Spring / Summer 2020 Complimentary
REAL BRIDES
Saratoga!
DESTINATION:
Real Stories! brought to you by...
From the Editor
OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty
Chris Vallone Bushee, Editor-in-Chief cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • @SaratogaBride 518-581-2480 ext. 201 • SaratogaBride.com
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell hair by Diane Palma, photo by Alice Corey
Welcome to Saratoga Bride Magazine! Let me start with… I’m happy to announce we have an awesome new website to further help with your wedding planning; SaratogaBride.com! Thank you to all the Real Brides that submitted their weddings, I wish I could’ve used them all!
My “future brides” love reading your stories, getting ideas from your weddings and hearing which vendors really went over the top for you – thank you again, and if you don’t see your weddings on the pages of this issue, please check out the new website! From floral trends, destination planning tips, and what’s happening on the dessert table, to how to deal with dysfunctional family dynamics and the secrets of longevity, this issue of Saratoga Bride Magazine is filled with great (informative!) stories! We also have beautiful photo shoots and tons of local weddings to drool over! Whether brides are planning their wedding from afar or are lucky enough to live in the Saratoga, Adirondack, Capital Region area, we have tons of weddings for inspiration! Stunning photos, love stories, vendor testimonials and ads, yes… ADS! These are the businesses you need to plan your dream wedding! They are also the businesses that make it possible to print and distribute these beautiful, informative (Award-Winning!) magazines, so please mention us by name and let them know where you found them! Saratoga Bride magazine is not out to replace Martha Stewart Weddings (wish we could!) in your collection of bridal planning magazines, but we are the area’s only dedicated bridal magazine, with 132 pages of local weddings showcasing all that’s available in the Saratoga / Adirondack / Capital Region area! .
Happy Planning!
Chris
PS… Spread the word… Saratoga Bride Magazine is available at ALL area bridal shows!!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Vallone Bushee GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco ADVERTISING DESIGNER Christian Apicella ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey WRITERS Susan Blackburn Jenna Caputo Crystal Cobert-Giddens Anne Gordon Meghan Lemery Fritz Marisa Mackey Megin Potter Theresa St. John Karen Ricci Rena Zeppetelli PHOTOGRAPHERS Susan Blackburn Photography Dave Bigle Photos and Film Heather Bohm-Tallman Chelsea Bos Photography Tracey Buyce Photography Kate Eckert Elario Photography Elizabeth Haynes Michelle Lange Photography Kimberly Levy Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce Nicole Nero Ashley Nizolek Opal & Jaye Photography Out of the Ordinary Photography Annie Paige Photography Matt Ramos Janelle Rodriguez Sarah @ Rob Spring Photography Therasa St. John Viscosi Photography Tiffany Wayne Ashley Wilbur Photography YTK works PUBLISHED BY
SaratogaTODAY Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Cover Photo by Annie Paige Photography. See more of this Real Bride on page 102!
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Saratoga BRIDE is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2020, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
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contents spring / summer 2020
126
Photo by YTK Works, see story on page 50.
Tracey Buyce Photography
A Good Read
Photoshoots
Real Brides
6 Newsworthy
29 Wedding Daydreams
78 Brianna & Patrick
8 Planning a Destination Wedding?
38 Rustic Boho
10 Bridal Shower Bliss
45 Downtown Glamour
12 Mom’s and Weddings
50 An Intimate Affair
102 Elizabeth and Evan
Destination: Saratoga Springs!
86 Karla & David
56 Tess & Brandon
98 Leslie & Andy
14 Baby Bump Bridesmaid 16 Invite your Dog to your Big Day 18 Wedding Dessert Choices 20 Navigate Dysfunctional Family Dynamics at your Wedding 22 60 Years Married 25 4 Honeymoons and an Anniversary
61 Katie & Joshua 65 Brie & Mike 69 Ashley & Daniel 73 Lydia & Carter
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114 Brittany & Daniel 110 Christine & Darren 90 Jessica & Jonathan 122 Kira and Corbin 106 Lauren & Nicholas 126 Lexi and Matt 94 Liesl & Stephen 118 Mackenzie & Ben 82 Patricia & Michael
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Newsworthy! 20th Anniversary!
LONGFELLOWS WEDDING SHOW Sunday, February 23rd 11am - 3pm 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs With over 40 premiere wedding professionals, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and the opportunity to meet with a select group of vendors in the elegantly rustic setting of Longfellows, this event is a MUST-DO for newly engaged couples! For more information call (518) 365-3459
WHEN PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING…. Think about the seasonal activities your guests will enjoy too!
For many, Lake Placid is thought of as a winter destination, but for those who experience their summers will quickly realize how diverse this mountain village is! Our friends at The Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, suggest that any season in Lake Placid is guest friendly! “Whichever season you choose to get married in, a location such as Lake Placid offers a vast array of things to do, not only for your guests while they’re enjoying their “vacation” (during your destination wedding!), but enables you two to slip into Honeymoon mode that much quicker!”
TENT RENTALS 101 Did you know there are two different kinds of tents?
According to Belmonte & Son Tents and Events… A Pole Tent will give you those beautiful high peaks, more like a circus tent, and can only be set up on grass. You will have poles in the center of your party space. Frame Tents have all the poles to the outside leaving a complete open space in your event area. Frame tents can go on grass, pavement, basketball courts etc. • Ask for a site check to ensure your tent (and supports) will fit the space. • Have a rough idea of guest count before ordering. • Decide on a DJ or Band, and whether they will need a stage and an area for their equipment. •Ask about flooring. •If having a wedding during the colder months, tent heaters are a must to keep guests comfortable, and this means that you will need sidewalls for your tent, to keep the heat in. Other things to consider: Arrange with the caterer what they provide as far as linens, flatware, glassware and what you as the bride/groom are responsible for. Chances are… you can order those items, when ordering your tent - We hope this helps!
The Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is located adjacent to the Olympic Center in the heart of the world-famous Olympic village. From the Hotel's vantage point, above the quaint international shops and restaurants of Main Street, the views of Mirror Lake, Whiteface Mountain and the High Peaks are breathtaking… your guests will thank you! 6 | SARATOGA BRIDE | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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WE'RE ENGAGED!
Ashley Dingeman and Tim Schmidt PHOTO BY HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN
In 2018, we had planned a trip to my dream vacation spot… Italy! After a day of exploring & eating all of the pasta, Tim gave me the surprise of a decade (literally!) and got down on one knee, asking me to marry him! We met at SUNY Geneseo in 2010, through a mutual friend. We've always bonded over food and dogs, which is why we incorporated both into our engagement shoot!
Welcome Bag Gift Ideas... CELTIC TREASURES 456 Broadway, Saratoga CelticTreasures.com (518) 583-9452
Luck of the Irish Coaster
IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway, Saratoga ImpressionsSaratoga.com (518) 587-0666
Saratoga Potato Chips: Available in multiple sizes and flavors. (The potato chip originated in Saratoga Springs!) Perfect for munching before and after a wedding, these chips are great fillers for welcome bags! TOGA HERITAGE 398 Broadway, Saratoga TogaHERITAGE.com (518) 587-0666
Our Signature Collection Wood Signs - the perfect gift for them to remember your special day! Please inquire about our Personalization Services and Gift Registry. SARATOGA CANDY CO. 5 Washington St, Saratoga SaratogaCandy.com (518) 580-0499
All the goodies for your wedding guests are at Saratoga Candy Co! Favors, welcome bags and even mints for their pillows! Our favorite is the Saratoga Horse Shoe. It comes in milk or dark chocolate and is embossed with Saratoga on it. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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D E S T I N AT I O N W E D D I N G ?
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WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUSAN BLACKBURN OF SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Top
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Tips
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Wedding weekends in fun and unique locations are fun for everyone, and Saratoga Springs and the Adirondacks are great locations for a Destination event. Because we host so many Destination Weddings in our area, here are some of our Top Tips for making your Destination Wedding a success!
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Visit before the Wedding We highly recommend you visit the area where you are planning your destination wedding at least once-several more times if possible. Meeting with your vendors in person makes communicating your needs and preferences much easier than attempting to do it all via text message or email. It will also help you feel more comfortable if you get to know the area. During your visits, make sure to check out the local restaurants and businesses, you can then let your guests know where to eat and shop. Be sure to arrive 5 to 7 days ahead of your wedding, so you can take care of final details and relax a bit before the big day.
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Timing is Everything
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During the summer tourist season, rates for everything are naturally higher. Hotel blocks will need to be reserved well in advance for you and your out-of-area guests--sometimes by as much as a year ahead of time. Luckily, Saratoga no longer has an “off season” since we are now a yearround destination, but you still need to investigate circumstances that might affect your plans. You may be thinking anything other than July and August will be a breeze, but did you know that during the Skidmore College Graduation Weekend, booking a hotel room is virtually impossible?
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Take Good Care of Your Guests
When planning your destination wedding, be sure to consider your guests. This involves room blocks and group rates at hotels, as well as cute welcome bags, inviting guests to the Rehearsal Dinner and Day After Brunch, etc. Consider planning a fun group activity such as bowling or a dinner cruise as an "icebreaker" for your guests. You may also want to provide a shuttle to and from your venue, so people do not need to drive around in an unfamiliar area. It is also a good idea to put together a simple little guide with your recommendations for local restaurants and salons/spas, as well as other local businesses. It will help them really enjoy their time in a special location.
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Research Local Marriage Requirements
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Choose Appropriate Attire
Carefully consider your wedding destination’s weather when choosing your attire. If you are getting married in say August, you can expect hot humid days, and cool evenings. If you are hosting a winter wedding, it could be downright frigid and not just “chilly” here in Upstate New York. I always suggest to my brides that they invest in good pair of snow boots and appropriate outerwear if they are getting married in the winter!
Local Saratoga Wedding Officiant, Reverend Joy Burke (RevJoyBurke.com) recommends that you look into requirements at your destination for a valid marriage license. If you want your marriage to be legal, you cannot omit this step.
Money Matters Weddings can be expensive in general. But Destination Weddings can really add up. Be sure you factor in possible extra/hidden expenses. Make sure you ask lots of questions, so you are not "surprised" when you get the bill. Some venues charge additional fees for setting up the ceremony area or reception site. Other things to consider are hidden taxes and gratuities, pressing or steaming your dress/ suit, and transportation for guests, to name a few. Make sure you get everything in writing before the event, and make sure you carefully review all contracts.
Keeping these simple tips in mind will make planning your Destination Wedding much less stressful. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Bliss
BRIDAL SHOWER WRITTEN BY KAREN RICCI OF KAREN & COMPANY EVENT PLANNING PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY LEVY
It is common to think of hiring an event planner for large parties such as milestone birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, or the grandest events of them all - weddings. While having help for these larger life-events is important, smaller parties can still prove stressful for the host, and need just as much attention to detail to make the event as unique and seamless as possible.
I enjoy helping to organize all events, whether large or small. In fact, the smaller events can certainly leave a large impression on me. One bridal shower comes to mind. This past spring, I was honored with the ability to help a client plan the shower for her daughter-inlaw-to-be. Through past experience, I knew that the Adelphi Hotel’s ballroom allowed brunches and luncheons for a very reasonable price. I let my client know about their beautiful space and delicious menu offerings. We visited, and she fell in love with everything about it. After many correspondences with the Adelphi to get an overall idea of what they could offer considering our needs, desires and budget, I helped my client navigate through the menus, floor plan, and timeline to ensure a nice flow at the event. I guided my client to really get to the core of the “feel” she was looking for. It’s extremely important to me to know what my clients envision, and my number one goal is to make that vision become a reality. For décor, we settled on a white and lavender color scheme with gold as the metal accent. I helped to design an exquisite three-tiered cake keeping with the décor theme of white, lavender and gold, and the Bread Basket Bakery executed it impeccably. I implemented the bride and groom’s logo on place cards, which I designed on lavender cardstock. Also, using their logo, I created a gobo - a projected image - to shine behind the bar and printed their logo on an acrylic card box for the gift table, as well. It was elegant, light and airy. Arriving to the event space a few hours before the event with cake in tow, I made sure the floorplan was what we had requested with the correct linens and number of chairs at each table. Once the cake and gift tables were set up with candles, lights and florals, I got to work on the table décor. Surrounding the floral centerpieces were antique votives, 10 | SARATOGA BRIDE | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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Mom Sharon Pagano, Bride Tina (Pagano) Cortese and Mother-in-Law Maria Cortese
sending a mosaic of candlelight onto the surrounding area. As a favor, set at each place setting, I worked with TOGA HERITAGE choosing milk and dark chocolate squares with their logo imprinted on each, secured in a cellophane bag, and tied with lavender and white ribbon and a small sprig of Wax Flower. Everything was effortlessly anchored by gold chargers, lavender napkins and personalized menu cards. Upon arrival, the mother-of-the-bride marveled at the centerpieces, noticing how the purple Wax Flowers were such a nice pop of color against the white Hydrangeas. I smiled, knowing that that was exactly what was intended. The timeline was carried out flawlessly. The guests were greeted with pre-poured Prosecco and an open bar. The bride’s favorite playlist sounded lightly in the background. Near the bar, there were soft seating options as well as beautifully adorned high-top tables and guests embraced, mingled, and laughed with each other as hors d’oeuvres were passed. With a little over 30 ladies in attendance, the 5 round tables made for easy conversation during the three-course luncheon. Speeches were made, games were played, and spurts of roiling laughter ensued. It was the perfect way for the guest of honor to get to know some close family and friends from the East Coast, as the wedding would be in her home state of Colorado. From music to menu, from décor to timeline every detail made this event elegant and memorable. Even for a small event, having an Event Planner to make sure no details are forgotten and make certain everything is executed as it was envisioned is more valuable than one can imagine. The bride and the mother-of-the-groom were able to relax and enjoy their guests without a care in the world… and that means the world to me. Afterwards, this is what my client had to say: "I came to Karen & Co with an idea for a Bridal Shower to welcome my new daughter-in-law into our family...Thank You for taking my thoughts and creating the most beautiful event I could have imagined at the Adelphi Hotel! My family, friends and especially my soon-to-be-daughter-in-law will never forget the gorgeous setting, food and experience! Every detail was perfect!" saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Moms and Weddings WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL COBERT-GIDDENS,
OWNER OF FACES ON BEEKMAN STREET
PHOTOS BY JANELLE RODRIGUEZ
T hey’ve announced the big day.
