We had the joy of hosting our third wedding celebration – this time at Beak & Skiff in the Finger Lakes. Each of our celebrations has been unique, and this one was all about bringing together the people who have been such an important part of Matt’s life these past few years. This came from his employment at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster (OAL) where his coworkers became friends.
Day 1
We kicked off the long weekend on Thursday morning, making the 4-hour drive from Lancaster up to La Fayette, NY. By the time we checked into our rental house around 3 p.m., friends were already beginning to arrive, and there was an immediate buzz of excitement as everyone settled in.
Our Airbnb hosts were so gracious with stacks of drinks they sell on site at their orchard.
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is a family-owned apple orchard in Central New York that has been operating since 1911. Over five generations, it has grown into one of the most well-known apple orchards in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of apple trees and a large visitor campus known as Apple Hill. In addition to apple picking, the destination features a bakery, café, tavern, live music events, and a distillery that produces its popular 1911 Established line of hard ciders, spirits, and wines made from apples grown on the orchard.
Visitors can also stay overnight in several Airbnb homes located directly on the orchard property, often referred to as “The Houses at Beak & Skiff.” These vacation homes – including the Honeycrisp House, Orchard Overlook, and Cider Sanctuary – are set within the orchard’s rolling hills and offer views of the apple trees and surrounding countryside.
Designed as relaxing farm retreats, the homes allow guests to experience the orchard beyond a day trip while still being steps away from apple picking, tastings at the 1911 distillery, cider donuts, and seasonal events.
That first night was all about getting comfortable and reconnecting. and jumping in the pool!
Matt and I had stopped at Wegmans on the way up, so dinner was a casual backyard picnic.
Afterward, we gathered outside for a group photo
and a few rounds of lawn games before moving into the evening’s highlight: a round of “Who Knows Matt and Julia Best?” using our classic Jeopardy board.
Later, we circled up for a toast. This group was especially meaningful – Matt’s coworkers, who became his daily constants after a big life change brought him to Lancaster. They were there when he found a new place to live, a new career, and a new start. They’re the ones who make work fun, who have built friendships with him outside of the office, and who welcomed me in with open arms once we began dating.
Matt shared a few words that quickly turned into tears – a reminder of how much these friendships truly mean. And as emotions spread through the circle, I felt overwhelmingly grateful. Grateful that Matt found this group in Lancaster, and grateful that they embraced both of us as a couple.
The rest of the night was hanging out by the fire, and some hot tub time!
It was the perfect, heartfelt start to our weekend – laughter, tears, and the comfort of being surrounded by the people who make our everyday lives richer.
Leave a Reply