Weekend at Camp Argiro : A Forest Fairytale Wedding

Tucked between the trees, the bride and groom exchanged I Love You's & Promises to last a lifetime.

My beautiful friend from San Diego, Ruth, was tying the knot in Salamanca, NY, and I was fortunate enough to attend. It started with a road trip. Having been staying in Cazenovia, just south of Syracuse, I was able to hitch a ride with my friend Stephanie and her friend Caleb. I took a train into Rochester where they came and picked me up and we made our way down south.

Camp Turner, the location of the weekend festivities, is located in Allegany State Park, a decently sized forest that stretches down into Pennsylvania. Extremely beautiful, to say the least.

Camp Turner transformed into Camp Argiro as we spent Friday night getting situated in our cabins, followed by pizza and wings, drinking, games, and a bonfire, while breaking all of the camp rules in the process. I thought it was so neat that all of the guests were able to stay in cabins, all in one location. As a few sat around the fire, it was around 1am that it started the downpour. The weather had called for rain, but we all hoped it wouldn't come. First the lightening struck, then the wind picked up, then the clouds began to cry. I scurried into the cabin, bundled up, and fell asleep to the sound of steady rainfall.

When I awoke the next morning, I hoped, for the outdoor-ceremony's sake, that the storm had passed. Unfortunately, it was still coming down. Nothing too torrential, just a slight misting, but still coming. Each guest slowly but surely made their way into the mess hall where we were served fresh coffee, french toast, and lots of fruit. I was so impressed that both friends and family of the bride and groom came together to help cook and serve all of the meals over the course of the weekend. & Everything was delicious, at that!

Ruthie, the bride, could be spotted running to and fro, making sure the last bits and details were in order. When she asked Stephanie and I to help with the decorating, I was so happy to help. The actual wedding ceremony took place under a canopy of trees; it didn't need much of sprucing as it was already so naturally beautiful.

 It was an absolute fairytale wedding, but not of the traditional sort. It was much much more. Ruth was a stunning forest princess with flower fairies leading the way as she walked down the aisle encircled with trees. She wore a beautiful gown with a self-handmade headpiece that was absolutely incredible. Self hand-written vows were the highlight of the whole weekend. Flowing with tears, everyone listened as Ruthie made lifelong promises and Adam explained how much Ruth has positively effected his life. Both Ruth and Adam laid their hearts out in their vows and I was so touched by what they both said. The ceremony was finished with a Cherokee poem of love; more beautiful words could not have been spoken.

 These two best friends became one promise of love, adventure, and a lifetime of happiness.

During the cocktail hour, the sun began to set and lit up the camp. It was beautiful. We spent the rest of the night feasting, celebrating, and dancing away!




Ruth, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your special weekend. Everything was absolutely beautiful-the location, the ceremony, the words, the company. You looked beyond gorgeous and I'm so impressed with everything you did and all the hard work you put into this magical wedding! Sending lots of love to you newlyweds!!

xoxo