Your heart leaps for joy and then you immediately go into planning mode. Everyone, including you, is convinced this day is all about the couple. The venue. The dress (oh that DRESS). Makeup and hair. The photographer! The food, the flowers…So much to do and it seems easy until you realize that THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO! A friend of yours claps her hands excitedly and asks about the dress you will wear. Shoes? What about your hair? Makeup? WHAT? You walk over to the closest mirror and panic because you didn’t think about that until your well-intentioned friend asked… “What about you?”
Amber Clarke and her lovely daughter, Jenna Hotaling
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I’ve taken care of many brides and moms of the brides (and grooms) over the years. I’ve witnessed the meltdowns, insecurities, differences of opinions and I’ve been there on the big day, watching how well it all came together. I’ve caught the blown kiss from the bride and the heartfelt hug and squeeze of the hand from the mom that whispered, “thank you!” as she happily went out the door to host one of the biggest events in her life. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
My best advice? Rely on professionals. This isn’t the day to take any chances! You’re already stressed out about everything that will be happening that day. Believe me, you’ll be running around playing hostess that day, so you deserve a little pampering too. Find a dress shop that knows how to dress a mom too! You want to look stunning; you want to be comfortable (at least as much as possible) and you want that dress to fit you without it shifting to the wrong areas at the wrong time. Stay true to you in the process so that you feel beautiful and confident all day and into the evening. Your face is going to be photographed many times that day. You want to look like the best possible version of you. Find a makeup artist that can create a look that you will love. A professional that makes you look amazing and knows how to use makeup that photographs well. Soft is best. Neutral. Lip colors with a little pop of color, maybe a slightly brighter blush and lashes. Please don’t go overboard on those lashes! I am loving individual lashes at varying lengths to make your eyes stand out and give you a natural (non-surgical) eye lift! I absolutely believe that the most important part of your face is your skin. You want your skin to look and feel its absolute best. Soft. Glowing. Healthy…it’s the canvas for your makeup artist and the better the canvas, the better the finished masterpiece. Find someone you trust to help you on your skin journey. Please don’t rely on store-bought masks, DIY facial parties and a coupon you found in your mailbox. This is a journey. Truly. I cannot tell you how many last minute, completely panicked moms have called me the week before the wedding because they over exfoliated or used a harsh, over-the-counter peel or too much Retin A. Either they thought, or someone told them, more is more. More is almost never a good idea and sometimes it can take MONTHS for the skin to calm down when it’s been triggered. So, find that dress. Get those facials. Find your makeup and hair people and book that trial. Book several trials until you find the right one… and then relax. Enjoy the journey. True Grace Makeup
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Bridesmaid WRITTEN BY MARISSA MACKAY PHOTOS PROVIDED
When you’re in your twenties and thirties, there’s only one question that can fill you with equal amounts of dread and excitement:
“Will you be my bridesmaid????” Like most women in this age bracket, some years were more wedding-heavy for me than others. 2019 was a doozie - for more than one reason. Imagine with me… Getting the call that your sister is engaged! Then, not long after, hearing that one of your best friends is engaged!! Then an invitation comes in the mail for one of your high school friends’ weddings!!! 2019 was going to be a year of celebration!!!! I was looking forward to celebrating the love shared between those around me throughout the year. Excited that I was lucky enough to be able to attend Danielle’s wedding as a guest, be Matron of Honor for my sister’s wedding, and serve as a bridesmaid to my good friend, Amanda! Little did I know when the invitations came, however, that my husband and I were going to get a surprise addition to our family in late 2019. Meaning that for each wedding, I would be 3, 5 and 8 months pregnant, respectively. My excitement immediately turned to stress and worry – more for my sister’s wedding (month 6) and for Amanda’s wedding (month 8). I figured I could likely hide my pregnancy for Danielle’s wedding if I wanted to – but what to wear?! I was dreading shopping for dresses. I had only just found out that I was expecting and shopping dates with the other bridesmaids were just around the corner. I was: #1. Not ready to share the pregnancy and #2. Not even close to accepting the fact that my body was going to be so drastically different for each event. How could I possibly predict how I was going to carry this little wonder inside me. Was I going to carry with my whole body or just in front? Would I feel well or have nausea? How do I tell my two wonderful brides that I might not be much fun for their bachelorette party? The doubts and fears and questions seemed enormous at first, but with the right professionals on your side, all things are possible. So, here are some tricks to dress for weddings during all stages of your pregnancy. Hopefully this makes it a little less stressful. As a guest at a wedding I had the flexibility to wear anything that I was going to be comfortable in. I was concerned that I was going to be uncomfortable and feel unattractive in my own skin. It
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seems like your belly grows so quickly to accommodate the new life inside and all of a sudden, nothing fits. Or at least nothing fits the way that you want it to. I did not feel attractive and I certainly felt like I was lacking in the wardrobe department. But, for Danielle’s wedding (month 3) I wasn’t quite ready to invest in my wardrobe to accommodate my bump. My solution: Rent the Runway. The site has a wonderful maternity filter so that dresses and clothes that will be accommodating are the only thing you are looking at! It is wonderful how much it made me feel like I was just another shopper, and not so much a pregnant shopper.
Bridesmaid dresses – now this is where I hope I can help.
You do NOT have to shop in Maternity! The key is having a dress that accommodates your bump – and not feeling like you are wearing a potato sack. I still wanted to feel young and chic and attractive while being comfortable. When choosing your dress, anything empire waist or similar to empire can work! For my sister’s wedding I found a gown with a bodice that crisscrossed and was fitted just below the bust. Lauren’s wedding was in June and the bridal party was going to be wearing knee length gowns. My concern was the length - this solution was an easy one: find a floor length dress that I liked and then have it hemmed to the proper length when it gets closer to the wedding so that the front is the proper length for my growing bump. If you’re wondering how I chose the size, keep reading - we’re getting there! For Amanda’s wedding, I knew that my options were going to be a little more limited - month 8. I was surely going to have developed quite the belly for our growing boy. Amanda asked us all to wear floor length dresses. If you find a maternity dress that you love, great! I did not. So, the length solution here - order the dress with “extra length” (unless you are short enough that standard length is enough for you and your baby bump). I am 5’7’’ and standard length, plus not knowing how big I was going to grow in the waistline, pushed me to order extra length just in case. This was my first pregnancy and I had to manifest how to size myself for a gown I won’t be wearing for months. Since manifesting is not the best way to go about doing something like having a dress that will fit well, I consulted two seamstresses about sizing. We waited until I was against the cusp of the ordering deadline to measure and size. Then we ordered 2 sizes larger than what I measured. This decision was based on knowing how my mom carried during her pregnancies – all in front. I was really crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t gain a lot of baby weight other places and that I wouldn’t gain too many cup sizes. The other comfort with size decisions was that there were inches difference in the sizes, so sizing up x2 was plenty of fabric to work with. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Photo by Viscosi Photography
The gowns came in and each gown was altered to fit me and my bump. Neither gown was considered a ‘maternity dress’ but both became one after a fitting and alterations. It made the gown more expensive, but for me it was worth it to feel comfortable and confident in a dress that didn’t completely envelope me. If you couldn’t tell, muumuus are not my jam. In short, here’s how to choose your bridesmaid dress when you’re pregnant:
1. You don’t have to limit yourself to maternity gowns. Just make sure the overall style of the dress will accommodate your bump. 2. If you’re not ordering a maternity dress; for short dresses, get the dress long and hem it to fit your bump or for long dresses make sure the company you’re ordering from offers extra length to accommodate your bump. 3. Get measured by a seamstress and discuss sizing with her before you buy. Based on past pregnancies, how your mom or sister carried, and your own body type, you’ll be able to guesstimate how many sizes up you need to go with a little professional help. 4. Have fun and don’t stress too much. It’ll work out!
Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography. Dresses from Saratoga Elegance.
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Invite your DOG to You r Big Day
Photo by Matt Ramos, See Real Bride on pg xx.
A wedding concierge for your dog – providing canine care so ALL your loved ones can be there.
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WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER, PHOTOS PROVIDED
hey are your faithful companion so, of course, you want them to be with you when you’re getting married but being around all that food and excitement may require even easy-going dogs to need constant attention.
Who is going to make sure they don’t stand on your dress or jump on your guests, and that they potty only in the proper places? Going beyond the typical 9-to-5 job, CaNine to Five provides dog concierge services uniquely tailored to fit your needs. “This lets you concentrate on the one million other things you need to do,” said Amy Zounes, owner of CaNine to Five, LLC. PUPPY DOG EYES SURPRISE At your initial meeting, Zounes will ask about your dog’s breed and personality so her dog concierge wedding packages are exclusively designed to address your specific concerns. She offers all kinds of services for your pet: including transportation, boarding, grooming, walking, and tasty treats from their own Canine Cakery. She’ll coordinate with your wedding photographer and manage your dog during the photoshoot. She’ll even walk your dog down the aisle. Another unique option is to capture your wedding day from the dog’s perspective via a harness GoPro camera. Adding this to video footage shot by the CaNine to Five team, she’ll create a behind-the-scenes look at your big day - from the car ride to that special moment your face brightens because your best friend is there with you. 16 | SARATOGA BRIDE | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
DOGGIE BAGS AND OTHER DELIGHTS CaNine to Five’s creative solutions inspire you to involve your dog in ways that you may not have even thought of. By working with a floral designer, she’ll have an arrangement for them to wear or can special-order items such as bow ties and tuxedo bandanas to top off a nice grooming. The Canine Cakery creates grain-free, organic dog treats that match the theme of your own wedding cake. “My vision is to make treats that look good and use wholesome ingredients,” she said. Present them on a doggie dessert table and your guests can even take them home for their own pets to enjoy. If you want your dog to be more than a bridal party guest, give them a more formal role as a ring bearer. Zounes said she would love to see a padlock ceremony where each dog has a decorative padlock on their collar that holds the rings. The bride and groom both have a key to unlock and receive the rings, symbolizing the connection of the dog to its family. GIVE EVERY DOG IT’S DAY. Doggie concierge services should be booked at least three months before your wedding. For more information, go to CaNineToFiveLLC.com
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Photo By Sara Pezdek
GIVE GUESTS A TASTE OF THE NEW WITH CUTTING-EDGE
Wedding Dessert Choices! WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
D
istinguish your wedding dessert from the rest with non-traditional options and statement-making cakes.
