BRIDE 2021 Complimentary
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From The Editor Chris Vallone Bushee • Editor-In-Chief cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • 518-581-2480 ext. 201 SaratogaBride.com | saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty
Hair by Diane Palma. Photo by Alice Corey.
Welcome to Saratoga Bride Magazine! I have always loved getting to know my brides and picking
the perfect one to represent us on the cover, but this year, since they ALL had to go through so much just to HAVE their wedding, I couldn’t choose one over the other.
ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey
Thinking of the year ahead…
As always, we have tons of inspiration, REAL BRIDES and ADS, yes ADS…
Cover Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography See more of this photo shoot on page 52!
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! Don’t forget to stay connected with Saratoga Bride through Instagram, Facebook, and our beautiful new website with ALL the brides (not just the ones in print!). Saratoga BRIDE Magazine is not out to replace Martha Stewart Weddings (could you imagine?!) in your collection of bridal planning magazines, we just want to show you all the wonderful talent available right here… in the Saratoga / Adirondack / Capital Region area! How sweet would these be for your guests – LOVE them! @518CookieBoss
s i r h C
Award-Winning Saratoga BRIDE Magazine! by the New York Press Association
SPRING 2017: 1ST PLACE Niche Publication - Glossy
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FALL 2018: 2ND PLACE Niche Publication - Glossy Best Special Section Cover
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Vallone Bushee
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Kelsey Sherman
I think you’ll agree that she is adorable, and full of energy and personality and not only epitomizes the theme of our photo shoot section, but hopefully – the year ahead! Who would think people would be purchasing businesses or starting new ventures during this crazy PAST year, but we have wonderful stories of just that!
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell
MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Sacala
Drum Role Please… So... This year’s cover girl is from one of our photo shoots!
Happy Planning!
BRIDE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Baker Anne Gordon Jacob Madkour Megin Potter PHOTOGRAPHERS AM Knizek Photo Ava Andranikian Jaci Berkopec Photography @bmiller.photo for Beekman 1802 Susan Blackburn Photography Heather Bohm-Tallman Tracey Buyce Photography Alice Corey Photography Adam Frehm, LoveBuzz Photography Michael Gallitelli Photographer Jackson Photography Shawn LaChapelle Vanessa Lewis Photography Danielle Simmons Rob Spring Photography SuperSourceMedia.com Zaza Weissgerber Sarah Wigley PUBLISHED BY SARATOGA TODAY 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SaratogaBride.com
FALL 2019: 2ND PLACE Niche Publication - Glossy
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 © 2021. Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
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contents
78
PHOTO BY HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN (Real Bride: Ashley & Tim)
A Good Read
Photo Shoots
10 Big Wedding, Little Chapel
49 The Pavilion Grand
14 Paper Dolls
52 The Saratoga Winery
18 The 408
58 The Queensbury Hotel
22 Garland Nelson 23 Gideon Putnam
Real Brides 74 Alexa and Matthew 106 Amanda and Andrew 94 Amy and Mark 78 Ashley and Tim 102
Briana and Stephen
24 Twin Dahlias
98
Carlee and Dylan
26 The Bond 1786
90
Elizabeth and Cody
27 VaNy's Cookies & Cocktails
114
Kayla and Gregg
32 Rivers Casino & Resort
82
Kiley and Andrew
34 Debbie Coye: Saratoga's Cave Maven
70
Rachel and Nick
38 Bach 2.0 41 Honeymoon Planning
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110
Rebecca and Brendan
66 Taylor and Scott 86 Taylor and William
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Little Chapel
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY ALICE COREY PHOTOGRAPHY (UNLESS NOTED)
Big Wedding,
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Love has many faces.
This was easy to see in June when 30 couples gathered on the grounds of the Beekman 1802 farm in Sharon Springs for the “Let Love Bloom” marriage marathon. “I should’ve invested in Kleenex,” said Event Manager Alan Edstrom. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING People came in from around the country for the unique event. One bride crawled out of her car’s back hatch door so she wouldn’t wrinkle her fashionable white gown. Another couple came dressed in matching camouflage John Deere hats. Some ceremonies were surprises, others were long-planned vow renewals that had been delayed because of the pandemic last year. It was their faces however, that said it all. “This moment in time changed their lives,” said Edstrom.
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HOW TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS For the event, Alan Edstrom added marriage officiant to his resume, which also includes stints in film, television, theater, and even magic. Yet, never has he been in a role that transformed him as much as the one he had that day, which also happened to be his 58th birthday.
Photo by @bmiller.photo for Beekman 1802
“I was so invested in their stories. It was very emotional. I asked everyone three questions; ‘How did you meet? Why did you choose this space? And, ‘What would be your one wish be for people who are in the same kind of situation?’” As varied as their stories were, their answers were also quite similar – the year had focused their priorities – which included how important it is to celebrate love. “They all had heartfelt meaning. It gave me hope and joy. It was a turning point where people reset their lives,” he said.
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EMBRACE THE RAINBOW Edstrom, who was ordained online by the Universal Life Church, performed four ceremonies that day in the 10’ x 10’ pop-up chapel constructed from multi-color tiles by artist Tom Fruin.
Once light hit the tiny structure, a fantastic mosaic of colors glistened atop “Matrimony Hill” in the same grassy location where the farm’s owners, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, were married in 2015. “The summer sunlight was encompassing you and you felt like you were being embraced by nature. It was an indescribable experience,” said Edstrom. SIMPLE IS BEAUTIFUL Love isn’t always simple but the ceremonies at Beekman 1802 were.
on smaller happenings and helping their neighbors. They invited artists and photographers in, held an outdoor dinner, and hosted a showing of the movie, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”.
“We’re a living brand, not a lifestyle brand. Beekman 1802 is not just about soap, buying and selling stuff. It’s not about the rat race. People often spend their lives in careers and on pathways that someone else paved for them. Here, we create an atmosphere that is focused on the community and taking that feeling out into the world. It’s about just taking a moment to recognize that kindness is transformational, just like these weddings were. It’s like letting all the pieces fit together to create a fantastic mosaic of a new future,” said Edstrom. For more information, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and go to beekman1802.com/pages/the-farm
Each couple was given a script (which they could change slightly but were instructed to keep short).
“They leaned into the limitations. There was no freezing up and no boring speeches. It was focused on exactly what they wanted to say,” said Edstrom. Michael and Alice Corey, who were originally married in 2009, rewrote their renewal vows to include the love they have for their two daughters, ages 8 and 11. “It was a joining together of our family in a way that solidifies it more,” said Alice.
Edstrom is a friend of the family, so for him to preside over the ceremony at the farm, gave it added meaning. “We love Beekman 1802, the whole company, their focus on kindness and how they are able to capture beauty,” said Alice. LIVING THE BRAND Beekman 1802 is a mercantile shop and 59 acres of pastoral bliss. It is home to more than 100 goats, 42 bee hives, and beautiful gardens.
“Being at the farm and playing with the baby goats changes your aspect of what life is all about,” said Edstrom. After the ceremonies, couples also took in the charm of the lovely lavender and the fragrant hydrangeas. The property is typically only open to the public for largescale events, including farm tours, kindness workshops, and a huge harvest festival that draws in as many as 20,000 people in a single day. This year, in addition to the marriage marathon, they focused saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Introducing Saratoga’s New
Paper Dolls
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY (UNLESS NOTED)
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For the first glimpse guests will get of your big day, you want a stationery suite with substance. One that looks and feels as special as the event itself. Choosing the right paper, fonts, and wording is nuanced and confusing. Luckily, Danna Dubno Blowers, the new owner of the stationery specialty store Paper Dolls of Saratoga, is an extremely decisive person. “I’m there to think that stuff through for you. I advocate for the client, keep everything on-track, and on-time,” said Danna. This is a woman who took action when others were holding back; bravely buying the shop, which originally opened in 2006, during the height of the COVID pandemic last year. “I’m my own boss, I’m using my creative ability, and I have the freedom to focus on, and to be there for brides, grooms, and clients in general.”
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ONCE (AND ALWAYS) A SARATOGA BRIDE
SPECIAL CONNECTIONS
Much of Danna Dubno Blowers' career was spent in the corporate arena where she developed marketing materials, invitations, and workbooks for industry events that attracted 2,000+ attendees.
Experience has taught Danna Dubno Blowers that when it comes to developing effective communication materials, corporate events and bridal ceremonies have similar requirements: they are both high-profile happenings, with high expectations where absolute accuracy is essential.
