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A Wedding at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock

  • Writer: Kierra Huihui-Gist
    Kierra Huihui-Gist
  • Jul 24
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 28

A Day to Remember: Leah & Casey’s Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock Wedding


On June 21, 2025, amidst the rolling hills of Varysburg, NY, we gathered to celebrate Leah and Casey at one of Western New York’s most charming rustic barn wedding venues—Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock. Nestled on 120 secluded acres with scenic views, a private waterfall, and a newly renovated barn, this venue provided the perfect backdrop for their fun, loving, and easy-going celebration.


Rustic Barn Charm & Scenic Views


From the moment guests arrived via the private drive lined with newly dug ponds, their breaths were taken by the natural beauty of the property.


The century-old barn—built in 1910 and lovingly modernized—radiated “rustic elegance” with its larch wood porch, towering crystal chandeliers, and three-tiered design that lets guests spread out and mingle in comfort.


In that space, the crowd effortlessly flowed from cocktail hour on the covered porch overlooking the countryside, to dinner beneath farmhouse tables in the warm glow of the barn’s lighting, to an evening of dancing and storytelling. It was as if the venue’s aesthetic—barn venue, indoor/outdoor ceremony sites, pristine grounds—mirrored the ease and authenticity of Leah & Casey’s relationship.


Bride and groom stand back-to-back, holding hands around a wooden post. She's in white, he's in blue. Greenery and a bouquet nearby; serene woodland setting at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock in Varysburg, NY.

A Chapel in the Woods & Outdoor Ceremony

One of the standout ceremony locations at the venue is its “chapel in the woods”—an enchanting outdoor wedding spot among the trees. This, combined with the secluded waterfall just down a ravine, gave guests stirring places to breathe, reflect, and snap photos.


June 21st brought sunshine, fresh air, the gentle sound of water, and a sense of prelude to the love-filled vows. Even the officiant noted the venue’s thoughtful touches: “We are gathered here to witness one of life’s greatest moments… from here until the rest of your days.” That day, the chapel in the woods and the waterfall provided both drama and intimacy.


Bridal Suite & Groom’s Lounge: Prep in Comfort


Leah prepared for her walk down the aisle in the cozy bridal suite inside the on‑site guest house—the charming “Little House at Dutch Flats” Airbnb. With central air, WiFi, and room to host her closest friends and family, she was calm, smiling, and ready.


Downstairs in the barn, Casey and his groomsmen relaxed in the groom’s lounge, enjoying good conversation and a few laughs before the big moment.


Having those separate spaces helped each of them ground themselves before becoming husband and wife.

Farmhouse Tables, Decor, & Coordination


The event team at Graceful Gatherings took care of setup, teardown, lighting, furniture—including the stunning farmhouse tables—and even offered Bluetooth speakers for heartfelt playlists. From ceremony chairs to cocktail tables, every detail was curated to feel welcoming yet elegant, anchored in that rustic barn charm.


The full-service décor and coordination relieved the couple—Leah and Casey could truly enjoy the day, knowing nothing was being overlooked. The result: an atmosphere that felt artful but not overdone, romantic yet relaxed.

Bridesmaids in blue dresses and bride in white laugh together holding bouquets by a pond, with lush greenery in the background at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock in Varysburg, NY.

The Love Story: Gym Class Flirts to Lifelong Love


These two met in high school gym class in 2014 when Casey greeted Leah with cheeky “skincare advice” about needing some sun on her legs. If that doesn’t sound like teenage charm, I don’t know what does 😄. Their connection deepened during WWII history class (complete with crushing on the teacher and subsequent number-swapping), movie-night cuddles sneaked in front of friends, and a text that sparked their romance.


Leah recalls that early crush in gym class: “Who knew that at 16 the boy who told me you need some sun on those legs … would be my best friend, my better half, and my person.” That early bond held fast through high school sweethearts, Army basic training, moving far apart, buying their first home, and even navigating a fixer-upper and diaper blowouts.