While many formal bridal packages still include a classic cake, an increasing trend is to offer guests additional options when it comes to dessert, especially when the wedding takes place at a more casual outdoor venue, like a farm or a park, said Leah Stein, owner of Leah’s Cakery. TASTY FAVORITES AT NEW HEIGHTS All dressed up on a beautiful display, filled cupcakes, individual cookies, mini-pies and pastries are taking their place next to sculpted stand-out cakes. Creating a stunning centerpiece on the dessert table often involves incorporating atypical shapes, dimensions and designs. Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, Stein recommends adding the extra-height and sparkle of a double-barrel cake covered with gold and silver leaf. Crave-Worthy Creations Ensure all eyes are on your striking confections by adding flair with exquisite embellishments like bold flowers. “Peonies work fabulously and look gorgeous. It’s this look of a fireworks explosion in a soft, natural texture that comes in whites, pinks, and deep reds,” said Stein. Pies in particular, are a pleasant, yet stylish surprise when served at a wedding, joining the list of non-cake choices finding favor in the wedding world. PLANNED SURPRISES A taste of your personality can come in many forms. Deciding whether you want both cake and non-cake options, a smaller anniversary cake, or even dessert favors for your guests to take home are all things Stein will help you with during your initial consultation. Taking time to talk to couples about the overall style of their wedding and venue, and seeing the invitations helps her to make your dessert uniquely yours. She’ll ask about the number of guests you plan on having and schedule a tasting. Because she gives you so much individualized attention, beginning communications 8 to 12 months in advance is advised. For more information, go to Leahs-cakery.com
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MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R
How to Navigate Dysfunctional Family Dynamics on Your Wedding Day
Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA.
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lanning your wedding can bring out the FUN in dysfunctional family dynamics in an epic way. If you come from a split family or are marrying someone whose parents have split up this can add even more stress and difficulty to an already anxiety provoking time. The key to navigating this warzone without casualties is to have a plan in place from the start and to make sure your partner is on board as the co-pilot in every way! Just tell someone, anyone, you are planning a wedding and they immediately have suggestions for you from what kind of music to play to how much cleavage is too much. The day you tell people you are engaged, set the precedence of taking NO unsolicited advice. As soon as the questions start firmly state, “We are really looking forward to planning an event that reflects who we are as a couple and we will let you know if we need your help.” Shut down the comments and questions immediately and then change the subject, exit the room or hang up the phone. If your boundaries are sloppy from day one you will have a much harder time implementing them in the last quarter of the planning stages. Stay firm and direct and shut down any family members that attempt to take control in any way. If the divorced parents are still in a difficult place of anger and bitterness and have difficulty being around one another take action immediately. Meet with each parent and discuss that this is a time to put differences and hurt feelings aside and show up ready to give love, respect and support. I have seen parents absolutely lose it and make their children’s wedding about what the other parent did to them rather than being present emotionally, physically and spiritually for their adult child. If the situation is causing you to lose sleep and feel anxious, schedule a family meeting with a therapist who can help you state your boundaries in a clear safe way. This is not the time for you to take on people pleasing behaviors that leave you feeling full of guilt and angst. Shut down any and all drama immediately. If you do not trust that a specific parent/stepparent or family member can celebrate your wedding without drama then let them know they will not be invited. Although this can be a tough conversation to have, at the end of the day you are respecting yourself and your partner enough to advocate for what you deserve. You send the message that you will not be bullied into accepting emotional abuse of any kind. Let all parties know that they may not verbally character assassinate ex spouses or who they remarried. Again, whether family members respect your boundaries is dependent on you sticking to them no matter what. Planning a wedding in the healthiest of families can be a stressful time, remember, this is one day for you to have everyone you love celebrating the next great adventure of your life. Do not allow dysfunctional family dynamics to overshadow your joy. Take charge, stick to your boundaries and get some help if you need it! YOU ARE WORTH IT!
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60 YEARS MARRIED
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” ~ Mignon McLaughlin
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- not just another love story!
veryone applauds a good love story. When it comes to a great love story though – one that makes you smile from the very beginning – well, those are few and far between.
Maybe they’re out there but no one draws attention to them. I like to draw attention to them. Mike and Laura Hotchkiss’ love story is one of the best. He’s 81, she’s 78, and they’ve been married more than 60 years now. Holding hands, they tell me they’re the luckiest people alive. That might very well be. Honestly, they’re the cutest couple in the world - that’s what I’m stuck on at the moment. We’re sitting in a corner booth at Panera Bread, sharing a meal while I listen to their heart-warming saga – one they feed to me in snippets - stopping every now and again to gaze at each other over a private joke or precious memory.
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WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
Laura was 18, traveling with her best friend Lilian from Montreal to Miami, July 1959. They were looking forward to an exciting summer vacation in the states. Surprised to see they were the youngest guests at The Allison Hotel – most were decades older – Laura remembers thinking their days on the beach might turn out a bit differently than they’d imagined before packing up and leaving on their adventure. “Once we arrived at The Allison and saw the age difference between us and everyone else, I figured we’d mostly relax on this trip – I couldn’t imagine anyone staying at the hotel would want to show two teenage girls around Miami’s hot spots.” “What I didn’t know was Mike’s grandfather owned the hotel. That little detail changed everything,” Laura tells me. Standing in his grandmother’s bedroom, Mike spotted Laura and her friend near the pool. “She was beautiful,” he says wearing a huge grin. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“She was this tiny little thing, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.” The couple laughs, a charming sound in the noisy restaurant. “I remember she was wearing pointed black shoes,” Mike begins. “Hey, wait a second,” I interrupt. “Pointed black shoes – at the pool?” The two of them look at me, talking at the same time. “We hadn’t gotten into our swimsuits yet. We were walking around outside and decided to sit down. We were still in our street clothes.” “I knew right then that I had to meet her,” Mike interjects. “I had to figure out how.” Later that evening, Laura and Lilian sat down for dinner. Mike was working in the kitchen. He sent a waiter over with a dome-covered platter. There was a note underneath, asking Laura to meet him the next morning near the pool at 9 am. The girls could barely sleep, they were so excited. When they finally pushed aside their bedroom curtains in the morning, they saw it was raining outside. “What now?” Laura remembers being disappointed. The phone rang – Mike’s voice was on the other end. “I guess you know it’s raining out,” he greeted Laura. “Ready for plan B? I thought my friend Michael and I could take you girls to the sea aquarium – how does that sound?” When the young men arrived to pick them up, Laura looked over at Lilian. “I get the front seat, keep your hands off,” she laughed. “Oh, Michael – he was so good-looking! I thought he was adorable.”
at the memory. “We had to call before 6 pm to get the best rate. When my parents answered I suggested they sit down, I needed to tell them something.” “Are you sorry you didn’t have a big wedding?” I ask. “Most people want the white gown, bridal party, honeymoon.” Their look says everything. “Our day? It was perfect.” Mike tells me. “I still have the dress I wore,” Laura turns to her husband. “You still have your sweater, right?” Her question makes me laugh. I wish I could go on – relating all of the wonderful stories they shared with me over lunch that day. I felt as if I was turning pages in a book I didn’t want to put down. I’d write about how one of their babies was nearly delivered – at the wrong hospital.
The day was wonderful. Mike and Laura had a great time with Michael and Lilian. They spent hours talking, getting to know one another. It couldn’t have gone better.
I’d tell you about the time good friends helped Mike and Laura move from one home to another – carrying everything the couple owned down the street, to a different apartment nearby. “Why rent a moving truck?” They grin.
It went so well that, when Laura said a short time later “You’re the nicest person I’ve ever met,” Mike responded with “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
You and I could pour over stories about how they fell in ‘love at first sight’ with their children – a son and daughter, then again when they held their precious grandchildren.
Her answer was yes.
I’d share the chapters about how they relocated a few times, moving from one state to another, eventually making their way to Saratoga, setting up shop on Broadway, where they ran an overseas marketing company, selling North American Products.
Lilian warned Laura to be careful –“You can’t trust American boys.” Other people tried to talk them out of getting married, too. But they were in love. Mike’s mother and father liked Laura – a lot. Still, they cautioned the couple to wait, to take their relationship slow and easy. By that time, the conversation with his parents didn’t matter. Mike already had rings and plane tickets burning a hole in his pocket – they were going to elope. Married by Judge Roy Proctor at City Hall in Madison, Wisconsin, Mike and Laura decided to wait six weeks before telling their parents they were husband and wife. “We called collect, person-to-person,” Mike tells me, chuckling saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
We could talk about their extensive travel – to Germany, France, Italy, and other Western European countries, or where they went to college, how the five-day waiting period for their marriage license was waived when the clerk saw how deeply in love they were. Here’s the thing – Richard Bach may have said it best: “True love stories never have endings.” Laura leans in, kissing Mike on the cheek. It’s a sign of true, enduring affection that warms my heart and makes my smile last long after we hug and say goodbye. SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 23
Important things in a long-lasting relationship - According to Mike and Laura
1. Share similar interests 2. Be attracted to each other 3. Be best friends 4. Let your partner be themselves – don’t try to change the one you fell in love with
5. Be spontaneous 6. Always be there for each other 7. Be comfortable with long talks and complete silence
5
things to stay away from
8. Have a great sense of humor 9. Be understanding 10. Be flexible
- According to Mike and Laura
1. Don’t be possessive 2. Don’t be a nag 3. Don’t be argumentative 4. Don’t withhold affection 5. Don’t be Jealous
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4 Honeymoons and an
anniversary WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON, OWNER, LEISURE TRAVEL ADVISOR, LIVE LIFE TRAVEL PHOTOS PROVIDED
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t’s likely around the time when most of you are starting to think about your honeymoon. And while there is no right answer for everyone in terms of when to plan, we do have some general guidelines that we can share with you based on our professional experience: • The sweet spot to have your honeymoon planned is roughly 9 months before your wedding (the exception to this rule is that places such as the Amalfi Coast and The Greek Islands can be planned even earlier given the short season, high demand and limited availability). • If you are looking to book Sandals, they open their inventory 2 years before check-in date (vs. 1 year for most hotel inventory) and we recommend that you book as early as possible with your preferred agent as there are only benefits to doing so. If you are not sure where you want to travel for your honeymoon yet, you are not alone. Eighty-five to ninety percent of the couples we meet say the same thing and this is something that we specialize in, so no reason to worry or stress. We really do take care of everything. To help inspire all of you who are just starting to think about your honeymoon (or any other type of celebration travel), we would like to share with you ‘4 Honeymoons and a 20th Anniversary’ from 2019, along with their personal travel planning tips.
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Nicolle & Brian
HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Africa
Itinerary Highlights: CAPE TOWN: 3 nights. Cape Point, Penguin Colony, Table Mountain ZAMBIA: 3 nights. Victoria Falls, Elephant Café, Walking with Cheetahs, Sunset River Cruise, Private Dinner KRUGER PARK SAFARI: 4 nights. Mjejane River Lodge JOHANNESBURG: 2 nights. Local Museums & Restaurants Honeymoon Travel Planning Tips: • Even if you prefer to book your own travel, use a travel advisor for your honeymoon to make everything stress-free & super organized, as well as adding those special touches! • Be willing to try new things while you are in destination including experiencing the local culture and food.
John & Becky
HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Thailand
Itinerary Highlights: BANGKOK: 2 nights. Floating Markets, Street Food Tour CHIANG MAI: 3 nights. Elephant Sanctuary, Night Market Tour, Visit to WatPhrathat Doi Suthep Temple KOH SAMUI: 6 nights. Big Buddha, Angthong National Marine Park SINGAPORE: 1 day. Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Bumboat River Cruise
• Don’t be afraid to travel during the low season to take advantage of lower prices, more exclusive experiences and fewer crowds.
Honeymoon Travel Planning Tips: • Don’t be afraid to go big for your honeymoon; it’s a once in a lifetime experience, so make it count! • Don’t settle for the first travel advisor that you use if they are not for you; we tried several before we found Anne. • Always choose the “crazy” option – We opted for an extended layover in Singapore for the way home and ended up having an incredible experience that we would have completely missed if we had planned this on our own.
For more information on planning your next vacation, contact Anne Gordon at Live Life Travel. anne@livelifetravel.world LiveLifeTravel.world 26 | SARATOGA BRIDE | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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Mike & Becky
ANNIVERSARY DESTINATION: Amalfi Coast
Itinerary Highlights: ROME: 3 nights. Colosseum Tour, Vatican with Sistine Chapel Tour NAPLES: 1 night. Archaeological Museum with Authentic Pizza Dinner SORRENTO: 3 nights. Private tour of Pompeii & Herculaneum, Lunch & Wine Tasting at Vineyard on Mt. Vesuvius, Lemon Farm Tour, Lunch & Shopping in Positano RAVELLO:3 nights. Anniversary Dinner at Belmond Hotel Caruso Anniversary Travel Planning Tips: • Having 24/7 in-destination contacts while traveling provided us with a peace of mind that we did not realize was available to us. • Go to Ravello on the Amalfi Coast; it was unbelievably beautiful, so laid back and relaxing and we felt so welcome there by the locals • Make time to travel together for milestone anniversaries; It was the trip of a lifetime and we are so happy that we did it!