She moved to the region 11 years ago from Westport, CT. In 2017, she was a bride having the quintessential Saratoga experience; getting married amid the beautiful fall foliage during Columbus Day weekend with a reception at the regal Gideon Putnam Hotel. Special touches were gathered for her guests from much-loved local businesses including Saratoga Olive Oil Co. and Impressions of Saratoga. “Could there be anywhere better than Saratoga in the fall? Our guests came in from different states, and from Europe, and they really enjoyed being part of Saratoga Springs at that time of year,” she said.
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Danna also knows how easy it is to get lost down the rabbit hole of choices; she walks you through all the paper and printing options available. Paper Dolls is an authorized Crane & Co. dealer and the only retailer in the area selling products from Bell’Invito Stationers (which are carried by only a dozen high-end stores in the country, including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus). For more control over the process and to get faster results, Danna coordinates digital printing to be done by local shops. Engraving, letterpress, calligraphy, and thermography printing is also available.
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THE PAPER DOLLS COLLECTIVE As the owner of Paper Dolls, Danna heads up a network of trusted talent. Julia Verdile is their in-house designer. She graduated from Bentley College with a degree in graphic design and is joined by Laura Crummack, the store’s retail manager. Crummack puts her years as a media researcher to good use in the bridal market, sourcing quality products to help make each wedding unique and unforgettable. They also work with local Sara Sandidge, owner of Starry-Eyed Letter Co., which provides calligraphy and signage for events. Sara creates elegant custom designs and often incorporates her gorgeous calligraphy in them. Ashley Armitage, owner of Ashley A. Designs, is another local designer that likes to work on out-of-the box designs, especially with Saratoga themes. Melissa Morgan Smith is another Saratoga designer they collaborate with who has years of experience creating custom designs. HONORING THE PAST Elegant notes written on fine paper hold a treasured place within Danna's heart. 2017 at The Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Springs. Photo by Michael Gallitelli Photographer
She remembers the curve of her mother’s beautiful penmanship, and the swoosh of her father’s luxury pen as it glided across his personalized stationery. “I inherited my love of the letter and the value of a handwritten note from them. In the modern day, I have not lost the love of those things.” “I hold dear, take pride in, and feel joy working on invitations,” said Danna. “I’m bringing that feeling into the happiest day of your life through these things that you can hold in your hand – an e-vite just doesn’t do it.” CONCIERGE OF THE FUTURE This fall, Paper Dolls will be expanding their services to help brides with researching and ordering all sorts of specialty paper products and favors. Monogrammed napkins, custom gift tags, and personalized notes are just a few of the new and different items that they will make happen for you. They’ll even guide you through the process of building your wedding website, ensuring that every guest will be getting the most beautiful and accurate information any way they choose to access it. Paper Dolls of Saratoga is located in the Saratoga Marketplace, 454 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information, follow them on Facebook, Instagram or visit paperdollsofsaratoga.com
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The
408
An Elevated Experience WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY AM KNIZEK PHOTO (UNLESS NOTED)
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Photo by Shawn LaChapelle
A unique upscale private event venue in vibrant downtown Saratoga Springs that exceeds expectations. The 408 Event and Occasion space is the savvy choice for your swanky celebrations. This gorgeous bar with stylish lounge area is located in Saratoga’s sweet spot (at the center of Broadway, above the bustle, on the second floor of the always fun Cantina restaurant!). It is a space dripping with sophistication. Designed by Sensory Six, the décor is a modern spin on the classic mid-century – an era when cocktail parties reigned. Gleaming metal fixtures shine amid a backdrop of bare brick, sleek wood, and fine stone elements to form an uplifting urban setting brimming with excitement. Stunning, full-length, sliding windows offer an elegant vantage point for viewing the architecture surrounding you and the activity streaming through the city streets below.
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After your event, head up to the newly-opened rooftop bar to sip on inventive drinks while out in the open air. With a wealth of worldly food options to choose from for micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, showers, birthdays and other special events, at The 408, you’re sure to find something that suits everyone’s taste. American, South American, Italian, and Mediterranean buffets, brunches, late-night breakfasts, and even threecourse meals, prepared by The 408’s creative chef, Mary Nickler, are all on the menu, in addition to the vibrant Mexican-inspired fare that Cantina is so well-known for. With added amenities; like a selection of screens and audiovisual equipment, as well as onsite venue-related planning assistance available, this cool venue is the area’s next hip and happening place to be. The 408 is at 408 Broadway, on the Second Floor, in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and by visiting www.the408saratoga.com. To contact The 408, call 518-587-3982 or email info@the408saratoga.com
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The Soul
OF SARATOGA
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN (from Ashley & Tim’s Wedding, page 78)
Saratoga County is a top wedding destination for several reasons, explains Soul Session Edu-tainment Owner and Bandleader Garland Nelson.
1 2 3
It is uniquely positioned in “the 3-3-3 zone” (three hours from three major cities – Montreal, Boston, and New York City) with many private and public venues.
came to a screeching halt Nelson started posting “Good Morning Soulist” sessions and “Pastor-like” entertainment on social media to help pass along positive vibrations.
Each season is extraordinary; the fall for leaf peeping, winter is a wonderland, nature blooms in spring, and in summer, it’s all about the Historic racetrack and SPAC
With social distance safety and community good will in mind, Soul Session performed on a barge floating in Saratoga Lake and on a flatbed truck as it looped the streets downtown. Since the lockdown continued longer than anticipated, Nelson’s Edu-tainment company upped their streaming capabilities and began making specialized recordings for nonprofit organizations and community support fundraisers around the Capital Region.
People across multiple artistic disciplines collaborate here, so dozens of different styles of events and shows can happen at once. Saratoga is a confluence of amazing creativity. Garland “Soulist” Nelson has been performing in the region for more than 20 years as an entertainer and artist, DJ, producer, event coordinator, and lead singer of Soul Session, a band that does weddings (but is not strictly a wedding band he points out). This distinction gave Nelson the elasticity to customize and change things up last year during the height of the pandemic. When get-togethers and business-as-usual
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Saratoga County is a nationally recognized wedding destination location because of the thriving artist community, of which Nelson is an important part of. “Although I hail from Brooklyn, I’m all about ‘toga!” That can’t be beat – that’s the real soul of Saratoga. #thesoulist #gmorningsoulist #ashyfeetG
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for the epitome of Saratoga Elegance
GIDEON PUTNAM
Have the wedding of your dreams at The Gideon Putnam, nestled within the towering oaks and pines of the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Gideon Putnam, a stunning Georgian style hotel, is ready to host your whole celebration weekend - from rehearsal dinner to departure breakfast. The hotel has indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. For your reception,
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The Arches boasts three sides of floor to ceiling windows, with spectacular views of the park, perfect for a more intimate affair. Their Grand Ballroom, with its soaring ceilings and classic decor, provides an exquisite backdrop for larger weddings. Contact the Gideon Putnam team at 518.584.3000 or gideonputnam.com
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Twin Dahlias
PHOTO BY JACI BERKOPEC PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo provided.
WRITTEN BY JACOB MADKOUR
W
hen it comes to business revenue to keep a company afloat and ecological sustainability - it is usually the case that a sacrifice for one or the other must be made. With the Twin Dahlias flower company this sacrifice is NOT an option. Identical twins Morgan and Taylor who grew up right here in the Capital Region started Twin Dahlias in 2019 as a way to reconnect with nature and continue their family’s agricultural history. After both getting married themselves and falling in love with wedding florals and the impact of bringing natural beauty to a space, they found that flower farming was the perfect medium for that reconnection with nature and the continuation of their family’s agricultural history. Twin Dahlias’ three main streams of business come from wedding floral design, retail, and their unique service of a flower subscription. Many of the couples who are attracted to their eco-friendly mission are as akin to nature as they are. Which allows for a fun and collaborative decorating experience focused on color palette and textures as opposed to flower type, or floral recipe. This allows the twins wiggle room to pick and choose what they see most fit and utilize what is most beautiful at the time of the event. Their flower subscription is a unique service as well, providing subscribers with a monthly array of flower bunches to use however they please. This is also quite fun for Morgan and Taylor for they get to see their product which they grew, and sourced so carefully, utilized in unique ways by all kinds of different people. Being that the market for floral design and distribution is a hot bed of many different companies, especially in a
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popular wedding destination like Saratoga Springs, the twins distinguish themselves from other companies on the market with their sustainable, eco-friendly mission. Twin Dahlia maintains this mission by almost exclusively sourcing locally grown flowers. The twins grow their own flowers on a small-scale flower farm and if any additional product is required for a sale or wedding, they source product from an array of great, local flower farms. They have found that local flowers seem to be much fresher, longer lasting and more beautiful than imported flowers. Additionally, flowers imported from other countries are typically grown and curated with harsh chemicals and transported long distances generating both shipping and packaging waste. They also use eco-conscious and reusable design mechanics which are one hundred percent foam free. The twins’ enthralling business model can be great for those who like to stay conscious about their effect on the environment, but working with them can also be a fantastic learning experience for those originally attracted to them for the mere aesthetics of the product. Along with every other small business, 2020 has brought them many challenges being that weddings, for the most part have been prohibited due to COVID restrictions. As things start to look up pertaining to the pandemic, the twins have many weddings booked for the spring and also plan on expanding their online store, subscription services and retail sales if those weddings end up getting delayed. Either way you can plan on seeing much more of the Twin Dahlias company whether it be in local stores, in your social feed, or a friend’s wedding.