Bride and groom stand back-to-back, bride holding flowers, in front of an arched purple door set in a stone wall, surrounded by greenery at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock in Varysburg, NY.

Vows That Made Us Laugh (and Cry)


Their vows were equal parts sentimental and hilarious. Casey promised to “let you win arguments that don't matter” and “never watch Netflix without you again,” even when she’s hangry. Leah humorously pledged to love him even when he’s wrong—“which happens more times than not”—and together they promised to tackle late-night Tim Horton’s runs as a united front.


At a few key moments, it became clear: this couple isn’t afraid to laugh together—even at themselves. Their warmth was echoed in speeches from friends and family, making for tears and laughter in equal measure.

Couple dancing in a rustic barn with chandeliers. Guests seated at tables watch. White drapes hang from the wooden beams. Warm atmosphere at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock in Varysburg, NY.

Family, Friends, & “Caseyisms”


The day was peppered with funny stories from grandparents, uncles, and siblings about Casey’s goofy “Caseyisms”—like worrying shingles would wash away in the rain or insisting deer are definitely awake midday. But amidst the laughs, the anecdotes painted a portrait of a loving, loyal man who shows up for the people he cares about.


Guest speeches praised the couple’s ability to grow together through hardship (National Guard service, 2020 struggles, parenting), ultimately emphasizing their persistence. From high school to standing side by side with their toddler daughter Ellie, their journey is a testament to love, communication, and family-first joy.


Toasts, Dances, & Forever


As night fell, toasts echoed in the glow of chandeliers: “To the Arnolds… a long love life, deep friendship, sneaky kisses…” Everyone raised glasses to Leah & Casey—and to their daughter Ellie, who reminds us all why this love matters.


Then the barn floor filled with dancing under crystal lights, guests warmed by fire tables on the patios, and friends softly stepping outside to let the land and waterfall breathe them in.


Why Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock Was the Perfect Match


  • Rustic barn venue with modern updates—like chandeliers and larch-wood porch—offers timeless elegance.

  • Outdoor wedding & indoor reception options, including a private waterfall and “chapel in the woods,” created magical ceremony settings.

  • Bridal suite & groom’s lounge, located right on‑site (Airbnb guest house + lower‑level lounge), provide relaxing prep spaces.

  • The venue’s farmhouse tables, chairs, kitchen, decor, lighting, and coordination services streamlined everything—making the day enjoyable for everyone.

  • Immaculate grounds, including ponds, meadows, and woodlands spread across 120 acres, offered endless photo opportunities and peaceful interludes.


Final Thoughts


Leah and Casey’s story is one of lifelong friendship evolving into deep love. Their June 21, 2025 wedding at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock felt like stepping into a home for a weekend—full of beauty, laughter, family, and authenticity. The venue gave wings to their personality while ensuring every detail was seamless and stress-free.


If you’re dreaming of a rustic barn wedding venue with intimate outdoor ceremony spaces, including a waterfall and chapel in the woods, alongside indoor comforts and professional service—this venue should be at the top of your list.

Five men in suits joyfully lift another man in a blue suit by a lake, with green grass and trees in the background. Smiling faces, festive mood at Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock in Varysburg, NY.

A Toast to the Arnolds 🥂


Today, we celebrate not just a wedding—but the ongoing story of Leah & Casey: from teenage flirts in gym class to dedicated parents with a daughter named Ellie, to the day they stood hand-in-hand and promised forever.


Graceful Gatherings at LedgeRock provided the perfect stage. Here’s to love that’s easy, joyful, and beautifully grounded—just like this couple.


Wedding Vendor Shoutouts

Because you simply cannot have a successful wedding without wonderful vendors that also deserve credit for this flawless day.


Videographer: Candidly Kierra Productions

DJ: DJ Big Saxy


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If you enjoyed the deluxe highlight reel above, make sure to check out more of my work in my blog or wedding portfolio. Check out feature films too! If you are interested in having me film your wedding, head over to my wedding package pricing page or feel free to contact me!

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