Rows of blooming white hydrangeas, mountain views, and manicured gardens made The Promise Gardens of the Adirondacks an easy choice for Shannon and AJ’s summer wedding. The couple had their hearts set on an elegant garden party with a blue color palette and a laid-back atmosphere where everyone could enjoy themselves.

Their celebration featured an outdoor ceremony surrounded by flowers, a candlelit reception with natural wood furnishings, and a few unexpected details. Their fluffy white dog, Bodie, joined them for portraits and even appeared on their wedding cake. Add in disco-inspired decor and a few DIY projects, and the day had plenty of personality without losing its classic garden party charm.

What We Love About This Wedding at The Promise Gardens of the Adirondacks

• The lush gardens, white hydrangeas, and mountain views
• A flower-lined ceremony aisle with white parasols 
• A candlelit reception with wooden tables, cane-back chairs, and navy accents
• Sweet nods to their dog, Bodie, in their portraits, custom stickers, and wedding cake
• Shannon’s strapless wedding gown paired with a chic bridal scarf

A Summer Ceremony Surrounded by Hydrangeas and Mountain Views

Finding the right venue was Shannon and AJ’s first priority when they started planning. They wanted an elevated garden party, and The Promise Gardens of the Adirondacks had everything they were looking for.

“There was no other venue that could even compare to the beauty of the Promise Gardens,” they shared. “You can tell as soon as you step on the property that Terri puts her all into the gardens.”

The ceremony took place along a stone pathway lined with white hydrangeas, leading to a wooden arch draped in soft white fabric. Wooden cross-back chairs and white parasols were arranged on either side, with the Adirondack mountains visible beyond the gardens.

A longtime friend of AJ’s officiated, sharing stories from years of friendship with the couple. “We have all been friends over the years, and his speech reflected on many of our memories together,” they recalled.

Sweet Personal Touches, From Bodie to the Bride’s Scarf

Shannon and AJ met in college, where late-night study sessions eventually turned into a relationship. Since then, they’ve spent their time hiking with their dog, Bodie, traveling, and enjoying nights out together.

Bodie, their fluffy white dog, was very much part of the wedding. He joined the newlyweds for portraits among the hydrangeas and appeared on their custom stickers, which featured illustrations of him alongside the couple’s names and wedding date.

Their vintage-style heart-shaped cake included another nod to Bodie, with miniature white dog figures nestled beside the piped frosting, white flowers, and “Just Married” inscription.

A Candlelit Reception With Blue Accents and Natural Wood Details

The celebration continued indoors, where long wooden tables were paired with cane-back chairs, white runners, and navy napkins. Small floral arrangements and candles in glass hurricanes decorated the tables, while champagne glasses completed the place settings.

The reception space featured chandeliers and a large stone fireplace lined with candles. Trees wrapped in fairy lights stood near the tables, adding a little greenery indoors. The couple’s sweetheart table sat in front of the fireplace, decorated with white flowers, candles, and a fabric banner displaying their new last name.

Shannon and AJ also made their own powder-blue seating chart, titled “Our Favorite People,” along with a “Til Death Do Us Party” disco ball sign. These handmade pieces brought a playful touch to the otherwise classic decor.

“We wanted an ‘elevated’ garden party vibe. The most important thing to us, however, was that everyone felt happy and was able to really relax and enjoy themselves,” they explained.

Guests enjoyed a generous charcuterie spread, and a cannoli server made an appearance later in the evening. 

Featured Vendor:

The Promise Gardens of the Adirondacks

Why Hiring a Month-of Coordinator Was Their Best Planning Decision

After booking The Promise Gardens of the Adirondacks, Shannon and AJ focused on finding vendors whose work they admired and who were easy to collaborate with. They interviewed several before choosing their team and brought in a month-of coordinator to help with the final preparations.

Looking back, they were especially glad they had someone managing the details as the wedding approached. Their advice to other couples was simple: “Hire the month-of coordinator!”

With the planning taken care of, they could spend the day enjoying the company of their family and friends, just as they’d hoped.