When Alex & Sarah met with us over Zoom and told us about their plans of a total DIY wedding at a no-longer-operating bed and breakfast we could not have been more intrigued. Then, Sarah told us it was the same bed and breakfast she would stay at as a child each summer with her family on their yearly summer trips to Sharon Springs, NY, and our hearts were sold. It sounded like the dreamiest DIY wedding as Sarah described the beautiful views from the shabby chic estate. Having never hosted a wedding there before, they explained the vibe they hoped this day would bring: a laid back morning with an intimate ceremony in the afternoon, followed by dinner with few traditions. When their wedding day finally arrived and we turned down the driveway to Clausen Farm it was time to get the day started!

While getting ready photos were not as important to Sarah & Alex as photos of family and friends were, we still made sure to snap some key moments to kick off the day. Sarah's shoes were her 'something borrowed' from her best friend, and Alex wore vintage green cufflinks that were passed down to him from his family. The necklace Sarah chose to wear has been in her family for four generations, and each recipient of this necklace has worn it on their respective wedding day, too. The personal touches and details made their wedding day attire so much more special.

Sarah wore the gorgeous 'Lilla' gown by Willowby & Watters BHLDN that was further tailored for her vision, and Alex opted for a classic, custom tailored tux by Black Tux!

Before welcoming their family and friends to the farm for their wedding celebration, Alex & Sarah chose to have an intimate first look together on a wooded path on the property. We took some time together along this path to capture some portraits before heading to the super awesome indoor bowling alley at Clausen Farm. Of course the happy couples threw a few balls, and Sarah even threw a strike!! Pro tip: practice at your local bowling alley if your wedding venue also has a bowling alley, so you can seriously impress your wedding photographers.

Once all of the guests arrived and made themselves comfortable, Alex & Sarah made their way down the aisle of their outdoor ceremony and committed themselves to one another in front of all of their family and friends. Right after everyone headed to the converted stables for cocktail hour.

Now married, the happy couple joined their family and friends while the outdoor porch in the main building received the final touches for a gorgeous post-sunset sit down dinner catered by the wonderful Anthony Leberto!

Brace yourselves, because before dinner the sun began to set. Alex & Sarah excitedly joined us down another trail to the old stables on the lower part of the property for portraits. Sarah fondly remembered these buildings being housing for all of the alpacas that used to live here and graze in the field that we were all now standing in. Together, Sarah & Alex enjoyed the views, took it all in, and made new memories as husband and wife in a place so dear to her, and now, them. Side note: Clausen Farms wins the award for the best and most beautiful sunset, if you ask us!

Once we made it back to the party and before we sat for dinner, Sarah's parents offered up beautiful display of love and toasted their daughter and her new husband. Tears were shed and laughs were shared before we sat down on the porch for a buffet dinner. What was dreamt of to be a laid back and loving day was that and so, so much more. We are so grateful to have capture Sarah & Alex's DIY Upstate New York wedding photos and to have been a part of such a beautiful and intimate display and celebration of true love!

The biggest, biggest cross country thank you to Sarah & Alex for being such a wonderful couple to know. We had the best time helping make your DIY Upstate NY Shabby Chic Farm wedding dreams a reality!