Hallie & Brandon

got married!

October 26, 2024

What an amazing time!

It was a blast celebrating with you! Thanks for making the trip out to The Finger Lakes!

You can find all the photos below!

Our Photo Gallery

The Happy Couple

Hallie as a Child

Hallie

The Bride

It didn't take long for me to fall for Hallie. I mean how couldn't I? She's intelligent, independent and beautiful.

I learn new things from her constantly. She's empathetic, caring and kind. Before her, I never really understood what they meant by better half.

I do now (pun intended).

Love, Brandon

Brandon as a child

Brandon

The Groom

Brandon is easy to love. He’s always making me laugh and is such a sweet and loving partner.

I love our adventures—everything is more fun when we’re together. He truly has the biggest heart.

How lucky we are to spend the rest of our lives together!

xoxo, Hallie

How We Met

WE MET ONLINE AND HAD OUR FIRST DATE IN MAY 2021.

The first date kicked off with some fried chicken from Silo's Food Truck at Liquid State Brewing Company which turned out to be a perfect choice for two foodies.

Not ready for the date to end, we watched the sunset from a bench in Stewart Park; complete with an acoustic guitarist and a family flying paper lanterns in the clear, moonlit sky.

We joked as if this had been planned...

Nope! Just Ithaca being Ithaca!

Our Wedding Party

Meredith Mitnick

Maid of Honor

Matthew Kowalski

Best Man

Nugget

Cat of Distinction

The Wedding

Celebrate With Us

Our wedding was at The Aurora Inn, built in 1833 by Colonel E.B. Morgan. The ceremony took place on the lawn with gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake. Cocktail hour took place on the lawn and patio, followed by dinner and dancing under the tent.

Weekend Events

Welcome Dinner

Our welcome dinner was hosted at Treleaven Wines the night before our wedding (Friday, October 25, 2024) at 6 P.M.

Treleaven Wines is approximately 10 minutes away from The Inns of Aurora.

The After Party

The reception ended at 11 P.M.

The festivities continued across the street at Fargo Bar & Grill.

Farewell Brunch

Brunch was in the Lakeside Room at The Aurora Inn on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 9:30 A.M.

Special thanks to Sylvia Wolff and The Kahan, Wolff and Rickel Families for hosting!

Next Time You're Here!

The Great Outdoors

Even though neither of us are outdoors people, we have to admit that the outdoor activities in the Finger Lakes are not to be missed. If you’re at all inclined towards hiking, nature walks, or the like, here are some great options:

Learn Something New

If the outdoors is not your thing (we get you!), there are lots of wonderful museums in our area. These are some favorites!

  • Corning Museum of Glass: truly a gem! Lots to learn and see. Everything you ever wanted to know about glass but were afraid to ask…
  • Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell: designed by I.M. Pei & Partners and boasting forty thousand works in its permanent collection, this museum is great to pair with a tour of the Cornell Campus and its many beautiful buildings.
  • Sciencenter: a kid-friendly hands-on museum in Ithaca–great to pair with the farmers’ market
  • The Rockwell Museum: a Smithsonian affiliate located in adorable downtown Corning–you should definitely stop by after the glass museum
  • Harriet Tubman Home: Harriet Tubman spent her final years in Auburn, after then United States Senator (also New York governor, United States Secretary of State, and most importantly noted abolitionist and supporter of the underground railroad) William Seward sold her the land in 1857. You can also visit William Seward’s home in Auburn.

Fabulous Fare

The local food scene in our area is really off the charts! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but more so a highlight reel with a little something for everyone.

  • Ithaca Farmers Market: A lakeside pavilion full of produce, prepared food, and artisan goods all made within thirty miles? Say less! The parking is a bit chaotic, so we recommend you try to get there early, but once you’re there you’ll know why it’s a must-see!
  • The Rook: most well-known for its duck fat fried chicken, but the bacon stuffed dates, burger, and artisanal cocktails are tasty too.
  • Ithaca Beer Company: more than just beer! Casual fare with a local focus–convenient to Buttermilk Falls and Treman!
  • Crossroads: whenever we’re wondering where to go to dinner, we end up at Crossroads, because it’s THAT GOOD. Easy, simple food prepared by our friend and classically trained chef, Jay.
  • Thompson and Bleecker: delicious pizza, pasta, and wine with a NYC vibe.
  • Cornell Dairy Bar: the Ivy League of ice cream–great to pair with a campus tour
  • Cayuga Lake Creamery: it’s impossible to pick the best ice cream here, so we’re giving you two options. With locations in Interlaken and Ithaca, Cayuga Lake Creamery makes homemade ice cream with local ingredients.

Lovely Libations

The Fingers Lakes region is home to over 150 wineries with Riesling as the region’s signature wine. We also have amazing hard ciders and delicious coffee–something for everyone! Again, not an exhaustive list by any means.

Bring The Finger Lakes Home

We know you’re going to love your visit and may want to bring a souvenir of the “local culture” back home with you. Here are some ideas of where you could find such an item.

  • Handwork: Ithaca’s artisan cooperative–handicrafts galore! Pottery is especially lovely.
  • Sunny Days: a fun souvenir shop on the Ithaca Commons with lots of different items.
  • Sauders Store: an Amish grocery store full of all sorts of novelty food items. Every flavor of jam you could imagine, cheese curds, the best bacon, bulk candy, homemade baked goods, and so much more. Bring a cooler!
  • american crafts by robbie dein: handicrafts galore–an Ithaca institution.
  • Mackenzie-Childs: saved the best for last! Mackenzie-Childs is based in Aurora, New York! You can tour the farmhouse decorated to the nines or do a production tour of their factory and watch the pottery and furniture be made!