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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com 2254 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 581-2480
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The Bond • 1786 •
PHOTOS PROVIDED
T
he Bond 1786 is the newest restaurant and event venue nestled in the Gateway to the Adirondacks, Warrensburg, New York. Listed as a historic landmark on the national registry, The Bond boasts a beautiful restaurant with a rustic, yet contemporary aesthetic. Their classic tavern, formal dining room, patio, and manicured gardens are the perfect settings for your event!
The featured main dining room can accommodate private parties of 20 to 75 guests. Whether you are celebrating your recent engagement, hosting a rehearsal dinner, or planning your wedding, their event planners will carry out your vision and create the memorable experience you have been dreaming of! Menus can be customized and tailored to your party’s needs; from formal plated dinners to an elaborate cocktail party, the sky is the limit! They can provide you with a preferred vendors list for all your planning needs but are happy to work with the vendors of your choice. Also perfect for corporate or private retreats and conferences, the event space is versatile with everything from catering to projectors and sound systems being provided in-house. In addition to the event spaces and restaurant, The Bond 1786 property has a charming inn with ten well-appointed rooms, each with en suite baths and gas fireplaces. The Bond Inn sits on the edge of the gardens and has a lovely sunroom and deck with views of the surrounding mountains. You and your wedding party will be very comfortable in rooms which go on-hold for your event once the date is secured. For the day of your wedding, a space will be available with all the necessary amenities for your hair and make-up team to get you and your bridal party ready for your special day.
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Coming to The Bond in 2022… Capacity will be doubling, with the addition of a three-season event tent in the garden as well as a four-season barn! To schedule an appointment, please contact the sales team at the following: Eliza Mobley eliza@thebond1786.com Marlene DeLongis marlene@thebond1786.com
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carefree
Cookies & Cocktails WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM, ON LOCATION AT JUNE FARMS
Cookies have found their way into our hearts because they are easy, fun, and delicious. “When girls are having fun partying, they love cookies because they are portable. You can be out there dancing with a cookie in your hand, and not have to be prim and proper with a napkin in your lap,” said Jill. VaNy’s makes these delightful confections even more convenient – by bringing them to you in their darling, custom 1954 Jeep “Willy” Wagon.
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IRRESISTIBLE GOODNESS Travel is VaNy’s middle name. Their actual name, VaNy's (pronounced “vaa – nee”) was derived by combining the abbreviations of where the clan originally hail from - McLean, Virginia, and where they’ve lived since 1997, here in Upstate New York. Mom Christine Fish always loved baking and was joined by daughters Brigid McGrath, Michaela Behrmann, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Jill Scalzo, last year to help share the goodness of cookies and cocktails with more people throughout the region.
“We love any reason to celebrate and people love the ambiance and fun that we bring to the party,” said Brigid. SWEET & SPUNKY Fall in love at the first bite with VaNy’s cookies, bars, fudge, and cupcakes. These treats are a step-up from the standard fare. Varieties include: the “Chocolat a Oats” cookie, an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with two chocolate varieties, “The Carolyn,” a gooey peanut butter and cornflake creation, and the “McGlynn” (named for their brother who has dietary restrictions), a glutenconscious lemon wonder. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Photo provided.
One of the coolest things to look forward to when these ladies roll-up to your outdoor event is their cute vintage Jeep wagon. It has been refurbished to include a map from Virginia to New York on the ceiling inside, a pull-out bar, a champagne wall (that holds up to 77 flutes) and a retractable awning. To match the theme of your event, they’ll also decorate the wagon and shelving with everything from flower garlands and lights, to family photos. “We love home design and it’s very organic. We get very caught up in the excitement of the day. We use everything in life and are constantly saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
on the lookout for what’s going to look great on the wagon,” said Brigid. SOME SMART COOKIES For the ladies of VaNy's, customization isn’t reserved to changing up their mobile bar décor, but includes their offerings, too, which are enhanced through collaborations with other women-owned businesses. “The more established we become, the more we’ll be able to provide opportunities to others. It all goes together,” said Michaela. For a winter party, VaNy's decorated the wagon with antique skis and scarves, and served spiked hot chocolate to
the crowd cozying up by the fire. For a corporate Cinco de Mayo happy hour, they came up with custom tequila mixed drinks. Their adorable mini bottles of prosecco and individually wrapped cookies make party favors that guests can’t wait to grab up. “VaNy's is an economical option for a backyard shindig or the missing piece to a higher-end affair. No matter what kind of event you’re having, we’ll help you create a cohesive vision,” said Jill. Deliveries are available. Get more information, place smaller orders, and sign-up for subscription packages online at www.xoxovanys.com
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Rivers Casino & Resort PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED
Discover just how beautiful your special day could be at one of the Capital Region's most popular wedding venues. Located along the Mohawk River at Rivers Casino & Resort, you’ll find a 10,000-square foot Grand Ballroom, more than 4,000 square feet of pre-function space and over 9,000 square feet of outdoor terrace space. For those requiring something smaller, we also provide up to 5 intimate rooms, ranging in size from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. Our event space provides an exquisite setting for events ranging from the most private gatherings to celebrations of a grand scale. From an elegant affair to an intimate gathering, The Landing Hotel has a selection of ceremony options to meet your every desire. Choose from several unique packages or create a one-of-a-kind experience all your own. Catering services at Rivers Casino & Resort are second to none. Our culinary team will design a catering menu full of flavor to perfectly suit the style and mood of your function. Say “I Do” to your wedding venue, visit TheLandingHotelNY.com to learn more about our packages, or call 518-579-8590 to speak with a member of our team.
Photo by Sarah Wigley, Rob Spring Photography
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Meet... Debbie Coye
Saratoga’s Cake Maven WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
The Coyes. Left to right: Oldest son Brent, middle son Greg, Linda and youngest son Seth, Debbie, husband Jerry and Debbie's 92 year old dad, Guy Passeri.
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Debbie Coye
didn’t become Saratoga’s dazzlingly skilled connoisseur of hand-crafted confections overnight, it’s a reputation that she’s been building for 51 years. But it almost never happened.
A DIFFICULT DEFEAT When Debbie was 12 years old, she watched her neighborhood baker decorate a doll cake and was mesmerized. That year, she decided to try her hand at it, and bought a decorating kit at the state fair. It was the first time she’d ever experimented with royal icing (which can be a royal pain to work with!) and each attempt left her feeling defeated. It kept hardening into the consistency of a Necco wafer. Debbie was so frustrated, the desire to decorate vanished until she was 19, and joined up with her cousin who was already in the business. Now, at 71, she can’t imagine ever giving it up. “I’ve never thought of retiring and tell people I’ll probably die with a spatula in my hand. They should just go ahead and put it in the casket with me because I just really love what I do so much,” she said. FROM MASTER TO MAVEN In 1969, when Debbie was married, she hadn’t yet honed her craft but still wanted the “in” cake that year. Luckily,
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they found the cake, decorated with fountains and bridges, that she’d dreamed of. Debbie’s cake had more going on than most did at the time. The majority of cakes were much simpler than the ones we see today, and fondant (a frosting with a consistency similar to clay that’s easy to shape) was not yet in fashion. Her expertise in hand-molded masterpieces is something she learned by training with pastillage master Pasquale ‘Pat’ Rocco. He was celebrated for his magnificent sugar creations, as well as his role as Executive Chef for Governors Hugh Carey and Mario Cuomo. In 1986, Debbie was recognized as “Chef of the Year” by the Capital District-Central New York Chapter of the Culinary Federation of America, the country’s premier professional chefs’ organization. She’s also won the Escoffier Metal of Merit for Excellence in her field. In 1995, she was invited to the White House when her ‘Night Before Christmas’-themed edible ornaments were used on that year’s holiday trees.
