Megaera and Jordan's Deer Mountain Inn wedding was easily one of the dreamiest and most rad days I've ever photographed. These two are incredibly talented cinematographers in NYC who first crossed paths while working on the same film set. It only made sense that their wedding felt like stepping into a beautifully strange old film.

Think vintage lace, wild florals, wood textures, Super 8, all-film photography, and their DJ friend spinning records in the middle of the Catskill Mountains. Everything about their Catskill Mountain wedding felt whimsical and so romantic.

From Megaera’s vintage Saturn Bridal dress (which is actually how our paths crossed) to their mountain-view ceremony and intimate reception inside the inn, it was the perfect mix of thoughtful details, ridiculously cool people, and a little bit of magic in the woods!

Getting Ready & A FIRST LOOK at Deer Mountain Inn

Megaera spent the morning getting ready in The Tuckaway, a cozy cottage tucked away from the main inn, while Jordan got ready with his closest friends in The Attic. It has warm wood interiors, vintage-inspired decor, an antique pool table, and Swiss Alpine-meets-Catskills feel, it was such a cool space for portraits.

Their style fit the day perfectly. Megaera wore the most incredible vintage Saturn Bridal dress with sculptural floral sleeves and a lace veil. Jordan paired a classic double-breasted suit with a patterned vintage-inspired tie and pocket watch.

They met for a first look outside before heading up the mountain, taking in a few moments together. Megaera mentioned she was excited to tie Jordan’s tie and finally show him her full bridal look, which made it feel even more special.

Black and white film photo of a pregnant woman resting during edding preperations.

Candid film photo of the groom and groomsmen laughing and posing around the pool table before the wedding.

Playful film photo of the groom lying on the red pool table beside a taxidermy bird inside the Deer Mountain Inn Attic.

Bride walking down the stairs outside of Deer Mountain Inn for her first look with the groom.

Bride adjusting the grooms tie during their first look outdoors.

A NOrthern Catskill Mountain Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony for their Deer Mountain Inn wedding took place on the venue’s private mountaintop with panoramic views of the Catskills. Their guests were encouraged to dress for a “formal wilderness garden party,” with romantic florals, tailored suits, and vintage pieces. Guests sipped champagne beneath the tent, and a sign invited everyone to “toss your phone into the sea” for an unplugged ceremony.

Jordan walked in with his mother, while Jordan’s father walked Megaera down the aisle. Megaera and Jordan told me that while the photography was very important to them, they never wanted it to distract from the ceremony itself. I documented everything as quietly and naturally as possible so they and their guests could stay present. They even took portraits of each other during the ceremony, which felt so true to who they are.

Afterward, Megaera and Jordan climbed into a vintage green truck for the ride back down the mountain, which was such a cool ending to this part of their Catskill Mountain wedding.

Guest taking video of an outdoor wedding ceremony.

Black and white film photo of a bride and groom exchanging vows during their Northern Catskill Mountain wedding ceremony on film.

Groom taking a film portrait of the bride during the ceremony.

Black and white photo of guests cheering after a mountain ceremony on film.

Bride and groom exiting their wedding ceremony during a petal toss on film.

Bride and groom posing behind the window of a vintage green truck.

Bride and groom riding back down to Deer Mountain Inn in a vintage green truck.

Deer Mountain Inn Wedding Portraits

Deer Mountain Inn is the perfect setting for portraits that feel cinematic. The warm wood interiors and mountain surroundings created a backdrop that felt intimate. It's easy to see why a Deer Mountain Inn wedding has so much character, especially for couples drawn to the beauty of the Catskills.

Film photo of a vintage green pickup truck parked outside Deer Mountain Inn in the Catskill Mountains.

Film photo of the groom kissing the bride’s cheek as she holds a colorful bouquet on the terrace at Deer Mountain Inn.

Film photo of the bride and groom standing together and overlooking the terrace at Deer Mountain Inn.

