If you have ever fantasized about escaping NYC for a weekend of rolling hills, fresh air, and a barn venue that looks straight out of your Pinterest board, pull up a chair. Bali and James’s wedding at The Sablewood in the Catskills is basically the blueprint.

These two city dwellers knew one thing for sure: “We didn’t want our wedding to be here,” Bali says of NYC. “We both love nature and always envisioned our wedding in a green space.” And listen, mission accomplished.

A Venue That Stopped Them in Their Tracks

Picture this: You are scrolling The Knot, minding your business, and suddenly it is there. The dream venue.

“As soon as we saw the backdrop of the rolling hills at The Sablewood, we knew that was the place we wanted to get married,” they share.

The only catch? It is a little remote. Hotels were about 30 minutes away, but the couple rolled with it. “We rented transportation for our guests, and we all had so much fun on the drive back… we made some great memories completely by accident.” If that is not the vibe you want for your wedding weekend, I do not know what is.

Let’s Talk Decor (AKA Keeping It Beautiful and Chill)

Some couples obsess over every decor detail, but Bali and James were not those people. “There were some things that were extremely important to us and others, not so much,” Bali says.

Case in point: the cake. Instead of dropping money on a multi-tier masterpiece, they got creative. A cousin made a “dummy cake,” and they served a sheet cake from their favorite Dominican bakery. Cultural nod plus budget-friendly win plus delicious? That is the trifecta.

The venue itself did most of the heavy lifting. Think rustic-modern barn meets simple white florals from Blooms For Rooms. They even repurposed their aisle flowers for the reception, which was sustainable, smart, and honestly so chic.

A Ceremony Filled With Emotion (and a Very Important Dog)

Can we talk about their vows? While private vows are trending, these two knew the people in the room mattered. “Because our wedding was on the smaller side… we knew that every single person there was someone that we genuinely loved.” So public vows it was.

“We both agree that our favorite part of the day was hands down the ceremony,” they say. “We could feel the love and happiness everyone had for us and it was such a beautiful experience.”

Oh, and yes, their dog was included. “No regrets,” they add. Correct. Always include the dog.

Planning From Afar Without Losing Your Mind

Having an out-of-town wedding comes with some logistical gymnastics. Their secret weapon? Wedding planner Katie Hamuka of A Lively Event.

“Katie helped every single step of the way… despite us not being local,” Bali says. They did a couple of site visits, but most of it was handled virtually. Bless good planners everywhere.

What They Want Other Couples to Know

You are going to love this advice because it is refreshingly real. “When the day actually came, we were so much more involved in how we felt than what shade of cream the linens were.”

Yes. Print that out. Frame it.

They also raved about their vendor team, from the photographer, Dani Parada, to the hair and makeup team, Fluff Me By Fania and Tippy Danger, plus floral, stationery, and styling pros who camehighly recommended. “Everyone on the day of was SO kind and truly treated us like they were our best friends.”

Final Takeaway?

Bali and James crafted a wedding day that was romantic, scenic, emotional, and effortlessly them. A little nature, a lot of love, and a whole bus ride’s worth of memories sealed the deal.

Honestly? Sounds perfect.

Vendors: Photographer: Dani Parada; Wedding Planner: A Lively Event; Venue: The Sablewood; Florist: Blooms For Rooms; Stationery: Holly Winnie; Hair: Fluff Me by Fania; Makeup: Tippy Danger; Groom’s Suit: SuitSupply; Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie; Groomsmen: The Black Tux; Other Attire: Nordstrom