barn to an inviting space. They sprinkled personal touches of photos, rustic frames, fairy lights paired with the overhead lanterns, and a photo booth corner throughout the space before they, too, prepared for the ceremony. 

The couple came together for the first look under a sheltering willow tree. While Brendan faced the autumn-layered mountains, Susie walked up behind him and tapped him on his shoulder. They shared a kiss and long embrace, stealing a small, private moment before the ceremony. 

The ceremony took place on the tranquil front lawn. The warmth and heart of the couple’s vows complemented the brisk, open mountain air. Their journey together from initially meeting at a party years ago was summed up in personal letters to one other, with Susie affirming her path to finding Brendan: "What we are doing here, what we are creating together is so right and exactly where I’m meant to be.”

The sweeps of orange, yellows, and greens across the Catskills were mirrored by the bridal party. The vast expanse of nature reminded guests of the bigger picture as they feted Susie and Brandon’s first kiss as husband and wife. 

Under the glow of lanterns, guests enjoyed cocktail hour as the sunset. The low hum of conversation and light laughter wafted across the open lawn as guests were coaxed into scattered games of cornhole. 

For the barn reception and grand entrance, guests gathered for a close and intimate experience. They sat side by side at long tables, evoking a big family meal at home. Rubbing elbows with old and new friends, guests were treated to speeches from Susie and Brendan’s closest friends and family. 

The father of the bride welcomed Brendan to the family: “I’m so happy to have you as my Son in Law. [Brendan is] “just an amazing person” [and he just so easily] “melds into the folds of our family”.

Surrounded by family, friends, and the twinkle of soft lights, Susie and Brendan celebrated their first dance. Eyes locked and moving effortlessly to their song, Susie and Brendan were in their own world, far away from their guests.

The joy radiating off the bride and groom swirled into every corner of the barn and if you watch close enough, you'll see, near the end of their 1st dance, Susie mouths the words: 

​“I love you”. 

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