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CONFECTIONERY STATEMENTS One look at Debbie’s cakes says it all. Some are classic and clean, decorated with finely piped lines and real flowers. Others are playful, feature fun characters and interesting shapes. Then, there are the ones that are totally unbelievable. Debbie’s delicately sculpted flowers and bows are so life-like that they are often mistaken for the real thing. For one incredible cake, she hand-painted golden edges on a whopping 5,000 flowers. They had to climb a ladder to assemble an elaborate seventiered cake inspired by the one created for Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding. She’s also recreated a smaller version of the $30,000+ chandelier cake that appeared on Sex in the City. “People come to me because they know I can do something harder than what normal people can do,” said Debbie. She’s baked for just about every big name in Saratoga, including Mary Lou Whitney, and the Riggi Family, as well as celebrity visitors including singers Jennifer Nettle and Julio Iglesias. FAMILY CONNECTIONS Debbie’s clients keep coming back, so today, she is now making cakes for their children’s special events. Debbie’s husband, Jerry, is her main delivery man and while their own three boys were growing up, she often told clients to just make checks payable to their colleges, because that’s where all the money was going anyway. Now, they have three grandchildren and Debbie loves baking (and eating!) cakes with them.
Pro Tips FAKE THE CAKE Want a spectacular, towering wedding cake but don’t have enough guests to serve it to? Decorated foam tiers add height and look just like the real thing! TRIM COSTS ON SUGAR FLOWERS Hand-sculpting and painting flowers is very labor-intensive. Get gorgeous variety by mixing handmade flowers with the ones that are popped out from a mold for a less expensive (but equally pleasing) alternative. GO AHEAD GROOMS, GET IN THERE Today’s grooms are more involved in the wedding planning process than they’ve ever been, so don’t be shy guys, your opinion matters, too! EXTRAVAGANT INSPIRATION, BEAUTIFUL ADAPTATION Did you fall in love with a celebrity cake that costs as much a house? Don’t despair, your baker may be able to create a scaled-down version (that is just as pretty) at a price you can actually afford.
Of the 15 different cakes and 20 different fillings she makes, her favorite is the same as half of the people she bakes for – a dark, moist chocolate cake made from a recipe that’s been handed down through Jerry’s family for generations.
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Bach 2.0
parties that are all about beauty WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
inside & out
After the year we’ve had, you might think the only way to relieve the stress of making difficult wedding decisions (while enduring long periods of isolation) is by getting out and partying hard. In Saratoga however, you can have a raging bachelorette party that is both happy and healing. REFRESH, RENEW, REVITALIZE Getting married is one of life’s biggest times of transition and transformation. Heightened anxiety is a common response to the stress, especially in the continuously tumultuous world we find ourselves living in today.
and care for yourself and others, you will be honoring individuality, creativity, and love. This is an intentional rite of passage that defines your sisterhood, your gratitude for each other, for yourself, and for the beauty of life. Real queens banish what isn’t working, lift each other up, and take their rightful (and royal) place out in the world. DECADENT ABUNDANCE Guiding personal development and growth through fun selfdiscovery workshops and services is something Diane Palma was introduced to through the Saratoga Integrative Practitioners Network.
Give yourself a break. Savor every moment of magic, wonder, and joy during this special time instead, advises energy, beauty and mental health care expert Diane Palma.
Through this and her abundant connections with beauty, wellness, and energy professionals in the region, she creates your ideal menu of one to three offerings to fill a few hours, or plans out an entire festival of events complete with food and lodging for your group.
Palma has been a licensed cosmetologist and stylist for more than 20 years. She has a decade of clinical mental health experience, is a certified workplace wellness counselor, and a Reiki II Practitioner.
Refresh Saratoga workshops focus on creative, physical, spiritual, financial, and social wellness. Possible options include: how to style hair, makeup, and nails; make jewelry; painting and movement classes.
The goal of her new venture, Refresh Saratoga, is to provide opportunities to those looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul within the area’s naturally healing energies.
As a Yaddo docent who has also explored and researched the healing energies and waters at the Saratoga Spa State Park, Palma is excited to share the magical metaphysical potential found onsite with her clients.
BE THE QUEEN The ultimate gift one can give to the world is believing in beauty, your own and others. “Real queens fix each other’s crowns,” believed Mira Foshee, Diane Palma’s cousin. This is the mantra that guides Palma on her own quest to turn your bach party into a sacred gathering of women empowering one another. Let your unique coronation as a queen include a customized Refresh ritual. By taking a sacred vow to trust 38 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
“This is a safe place to gather, be productive, and feel good,” she said. Refresh parties are available to be included in all kinds of events. Prices start at $100/person and include a gratitude gift bag. “Creating Your Future Self” a one-on-one therapy course is also available. To start creating your own custom healing party, explore your beliefs, interests, and goals by filling out their questionnaire online at refreshsaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Honeymoon Planning made easy The Best Hawaiian Island(s) for your Honeymoon
WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF LIVE LIFE TRAVEL LIVELIFETRAVEL.WORLD
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Marriott Wailea Adults Only Cabana Infinity Pool
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Mauna Kea Resort, Big Island
Live Life Travel specializes in Luxury Honeymoon and Celebration Travel planning. I also just worked remotely on each of the 5 main islands over the course of 5 months this year, which gave me the opportunity to get to know each of their distinct personalities! The first thing everyone asks me is “Which Island was your favorite,” and I honestly can’t say because they are all so uniquely different, so how do you choose just 1 or 2 islands (or even 3 islands!) for your honeymoon? There are several factors that we as honeymoon planners take into consideration before planning any travel…
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• How long can you travel for? (If the destination is a longer flight and you are dealing with the loss of a day (Hawaii, Europe, Asia) and jetlag, you’ll want to book at least 10-14 days.) • Time of year? We know which seasons are safest for travel • Budget? We work with your budget
• Must Haves? We never want anyone to feel rushed – it should be a perfect mix of relaxation, romance, and adventure …and usually lots of great food! Next we will do a brief overview of each island for you to get an idea of whether you think it would be the right fit for you. We offer free consultations, just click the “Let’s Start Planning” button on our website and we’ll be in touch.
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The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Private Lanai and Pool at Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island
Oahu
Island of Hawaii (Big Island)
Fave Honeymoon Hotels: Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Halekulani Resort, Turtle Bay Resort, Alohilani
Fave Honeymoon Hotels: Four Seasons Hualalai, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea
Best for: City Lovers, Serious Surfers, History Buffs, Beginner Surfers, Movie Buffs, Foodies, anyone looking for the Best Beaches in the world, Hawaiian Culture
Must See/Do: Malasada’s from Leonard’s Bakery (tip: pre-order and pickup or drive to a Malasada Mobile), hiking Diamond Head (tip: get there when they open), Haleiwa Town, Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC)
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Best for: Experiences, Stargazers, Sunset Lovers, Volcano Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Rainforest Seekers, Adventurers, Astronomy Fans, Farmer’s Markets, Coffee
Must See/Do: Summit and Stars Experience (Mauna Kea), Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour, Night swimming with Manta-Rays (no boat required), Saturday Waimea Farmer’s Markets
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Andaz Maui Sunset Pool Deck, Wailea, Maui
Maui
Best for: Sunsets, Snorkeling, Shopping, Food/Dining, Beaches, Hiking, Waterfalls, Boating, Excursions, Luau Fave Honeymoon Hotels: Montage Kapalua, Hotel Wailea (Adults Only), Andaz Wailea, Mama’s Fish House Inn, Fairmont Kea Lani, Westin Kaanapali, Marriott Wailea Must See/Do: Whale Watching (in season), Lahaina Town, Poke (Foodland), Road to Hana, Haleakala Sunrise, Old Lahaina Luau, Catamaran Excursions
Lanai
Best for: Four Seasons, Relaxation, Luxury, Beach, Luau, Dining/Food, Spa, privately scheduled activities such as Scuba, Snorkeling, Golfing, Archery, Tennis, Deep-Sea Fishing, 4x4 Jeep Excursions, Horseback Riding, Sailing and more Fave Honeymoon Hotels: Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Family Friendly; beachfront) and Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort (Adults Only; wellness focus) Must See/Do: Four Seasons Luau, Nobu, Spa Treatments in the Private Balinese-Style Hale’s, Whale Watching (in season), Lighting of the Pu (Sunset Ceremony), Find the Talking Birds The Fairmont Mauna Kea, Wailea, Maui
Kauai
Best for: Adventure, Nature, Seclusion, Beaches, Surfing, Hiking, Kayaking, ATV, Boating, Fave Honeymoon Hotels: Grand Hyatt, 1 Hanalei Must See/Do: Helicopter Ride, Napali Coast Sunset Sail, Waimea Canyon My favorite part of Hawaii – “The Aloha Spirit” There is a perfect honeymoon for everyone in Hawaii and here is the #1 reason… the “Aloha Spirit.” "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. ... ''Aloha'' is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. Here are 5 ways to live with aloha, every day AliiNui Catamaran Excursions, Maui
1. Value and spend time in nature. Native Hawaiians have always had a deep reverence for the natural world. 2. Live in the present moment -and appreciate it. 3. Cultivate meaningful connections. 4. Choose to see the good. 5. Love always. For more information on the Live Life Travel “Give Back” Program in partnership with Hawaii’s Malama (Give Back) program, please see Amy’s article on the next page and how you can live the “Aloha Spirit” through the Malama program while earning free nights for your honeymoon. Go to “Let’s Start Planning” on www.livelifetravel.world for more information.