Dan & Amanda
HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Riviera Maya Itinerary Highlights: 7 nights in an Over-The-Water Villa at The Rosewood Mayakoba, Inclusive of an Adults-Only Beach Club with Pool and Taco Truck, Bicycles for the week, Private Plunge Pool and Hammock, Daily Breakfast and Private Boat Ride Honeymoon Travel Planning Tips: • Choose a place that you love so much that you can return for anniversaries and other celebration travel including family travel. • Listen to the locals; We had the best tostadas of our entire life based on a recommendation of our driver in the village of El Publeto. • Be sure that your resort has a specified “Adults Only” section if it is a family resort; our favorite spot was the private beach club and adults only pool where the staff was impeccable.
Lynsey & Andrew
HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Sicily
Itinerary Highlights: VINEYARD ON MT. ETNA: 2 nights. Private Mt. Etna Summit Jeep Experience, Private Cooking Class with Wine Tasting TAORMINA: 6 nights. Evening Walking Tour with Culinary Experience, Pizza Making, Private Yacht Experience with Grotto Tours Honeymoon Travel Planning Tips: • Whatever you do, DON’T skip your honeymoon. • Using a travel advisor is a MUST – All we had to do was show up and we were treated like celebrities the entire time, everything was perfect! • Don’t over think about anything, just enjoy it all. Sicily was perfect for us and even Andrew, who has never liked wine, acquired a taste for it there (we especially loved the Etna Rosso).
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From Your Wedding Daydreams..
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Muted, pastel palettes... Soft, floating tulle and lace.... The wedding of your dreams may feel like it flits in to rest in the palm of your hand, only to whisk away on the next wind of pins and Instagram stories, always just out of reach. Capture the romantic, fleeting essence of your dreams with blush tones and soft greens and browns. A mixture of dried and fresh flowers and grasses gives your wedding a lush but delicate feel, almost as if you don’t want to move too quickly and risk waking yourself
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Graceful touches like feathered grasses echo the gossamer cloak of a cathedral-length veil, tying in every detail, from the cake to the bouquet to the candles to your gown. We love the addition of a model greenhouse filled with flowers as a centerpiece for the sweetheart table. Your dream in miniature, realized at last.
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Complete the dream with an open and unaffected glow for your makeup and a natural softness to your hair. Sprigs of real (or in this case, seed-pearl) baby’s breath add the finishing touch of whimsy.
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The Details Photography: Elizabeth Haynes Photography Planning & Floral Design: Boston & Burke Floral Design Venue: Lakota's Farm Weddings & Events Gown & Accessories: Wtoo by Watters from Something Bleu Bridal Makeup: Lauren Trudeau for True Beauty Company Hair: Mia Mangino for True Beauty Company and Simply Elegant Beauty Model: Misty LaCross
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Blind Buck Valley
Farmstead
THROUGH TRISHA'S LENS
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This intimate setting by Wild Heights Event Design featured vintage lanterns and iron chairs juxtaposed with colorful florals and gold flatware, overlooking one of Blind Buck Valley Farmstead’s fields perfect for tying the knot.
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This Page A hillside field overlooking the main house and barns at Blind Buck Valley provides the perfect location for a scenic glamping experience. Here, Glamp ADK creates a luxe experience for a bride & groom on their wedding day.
Right Page Top: Minimalist bouquets with greenery compliment the bridal party and highlight the boho, rustic vibe of this venue. Bottom Right: Blind Buck Valley’s hens provided the eggs for this stunning take on favors and escort cards, complete with hand lettering. Bottom Left: Hand calligraphed place cards elevate the these romantic, rustic place settings.
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DETAILS:
left Page Top: The couple and bridal party post ceremony: Few things are as romantic as saying your vows in an open field overlooking streams and rolling hills, dotted with classic red barns and horses, with the glimmer of your private farmhouse’s lights and celebration tent below. Bottom Left: Blind Buck Valley has some incredible vintage pieces on hand to compliment different aspects of your event. Here, an antique chair with emerald corduroy cushion provides the perfect backdrop for the bride’s bouquet. Bottom Right: If you’re not all about the cake but love the tradition, a cutting cake might be the perfect solution. This cutting cake adorned with blooms that complement the wedding colors and matching hand lettered plates ticks all the boxes and more.
This Page The bride & groom enjoy a private moment in their honeymoon hideaway.
Venue Blind Buck Valley Farmstead Photographer Trisha Millier Event Design Willa Dunn, Wild Heights Events Glamping Tent for the "honeymoon suite" -- Glamp ADK Tent Rental Erbe Tent Rents Wedding Signage Raechel Fraterrigo, All 4 Lettering Wedding Cake Libby Bellacosa Floral Design Laura Dunham, Laura's Garden Hair Katie Steinbach, The Alchemists Salon Makeup Carina Scott Antonucci CLOTHING Wedding Gown True North Bridal Studio Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids NYC Suits Generation Tux Ties Dazi USA Socks Jcrew
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The Whole Wedding WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY
SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
...Right Here G
athering family and friends, getting ready, getting married, and relaxing at your reception… all in one place? …Yes, at the Saratoga Hilton! Feel the freedom of customizable wedding packages at a flexible venue that offers amenity-rich accommodations and a bounty of banquet options. “We are a full-service property in the heart of downtown Saratoga. We have everything onsite that a guest would need,” said The Saratoga Hilton’s Director of Sales & Marketing Joanna Fairs.
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Simply Seamless: From the Site Visit to the Cake Cutting Nothing gets lost in translation when all the event communications go to the same person in the same place. “Our team walks them through the entire event to make it really seamless for them,” said Joanna Fairs, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Saratoga Hilton. Whatever question arises, brides have one point of contact, said Joanna. A personalized URL gives brides the ability to freely monitor guest bookings, as well. The hotel has six light-filled luxury corner suites with ample in-room parlors where the bride and her glam squad can comfortably get ready. Put the groom and his party on another floor, and you’ll save yourself the worry of pre-wedding peeking being a possibility. Optimal Areas and Special Spaces Located in a separate wing of the hotel, booking a ceremony and reception for up to 350 guests in the Saratoga Ballroom offers both privacy and easy accessibility. Section off a special area for your ceremony, meet in the foyer for cocktails after, then return to the transformed ballroom for dinner and dancing. “To make it unique to each bride and groom, we work closely with Total Events party planners and can suggest a number of other vendors. There are definitely a lot of different options to make the room the way they want it,” said Joanna. The Broadway Ballroom is also available if you want a completely separate ceremony space or are planning on a smaller wedding of no more than 75 guests. Customizable catering menus and drink services let you enjoy mouthwatering, artfully-crafted appetizers, and your choice of plated, buffet, or stationed dining before the cake cutting.
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Keep the Party Going Arriving early or staying late is never a problem when everyone is in the same place. Why not enjoy coffee in the café or some leisure time in the hotel lounge? Fit in a workout in the fitness room. An indoor pool lets you rest easy that the weather will not keep you, or the kids, from getting in a swim. 534 Bistro, the onsite restaurant, has a welcoming bar and American cuisine served in a relaxed contemporary setting with a large double-sided indoor fireplace and an outdoor patio. The Saratoga Hilton’s divine downtown location means that within walking distance you and your guests can easily add-in some shopping, a picnic in the park, unforgettable entertainment and awesome attractions.
the Details: Venue Saratoga Hilton Clothing Danielle’s Bridal Boutique (and Tux Shop!) Robes Chic Underneath Hair and Make Up Lipstick N Lashes Beauty Bar and Boutique Event Decorator Total Events Florals JoleneK Floral Design Officiant Reverend Joy Burke Photographer Susan Blackburn Photography Models Julie TenEyck Jeremiah TenEyck Khloe TenEyck Isabella Romanzo Ryan Ross Jordan Welch Anna Bayle Colleen Coleman Bella Bokan
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A New Way to Look at
Weddings An Intimate Affair… personal and inviting, let us show you around!
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If you are torn between the idea of throwing a smaller, more Intimate Affair or opting for an all-out, grand wedding, knowing the difference between the two can help you realize the wedding day you have dreamt of! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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If you want an original culinary experience, an Intimate Affair is key in creating that experience, with a carefully curated menu with easily served dishes that bring a unique quality to your dining experience. Suburban Kitchen’s locally sourced menus create a one-of-a-kind meal, no matter how large or small your event is, crafting a menu that feels special is important. With the proper culinary creativity and staff, anything is possible!
ABOVE: Suburban Kitchen’s team carrying a platter of roasted heirloom beet salad tossed with tarragon vinaigrette, shaved apple, fennel, pickled carrots, microgreens, and local "R&G" goat cheese. Salad ingredients were locally sourced from “Hill Top Acres.” LEFT: Elegant vellum menus to pace the meal and entice the palette were created by Cartoleria Studio. BELOW: A bowl of potato gnocchi tossed with a pesto made from locally foraged Ramps, lemon zest, and aged Parmesan Reggiano, prepared by Chef/Owner Ryan O'Shea of Suburban Kitchen.
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SBM Event Co. chose a soft colorful pallete and varying depths to craft a playfully elegant and romantic tablescape for this Intimate Affair. Remember all those details when planning an intimate wedding. Those are the things your guests will remember! Blooms Floral Designs used simple European style gold candlesticks with delicate hand-dyed gauze fabric. Topped with sweeping florals and greens draped down the center of the tables, while overhead, framing the table is an antique ladder dripping floral elegance. This beauty and detail will not go unnoticed when working with an intimate tablescape.
Total Events’ design team swept in with customized furniture, lighting, and dreamy draping, creating the perfect ambiance for an intimate wedding reception! Kathrine, Owner of YTK Works’ Love of what she does shows in her storytelling ability and the connection she has with those she is photographing. You can feel the passion behind the lens, from the first click of her camera.
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Rings, ribbon, flowers and alluring shoes, what more could a bride ask for?
If making sure that customization is a priority, then an intimate celebration is for you. There is something so special about an intimate wedding, it allows you to invest in their experience, as well as yours. If you want to emulate a dinner party vibe, intimate is the way to go. Having an intimate wedding is like throwing a dinner party with your closest friends!
A soft tender moment shared as the handsome James Dean attempts to nibble on the bride’s flowers. True Beauty Company brings out the best version of the bride's natural beauty.
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Cake By Alissa's hand-scraped Tahitian vanilla frosted cake with lemon curd filling is a bit sweeter when topped with fresh florals.
An Intimate Affair allows you to create a more personal setup for your ceremony and it is a great way to showcase the intimacy of your guest list. With a smaller guest list, you can be more creative with chair setups, ceremony décor, and your altar placement. Add color and comfort to your setting by integrating pillows into your final design.
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Your dress and accessories tell your story. Something Bleu Bridal will help you tell that story through their exquisite dresses and personalized footwear.
“With smaller wedding parties, we are given the opportunity to appreciate how each person is representative of our client’s life. The stories inevitably come out when we ask how they are all connected, and it gives the wedding party a nice chance to remember that connection on the big day -and includes me in the story.” says Kimberly Finney Owner of Lakota’s Farm Weddings and Events.
The details Venue: Lakota’s Farm Weddings & Events Planner: SBM Event Co Photo & Videography: YTK Works Rentals: Total Events Floral: Blooms Floral Design Caterer: Suburban Kitchen Cake: Cake by Alissa Dress Shop: Something Bleu Bridal Hair & Makeup: True Beauty Company, Lauren Trudeau and Jessica LaFountain Invitations & Calligraphy: Cartoleria Studio
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
wedding gown BHLDN WEDDING DRESSES location LAKOTA'S FARM WEDDINGS & EVENTS photographer HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN
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Thank you to LAKOTA'S FARM WEDDINGS & EVENTS for sending us this Real Bride!
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Our Story Brandon and I grew up in New Jersey and met in high school through a mutual friend. We instantly connected through a shared love for outdoor adventures, and animals, especially horses. We stayed together long distance through college, while I was at Boston University and Brandon at University of Connecticut. After years traveling to visit each other, we finally both lived in Boston, where I went to medical school at BU and Brandon went to veterinary school at Tufts. Even though our schedules were busy over the years, we spent every bit of
free time we had together exploring outside, backpacking in the mountains, cycling and running with our triathlon and cycling teams. We share a love for National Parks, and during a trip through the Pacific Northwest, Brandon proposed on top of a mountain in Olympic National Park. It was a magical moment surrounded by mountain views, deciding to spend the rest of our lives together. When we found Lakota's Farm Weddings & Events, in my grandma’s hometown, with its beautiful open spaces, stunning draft horses,
and perfectly restored barn, we knew it was perfect for us. Kimberly is an incredible venue manager, making sure every detail flowed seamlessly, so we could focus on enjoying the best party of our lives. We got married two weeks after Brandon graduated from veterinary school and I graduated from medical school. We now live in Seattle, where Brandon works as a horse vet, and I’m a resident doctor in Internal Medicine.
