A Philippine Family Reunion Wedding in the Woods of the Finger Lakes
Laid-back glamping vibes, golden leaves, and a whole lot of karaoke
Some weddings are planned for years. Others begin with a weekend getaway and end in the woods with a karaoke mic, a very good dog, and three generations hugging it out under string lights.
That’s exactly how Rolfe and Jessica’s wedding at Firelight Camps in Ithaca, NY unfolded—laid-back, rain-soaked, and full of honest, generational joy.
They’ve known each other forever. Their moms are best friends. Their families have been connected for decades, even across oceans. And when they decided to get married, they knew it had to be more than a celebration—it had to be a reunion.
They found their place in the Finger Lakes, where fall puts on a full show and the trees practically lean in to watch.
The Night Before: Rehearsal Dinner at Camp
The weekend kicked off with fire pits, Filipino food, and a legendary round of karaoke. Think: tin mugs of whiskey, old family songs, and that kind of laughter that only happens when everyone knows everyone.
Firelight Camps is a glamping venue tucked into the hills of Ithaca—canvas tents, flickering lanterns, forest trails, and the kind of stillness that makes you exhale without realizing it. It was the perfect spot for a wedding that didn’t want to be a performance—just a deeply meaningful pause with the people who matter most.
First Look at the Tent (and Yes, the Dog Was There Too)
On the wedding day, Rolfe and Jessica had their first look just outside their tent, surrounded by fall foliage and that misty, glowing kind of light that only October delivers. Their dog—who was basically the weekend’s unofficial mascot—stood by their side the whole time, tail wagging, soaking up every emotional beat like a professional.
No grand reveal. No elaborate setup. Just two people who’ve known each other forever, meeting each other again with fresh eyes.
Then they invited their families to come see them together—and that’s when the floodgates opened. Moms crying. Aunties crying. Even the trees seemed to lean in a little closer. The closeness of their families ran through every part of the day, and this moment made it crystal clear: this wasn’t just a marriage—it was the weaving of two already-tangled families.
A Ceremony in the Trees (with a Break in the Rain)
The rain had its own agenda that day, but just before the ceremony, the clouds held back long enough for vows.
Tucked among the trees, guests gathered while Rolfe and Jessica walked barefoot down an aisle of pine needles and soft mud, their dog trotting proudly ahead of them. It was moody, it was magic, and it felt like nature knew to quiet down for a minute.
Their ceremony was simple but rich in meaning—featuring Filipino wedding traditions passed down through generations. They exchanged arras (coins) as a symbol of shared prosperity, were wrapped in a veil and cord by their sponsors, and sealed their vows in a way that honored not just their love, but the heritage and histories behind it.
It wasn’t showy or performative—it was emotional, intentional, and full of quiet weight. And when the rain returned, no one ran. They leaned in.
The party continued under the tent with blankets, shared plates, and stories that skipped a generation or two. It didn’t matter what the weather was doing. Everyone was exactly where they needed to be.
A Wedding That Felt Like Home
This wasn’t a Pinterest wedding. It wasn’t curated. It was felt.
A Philippine wedding that honored every branch of the family tree. A Finger Lakes wedding that let the weather do what it wanted and loved harder anyway.
As an Ithaca wedding photographer, I live for days like this—where the imperfect things become the unforgettable ones, and the images look less like portraits and more like memory.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like family and forest and firelight—with maybe a muddy dog in the middle of it—I’d love to help you remember every piece of it.
Planner: https://www.kmlyonevents.org
Venue: https://firelightcamps.com
