Blake & John's Micro-Wedding | Cristman Barn, Ilion, NY

Rebecca Sheets
Apr 6, 2021
3 min read

We couldn't have asked for a better day for Blake & John's wedding!

Blake & John got engaged in December 2020, over a cozy dinner (that John cooked!) at home by their fireplace. They decided, due to all of the uncertainty in the world, to have a short engagement and plan a small intimate micro-wedding with only their immediate family.

Even though they had a short engagement, I was so happy that I was still able to do an engagement session for Blake & John! They had a very wintery engagement session, in the middle of a snow storm, in the Baggs Square District of Downtown Utica, NY! Check out their engagement session and read more about their love story here.

When asked what they were each looking forward to the most about their wedding, John said, "Hearing Blake say 'I do'", and Blake said, "Getting to walk down the aisle to John".

Blake & John rented out Cristman Barn in Ilion, NY for the weekend, an Airbnb that can also be a venue for small weddings and events, where they would get ready and have their reception at. This was my first time at Cristman Barn, and I certainly hope it won't be my last! Everything about this barn was picturesque! This 3 story barn is truly a sight to see, with it's rustic wood and stone exterior, 2 ponds, and jaw-dropping finished interior, complete with high ceilings, a grand staircase, full kitchen & dining room, 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms! It was the perfect place for a Micro-Wedding!

Blake's wedding dress was simply stunning with lace detail, a beautiful beaded belt, a soft champagne tulle skirt, and amazing buttons on the stunning mesh lace back. She found her dress on the very first appointment that she went to at The Bridal Secret in Braintree, MA. She had no idea what type of dress she wanted when she arrived to the appointment, and it was the very last dress that she tried on that day.... it was meant to be! Her dress was paired perfectly with a stunning veil, also from The Bridal Secret, that Judy, the shop owner hand made herself!

On the morning of their wedding day, I met Blake & John at Cristman Barn, where they were finishing up getting ready.

Their florist Brianna Goodwin from Blooms & Blossoms in Oneida, NY, was finishing up decorating the barn, and the details were exquisite. I especially loved the magnificent greenery chandelier over the dining table!

We then traveled to St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro, NY for a beautiful ceremony, where Blake & John said I do and left officially as husband & wife.

After the vows were read, Blake & John's first kiss was shared and many happy tears were shed, we traveled back to Cristman barn for portraits and where the festivities would later take place!

The weather turned out to be everything we could've asked for!

Blake & John, I couldn't have asked for a sweeter couple to work with. You both deserve all of the happiness in the world and I'm so excited for you on your greatest adventure yet, marriage! Wishing you nothing but many years of love and happiness together! It's been such an honor to be able to witness and capture your special day!

Here's to the new Mr. & Mrs. Doyle!

The Dream Team

Ceremony Venue: St. Paul’s Church, Whitesboro, NY

Officiant: Father Tom Durant, St. Paul’s Church

Ceremony Music: Gerard Pecerello

Reception Venue: Cristman Barn, Ilion, NY

Brides Dress: The Bridal Secret, Braintree, MA

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Brides Shoes: Badgley Mischka “Jenna”

Brides Veil: The Bridal Secret, Braintree, MA (Judy hand makes her veils in her shop)

Bride’s Engagement Ring: Fitzgerald Imports, Boston MA

Wedding Rings: Fitzgerald Imports, Boston MA