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LIVE LIFE TRAVEL
give back
WRITTEN BY AMY BAKER, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS STRATEGY, LIVE LIFE TRAVEL | LIVELIFETRAVEL.WORLD
PHOTOS PROVIDED
LIVE LIFE TRAVEL IS PROVIDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MINDFUL EXPLORATION. We believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with us for years to come and open our eyes and hearts to different cultures, community, wildlife, and the environment. We want our clients to enjoy the beauty of their destination, unwind, relax and to truly engage where they are. Whether it is volunteering or being exposed to different cultures and environments. We customize immersive experiences depending on interests with the right formula of purposeful travel so when you get home, you have the tools and knowledge to expand and continue the relationships you created - your view of the world will hopefully become richer and more fulfilling and change your perspective of travel. Travel can be 90% relaxation and 10% educational/give back. The exact formula is always up to you. There is no right or wrong, at the end of the day, every experience that we plan is 100% customized for each couple, family, or group. Live Life Travel will do the research for you and create the formula that works best. Ask us how this can be incorporated into your next bespoke adventure. My travel experience started with 100% focus on relaxation and a bit of adventure. I quickly realized I needed more and started my quest in researching different ways to engage with the island, city, or country we were visiting that felt more meaningful and authentic. It was an investment of time and worth every minute. I love to meet local people and have dinner in their homes, meet their children and see where there are opportunities for my help when I return home. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Hawaii’s Give Back Program: Each island of Hawaii offers diverse, engaging, and mindful ways to have an enriching experience. The Hawaiian Islands itinerary that can change your life isn’t found in a guidebook. What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is not only the stunning natural beauty or the vibrant culture - it’s the deeply rooted relationship that connects them. That relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you malama (give back). When you give back - to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond, the community - you are part of the virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone. There has never been a more rewarding time to give back. The concept of malama, or ‘to care for,’ is part of the essence of life in Hawaii, connecting us to this place and our ancestors,” said Shermaine Rodrigues, director of guest experience at Four Seasons Resort Maui. “At Four Seasons Maui, we have a kuleana, or responsibility, to share this concept with our guests and invite them to actively engage with these cultural ideals. Many of our guests have taken the opportunity to give back. Now more than ever, regenerative travel resonates with visitors,” she said. Not only can you feel good about yourself for helping one of our world’s most beautiful destinations through this malama program, but most of our hotel partners are offering very generous incentives to do so, including free nights, daily breakfast and $250 resort credits. Please contact us through our website for more information (click “Let’s Start Planning”) www.livelifetravel.world 2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 45
Below are examples by island of some of the amazing programs that you are able to get involved with and make a real impact. OAHU Learn about ecological issues affecting Maunalua Bay and volunteer by participating in removing three types of invasive algae threatening marine sanctuaries in the bay’s near-shore waters. For an immersive, hands-on mālama 'āina experience you will want to consider a volunteer workday with eco-nonprofit Papahana Kualoa - sinking your feet into the satisfyingly muddy earth of its lo'i kalo (irrigated taro terraces) to do the good work of helping plant or harvest kalo, a staple crop of the Native Hawaiian diet. Or you can simply decide to head up North and plant a tree. KAUAI Kauai has vibrant forest areas. With the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, travelers can participate in a remote video review to help identify the island’s protected birds and their activity and patterns. You can also join a virtual seminar to learn more about the native forest birds and the eco-project’s conservation efforts. Held monthly, the project’s Forest Fridays virtual series focuses on the protection of the threatened native 'i'iwi bird and three federally endangered native bird species — the puaiohi, 'akikiki, and akeke'e — with a goal of facilitating recovery of their populations in the wild. Visitors can also view prior series segments via the Kaua'i Forest Bird Recovery Project’s YouTube channel. MAUI The ocean conservation activities at the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation are a must-see. Visitors in the foundation’s Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program will want to head out to Maui’s scenic coastline areas to collect and track debris. Data recorded by the foundation helps to
mitigate and prevent shoreline and marine life damage. If visitors want to participate in the critical environmental work of removing invasive species from Maui’s protected lands, the nonprofit Hawaii Land Trust does vital stewardship work contributing to wildlife protection efforts at the island’s Waihe'e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. ISLAND OF HAWAII (THE BIG ISLAND) Travelers looking to be surrounded by nature on their travels are invited to join in on the work of the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative volunteering to help restore and replant its 275-acre lowland dry forest preserve. Activities for volunteers include building trails, tree planting, clearing invasive plant life and more, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the preserve’s tranquil landscape. Adventure seekers interested in mountain hiking and volunteer work are encouraged to check out the workdays of Uluhao o Hualālai for a private ecotour traversing the mature koa and 'ōhi'a forests of 8,271-foot Hualālai volcano. In addition to hiking to one of the volcano’s many craters and learning about the cultural significance of the surrounding landscape, visitors are also invited to participate in the group’s reforestation efforts by planting native trees. Even if you are headed to a Sandals or a Beaches resort, we have a very simple “Give Back” program that you may choose to participate in, just ask us about it and we’ll be happy to help you help the world while you travel. For a list of participating Hawaii hotels and more information on the Malama program: gohawaii.com/malama. If you book Malama through Live Life Travel, you will get an additional $100 credit towards your final payment as well as a matched donation of $100 towards the Malama program. Valid for the length of the hotel promotions.
Veteran 30+ years Media Executive, Amy Baker has joined Live Life Travel as Director, Business Strategy. Amy helped launch Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and was responsible for advertising revenue for History Channel, Lifetime, and A+E Networks while establishing branded marketing partnerships with key companies. Amy is bringing her unbelievable portfolio of experience and knowledge to Live Life Travel and will be co-mentoring the new Luxury Travel Advisors. Amy and I will also partner on a new venture together, a division of Live Life Travel, which will remain consistent with the luxury travel brand, but focus on “Giving Back.” This is Amy’s true passion and as we all know this is the future of travel. We will be starting to create unique and fun opportunities for all our travelers through this new division, led by Amy, and we could not be more excited about it, for so many reasons, and can’t wait to tell you more upon its official launch. Contact Amy at amy@livelifetravel.world
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Getting Married?
BRIDE 48 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
B R I D A L I N S P I R AT I O N 2 4 / 7/365 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Photo Shoots A PHOTO SHOOT BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Inspiration comes
from everywhere… And when I overheard someone say she was choosing her venue based on “how unique the photos would be” … I knew I had to take that and run with it! Over the next FIFTEEN PAGES, we give you tons of inspiration for that perfect photo shoot of your own!
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details On Location At: The Pavilion Grand
Gowns: Rockabella Boutique
Flowers: Boston & Burke Floral Design Hair & Makeup: Make Me Fabulous
Models: Nicole Barr, Dara Miller
Photographer: Susan Blackburn Photography For more of this photo shoot, check out SaratogaBRIDE.com!
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Some Great Props, (LOVE THOSE VEHICLES!!) and a Touch of Personality and You’ve Got...
Awesome Photos! A PHOTO SHOOT BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
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details On Location At: The Saratoga Winery
Gowns: Ferri Formals and Bridals Flowers: Branches and Blooms Floral Design Hair: Sarah Briggs Hair
Makeup: Lipstick N Lashes Beauty Bar and Boutique Stylist: Taissha Lareau
Models: Kayla Darby, Jillian Sherman, Jamie-Lynn Weaver Photographer: Susan Blackburn Photography For more of this photo shoot, check out SaratogaBRIDE.com!
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Looking for Dramatic Photos? Look No Further Than The Queensbury Hotel A PHOTO SHOOT BY JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
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details On Location At: The Queensbury Hotel Gown: Azalea
Suit: J. Reid Menswear
Flowers: Dehn’s Flowers
Hair and Make Up: Brides 2 Go Cake: Cake by Alissa
Cocktail table: Saratoga Grazing Co.
Mobile Tap Bar: VaNy’s Cocktails & Confections Stationery: Foiled and Pressed Videography: Jackson Photography Videographer: Jung Maeng Day of Coordinator: A Lively Event
Models: James and Katie Johnson Photographer: Jackson Photography
For more of this photo shoot, check out SaratogaBRIDE.com!