Details WEDDING DATE May 27, 2018 LOCATION Lakota's Farm Weddings & Events PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Bohm-Tallman EVENT DECORATOR Kimberly Finney WEDDING GOWN BHLDN Wedding Dresses BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids TUXEDO Indochino GROOMSMEN CLOTHING Blue suit with bow-tie matching bridesmaids RINGS Kay Jewelers FLOWERS Ten West Events WEDDING PLANNER Kimberly Finney HAIR & MAKE UP Lipstick and Lashes CATERER Hudson Valley BBQ DJ Stolen Moments FIRST DANCE 'Cowboy Take Me Away' SPECIAL TOUCHES... Brandon hand made a wooden archway for our ceremony that we were able to get married under at the farm! It was such a sweet touch and it looked beautiful with the flowers draped across it too. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Try not to get lost in the little details, and soak in every moment of the wedding day!
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
wedding gown MADELEINE'S DAUGHTER BRIDAL location ADELPHI HOTEL photographer SARAH @ ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY
Katie & Joshua Weijer saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Thank you to ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY for sending us this Real Bride!
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Our Story In my sophomore year at Siena College I was introduced to Josh by my childhood friend, while visiting her at Union College. I found myself going back to Union each weekend to visit Josh. Soon enough we began to date and stayed together throughout college. Even as graduation loomed, we never questioned our desire to do a long-distance relationship. Josh moved home to take a job in Boston and I stayed in New York to work on my master’s at Fordham University. We made it work by alternating visits every other weekend. Two years (and a lot of driving) later, Josh applied to Law School in Concord, New Hampshire. I had just graduated at the same time and began looking for jobs to be closer
to him. Once I landed a job, Josh quickly found us a place to live and we moved in together. Long before we moved to New Hampshire, I knew Saratoga Springs is where I wanted my wedding. Growing up in Rotterdam, NY my friends and I loved to spend Saturdays in Saratoga shopping and enjoying dinner. Josh and I always make it a point to get to Saratoga when we are back in NY for a weekend. Saratoga holds many great memories of ours and that is where we wanted the most important day of our life to be celebrated. So when Josh proposed in September of 2018 at our family cottage in Cape Cod, I
quickly started making plans to see venues in Saratoga. After visiting several wedding venues, we met Connie at the Adelphi Hotel. After touring the hotel and talking with her, we KNEW that we wanted our reception at the Adelphi. Connie and her team supported every detail and decision we discussed at our planning meetings, which made the process stress-free. They also made it easy to plan every single detail all the way from New Hampshire Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. Thank you to all our vendors and the staff at the Adelphi Hotel, they were amazing! We had a gorgeous wedding and are so appreciative to have been able to share it with our friends and family.
Details WEDDING DATE May 4, 2019 CEREMONY St. Mary's Church, Crescent LOCATION Adelphi Hotael PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah @ Rob Spring Photography WEDDING GOWN Madeleine's Daughter Bridal GROOM'S CLOTHING Custom Suit from Blank Label RINGS Goldsmiths Gallery in Concord, NH FLOWERS Olive & June Floral Co. HAIR & MAKEUP Juliet and Leslie at Revive Hair and Skin DJ Dave Acevedo @ Experience Events FIRST DANCE 'Hometown Glory' by Adele ICE CREAM CART Ben & Jerry's HONEYMOON DESTINATION Germany and Austria SPECIAL TOUCHES... We had a soirée style wedding. All of our guests loved the opportunity to talk and sit with whoever they wanted throughout the evening. It also made planning easier because we did not have to do a seating chart. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Have a wedding coordinator the day of your wedding. It took a lot of the pressure off the day of the wedding.
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
wedding gown DAVID'S BRIDAL location SARATOGA LAKE photographer KATE ECKERT OF OPAL & JAYE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Thank you to DAVE BIGLER PHOTOS AND FILM for sending us this Real Bride!
Details WEDDING DATE May 17, 2019 CEREMONY Saratoga Lake LOCATION Sperry's- Saratoga PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Eckert- Opal and Jaye Photography STATIONERY SUITE Spark Wander Shop VIDEOGRAPHER Dave Bigler Photos and Flim WEDDING GOWN & BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES David's Bridal GROOM & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Men's Warehouse RINGS Hamilton Jewelers and Kay Jewelers FLOWERS Balet Flowers & Design HAIR Jennifer Mitchell MAKEUP Carina Scott Makeup CAKE Kate's Kakes FIRST DANCE 'Settle Down Easy' by Rebelution OFFICIANT Ryan Eckert HONEYMOON DESTINATION Ocho Rios, Jamaica SPECIAL TOUCHES... At our wedding ceremony we had a burlap aisle runner lined with lanterns sitting atop wooden discs that gave a very rustic outdoorsy feel to our setting. At the end of the runner stood the arch my father designed and built for our special day. Mike's mother got me my "something blue" from Toga Heritage- an adorable handkerchief with TOGA embroidered on it. She also got me diamond horseshoe earrings to wear on my wedding day, and let me borrow her diamond necklace. At our reception, we had horseshoe wedding favors, a special cocktail called "The Saratoga", and Saratoga chips and water in our hotel guest bags. My brother played Van Morrison’s "Crazy Love" as I walked down the aisle. It was one of the most special details of our ceremony and we actually used the recording in our three minute highlight video from our videographer. We also rented the carousel at Congress Park to take photos. Afterwards we returned to Saratoga Lake and took photos in the lake. Since we married on the lake, we had our "guests" sign a wooden oar to display in our home as our guest book for the day. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... This is your special day- do whatever it is that you two want to. Celebrate and make it your own, and enjoy every minute of it!
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Our Story Mike and Brie's love story started like those in the old days- they (serendipitously!) ran into each other at their local hometown bar. Although they went to high school together, they hadn't seen each other in a couple of years. They had a drink and parted ways, and the next day Mike was already asking Brie's friend about her and reached out to Brie via Facebook messenger.
They returned to the gorgeous Empire Room at the stunning Springwater Inn above Brook Tavern where they dropped off some belongings and then headed out the door for their mini "reception." Mike and Brie reserved the private room at Sperry's which held the 12 in their party perfectly. They dined on charcuterie, crab cakes, rib eye steaks and more. They cut their wedding cake and toasted their new married life together; alongside the people they loved most in the world.
Their first date was at another bar in their hometown, and Mike was a perfect gentlemanfrom picking her up to opening doors all night. The conversation was effortless, and the evening Mike and Brie had a separate reception in June, back home with the all their friends and family. was magical. They incorporated many of their favorite things They continued to date for a few years and from Saratoga, such as their horseshoe wedding moved in together after Brie's college graduation. favors and hotel wedding bags for the out of They lived in a small apartment near the beach and started to save up for the home they would eventually buy together.
town guests consisting of Saratoga Spring Water in those classic blue bottles along with their favorite Saratoga Chips! Since they had a videographer at their ceremony, they played their 3-minute highlight video at the reception, so all their family and friends could share in their special day. Their stunning wedding photos were displayed all around the venue, as well. Mike and Brie truly had the best days of their lives and are so happy that they went with their gut and did everything the way they wanted. Now Saratoga is even more special to them and will forever be their favorite place in the world!
After 6 years of dating, Mike took Brie to their favorite restaurant in their hometown where they had reconnected. They talked about how much things had changed yet were somehow still the same. After dinner they walked over to the infamous bar where it had all begun for them, followed by the place where Mike had taken her for their first date. Just when Brie thought he might possibly propose… he took her home. As soon as they got home Mike called Brie into the dining room where he was waiting on one knee, asking her to marry him, in the home they had built together. It was so special… of course she said yes! After a 6 week “freeze” on not talking about or doing anything wedding related, they finally started to think about where they wanted to get married. Once Mike suggested Saratoga, they both knew that was the place. They had been coming up to Saratoga from Central Jersey for the past 5 years since Mike's parents bought a house on Saratoga Lake. After countless hours at the track, endless nights on Caroline Street, and many, many strolls through beautiful downtown Saratoga, they knew this was the spot where they wanted to say, "I do." Since Mike and Brie grew up in NJ and have most of their families and friends there, they decided to "elope" in Saratoga and have a private ceremony with just their siblings and parents. There were 12 people total, including the bride and groom, and they got married on Mike’s family's lakefront property on Riley Cove. After saying their vows to one another under the wedding arch that Brie's father built by hand, Mike and Brie went to Congress Park to take pictures and enjoy their few first moments as a married couple. They strolled carelessly through the park and took photos and video on the carousel and in the tulips that were perfectly in bloom. Needless to say, it was magical! Their adventurous spirit lived on as they returned to romp in the lake… dress and all! Memories they will never forget. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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IF WE COULD SUM UP OUR 2020 WEDDING TRENDS IN ONE PHRASE, IT WOULD BE THIS…
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WRITTEN BY RENA ZEPPETELLI OF RENA’S FINE FLOWERS PHOTOS BY YTK WORKS
THINGS TO REMEMBER.....
or go home
Let’s embrace wow-worthy visual and tactile experiences like never before! Whether it’s an incredible wedding dress with exaggerated sleeves, and a ball gown skirt, or an unforgettable hanging floral centerpiece (my personal favorite!) – don’t worry about overdoing it – go for it! Getting back to that hanging floral statement… Remember that designing high and low centerpieces in a grand room makes a room more inviting and brings your eye up and down to the beautiful architecture.
COLOR… There are NO limits in 2020! Have fun with your color and texture not only with flowers, but with your dresses, the invitations, signage. “Bring it home – it’s YOUR day!” Your floral designer and wedding planner are both a great source to bring those colors through your day in every way.
2 SUSTAINABILITY
… YES! “Zero waste is going to be huge in 2020!” Wedding floral design is all about thinking locally. Ask your floral designer if they use in-season, locally sourced flowers, or forage natural elements when possible. Think about repurposing your ceremony designs into your reception, like moving a floral arch to around the entrance to your reception space. Additionally, instead of tossing leftover flower arrangements, couples can work with their floral designer to coordinate a donation to a local nursing home, hospital, or church. Hire a floral designer who shares your vision, for sustainability is key to moving towards a zero-waste event.
4
3
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VENDORS… When hiring your vendors really think about who you connect with in your meetings. Hire someone you know will make your day amazing and beautiful. Ask them who they work with for other vendors, it’s important that vendors work together well to ensure that your day will be seamless! Remember…
PERSONAL REFERENCES
are key! When meeting with your venue or caterer, they should have great suggestions for an incredible floral designer, an awesome photographer, the perfect band… Remember…
GO BIG OR GO HOME!
518.584.3470
Saratoga Springs, NY saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
wedding gown DEANNA'S location HALL OF SPRINGS photographer TIFFANY WAYNE
Ashley & Daniel Smith saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Thank you to HALL OF SPRINGS for sending us this Real Bride!
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Our Story Danny and I met at a "classy" Boston Irish pub on St. Patrick's Day 2013. We crossed paths as our groups of friends mingled. After a couple group and solo dates, we started seeing each other more often. Flash forward to Summer 2017, we purchased our first home together in Boston. Shortly after moving in, our families were visiting from New York and Pennsylvania to help us get settled in. After a day of family time we had plans for dinner. Danny asked if I would go with him to pick up beer while everyone was getting ready. On our way to the store
Details
we walked by our favorite neighborhood park--Bunker Hill Monument--and Danny got on his knee and proposed! After returning home--with beer--our families welcomed us with champagne and celebrations! I grew up in the Capital District, so I always envisioned myself getting married in Saratoga, luckily Danny was on board, because who doesn't love Saratoga! With a summer engagement Hall of Springs was booked for the following year. We decided to take our time with planning and booked for May of 2019 and we are so happy we did! Hall of
Springs is such a beautiful and historic venue and we thought our guests would love a mini getaway. We love looking back at the beautiful photos Tiffany took that captured our day perfectly and we love watching the video of our first dance which we took professional dance lessons to learn! We worked with the most amazing vendors and had our dream wedding and now Saratoga has a very special place in our hearts. When traveling to New York from Boston we always make a trip to Saratoga to reminisce.
WEDDING DATE May 25, 2019 CEREMONY St. Mary's in Ballston Spa LOCATION Hall of Springs PHOTOGRAPHER Tiffany Wayne VIDEOGRAPHER Dave Bigler Photos and Film STATIONERY SUITE Carley Johnson Design WEDDING GOWN Deanna's BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Vow's Boston TUXEDO Men's Warehouse FLOWERS Surroundings Floral WEDDING PLANNER My Mom, love you Mom!! HAIR & MAKEUP J & C Beauty Bar CATERER & CAKE Mazzone Hospitality BAND New York Players FIRST DANCE 'Mirrors' by Boyce Avenue HONEYMOON DESTINATION Italy & France SPECIAL TOUCES I would love to give Carley Johnson Designs a shout out for her amazing work on the save the date, invitations and menus! ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Enjoy the special moments, they go by fast! View Ashley and Daniel's wedding video online!
