A Sophisticated Winter Wedding at Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York

Snow-covered mountaintops and memories of skiing in Vermont and Colorado inspired Erica Hidalgo (33 and works in institutional sales for Shenkman Capital) and Janson Simpson (41 and a sales trader for Jones Trading) to plan a sophisticated winter soiree for their mid-March nuptials. Nestled in the woodlands of picturesque Lake Placid, New York, the Whiteface Lodge hosted the entire affair. Rustic timber design, floor-to-ceiling windows and granite fireplaces set a warm and welcoming tone for the celebration, while striking views of the Adirondack landscape brought a wow factor to the couple’s winter wonderland theme. The festivities kicked off with a fun-filled rehearsal dinner that paid tribute to the locale. After dining on pizza and beer, guests were treated to bobsled rides at the nearby Olympic bobsled venue. “My little brother, Tim, is part of a Beach Boys cover band, Cool, Cool Water, and they played all night, which made everyone get on the dance floor,” Erica says. “It was very special to celebrate the start of our wedding weekend at a place that honors the traditions of Lake Placid.” With the help of the pros at Juniper Events and Trillium Florist, Erica and Janson brought the beauty of the great outdoors in, infusing Whiteface’s Kanu event space with lush white florals and lots of candles, to create the effect of sparkling snow. Acres of snow-dusted forest and the Adirondacks provided the backdrop for the duo’s “I dos,” a heartfelt ceremony led by Erica and Janson’s close friend. “We wrote our own vows, taking vows we have heard at various weddings and including sentiments that were important to us both,” Erica says. “My favorite line was, ‘As I give you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.’ ” The reception took on a distinct Erica-and-Janson flair, with the couple serving up some of their favorite treats, including pretzel rolls, mini pies (a nod to Pi Day) and doughnuts, and s’mores kits that guests enjoyed at the bonfires outside just as it began to snow. “Our first dance was a very special moment. We chose the same song that my parents and my sister and her husband used as their wedding song, ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Billy Joel,” Erica says. “To make it even more special, we asked my brother to perform it on a grand piano provided by the venue. At the end of the song we invited my parents and sister and brother-in-law to join us on the dance floor to finish the dance.” A tip from Erica: “If you marry your best friend, everything is easy even when it’s not. Don’t forget to remember how lucky you are to have each other, and as far as the day goes, let go and just enjoy. It’s the only time in your life you are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate just you and your love. Have fun and create amazing memories.” —Libby MacCarthy