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real brides and our love stories See our wedding on page... 114
Kayla and Gregg
Amanda and Andrew
82
Kiley and Andrew
94
Amy and Mark
70
Rachel and Nick
78
Ashley and Tim
110
74 106
Rebecca and Brendan
Briana and Stephen
66
Taylor and Scott
98
Carlee and Dylan
86
Taylor and William
90
Elizabeth and Cody
102
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Alexa and Matthew
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PHOTO BY HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN
(from Ashley & Tim’s Wedding, page 78)
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real bride
Taylor & Scott
Janke
GOWN LILY SARATOGA • LOCATION NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE • PHOTOGRAPHER RACHEL LIZ PHOTOGRAPHY 66 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
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our story Scott and I met during my freshman year of college at SUNY Albany in the spring of 2013—he was from Long Island, and I was from Rochester, NY. We started dating in October of 2014 and got engaged in June of 2017, shortly after graduating. We had a long engagement so there was plenty of time to plan all things wedding. After touring a few possible venues, we landed on the National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs. The beautiful setting in the Saratoga Spa State Park was what really sold me—I could just see how gorgeous the pictures would be. After setting a date—July 27, 2019—and securing our venue, I immediately knew what was next on our list. I had been set on our photographer and videographer duo for years after gushing over their work for other couples—Rachel Liz Photography and A-Frame Digital. I found the perfect dress at the first stop on my list—Lily Saratoga—the service was wonderful, and it is the cutest bridal shop! We booked the rest of our vendors pretty quickly after that so we could just relax and enjoy our engagement stress-free. Before we knew it, our two-year engagement had flown by, and every detail of our wedding day was perfect. This was all thanks to our amazing team of vendors and my glam squad, Abby Greco and Sharon DeMartino from Slek Salon, for making me feel beautiful. Every aspect of our special day exceeded all expectations, and it truly was the magical fairytale I always dreamed it would be. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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details WEDDING DATE July 27, 2019 LOCATION National Museum of Dance PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Liz Photography VIDEOGRAPHER A-Frame Digital STATIONERY SUITE Courtney Geist WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Azazie TUXEDO Joseph A Bank GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Men's Wearhouse HAIR & MAKEUP Slek Salon RINGS Glennpeter Jewelers FLOWERS DIY CATERER DeFazio’s CAKE Cakes by Grace TRANSPORTATION Royale Limosuine DJ OR BAND Direct Entertainment FIRST DANCE "Say You Won't Let Go" ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Get all the planning done as fast as possible so you can enjoy your engagement and not be stressed the month before! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Biviano Rachel & Nick
GOWN BRIDE & GOWN • LOCATION THE MANSION INN • PHOTOGRAPHER SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY 70 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
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our story The Proposal: After being together for nearly five years, many of which Rachel had not-so-subtly requested a ring, Nick was ready to take the plunge. After weeks of coordinating with their friends, Nick set the plan into action on August 23rd, 2019. While waiting for their dinner reservation, Nick had asked their friends to take a photo of them with the beautiful New York City skyline at their back - except, Rachel went off-script and declined the photo opportunity because she was too hungry. After some coaxing, everything was just right, and they were finally in place. Nick turned and started to deliver his speech, when Rachel threw another curve-ball and started to walk away thinking that Nick was surely teasing. Once he pulled out the ring box, Rachel's face lit up and Nick took a sigh of relief as he was not prepared for anything else to NOT go according to plan. After delivering a speech that neither of them can fully recall… She said yes!
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details WEDDING DATE August 13, 2020 LOCATION The Mansion Inn PHOTOGRAPHER Susan Blackburn Photography WEDDING GOWN Bride & Gown HAIR & MAKEUP True Beauty Bride FLOWERS Posie Peddler OFFICIANT Joy Burke WEDDING PLANNING... Wedding planning for us was very easy! Our Midweek Wedding package at The Mansion included many of the vendors we needed (florist, catering, photographer, and officiant). The Mansion proactively communicated with us to ensure we were aligned on decisions and the timeline, in addition to making introductions with the vendors. I can honestly say this was one of the least stressful parts for us!!
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real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexa & Matthew
Pupello
GOWN DE ANNA'S • LOCATION JUNE FARMS • PHOTOGRAPHER TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY 74 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
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our story The stars aligned the night that Matthew and I met. Matt races big block modified race cars at Lebanon Valley every Saturday night. It was a Saturday night, but Lebanon Valley was canceled due to rain. Matt decided to race at Fonda speedway instead. I was in college at the time and one of my best friends David was racing at Fonda. Like Matt, I had never been to Fonda speedway before, but I decided to go with David that night to watch him race. They parked next to each other, we met that night, and the rest is history! It turns out we grew up only a mile apart from each other, but we met an hour away from our houses! Matthew surprised me when he proposed to me in front of the Christmas tree lighting in Albany. It was a cold night, and I was watching football when he said they have fireworks at the Christmas Tree lighting tonight (we both love fireworks!) I really wasn’t that excited to go since it was cold and I was enjoying the game, but I didn’t want to disappoint him, so I said sure. Boy, was I glad I said yes (to both)!! I asked him afterwards what his plan was if I said no, he said he would have had to come up with something else! We had originally planned to get married in June of 2020, but COVID threw a big wrench in those plans! We postponed the wedding to August 22, 2020, in hopes that things would be more "normal" then. Although things were getting better, we still had to have a very small ceremony/reception. We had just our immediate family and the wedding party at our special day. Although this is not what we planned, we would not have changed a thing! Our wedding day was so intimate and special. We got to spend our wedding day with those closest to us. We are so thankful to all our amazing vendors that made our day PERFECT. I cannot say enough good things about the owner of June Farms, Matt Baumgartner. Although trying to plan a wedding during an unforeseen pandemic was very difficult, he was great. It truly was the wedding of my dreams!! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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details WEDDING DATE August 22, 2020 LOCATION June Farms Ceremony: "Fern Gully" | Reception "Pony Barn" PHOTOGRAPHER Tracey Buyce Photography STATIONERY SUITE Zazzle WEDDING GOWN De Anna's BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES De Anna's TUXEDO Joseph A Bank GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Choppa and Son HAIR Ruthie Steciuk RINGS Frank Adams FLOWERS Renaissance Floral Design CATERER Nicole's Catering CAKE Cake Street Sweets DJ OR BAND Jay Yager FIRST DANCE "Amazed" HONEYMOON DESTINATION Breckenridge, Colorado ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... A dog friendly wedding venue! We loved having our best friend Rexie be a part of our special day. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 77
real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… SOMETHING BLEU BRIDAL
Ashley & Tim
Schmidt
GOWN SOMETHING BLEU • LOCATION PITNEY MEADOWS COMMUNITY FARM • PHOTOGRAPHER HEATHER BOHM-TALLMAN 78 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Tim and I met at SUNY Geneseo in 2010, when he was a senior and I was junior. After he abruptly arrived at a party at my apartment that spring, we've been together ever since. Tim moved from the Syracuse area to Saratoga Springs after I graduated in 2012, and our relationship continued to grow from there! Nine years into our relationship (yes - nine), we traveled to Italy together where he proposed. We planned our date for June 13, 2020, until the pandemic forced us to postpone our date for September 18th, 2020. We decided to get married at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, a beautiful high tunnel greenhouse surrounded by nature but in the heart of Saratoga Springs. Despite the hiccups along the way, along with the many restrictions we endured compared to a traditional wedding, our day could not have been more perfect (with a big thanks to our vendors!) The sun was shining, we were married surrounded by our closest family and friends (in person and on zoom!), and we felt so much love around us. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 79
80 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE September 18, 2020 LOCATION Pitney Meadows Community Farm PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Bohm-Tallman VIDEOGRAPHER Ole Vision WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Show Me Your Mumu GROOM'S ATTIRE Mr. Formal Wear HAIR & MAKEUP Blue Peregrine Salon RINGS Glennpeter Jewelers FLOWERS Native Farm Flowers EVENT DECORATOR Five Points Design Co. WEDDING PLANNER Christine Wheat CATERER & CAKE Lily and the Rose TRANSPORTATION Royale Transportation DJ OR BAND Garland Nelson FIRST DANCE "Best Friend" by Queen HONEYMOON DESTINATION Croatia & Italy RENTALS Saratoga Tents and Events ARBOR Weathered Wood ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Don't sweat the small stuff. Remember that Instagram and Pinterest aren't reality, and behind every perfect looking photo there's a mishap or something not going according to plan. Relax and remember that at the end of the day, your wedding day is to celebrate YOU and your spouse. Enjoy the moment! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 81
real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… SOMETHING BLEU BRIDAL
Kiley & Andrew
Williams