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
wedding gown LILY SARATOGA location CANOE ISLAND LODGE photographer SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Lydia & Carter Hoffman
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Thank you to SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY for sending us this Real Bride!
Details
WEDDING DATE June 1, 2019 CEREMONY Lake George LOCATION Canoe Island Lodge PHOTOGRAPHER Susan Blackburn Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Mike Verrinini of Lovecraft WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga FLOWERS Rebecca's HAIR & MAKEUP Blush 518 CAKE Lake George Baking Co. BAND Stephanie Pratt/Andy Pratt BRIDE'S BOOTS Ariat
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Our Story Lydia and Carter were both students at Syracuse University. About four years ago, Lydia attended an A Capella concert by the singing group The Otto Tunes, of which Carter was a member. They met at an Otto Tunes party after the performance. She was greeted at the basement door by a handsome guy who - instead of stamping her hand with the admission smiley face - drew a bunch of lines and dots all over the back of her hand. He told her it was Chinese and meant, "Beautiful American" and she was head over heels. Although… it could have meant something else, like "smelly socks" and it wouldn't have made a difference.
The Rehearsal Dinner on Canoe Island was hosted by the groom's parents -with 80 guests transported out there by boat! The guests enjoyed BBQ and Corn Hole on the beach and the weather was beautiful! The groom's father, Air Force Lt Col. Howard Hoffman was standing on a tree stump at the rehearsal dinner giving a welcome speech. As he stated that he first met Lydia at Thanksgiving, after he had just returned from duty in Afghanistan...... a bald eagle flew across from a tree behind him. It was quite an amazing sight to see.
Lydia's Uncle Chris performed a very personal ceremony on the boat house and Aunt Christine was Matron of Honor with Carter’s friend Josh, the Best Man. Otto Tunes A Cappella group members serenaded the song "Home" to the bride and groom on the dance floor and Lydia's dad built the arbor for the event. After checking in to the lodge on Friday, both families helped decorate the reception area for the wedding. Everything was just perfect!
Carter graduated from Air Force pilot training in Texas and they had been talking about their future. Lydia was so proud and excited, but also stressed about her job that she loved. Carter made a last-minute trip to visit Lydia and she surprised him with an overnight in Lake George (her happy place!). While Lydia and Carter were walking through Shepard’s Park, Carter realized they were the only ones in the park, so he stopped her, kneeled down and proposed. Lydia was so surprised and happy… she started to cry! The planning process was both exciting and fun. It started with looking at venues on Lake George which Lydia always loved. The Canoe Island Lodge was perfect for the wedding (a place where both families and their guests could be together in an Adirondack style resort!) and Joe, Carla and their staff were so helpful during the planning process. In the middle, Lydia transferred to San Antonio, TX with her job. Lydia flew home for some things, such as bridal gown shopping at Lily Saratoga, but most everything else was done with mom, over the phone. Lydia and Carter's friends and Carter's family stayed in Saratoga pre-wedding, enjoying some of the local favorites. ...especially the Olde Bryan Inn and the Parting Glass.
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Brianna & Patrick
114
Brittany & Daniel
110
Christine & Darren
102
Elizabeth and Evan
90 Jessica & Jonathan
Karla & David
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122
Kira and Corbin
106
Lauren & Nicholas
98
Leslie & Andy
126 Lexi and Matt
94
Liesl & Stephen
118 Mackenzie & Ben 82 Patricia & Michael
Real Brides and our love stories... Photo by YTK Works
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Our Story Patrick and I first noticed each other at my brother’s basketball game. We believe it was love at first sight. It took several weeks but Patrick finally reached out to me on New Year’s Eve. He was at First Night in Saratoga, while I was with college friends celebrating first night as well, but in Boston. We immediately hit it off, and found we had so much in common, having both played and coached basketball, both loving Saratoga and Boston, and believe it or not, learning we shared the same birthday, one year apart, April 15. We went on our first date, in the midst of a snowstorm to Bellini’s in Loudonville, and never looked back.
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Brianna & Patrick Marra wedding gown WEDDING SALON OF MANHASSET location INN AT ERLOWEST photographer MICHELLE LANGE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Thank you to INN AT ERLOWEST for sending us this Real Bride!
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The Details WEDDING DATE April 28, 2019 CEREMONY All Saints on the Hudson, Mechanicville LOCATION Inn at Erlowest PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Lange Photography STATIONERY SUITE Life of the Party EVENT DECORATOR Party with Mia WEDDING GOWN Wedding Salon of Manhasset, designed by Inbal Dror BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Wedding Salon of Manhasset TUXEDO & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Mr. Formal Wear, Saratoga RINGS Frederic Owen Fine Jewelry FLOWERS Party with Mia HAIR & MAKEUP Make Me Fabulous WEDDING PLANNER Inn at Erlowest CATERER Inn at Erlowest CAKE The Gingersnap Cake Shop, Queensbury TRANSPORTATION Royale Limousine DJ Love of Music, Chris Johnston FIRST DANCE 'How Would You Feel' by Ed Sheeran HONEYMOON DESTINATION Bora Bora and Mo'orea, French Polynesia HARPIST Kathryn Sloat BRIDAL ROBES Le Rose GALWAY SPARKLING ROSE from Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery, to add a local touch to brunch for our bridal prep. SPECIAL TOUCHES... Custom signs by Etsy to denote our donation to our favorite charity, signature cocktails, flip flops for dancing, and a sparkler finale. Vintage tray, hairbrush, and garter that belonged to beloved grandmother of the bride. Polaroid photography and guest photo book to leave special remembrances for the bride and groom. A special boat ride on Lake George; the Queen of American Lakes, for the bride and groom, aboard the wooden hacker-craft, Miss Erlowest. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Love is a verb. No matter what...always make time to love. My biggest wedding advice- don't let a little rain put a damper on your day. We experienced severe thunderstorms on our wedding day, but still had the best day of our lives! If anything, it made it more special thanks to all of our amazing vendors.
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Patricia & Michael Billok wedding gown JOCELYNN'S BRIDAL location CANFIELD CASINO photographer LISA MILLER, STUDIO DI LUCE
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The Details WEDDING DATE May 24, 2019 LOCATION Canfield Casino PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce STATIONERY SUITE CustomCardsByMarie on Etsy EVENT DECORATOR Michael Panza WEDDING GOWN Jocelynn's Bridal GROOM'S SUIT Kohl's RINGS Northeastern Jewelry, Schenectady FLOWERS Michael Panza, Al Arnold at Market 32, Wilton HAIR Kayla at Simplicity MAKEUP Patricia McGovern CATERER Panza's CAKE Sara Boivin & Bread Basket DJ Brian Oddo FIRST DANCE 'Better Today' HONEYMOON DESTINATION Hawaii SPECIAL TOUCHES... Officiated by friend of the bride and groom, Rodney Yerger. Best Man Ba Kalita and Matron of Honor Annette Parisi.. Tricia was given away by her son, Gage Fuller. And one heck of a poker-themed candy bar, thanks to Tricia and Annette! ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... There is no reason to stress about any part of wedding planning. It's supposed to be fun - if you are stressing about it, you're doing it wrong! And take time during the day to take it all in and enjoy!
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Our Story We both cannot believe our luck in finding each other--although we had help from Match.com. I reached out to her when I saw her profile. What I did not know until much later was that her first reaction was, “geez, this guy is a lawyer – he’s probably going to be boring!” I also didn’t find out until much later that what convinced her to respond was a photo I had posted of me and my daughter Maddie dancing like idiots in the kitchen. First, we talked, then we met, and the rest has been history. We have both been amazed at how easily our relationship grew, and how effortlessly we have combined into our new blended family, with kids Gage (26), Maddie (21), Grace (18), and Sam (15)—and too many pets to list. We had been dating for a year and a half when I decided to propose. I had a plan… and then called an audible when Grace suggested I do it that night, a week early, while we were playing a trivia game at home. Maddie helped insert The Question as the trivia question to be asked in the game, and it was wonderful to share the happiness of the proposal—and the “yes!”—with the kids. The wedding day itself was amazing beyond words. The Canfield is such a beautiful building, and we can’t say enough great things about Michael and the Panza staff, Lisa, Brian, and Rodney, that made the day unforgettable.
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Karla & David Lifson wedding gown MADE WITH LOVE location LAKOTA’S FARM WEDDING & EVENTS photographer TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Our Story Dave and I met in an online networking group. We both worked in technology and met up a few times at in person events. About a year after we met, we both attended a conference, and we ended up hanging out the entire day. That evening, I decided to ask him out! He said yes, and we’ve been dating ever since. Things progressed quickly — we went on five dates in the first seven days of our relationship, met each other’s parents three weeks in, and moved in together after about a month. After a year of dating, we started looking at rings. Since I already know an engagement was coming, Dave arranged an elaborate set of multiple dinner dates so that I couldn’t guess when or how the proposal would happen. He ended up proposing on the first night at one of our favorite restaurants in NYC, Union Square Cafe. As a big surprise, he had planned an engagement trip to Mexico the following week — he even worked out the time off secretly with my boss! As a funny coincidence, not long after Dave and I had started dating, he started working at The Knot, known for its bridal magazine and wedding website tool. So we had a lot of background knowledge when it came time to start wedding planning! I was a Skidmore student, and Saratoga always held a special place in my heart. Having our wedding in the Saratoga region had always been my dream, and it turned out even more amazingly than we thought at our venue, Lakota’s Farm. We are so grateful to our vendors for making the day so unbelievably special — they are the true MVPs!
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The Details WEDDING DATE June 22, 2019 LOCATION Lakota’s Farm Wedding & Events PHOTOGRAPHER Tracey Buyce Photography VIDEOGRAPHER byDesign Films STATIONERY SUITE Minted.com EVENT DECORATOR Samantha Nass WEDDING GOWN Made With Love BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Mismatched dresses TUXEDO The Knot Standard GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING The Black Tux RINGS Bride: SoHo Gem Boutique, Groom: Silverado FLOWERS Samantha Nass WEDDING PLANNER Amanda Goetz HAIR & MAKEUP Blush518 CATERER Hudson Valley BBQ Co CAKE Hot Buns Bakery TRANSPORTATION Marsh Bus BAND Funk Evolution FIRST DANCE 'Have a Little Faith In Me' by John Hiatt HONEYMOON DESTINATION Switzerland ICE CREAM Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory SPECIAL TOUCHES... Tracey, our photographer, and Kimberly, our venue’s owner from Lakota’s Farm teamed up and surprised us with five corgis to play with during our first look. It felt like a dream! Ice cream and Cake were provided by a groomsman and groomswoman in Dave’s party. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Don’t sweat over the tiniest of details — let the vendors drive the conversation and know that they won’t be able to talk details about your wedding until 2-3 weeks before. That feels really last minute but it is the right timing to ensure they can give you as much attention as possible.
Thank you to TRACEY BUYCE for sending us this Real Bride!
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Jessica & Jonathan LaPoint wedding gown LILY SARATOGA location FRANKLIN PLAZA, TROY photographer ELARIO PHOTOGRAPHY
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Our Story Where to start? Jonathan and I grew up in the same neighborhood and were on the same recreational soccer team where my dad coached us. Until he moved to the other side of town... Years came and went until we reconnected at Colonie Central High School in ninth grade. After a few weeks of talking on Myspace (yes Myspace!) Jonathan asked me to be his girlfriend. Without hesitation, I said yes! From this moment on we started going on dates (where our parents would drive!) to high school proms and then graduation. College quickly approached and we both decided to attend SUNY Cortland to pursue different degrees. Our freshman year we decided to “take a break” to make sure that our high school relationship was what we wanted forever. After a few short months, we were back together and this time without question, forever. Our love for teaching, working out, and humor were just a few things that could not keep us apart. Fast forward to December 2, 2017. Jonathan proposed on a beautiful night fireside at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. Again, without hesitation, I said yes. We were greeted by our amazing friends and family to celebrate this milestone. Wedding plans quickly developed and before we knew it, it was June 28, 2019. After looking at a few venues, we knew that Franklin Plaza was the perfect venue for us the moment we saw its elegance and were so excited to celebrate the best day of our lives there. On a 90-degree summer day, we made it official and became Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan LaPoint at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville followed by the reception of our dreams. We were surrounded by our closest friends and family and spent the entire day and night laughing, dancing (thanks to the incredible New York Players!) and being with the people that we love most. I truly could not have envisioned a more perfect night. We are so thankful for our friends and family who helped our love flourish over time and their support along the way.
