Stephanie Karvellas’ destination wedding at her Cedar Lakes Estate, a luxury custom NY wedding venue located in the heart of the Hudson Valley!
Cedar Lakes Estate, a luxury custom wedding venue, was founded by entrepreneurial sisters Stephanie and Lisa Karvellas after recognizing the raw natural beauty of their parents’ 500-acre former summer camp in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
On a beautiful day in June, Stephanie herself got married at the Estate. As the owner and site coordinator, she was given carte blanche to host the most spectacular wedding imaginable. After building a team of the industry’s best, including Mindy Weiss as the planner, her vision came to life and the wedding was truly second to none.
About Stephanie, Derek and the Wedding:
Derek Baynton and Stephanie met Memorial Day Weekend 2012 in a share house in Montauk…not your typical love story. 25 singles in a beach house seemed like a recipe for disaster, but those who don’t believe in love at first sight, their housemates will tell you otherwise.
Since Stephanie spends all of her days planning other people’s weddings at her Estate, she wanted her wedding to feel different, and custom to what her and Derek care most about: extraordinary food, masterful cocktails, and creating an unforgettable experience for their beloved friends and family. Luckily she also had access to the industry’s best, who all couldn’t wait to make this wedding a showcase of their best work as well.
They held her ceremony at the 85-year old deck overlooking the lake and nestled under a pine tree sky. Their first look was when she walked down the aisle and Derek couldn’t contain his genuine tears. It was romantic and intimate yet dramatic and breathtaking.
Furthermore, she wore a backless Ghalia Lahav lace gown and looked ethereal against a 100-foot pine tree backdrop with thousands of candles flickering in the branches. The bridesmaids all wore floor length nude gowns of their choice. And, the groomsmen wore custom slim-fit midnight blue tuxes.
Stephanie and Derek offered three different cocktail hours in three locations.
The first one on the bluestone patio surrounding the infinity pool overlooking the lake, with a Montauk vibe. They offered lobster rolls, fresh sashimi cut to order, classic rum punches and live beachy music.
Moreover, the second, on the mountain top with views that span for miles, a live doo wop band (the same one who was present at their proposal under the Washington Square Park Monument). Plus, a variety of specialty cocktails all made with fresh pressed juices, herbs from the on-site garden, homemade bitters, and local craft spirits – all shaken by professional mixologists from NYC.
In addition, the final cocktail hour was in the open air pavilion with a massive stone fire pit. Decorated with tufted leather couches, cigar bars, cow hyde rugs and antler chandeliers, the men (and ladies!) enjoyed dirty martinis and small-batch whiskey flights.
Finally, the reception space was masterfully lit and draped with romantic, airy fabric and lace. Elaborate, wild green and white centerpieces hung from the ceiling. And, eucalyptus garland ran down the center of the barn wood tables. The tables had handmade lace runners and lace overlays draped on the chairs.
In sum, every detail was perfect.
List of all suppliers:
- Venue: Cedar Lakes Estate
- Caterer: Cedar Lakes Estate
- Planner: Mindy Weiss
- Designer/Florist/Mastermind: That Time Events
- Photographer: Trent Bailey Studio
- Videographer: NY Film Works
- Dress: Galia Lahav
- Tux: The Knot Standard
- Band: Bobby Attiko Band
- Lighting: Event Lights, Inc.
- Draping: Gio Draping
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Trent Bailey Studio
*Last Update on March/2020.*
