The Crooked Lake House

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all started with a Bumble message…. We texted for only a few days before he asked me on a date, and I said yes because he seemed like a very nice person. We played board games and had iced tea at the Bard and Baker, in Troy. I had to leave early to pick up my mother from a bus trip, but we went out again less than a week later, and, when we kissed, we knew it was special. Shortly, after that, we decided to only see each other, and have been together ever since. And now, we are ready to share the rest of our lives with each other!

Our Story

Photos

Jennifer Garnett

Alex Sandoval

Blake Whitbeck

Wedding Party

Residence Inn by Marriott Albany East Greenbush/Tech Valley

Travel

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

41 Sites to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses

The 15 Best Places to Buy a Suit

We want you to be comfortable, but stylish! Please wear dressy casual attire—sundresses, cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, suits, or button-downs with slacks. Tie optional!

Dress Code

<a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/uss-slater-de766/269/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">USS Slater</a>Climb aboard the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/uss-slater-de766/269/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">USS Slater</a>, the last Destroyer Escort left afloat in the United States. Beginning in April, explore the historic ship deck-by-deck on a guided tour. The entire family will enjoy stepping back in time to see, hear, smell and touch objects used by the men who lived and fought onboard the ship. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/new-york-state-capitol/893/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York State Capitol</a> Check one of the fifty state capitol buildings off of your bucket list! Free guided tours of the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/new-york-state-capitol/893/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York State Capitol</a> are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Tour guests are treated to a complete history of the building – ghost stories, unfinished carvings, famous inhabitants and all! If you do not have time for a tour, wander through the halls on your own and take in the splendor of the Million Dollar Staircase and the War Room. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/new-york-state-museum/1007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York State Museum</a>Discover the cultural and natural history of New York State at the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/new-york-state-museum/1007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York State Museum</a>. View a variety of ongoing exhibits including the <a href="http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/exhibitions/ongoing/cohoes-mastodon-0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cohoes Mastodon</a>, a skeleton discovered in 1866 near Cohoes Falls. If you are in town before September 4, check out <a href="http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/exhibitions/unveiled-wedding-wear-19th-century-new-york" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unveiled: Wedding Wear in 19th-century New York</a> special exhibit. The museum is free, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-pine-bush-preserve-commission/693/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Pine Bush Preserve</a>Bring your kids to the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-pine-bush-preserve-commission/693/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Pine Bush</a>, one of only twenty inland pine barrens left in the world, to explore a unique fire-dependent habitat. Inside the Discovery Center, browse multi-sensory and hands-on exhibits to learn more about the plants and animals that call the preserve home. Then hit the trails to try and catch a glimpse of the endangered Karner blue butterfly! <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/wildplay-elements-parks/2763/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WildPlay Thacher</a>Grab your friends for a high-flying adventure at <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/wildplay-elements-parks/2763/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WildPlay Thacher</a>. Perched above Albany in <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/john-boyd-thacher-state-park/1967/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thacher State Park</a>, this seasonal outdoor adventure course has 15 ziplines and 60 aerial games. Channel your inner Indiana Jones by climbing log ladders, swinging on rope swings, crossing wobbling bridges and flying through the air. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/capital-craft-beverage-trail/1644/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capital Craft Beverage Trail</a>Have a few extra hours before the big event? Explore a brewery, distillery, cidery or winery along the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/capital-craft-beverage-trail/1644/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capital Craft Beverage Trail</a>. From the city of Cohoes, to Albany's Warehouse District, this "drinking tour" promotes a variety of craft beverage producers that call the Capital Region home. Pick up a <a href="https://www.capitalcraftbeveragetrail.com/passport-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">passport</a>, launching in April, to collect stamps and redeem for prizes! Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour Taste Albany's evolving culinary scene with the Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour. Offered on Friday afternoons in the warm weather months by Taste of Troy Food Tours, the three-hour guided walking tour features seven sips and tastes from local restaurants. In between sipping and sampling items from local restaurants, the guided walking tour incorporates fascinating information about Albany's history, architecture and culture. <a href="https://www.albany.org/things-to-do/shopping/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopping</a> Spend a morning or afternoon shopping with your pals! Head to <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/stuyvesant-plaza-retail-llc/31/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stuyvesant Plaza</a> in Guilderland for a shopping plaza with a "Main Street" vibe offering a mix of boutique style stores and popular retailers. Located in downtown Albany, pop into <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/fort-orange-general-store/1897/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fort Orange General Store</a> to browse a curated selection of home goods and gifts from designers, artists and small companies from the local area and beyond. If you are searching for a spot that offers dining and entertainment in addition to shopping, go to <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/crossgates/177/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crossgates</a>. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-institute-of-history-%26-art/793/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Institute of History &amp; Art</a>Couples that are museum-lovers or history buffs must visit the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-institute-of-history-%26-art/1559/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Institute of History &amp; Art</a> while in town for a wedding. Browse world-class exhibits such as the stunning collection of <a href="https://www.albany.org/event/hudson-river-school/33201/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hudson River School paintings</a> and soak up the rich history on display. It is one of the oldest museums in the country, so it is a must-add to your itinerary.<a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/dutch-apple-cruises-%26-tours/2365/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dutch Apple Cruises</a> During the warm weather months, enjoy a Hudson River sightseeing cruise with <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/dutch-apple-cruises-%26-tours/2365/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dutch Apple Cruises</a>! The first half of the cruise is narrated by a Hudson River Historian who tells tales of the city and points out landmark sights along the river. On the second half of the cruise, relax under the sun and enjoy the riverside views. For first-time visitors, it is a great way to experience Albany! <a href="https://albanybarn.org/capitalwalls/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#CapitalWalls Mural Tour</a>Downtown Albany is home to over a dozen #CapitalWalls murals, a public art endeavor by <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-center-gallery/1749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Center Gallery</a>, <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-barn-inc/1561/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Barn</a> and <a href="https://www.parkalbany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Parking Authority</a>. Explore the murals by booking a <a href="https://albanybarn.org/capitalwalls/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">private #CapitalWalls murals walking tour</a>. If you are searching for a more casual way to explore the vibrant murals sprinkled throughout downtown Albany, tune into the <a href="https://www.albany.org/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/artful-albany/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Artful Albany podcast</a>. Presented by Discover Albany, <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/downtown-albany-bid/206/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Downtown Albany BID</a> and <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/albany-center-gallery/1749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albany Center Gallery</a>, each podcast episode is a self-guided walking tour that explores Albany's 400 year-old history and the #CapitalWalls mural projects. Please Note: Private #CapitalWalls Mural Tours must be booked 30 days in advance or rush fee will be added. <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/the-pine-hollow-arboretum/1978/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pine Hollow Arboretum</a> Searching for a place for a romantic stroll? Visit the <a href="https://www.albany.org/listing/the-pine-hollow-arboretum/1573/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pine Hollow Arboretum</a> in Slingerlands. Stroll along the tranquil walking trails to marvel at a distinctive horticultural collection. The grounds are open for free from dawn to dusk, 365 days per year.

Things to Do

Registry

Danielle & Elijah

Danielle & Elijah

Photos