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The Details WEDDING DATE June 28th, 2019 CEREMONY St. Pius X Church LOCATION Franklin Plaza. Troy, NY PHOTOGRAPHER Elario Photography STATIONERY SUITE Pearl Grant Richman’s VIDEOGRAPHER Complete Events WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Azazie TUXEDO & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Choppa and Son - Albany RINGS Glennpeter Jewelers FLOWERS Central Market Florist - Latham HAIR Bellezza Salon MAKEUP Erin Muller Makeup CAKE Baking You Crazy Bakery TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation BAND New York Players PHOTOBOOTH Elario Photography FIRST DANCE 'Dance with me' by Morgan Evans ft. Kelsea Ballerini HONEYMOON DESTINATION Aruba CHOCOLATE COVERED OREOS Deanna Deeb - Dipped by Dee SPECIAL TOUCHES... Honoring our loved ones who have passed away by including their photos in special places throughout the night. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Everything will fall into place and whatever you can’t control, don’t stress about it!
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Liesl & Stephen Rancour wedding gown MOTHER-IN-LAW’S DRESS location FORT WILLIAM HENRY HOTEL photographer YTK
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Our Story While we were both involved in our best friends’ engagement, we didn’t meet until their wedding three years later. Stephen noticed me right away. There is even picture proof that he was looking at me instead of the bride as she walked down the aisle. We eventually ended up dancing through the night together. We met up for breakfast the next morning and the groom came up to us, put an arm on both of our shoulders and said, “you know, I’m expecting a weding invitation in a couple of years.” We quickly developed a strong connection and began making plans for a life together. When Stephen started planning his proposal, he would tease me every few weeks. “Maybe I have a ring, maybe I don’t,” was a favorite line of his. On New Year’s Day, we had brunch with our best friends at Ravenous, then walked through Congress Park (a recreation of our first date in Saratoga). We stopped at the War Memorial for our “family” photo, but Stephen and I were sent up first. As I started to walk toward our friends, I was told to go back - they wanted one more shot. When I turned around, Stephen was on one knee, holding a ring. We knew there was only one place we wanted to be married: Fort William Henry, the place where we met. We are so thankful to all of our friends, family, and vendors who helped make our wedding day a beautiful celebration!
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Thank you to DEHN'S FLOWERS for sending us this Real Bride!
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The Details WEDDING DATE June 29, 2019 LOCATION Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER YTK STATIONERY SUITE Paper Source EVENT DECORATOR Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center WEDDING GOWN Mother-in-law’s dress BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES JJ's House TUXEDO & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Jos A Bank RINGS Lily & David FLOWERS Dehn's Flowers and Gifts WEDDING PLANNER The Knot HAIR Mary Knapp CATERER Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center CAKE Kate’s Kakes DJ Y2J FIRST DANCE 'Tangled Up In You ' by Staind HONEYMOON DESTINATION Couples Negril Jamaica SIGNS AND GUESTBOOK: Celtic Crafting Co (Local Etsy Shop) DRESS ALTERATIONS WillFitUin SPECIAL TOUCHES... Our best man was unable to attend the wedding since he was deployed a month before. YTK made a cardboard cutout of him as a stand-in, and Y2J set up a projection screen to play our bestman’s prerecorded speech. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Start organizing early. It is easy to become overwhelmed with due dates and little details as your wedding date quickly approaches. During your wedding day, take a few minutes to be alone together and enjoy the moment. It passes quicker than you think.
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Leslie & Andy Barilli wedding gown LILY SARATOGA location THE QUEENSBURY HOTEL photographer OUT OF THE ORDINARY PHOTOGRAPHY
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Our Story Andy and I met on Match while I was living in Vermont and he was living in Saratoga Springs, NY with his then 11-year-old daughter. After a couple of stops and starts, we found our groove and dated long distance for a year, seeing each other in either Vermont or New York whenever we could. Eventually, after a year, I moved to Saratoga, where we live today. We had been dating for 3 years when Andy asked me to marry him and we spent the next year happily planning our wedding. We originally had booked a venue in Saratoga, but for many reasons, were not feeling comfortable with our choice. We happened upon and fell in love with The Queensbury Hotel because of my fascination with older historic hotels (I still manage an older resort in Vermont). The team was so attentive, offering suggestions for a ceremony site across the street at City Park. We had our rehearsal dinner at Morgan & Co, across the street from both the park and hotel. Everything came together perfectly, and we could not have been happier. Our final piece of the puzzle was when we joined forces with Fine Affairs. These ladies were lifesavers prior to, and on the day of our wedding. They took care of every detail with the hotel and our vendors, allowing my mother and sister to enjoy the day and be guests at our wedding, rather than coordinate details. It was the best decision we made! Our wedding was the best day of our lives and according to my family, was the best wedding of them all!
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The Details WEDDING DATE July 13, 2019 LOCATION City Park, Glens Falls The Queensbury Hotel PHOTOGRAPHER Out of the Ordinary Photography STATIONERY SUITE Basic Invite WEDDING GOWN & BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga TUXEDO & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Jonathon Reid RINGS Kaden & Dean, New York FLOWERS Dehn's Flowers WEDDING PLANNER Fine Affairs HAIR & MAKEUP Ashley Warrington - Fresh & Co Salon CATERER The Queensbury Hotel CAKE Treatie Beattie by Evelyn TRANSPORTATION Best Limo Transportations DJ Experience Events FIRST DANCE 'Beautiful Crazy' by Luke Combs HONEYMOON DESTINATION Sandals Barbados FAVORS Saratoga Olive Oil Company CHAIR RENTALS Belmonte & Sons SPECIAL TOUCHES... The flowers were beyond amazing! The cake was incredible and so tasty. All of our guests said that Vince from Experience Events was the best wedding DJ they had ever seen. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Hire a wedding planner. We purchased the partial package where they joined us one month prior to the wedding. The ladies from Fine Affairs handled every detail and coordinated all contracts, alleviating so much stress!
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Elizabeth & Evan Hogan wedding gown SOMETHING BLEU BRIDAL location CANFIELD CASINO photographer ANNIE PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | SARATOGA BRIDE |  103
Thank you to FINE AFFAIRS for sending us this Real Bride!
The Details WEDDING DATE August 9, 2019 CEREMONY Historic Congress Park LOCATION Canfield Casino PHOTOGRAPHER Annie Paige Photography STATIONERY SUITE Paper Dolls of Saratoga EVENT DECORATOR Fine Affairs WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu Bridal BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga GROOM & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Men's Wearhouse RINGS Hannoush Jewelers FLOWERS The Posie Peddler HAIR Changes Hair Salan MAKE UP Carina Scott CATERER Nicole's Catering CAKE Mary Kate Zahradka TRANSPORTAION All Occasions Limo Service Inc BAND The Accents Band FIRST DANCE 'Stand By Me by Ben E. King HONEYMOON DESTINATION Two week road trip through the Pacific Northwest BEER SUPPLIED BY Druthers Brewing Company CEREMONY AND COCKTAIL HOUR MUSIC Spa City Duo SPECIAL TOUCHES... With such a creative and involved family, it was incredibly important for us to include as many personal touches as possible. One of the first paintings Evan made for me was featured on the inside envelope of our invitations. My mom, sister and aunt made a pie for each table at the reception (Peanut Butter, Pecan and Peach Raspberry) to encourage sharing. We used my mother's depression glass collection for our centerpieces. My father made the arbor for our ceremony and assembled it the morning of the wedding. We used the same champagne saucers that my grandparents used at their wedding. Our uncle performed the ceremony and most importantly, I was honored to wear my mother's veil. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... So much of the planning is reception related and its easy to get caught up in the details. Try not to put the ceremony on the back burner, as it was our favorite part of the whole day. With the help of our officiant and personalized vows, every word had meaning. We also chose to have an "unplugged" ceremony allowing an outdoor public space feel private and intimate. Having my uncle perform the ceremony was icing on the cake!
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Our Story Evan and I met while studying Environmental Science at The University at Albany. Our initial study sessions together (Evan was my calculus tutor), soon turned into long walks, camping adventures, and some unfortunate fishing trips. Our story took shape and we realized the love we had found. We learned everything there was to know about one another through our eight years together, like the No-Talking Rule before the first cup of morning coffee and the fact that Evan never has a bad day, instead he chooses to live each moment with positivity and optimism. We share a great love of the outdoors and traveling. While on our latest adventure to Scotland, Evan proposed. We enjoyed beautiful weather and stunning scenery on a hike up the East Neuk Trail between the seaside villages of St. Andrews and Crail. As we finished and walked hand in hand together along the beach in St. Andrews, the sun began to set, and Evan got down on one knee! We waited until arriving back home in the states to tell our loved ones the good news, enjoying a full week together with a tremendous surprise. We couldn't have planned our wedding without the guidance of our parents and vendors. They were instrumental in allowing us to have the romantic and whimsical wedding of our dreams. In particular, my mom helped us have the day we always envisioned! It was important to us that our wedding be as personal as possible, in our hometown of Saratoga Springs. We were so thankful to have chosen the Canfield Casino as our venue, we truly could not have imagined a more perfect celebration!
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Lauren & Nicholas Magina wedding gown LILY SARATOGA location THE LODGE photographer NICOLE NERO
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Thank you to THE LODGE, SARATOGA CASINO HOTEL for sending us this Real Bride!
The Details WEDDING DATE August 17, 2019 LOCATION The Lodge PHOTOGRAPHER Nicole Nero VIDEOGRAPHER Love N Pixels STATIONERY SUITE I designed the invitations (LCM Designs) EVENT DECORATOR The Lodge WEDDING GOWN & BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga GROOM & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Men's Warehouse RINGS Fox Jewelers WEDDING PLANNER Erin Rossi FLOWERS Samantha Nass HAIR True Beauty MAKEUP Deked Out Makeup CATERER The Lodge CAKE Cake by Alissa TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation BAND Funk Evolution FIRST DANCE 'Say you won't let go' by James Arthur HONEYMOON DESTINATION Europe! Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria INVITATION PRINTING Paperdolls of Saratoga SPECIAL TOUCHES... Debbie at Fox Jewelers went above and beyond to help design my ring. It incorporates my great grandmother's diamond wedding ring, and my grandmother's emerald and diamond from her wedding ring. Also, thank you to the Saratoga Race Course for helping us rent out a section in the grandstand for our guests the day before our wedding. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Planning a wedding can be overwhelming especially with thousands of ideas on Pinterest. Try and think about things you that are true to you and your husband and incorporate that into the designs and ceremony. What you see on social media doesn't have to be what your wedding looks like! Be true to YOU.
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Our Story Nick and I first met through mutual friends on my 25th birthday when we were both living in Atlanta, Georgia. That first night we met Nick asked me out on a sushi date, but I was silly and declined. We continued as friends for a few months until I realized that I was head over heels in love with him and we officially started dating. We even learned that we lived down the street from each other in elementary school but never knew each other since we went to different schools! After Nick graduated with his PhD from Georgia Tech he got a job with GE in New York. Even though we were new to dating, we both realized that we were perfect for each other and couldn't imagine living in different states so we both moved up to Saratoga Springs together. When Nick proposed two years later in our home in front of my family, we had no doubt in our minds that we wanted to get married in Saratoga. Since our friends and family are all from the South and hadn't been to New York, we wanted to show our guests why we fell in love with our town. We chose to get married in the summer so that our guests were able to spend a day at the track and watch the races. We chose The Lodge to get married because it felt like a little oasis from the hectic summer crowds downtown. Everything ended up beyond perfect. Thank you to all our vendors who made our day so incredibly special. We couldn't have done it without you!
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Christine & Darren Mallis wedding gown SOLUTIONS BRIDAL DESIGNER HOUSE location JUNE FARMS photographer TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Our Story Christine went to college with Darren’s brother, Justin. One weekend, before her senior year, she visited Justin’s family's home -by the shoreand met Darren. They dated for a few months and then fell out of touch. Twenty years later Darren reached out to Christine on social media… and they have talked every day since. Christine adds “We picked up right where we left off laughing over cocktails!” “We talked on the phone for two months before meeting up in real life, then our first real date was two days long!” They dated for three years before getting engaged -at sunset- in Napa Valley, CA. He proposed with her grandmother’s diamond ring.
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Thank you to TRACEY BUYCE for sending us this Real Bride!
