A Snowy Love Story at Gore Mountain: Josh and Sarah’s Epic Ski Wedding
- Molly Hennighausen
- Dec 26, 2025
- 5 min read
There is a certain magic that happens when the Adirondack mountains decide to cooperate with a couple's wildest dreams. For Josh and Sarah, a "cookie-cutter" wedding was never on the table. Instead, they chose to exchange vows in a "guerilla" style ceremony at the base of the Adirondack Express chair, surrounded by flurries, family, and the promise of a first chair run.
Scroll through for Josh and Sarah's story or skip all the way to the end for images from their entire day!
A Love Story Built on "Stupid Jokes" and Fresh Powder
Josh and Sarah’s story began far from the mountains, in a simple alleyway behind Sarah’s house during a block party. Josh recalls being drawn to her immediately: "She was fun and laughed at my stupid jokes." Sarah, in turn, was won over by his "smile and genuine nature." But she'll wink at you as she adds "it was really the puppy and that he had a fresh tattoo."
After that initial meeting, they continued to bond over skiing and spent much of that first winter together making trips to Gore. Sarah even gifted a new set of skis to Josh as an engagement gift, which just illustrates how much skiing is a part of the life that these two share.
When it came time to propose, Josh kept things as authentic and grounded as their relationship. While hanging out on the couch after a movie, Josh went upstairs to grab the ring. He returned to find Sarah making a bowl of cereal. "When I got downstairs I asked her to put the bowl down," Josh shared. "Naturally she looked at me like I was crazy, but it was for a good reason."
Check out these snaps from their snowy engagement session!
On To A Winter Ski Wedding in New York
Morning Chaos and Heirloom Veils
The day began at 6:30 AM in a North Creek AirBnB, where the energy was a mix of pre-ski excitement and wedding jitters. Josh and Sarah got ready in separate areas of the house. Sarah, in one of the upstairs bedrooms, was surrounded by a lively group of "milk maids," siblings, and family members. Sarah's niece nearly stole the show, jumping on the beds as she got her make up done and prepared for the sub-zero festivities.
Amidst the morning bustle, Sarah incorporated a deeply personal touch: a family heirloom veil that billowed against the snowy backdrop. This blend of tradition and adventure set the tone for a day that Sarah described as "silly and special".
The "Guerilla" Ceremony in the Snow
By 8:00 AM, the wedding party gathered next to the main lodge at Gore Mountain. The ceremony was officiated by a close friend as a light snowfall began to flurry around the guests. In a touching tribute to family, Sarah’s mother walked her down the "aisle"—the snow-packed base of the mountain—while guests shifted between tears and laughter.
"We wanted a celebration that matches how we feel about life and each other: fun, easy-going, festive, simple, and adventurous."
Captured on both digital and film photography to mirror the "classic but creative" vibe of the day, every shot captured the way nature popped against the dreamy white background.
Shredding the Gnar in Wedding Garb
The most anticipated moment followed immediately: the first run.
"I was so jazzed to ski with my honey in wedding fashion into a sea of celebrating family and friends," Sarah recalled.
The couple took the Adirondack Express up and skiied down Showcase, their wedding attire catching the wind as they sped toward the lodge.
For me, Molly, capturing Josh and Sarah skiing together was the best! As a sports photographer in a past life, it was so much fun being able to document their love, their athleticism, and how much FUN they were having!
Upon reaching the bottom, they were met with "first run cheers" and a toast on the lodge porch with their 150 guests.
From Dresses and Suits to Ski Suits
After the initial celebration, the couple made their first outfit change of the day. Sarah swapped her gown for a stunning white full-body ski suit, ready for a full "Ski Day". Josh swapped out his pants for some ski pants better suited for the snow. The group met mid-day at the old lift house at the summit for snacks and more "dope ski shots" before a quick afternoon break to prepare for the night ahead.
Trading Ski Boots for Dancing Shoes: Apres-Ski at the Yurts
The finale took place at Becks Tavern, where the reception was held in cozy, festive yurts. The atmosphere was the perfect mix of casual and "all the right vibes". One of the yurts was properly suited for chatting while another had a loud dance party going the entire evening!
Advice for Future Couples
Josh and Sarah agree that if other couples get stressed planning their wedding, that the best advice is to "remind yourselves this: 'We're so lucky and everything always works out for us'."
As Josh perfectly summarized their decision to skip the traditional ballroom:
"Fuck other people's thoughts on your wedding—do your thing.
In Their Own Words- working with Outdoor Chronicles Photography
"Molly was a pleasure to work with and a lot of fun! Molly made the process easy. It almost felt like they were a built in wedding planner. They helped us think through our day without over thinking it. Molly made us comfortable to ask for what we wanted and guided us when we were unsure. They were professional and matched with our priorities. We connected as easy going adventurous spirits and with deep love of dogs and skiing!
If you're looking for a ski or adventure photographer for you wedding, we wouldn't recommend anyone else! 1000% again and again."
Images of Molly carrying jackets, fixing veils, and taking pictures captured by
Associate Photographer Amber
Planning your own ski wedding in the Adirondacks? Whether you're looking for a "guerilla" mountain ceremony or an engagement session on the slopes, I'd love to help you document these moments.
Meet Molly, Your LGBTQ+ Adirondack Elopement Photographer
Hi! I'm Molly, a LGBTQ+ award-winning elopement photographer, licensed hiking guide, and avid skiier! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement, vow renewal, or pre/post-wedding session in New York or in the Austrian Alps.
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure- whether it's on the slopes or hiking to a beautiful view. While based outside of the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps. If you think the Alps might be a great setting for your elopement or honeymoon adventure, reach out- I love to talk about the beauty of the Alps and share all sorts of advice.
Interested in eloping on a mountain top in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, or beyond?
Josh and Sarah's March Ski Wedding in the Adirondacks
Planning your own ski wedding in the Adirondacks? Whether you're looking for a "guerilla" mountain ceremony or an engagement session on the slopes, I'd love to help you document these moments.
Meet Molly, Your LGBTQ+ Adirondack Elopement Photographer
Hi! I'm Molly, a LGBTQ+ award-winning elopement photographer, licensed hiking guide, and avid skiier! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement, vow renewal, or pre/post-wedding session in New York or in the Austrian Alps.
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure- whether it's on the slopes or hiking to a beautiful view. While based outside of the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps. If you think the Alps might be a great setting for your elopement or honeymoon adventure, reach out- I love to talk about the beauty of the Alps and share all sorts of advice.
Interested in eloping on a mountain top in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, or beyond?
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