Candid film photo of the bride signing wedding documents beside the groom inside Deer Mountain Inn.

Cocktail Hour on The Terrace & Gardens

After portraits, everyone gathered on The Terrace & Gardens for cocktail hour. It couldn't have been a more perfect setting for their Deer Mountain Inn wedding. It’s inspired by the English countryside and overlooks the lawn. It gives guests plenty of room to mingle, grab cocktails, fresh oysters, and relax around one of the cozy fire pits.

It had that relaxed, garden party atmosphere that made this Catskill Mountain wedding feel like a weekend spent celebrating with their favorite people and not just waiting for the reception to begin!

Film photo of guests enjoying cocktail hour around a floral food display on the Deer Mountain Inn terrace.

Film photo of a server presenting oysters during cocktail hour at Deer Mountain Inn.

Film photo of wedding guests mingling beneath string lights on the terrace at Deer Mountain Inn.

Candid film photo of guests laughing and enjoying drinks during a Deer Mountain Inn wedding cocktail hour.

Film photo of wedding guests relaxing around a fire pit in the gardens at Deer Mountain Inn.

Candid film photo of the bride talking with a guest during cocktail hour on the Deer Mountain Inn terrace.

Sign that says toss your phone into the sea.

Bride and groom mingling with guests during their cocktail hour by the outdoor firepit at Deer Mountain Inn.

A Reception Inside Deer Mountain Inn's Restaurant & Bar

As the sun started to set, everyone made their way inside for a cozy Deer Mountain Inn wedding reception. The dark wood walls, glowing fireplaces, branch chandeliers, tiny lamps, and candlelight made the reception feel so intimate, like the coolest dinner party tucked away in the mountains.

Megaera and Jordan shared their first dance under the branch chandelier, shared toasts, cut their flower-covered cake by Saison Bakery, and spent the rest of the night dancing with all of their favorite people. Another unique addition to their wedding was their cinema-inspired wedding day call sheet, which was so fitting for two cinematographers getting married.

It was such a rad ending to their Deer Mountain Inn wedding, and everything about the space fit the dreamy, analog feeling of their Catskill Mountain wedding so perfectly!

Moody film wedding portrait of the bride and groom standing together inside the warmly lit Deer Mountain Inn reception.

Film wedding detail photo of a two-tier cake decorated with flowers and surrounded by colorful floral arrangements.

Film photo of the bride dancing with guests during the reception at Deer Mountain Inn.

Film photo of a mounted deer and rustic decor above the stone fireplace inside Deer Mountain Inn.

If You're Planning a Wedding in the Catskills Mountains

If you're planning a Catskills Mountain wedding, Deer Mountain Inn is such a beautiful place to celebrate. With just a handful of wedding weekends each year, cozy on-site lodging, miles of hiking trails, mountain views, and plenty of space for everyone to slow down and settle in, it feels less like a venue and more like a destination where your favorite people can spend an entire weekend together.

If you're drawn to photography that feels candid, a little raw, and true to the way your day actually happened, especially with the timeless look of film, I'd love to be part of it! I'm based in Las Vegas, but I love traveling and can't wait for my next Deer Mountain Inn wedding or Catskills Mountain wedding.

If you think we'd be a good fit, you can learn a little more about me on my about page. When you're ready, head over to my contact page and tell me all about what you're dreaming up. In the meantime, you can see more of my recent weddings and elopements on my portfolio!

Love From Megaera & Jordan:

“Thank you for sharing your superb work. We really enjoyed working with you and reviewing all the photographs. Our day was an absolute dream come true, and we're so glad my dress from Transplant Vintage (Saturn Bridal) lead us to you.”

Cruz Valentin Photography | Catskill Mountain Wedding Photographer

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A Whimsical Deer Mountain Inn Wedding in the Catskill Mountains

Getting Ready & A FIRST LOOK at Deer Mountain Inn