The Details WEDDING DATE August 17, 2019 LOCATION June Farms PHOTOGRAPHER Tracey Buyce Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Al Woodard STATIONERY SUITE CWEvents, Simply Jessica Marie, Jenny C Designs EVENT DECORATOR CWEvents and Renaissance Floral WEDDING GOWN Solutions Bridal Designer House, Designer Reem Acra BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Hand made by a family member GROOM'S SUIT Men's Warehouse RINGS N Fox Jewelers, Saratoga Springs FLOWERS Renaissance Floral Design WEDDING PLANNER CWEvents HAIR & MAKEUP Make Me Fabulous CATERER Mazzone Hospitality DJ DJ Martin D'Arce TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation PHOTOBOOTH HYPE Booth FIRST DANCE 'Come Away with Me' Nora Jones HONEYMOON DESTINATION Grand Cayman VOCALIST Dave Tokarowski DESSERTS Debbie Coye OFFICIANT Joy Burke LIVE PAINTER Feathered Antler REHEARSAL DINNER 677 Prime CALLIGRAPHY Leslie Roccarrio SHOES Harriet Wilde VEIL Will Fit U in, Saratoga OTHER Clifton Park Rental, La Tavola Linen, North Country Vintage Rental, Ice Man, Whats Poppin Albany and Saratoga Olive Oil & Balsalmic SPECIAL TOUCHES... Guests had the option to put flowers in their hair for the ceremony. The waiters had custom monogram aprons and the cocktail napkins had custom drawings of our dogs. Our live painter was a surprise to the groom, and the guest book was a flying pig weathervane. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Cut your family photo list down to 'must haves' and have a decor design for your rain plan.
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Brittany & Daniel Furman wedding gown LILY SARATOGA second dress SOMETHING BLEU (CUSTOMIZED BY BETH WHITBECK) location TOP OF THE WORLD GOLF RESORT -LAKE GEORGE photographer MATT RAMOS
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Our Story The day after Traver’s Day 2014, there was a message in my FACEBOOK inbox from this random guy named Dan Furman: ”Were you at the track yesterday?” You know that feeling when you do or say something you wish you could dig a hole and hide from…yup, that was my exact feeling! I thought of every embarrassing scenario that could have unfolded in front of this handsome stranger. Sure enough, he did notice me and wanted to approach, but chickened out (HA!). Lo and behold Facebook has a "people you may know" feature that brought my husband and I together. After our first date, it was off to the races! I gained a best friend and “my other half.” There is no other human who will ever make me feel as special and strong as does Dan. When Dan proposed, he caught me totally off guard—which is super hard to do! I had spray tan running down my cheeks from happy tears. Our starting gate as husband and wife was held on Travers Day 2019. It was a pictureperfect day with Lake George as our backdrop. My most cherished memory is walking up the fairytale, castle stairs to see my groom for the first time; the emotions I felt were everything you want love to feel like. Every wedding guest left with a customized lottery ticket that read, “Wishing you riches from the new Mr and Mrs.” We wish everyone luck finding their “other half.” And maybe give that person in your inbox a chance!
View Brittany and Daniel's wedding video online!
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Thank you to LONGFELLOWS CATERING for sending us this Real Bride!
The Details WEDDING DATE August 24, 2019- Travers Day 1ST LOOK + PREP: Highlands Castle, Bolton Landing LOCATION Top of the World Golf Resort -Lake George PHOTOGRAPHER Matt Ramos STATIONERY SUITE Carol Jo Dufort EVENT DECORATOR Whimsical White Fox- Ballston Spa VIDEOGRAPHER Eunoia Visuals- Shane Hawthorne WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga, Something Bleu (customized by Beth Whitbeck) BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Saratoga Elegance GROOM & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Men's Warehouse RINGS Northeastern Fine Jewelry FLOWERS Felthousen Florist HAIR Juliet Smith MAKEUP Cassandra McKenna D’Alberto and Amanda Pierce CATERER Longfellows CAKE Villa Italia Cakes TRANSPORTATION Royale Transportation BAND New York Players PHOTOBOOTH Matt Ramos FIRST DANCE It was supposed to be "Dirt" by Florida Georgia Line -instead they played "Dirt on my Boots" HaHa HONEYMOON DESTINATION Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, Greece and Malta BRIDESMAIDS JEWELRY Wits End --Kendall Scott earrings TENT RENTALS Rain or Shine Tent Rentals WEDDING CONCIERGE FOR FURBABY CaNine to Five ICE CREAM STATION Stewarts SPECIAL TOUCHES... We didn't want to trouble family or friends with our furbaby sharing our special day so we hired CaNine to Five. They were fantastic, they created an amazing video that showcased our dog's perspective of the wedding. He literally had a gopro on him! Right before the party ended, we had a lantern release ceremony. And if the cake wasn't enough, we had a sundae bar with our favorite Stewart's ice cream flavor--Crumbs along the Mohawk. Whimsical White Fox created hilarious drink signs to go along with our signature drinks. These drinks were inspired by our alter egos and our beloved dog, Cesar. "Tipsy Mermaid" "Pick Six" and "All Hail Cesar." Instead of the traditional father daughter dance, my Dad and I surprised our guests with a performance inspired by the Little Mermaid's ending scene when King Triton gives Ariel her legs to be with her prince. My bridesmaids and groom were a part of the routine! ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... I recommend first look, it was the most authentic experience in our entire relationship, such RAW emotion. I get teared up thinking about it. The details of your bridesmaids go far! I am so happy I didn't buy my bridesmaids gifts that weren't featured in the wedding. The Kendall Scott earrings will always remind my girls how much I appreciate them, and the earrings were a perfect accent piece! Please get the wedding videographer! You will want to look back on this day. And video captures the candids, the jokes and smiles. I can't wait to look back on our wedding for years to come.
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Our Story Ben & I have known each other since kindergarten. We briefly dated in elementary school (if you can call that dating!) but didn't begin dating seriously until after college. We're alike and different in so many ways. I'm bubbly and outgoing while Ben tends to be quiet and more reserved. Both college athletes, we immediately bonded over our love for sports (and as you can imagine, we're very competitive!). Ben knew I always wanted to get married at the Hall of Springs. So, for my birthday, he took me and our dog Kylie for a walk in the Saratoga Spa State Park, where he proposed in front of the Hall of Springs. His words were "I've wanted to ask you this since fifth grade: Will you marry me?" It was extremely romantic. Thanks in large part to our parents, our dream wedding was nothing short of spectacular! From the Saratoga-themed cocktail hour to the incredible party band (The Accents) we ate, drank and danced the night away with our closest friends and family.
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MacKenzie & Ben Zarzycki wedding gown ANGELA'S BRIDAL location HALL OF SPRINGS photographer DAVE BIGLER PHOTOS AND FILMS
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Thank you to DAVE BILGLER PHOTOS AND FILM for sending us this Real Bride!
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The Details WEDDING DATE September 1, 2017 LOCATION Hall of Springs PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Dave Bigler Photos & Films STATIONERY SUITE PaperDolls of Saratoga WEDDING GOWN Angela's Bridal BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES David's Bridal TUXEDO Blacktux.com RINGS Northeastern Fine Jewelry FLOWERS & EVENT DECORATOR Renaissance Floral Design HAIR Nurture Green Salon & Spa MAKEUP David Izzo Jr. WEDDING PLANNER Bisou Weddings and Events(day of) CATERER & CAKE Mazzone Hospitalitys BAND The Accents PHOTOBOOTH Dave Bigler Photos & Films FIRST DANCE 'Perfect" by Ed Sheeran HONEYMOON DESTINATION Jamaica SPECIAL TOUCHES... We had a Saratoga themed cocktail hour with various horse racing decor, whiskey bar, cigar roller and a special appearance by Sam the Bugler. We had a gorgeous floral runner on the head table. It was my favorite piece of decor! We also named all the tables after famous race horses. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... We purchased special perfume & cologne for our wedding day. After our wedding, we wore it on special occasions, like date night, to remind us of our special day.
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Kira & Corbin Joshu wedding gown SOMETHING BLEU BRIDAL location BARN AT LORD HOWE VALLEY photographer CHELSEA BOS PHOTOGRAPHY
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Thank you to DEHN'S FLOWERS for sending us this Real Bride!
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Our Story Corbin and I met in Saratoga three years ago. I didn't know this at the time, but our first date was on Corbin's birthday. I grew up in the area and he was stationed in West Milton while serving in the Navy, which is also how my parents met! On our first date I could not stop talking because I was so nervous, and Corbin was so quiet. I thought that I blew my chances at a second date. However, I hadn't even been gone 5 minutes before I got another message from Corbin. After that day, the rest was history. We talked nonstop and saw each other every day. Corbin and I eventually moved in together and he proposed on the beach while we were on vacation with my family in Myrtle Beach. It was so perfect to be able to share that special moment with my family.
The Details WEDDING DATE September 14, 2018 LOCATION Barn at Lord Howe Valley PHOTOGRAPHER Chelsea Bos Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Lovecraft Productions STATIONERY SUITE Kelli Mishoe (Sister of the Bride) EVENT DECORATOR Innovative Designs WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu Bridal
We had the wedding in Ticonderoga at The Barn at Lord Howe Valley. The venue was absolutely everything we could have dreamed of and more. We could not have asked for a more perfect wedding and are so grateful to our families and everyone who helped make it happen. The morning of our wedding day there was some fog and then it cleared up and turned into the most beautiful day with sun and 80-degree weather. We had the most magical and intimate day with our closest friends and family!
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES David's Bridal GROOM & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Men's Warehouse RINGS Hannoush Jewelers FLOWERS Dehn's Flowers and Gifts HAIR Kayleen and Gabriella at Joli Salon MAKEUP Ayla Joshu (Sister of the Groom) CATERER Nikktina's Catering CAKE Cakes by Debbie Coye DJ Saratoga Sound DJ FIRST DANCE 'From This Moment On' by Shania Twain HONEYMOON DESTINATION Mexican Cruise THE BACK YARD BAR SPECIAL TOUCHES... I had a piece of my mom's wedding dress sewn into my dress along with an embroidered message from my parents. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Enjoy every moment of your special day. It goes by way too quick. Take it all in.
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Lexi & Matt Colucci wedding gown KLEINFELD'S NYC location STONE BRIDGE FARM photographer ASHLEY NIZOLEK
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Our Story Matt and I met in March of 2017 after I had just move back to Saratoga. We shared our first date at the amazing 15 Church restaurant. Shortly after dinner it seemed so surreal, but I finally felt like I was “home.” I distinctly remember saying to myself, this is it, I found my person, and we have been inseparable ever since. We share a love for traveling so it was only fitting that he proposed on the beach in Jamaica as the sun was setting. With the large red heart in the sand and the letters spelling out "will you marry me?" I was totally blown away! I grew up in Saratoga and Matt was from Queensbury so when we started looking at wedding venues, we knew we were going to stay in the Capital Region. The moment we drove up to Stone Bridge Farm, we knew it was perfect! Since I am in the hospitality industry, I knew I wanted our wedding day to be unique and a place that our friends and family haven't seen or been to before. Our wedding day was everything I dreamed of and more! It was a day that described us perfectly, a day full of love, laughter, killer dance moves and of course, Springbrook Hollow Distillery cocktails. Truly a day that Matt and I will forever relive. A huge thank you to our family and friends for being with us to share our special day! We are also so grateful and appreciative to all our vendors who made it possible.
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The Details WEDDING DATE September 14, 2019 LOCATION Stone Bridge Farm PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley Nizolek VIDEOGRAPHER Brian Funari Visuals STATIONERY SUITE Paper Dolls WEDDING GOWN Kleinfeld's NYC BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga TUXEDO & GROOMSMENS' CLOTHING Jonathan Reid RINGS Northeastern Fine Jewelry FLOWERS Flowers By Colleen HAIR Salon Innova LG (Carol Carucci) MAKEUP Salon Innova LG (Sam Sennett) WEDDING PLANNER On The Go Concierge(day of) CATERER & CAKE Mallozzi's TRANSPORTATION Premier Plus Travel and Tours DJ Andy Pratt BAND Radio Junkies FIRST DANCE 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele HONEYMOON DESTINATION Greece and Italy RENTALS Entertainment One LINENS Total Events SPECIAL TOUCHES... Our wedding took place at a beautiful remodeled horse farm. Our ceremony over looked the training track, Our cocktail hour was inside the stables and the dinner and dancing took place on the side lawn under a tent accompanied with chandeliers and breathtaking flower arrangements. Being my maiden name is Snow, I attached a snowflake pendant to my bouquet to represent the sentiment of who I am. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Enjoy every moment of your wedding day! Do what makes you happy and represents you both as a couple. Start new traditions! No one says your wedding day has to be ordinary :)
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moments that matter...
Photos by Tracey Buyce Photography
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