GOWN SOMETHING BLEU • LOCATION GOLDEN ARROW LAKESIDE RESORT PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM FREHM, LOVEBUZZ PHOTOGRAPHY 82 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Though Drew and I both grew up in and around Saratoga Springs, we didn’t meet until 2018. We met the way most modern-day relationships do -- on the internet. We chatted for a few days before he convinced me to let him take me to dinner. I was hesitant. I even thought of ways to get out of the date, but thankfully decided to go. We found out later that we’d both attended summer camp at Gavin Park, and even received our First Communion on the same day, at the same church, in the same class. I was living in Connecticut at the time, while Drew still lived in Saratoga. Late in 2018, he and Chewy, his dog, moved in with me, and in March of 2019, Drew proposed in front of the Snoqualmie Waterfalls in Washington. We both knew we wanted an outdoor, fall wedding. We wanted to make travel as easy as possible for the people we loved most. We decided on Lake Placid -- not only because of its breathtaking views and close proximity to our families, but also because it is the city in which the USA Hockey team led our country to victory over the then Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Drew is an avid hockey lover and player, and played many tournaments in Lake Placid as a child. It only felt right to get married there. We chose the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Main Street for our ceremony and reception. They’re a family-owned business, and from the start, they made us feel like part of that family. It was a bonus that they were directly across the street from the Herb Brooks Arena, where the US won in 1980. They got our sense of humor and were welcoming to our laid-back ideas for our wedding. We decided on a date: Oct. 3rd of 2020. Peak leaf weekend. We wanted as much time to plan as possible, especially living four hours away in Connecticut. In January of 2020, I was offered a job in Nashville, Tennessee, and suddenly we went from a four-hour drive to being 15-hours away. Ten days after we arrived in Nashville, COVID shut the city down. We were both out of work, low on cash, and 15 hours from our families. We thought, “Well, we have until October. We’ll ride it out.” The months went by, and things didn’t seem to be getting any better. We called the Golden Arrow early in the summer to discuss our options. They were incredible. They allowed us to downsize in accordance with the state law at the time, and whatever money we had already given them would be used, and the rest we would get back. It was at that moment that we confirmed that we had chosen the right venue. They were caring, compassionate, and addressed all of our fears. We narrowed our guest list from 150 to 30 people. We called all of our vendors to readjust our numbers, and each of them accommodated us with grace and compassion. We signed COVID contracts. We kept up with state and federal guidelines and mandates. In a world of uncertainty, kindness and love shone through. Our moms took care of all of our local needs in Saratoga and the surrounding areas while we remained in Nashville. They sent us photos of flowers, table decorations, and FaceTimed us in with vendors so we could choose what we wanted to go with our theme. The groomsmen ordered their suits online. No contact? No problem. We kept it really simple -- a fall wedding with rustic accents. We had lanterns placed at each table with small wooden table numbers and used our favorite TV shows to add in our personal touch for decor. Our cupcakes for dessert would range from apple pie flavored to chocolate chip cookie dough, and were made by a high school friend. All of our vendors were local businesses whom we knew personally, or knew through friends. We let Mirror Lake on peak leaf weekend speak for itself. It certainly didn’t need any help from us to be beautiful. Two COVID tests, a 15-hour drive, and a two-week quarantine later, we suited up and put our masks on. Our day came, and it was perfect. Our DJ, Lee Kyler, offered to record our wedding on Zoom, and many of the remaining 120 people who we were unable to invite were able to join us virtually. Our moms lit a unity candle as part of our ceremony, to symbolize the coming together of two families. On top of the boathouse, overlooking Mirror Lake, we became husband and wife. Do I care to plan a wedding during a pandemic again? No. But I wouldn’t change a thing. The intimacy of our ceremony only exemplified what the day was truly about: marrying my best friend and celebrating love.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 83
84 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE October 3, 2020 LOCATION Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Frehm of LoveBuzz Photography STATIONERY SUITE Zola.com WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Saratoga Elegance - Yana LaPage GROOMSMEN ATTIRE GenerationTux HAIR & MAKEUP Katherine Elizabeth Salon RINGS My wedding set was Drew's greatgrandmother's. Drew's best friend made his wedding ring! JEWELRY Custom and handmade by TrueWarriorJewlery FLOWERS Samantha Nass Floral Designs EVENT DECORATOR My mom, my MIL, and my girlfriends! CATERER Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort CAKE Baked by Jordan (Jordan Cleavland) DJ OR BAND Lee Kyler, LakePlacidDJ HONEYMOON DESTINATION Europe SPECIAL TOUCHES... We spent an hour by ourselves with our photographer before the ceremony and had so much fun. It eased our nerves for the day and we laughed the whole time. It was perfect. Drew wore a pin inside his jacket with a photo of his childhood best friend, Connor, who passed away at 14. We Zoomed our wedding ceremony so our loved ones could watch -- even cousins in Thailand (It was 4 am there)! Our rings -- my set was Drew's great grandmothers (1941) and Drew's was handmade by his friend, Justin ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Take time for just you and your spouse to have a few private moments throughout the course of the day. It goes by fast. Spend the money on the photographer. It's worth every penny. Remember the reason for the day and center everything around the love you have for your partner. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 85
real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… MAKE ME FABULOUS
Taylor & William
Subjack
GOWN SOMETHING BLEU • LOCATION ADELPHI HOTEL • PHOTOGRAPHER ZAZA WEISSGERBER AND AVA ANDRANIKIAN 86 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Our story was always unconventional. From all-Adidas outfits to warehouse parties to adventures around the globe, our worlds were spinning so quickly that sometimes it was hard for us to catch up. But without realizing it, our lives collided, and it was as if everything stopped. We met on the dance floor and never could have predicted that five years later we’d be holding one another during our first dance as husband and wife. Bill was a Jersey boy who spent the back half of his adolescence in Virginia, while I fast-tracked to New York City from St. James, Long Island after high school. As we started dating, our relationship was surrounded by the sights and sounds of NYC and, eventually, Jersey City. In 2019, Bill proposed at my favorite restaurant. He hid the ring in a cherished book from my childhood, highlighting a chapter called “The Unbreakable Vow.” Once the planning started, we both knew that we wanted a wedding destination that inspired wanderlust. With flying out of the question because of Bill's parents, Saratoga felt like the best place to give our guests an escape without being too far from home. And I summered there as a child—perfect! Then came COVID, no further explanation needed. No one could have predicted how unconventional 2020 would be. The chaos of planning, changing, canceling, rescheduling, and re-imagining. But despite it all, everything culminated in one perfect moment, and our greatest adventure yet ...marriage! In July of 2020, there was a glimmer of hope with the new 50-person mandate. Bill and I realized that some things only come around once in a lifetime, and our wedding was one of those things. Our day could happen, and it would on 10/10/20. It’s safe to say our wedding day was a little different than what we envisioned. We were forced to reevaluate our event more than a couple of times. But with the help of the community around us—led by my mother and the amazing event planner at The Adelphi Hotel, Connie Slocum—we were able to plan something special that let our personalities and love shine through. Bill and I turned what was originally planned to be our rehearsal dinner into an intimate, romantic, and minimal celebration focused on sharing the milestone with people who have been a part of our journey. Connie did an incredible job following COVID regulations while effortlessly curating a unique experience for us and our guests. Chef Kyle created a five-course tasting menu featuring hamachi crudo and cavatelli. Pastry Chef Jennifer crafted a tiered espresso cake covered in black fondant as the perfect end to our meal. The Adelphi was a beautiful backdrop and we loved it from the start. But we didn’t think we’d be able to celebrate there, due to our original wedding size—funny how things work out! For my wedding day wardrobe, I wanted to lean towards an elegant and classic style inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. I had a memorable experience at Something Bleu Bridal where I found a silk Flora bridal gown. It exuded the power and beauty I felt by getting married in 2020 against all odds. They even contacted the tailor, Will Fit U In, that day to ensure it would be ready in time for my big day. My accessories were paired perfectly with a hairpiece from Lelet NY and black satin Manolo Blahnik heels. Bill opted for a black Indochino suit and Christian Louboutin shoes. No look would be complete without hair and makeup. Alayne and her team at Make Me Fabulous were very flexible and adapted to event changes until the day of. Alayne created a sweet but natural look for my makeup and a modern-day twist on a classic bun for my hair. Her team also flawlessly covered a dog bite mark on Bill's face and a bruise on Bill's mom, Joyce—both incidents that happened the day before the wedding. They are true masters of their craft. The devil was in the details when it came to creating an effortlessly elegant wedding vibe, and Carrie from Blooms For Rooms made countless mood boards to bring our vision to life. They used white roses and orchids with black accents, plus dozens of candles including black taper candles surrounded by mini Saratoga Olive Oil bottles to light up the room. The candles also stood as representations of all the friends and family that could not attend.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 87
To help us memorialize our once-in-a-lifetime event, we tapped photographer Zaza Weissgerber to do the wedding and engagement photos. Using natural light and architectural elements to evoke emotion and bring memories to life, I can see why she has been featured in Forbes, as well as the Wall Street Journal. As soon as we started re-planning, we knew that her energy and talent were a must for our gathering. We flew her in from Denver, along with her protege Ava Andranikian, to capture the day. They did not disappoint. We capped off our troupe of female visual artists with Leann from Fyvie Films. She specializes in intimate storytelling, making her the perfect addition to our team. The three worked seamlessly together, capturing getting ready photos, my walk down the aisle, and one of our most treasured wedding moments: the misty-eyed mother and son dance. This was, unknowingly, one of the last times Bill would embrace Joyce before her untimely passing a month later. Finally, we descended the elevator of the Pavilion Grand Hotel, masks in hand. That’s when it hit us that we were doing it! On our grand tour of Saratoga Springs, chauffeured by Premier Transportation, we made a pit stop for an espresso at Uncommon Grounds. The coffee helped calm the nerves. We entered The Adelphi Hotel, not looking back, as Robert Zampino soundchecked his piano for my aisle song “Fix You” by Coldplay. My younger brothers prepped to take their places at the top of the altar—one of whom was marrying us. Taking my final breaths before walking down the aisle—with both mom and dad by my side—I realized that the greatest luxury of all was being able to celebrate our marriage. With so few opportunities to create memories together in 2020, our wedding was an event that re-instilled our belief in against-all-odds love, and that is worth celebrating. In loving memory of Joyce Subjack.
