Mysterious Ways | Bryce & Marissa’s Whiteface Club & Resort Wedding in Lake Placid

” ’cause honey your soul could never grow old, it’s evergreen. And, baby, your smile’s forever in my mind and memory. I’m thinking ’bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways. Maybe it’s all part of a plan…“

Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud

They took dance lessons prior to their wedding and fittingly danced to Ed Sheeran’s song, Thinking Out Loud, in which the artist describes falling in love in mysterious ways.

Bryce and Marissa did just that.

Marissa grew up in Kasilof, Alaska and traveled the coasts of North America to complete her undergrad, medical school, fellowship and residency programs. Marissa now lives and works in Plattsburgh NY as a plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon.

Bryce was born and raised in northern NY and after graduating with a degree in Environmental Science from SUNY Plattsburgh, started his small business, Eastern View Outfitters, where he guides clients on outdoor adventures.

They explained that they would probably have not met if it weren’t for the internet and the advent of online dating sites. After a plethora of emails, texts and phone calls, they finally met up for the first time. Their first date: hiking Lye Brook Falls in Vermont with Bryce’s wingman, Hudson, his labrador retriever.

It wasn’t long after that, during a trip back to Alaska for Marissa’s birthday, when Bryce proposed in front of a glacier during a cruise.

For their wedding day, they chose the Adirondack peaks as the backdrop to their nuptials and celebration, with Whiteface Club and Resort the center of it all.

Marissa, her mother, and her bridesmaids got ready at Camp Owl’s Nest, a log cabin rental, located on Whiteface Club and Resort property. What a gorgeous place.

I love that the cabin had so many rustic elements to lend a unique backdrop to her carefully selected bridal details, like her Neil Lane necklace and stunning engagement ring.

 

My kind of women…pizza and silk robes, yessssss.

Marissa impressed me all day long. She designed and hand-made her own wedding gown. What an incredible job she did.

 

The proud mother and father of the groom watching their son walk to the garden arbor where he would exchange vows with his soon-to-be wife.

Sometimes it is children that melt the hearts of the guests at a wedding, sometimes it’s man’s best friend. On Bryce and Marissa’s wedding day, it was Hudson, who dutifully carried the rings down the aisle on his dog-bone shaped pillow. He took his job very seriously and didn’t take his eye off that pillow all day long.

The moments right before a bride takes her first steps towards her waiting, future husband during the ceremony are some of the best parts of the whole day.

It is easy for the color purple to go so wrong when it comes to weddings, but not this time. Impeccable work between their florist, Lake Placid Florist, and the excellent event coordination of Kristin Parker and her team with Whiteface Club and Resort. The small details really set this wedding above and beyond, giving it that utmost rustic-elegant atmosphere.

They used classic Adirondack chairs as a guest book to sign.

Bryce and Marissa had taken dance lessons prior to their wedding day and wowed the crowd with their sultry moves.

One of the most memorable parts of the night was the perfect toast given by the maid of honor. She recounted the first time Marissa had met Bryce for their first date hike. This is the moment in the toast where she explained how she received a text from Marissa prior to leaving for the date stating:

“His name is Bryce Collins in case you need to give the police a suspect’s name“

The Grand Central Station band was incredible. Josh and I both agreed, as seasoned wedding go-ers, we think they are hands down the best band we’ve seen at a wedding. The photos from the dance floor will attest to that 🙂

It started out so sweet and tender…

Everyone’s expression is priceless as to what occurred next.

It wouldn’t be a Whiteface Club and Resort wedding without the classic group photo on the dock with the Adirondack peaks in the background.

Bryce and Marissa, 

Thank you a million times over for giving us the opportunity to not only meet two incredible people, but to have the honor of documenting such a keystone moment in your lives. Bryce, I have no doubt that if we lived closer I would be itching to photograph your outdoor adventures. I can’t tell you enough how impressed I am, Marissa, by your intense drive & determination and impeccable attention to detail. You are an impressive woman, on all accounts. 

May you both enjoy the best life has to offer and unbounded happiness in your marriage. 

Always, 

Kelley