88 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE October 9, 2020 PAPER SIGNING PARTY October 10, 2020 LOCATION Adelphi Hotel GETTING READY The Pavilion Grand Hotel PHOTOGRAPHER Zaza Weissgerber and Ava Andranikian VIDEOGRAPHER Fyvie Films STATIONERY SUITE Paperless Post WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu by Flora Bridal PAPER SIGNING PARTY GOWN A.L.C BRIDE'S SHOES: Manolo Blahnik (wedding day), Jimmy Choo (Paper Signing Party) BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Amsale and Jenny Yoo GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Indochino GROOM'S SHOES: Christian Louboutin TAILOR: WillFitUIn HAIR & MAKEUP Make Me Fabulous Salon HAIR PIECE Lelet NY (wedding day), Cosmic Creations (Paper Signing Party) RINGS Stephanie Gottleib and Tiffany & Co. JEWELRY Ring Concierge (earrings), The One I Love NYC (necklace), Catbird Brooklyn (bracelets) FLOWERS Blooms for Rooms CATERER Kyle Hendrickson (wedding day), Mama Mias Saratoga (Paper Signing Party) CAKE Jennifer McNeil (wedding day), Saratoga Cake Mom (Paper Signing Party) PAPER SIGNING PARTY DESSERT Miki A Baker CAKE TOPPER Polymer Clay Portraits TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation DJ OR BAND Robert 'Bobby' Zampino FIRST DANCE "At Last" by Etta James PAPER SIGNING PARTY RENTALS All Occasion Chiaviar Rentals MASKS: SoftStrokesSilks SPECIAL TOUCHES... Multi-course tasting menu and signature drinks. Bills Mom passed away suddenly less than a month after the event making their mother/son dance extra special. Decorations were primarily candles to 'represent' all of the loved ones that could only attend from afar. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... The beauty of wedding planning, even during 2020 was hard to see in the moment. It provided unique challenges and unusual events. Ultimately, it helped me re-align my priorities, understand the true meaning of love and never forget what was truly important in the end (marrying the love of my life one way or another). My advice would be to hold onto all of those things because its the only true way to stay grounded. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 89
real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… LAKOTA'S FARM WEDDING AND EVENTS
Elizabeth & Cody
Gaines
GOWN SOMETHING BLEU • LOCATION LAKOTA'S FARM WEDDING & EVENTS • PHOTOGRAPHER VANESSA LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY 90 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Cody and I were friends years before becoming High School Sweethearts, I think that's the special part about our relationship. We guided each other through other relationships and high school scenarios, but later found out there wasn't a healthier, better pair than us. He was a country boy with beef cattle, from the far side of town while I moved from East Haddam, CT in the second grade. We had different lifestyles and backgrounds but were each other’s best friend at the end of each day. When the time for college came along, we had similar interests - we both wanted to study agriculture. Both graduating with dual degrees, he specialized in diesel engineering, and I specialized in Horticulture Production. He landed a job after his internship in Latham (diesel technician) and I stayed to grow the family farm. Today we multi-task between jobs, but recently expanded our production firm with a flower farm! Our wedding was the most beautiful day, and we are so thankful to all our vendors and family that helped make it a celebration of love to remember. No matter how busy our days are, we always leave time for each other and when we have time, we continue doing hobbies that built us as a couple - like visiting Lake Placid and hiking in the Adirondacks. One day we'll be 46ers! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 91
92 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE November 7, 2020 LOCATION Lakota's Farm Wedding & Events STATIONERY SUITE Lakota's Farm Wedding & Events PHOTOGRAPHER Vanessa Lewis Photography WEDDING GOWN Something Bleu BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Radiant Rooster GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Generation Tux HAIR Brides2Go, Country Style Salon & Spa MAKEUP Erica Shudt RINGS Kay Jewelers FLOWERS North Country Flowers CATERER Seasons Catering DJ OR BAND Scott Palone, Diamond Entertainment FIRST DANCE "More Today Than Yesterday" by Spiral Starecase HONEYMOON DESTINATION Lake Placid
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 93
real bride
Amy & Mark
Hrvatin
GOWN BRIDAL BY SANDRA • LOCATION SARATOGA HILTON • PHOTOGRAPHER DORI FITZPATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY 94 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Mark and I literally met at the last possible moment. We met our senior semester at Stony Brook University and two days before graduation, he asked me to be his girlfriend. So we graduated, not sure what to expect and went our separate ways. He stayed on Long Island and I moved back to Saratoga. We did different variations of long distance for about 4 years until Mark proposed in 2018. We were on our annual primitive family camping trip to Indian Lake (aka my favorite place on the earth). Mark had this grand plan of where and when he wanted to do it. Unfortunately, it poured the entire time and a couple of hours before it was time to leave, the sun came out. We quickly got our family photos down by the lake and afterward, Mark fell to one knee. Mark like the sound of getting married in 2020 so we decided we would plan everything and relax. Found an amazing venue in Lake George, literally everything was planned. We just had to wait for the date. Then COVID hit. We decided to keep our date and elope in my parent’s backyard in Saratoga and postpone our celebration 1 year, thinking everything would clear up by then. So on May 23, 2020 we had his family and my family (10 people max) there to witness our wedding. It was a gorgeous day. We immediately got everything moved to the new date, looking forward to 2021. Between our 2020 wedding and 2021 celebration, we had our original photographer close her doors, our rehearsal dinner was given to someone else, cut back on the guest list due to COVID, had to hire a new baker with 3 weeks left and 1.5 months before our new date, our venue told us they couldn’t host us. After scrambling and MORE replanning, our wedding celebration arrived and it was perfect. Our vendors kept all of our guests safe without taking away from the experience. We had so much to celebrate on May 8th. We were happy, our guest were happy. Even though it wasn’t our original plan or vision, everything was beyond perfect. It was really the best day! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 95
96 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details ELOPEMENT May 23, 2020 WEDDING DATE May 8, 2021 LOCATION The Saratoga Hilton PHOTOGRAPHER Dori Fitzpatrick Photography PHOTOBOOTH Smile Lounge Interactive STATIONERY SUITE CoopiaCreativa WEDDING GOWN Bridal by Sandra BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Bridal by Sandra GROOMMEN ATTIRE Mr. Formal Wear HAIR Hair by Amanda Marie MAKEUP Baileigh RINGS Zales FLOWERS Dehn’s Flowers CATERER The Saratoga Hilton CAKE Oh Goodness Cakes DJ OR BAND Metro Music NY (Patrick Beregon) FIRST DANCE Acoustic Version of "Here Tonight" by Brett Young HONEYMOON DESTINATION Azores, Portugal ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... You can plan all you want. Trust me I’m a HUGE planner. But a hiccups will happen. We had a bunch of them planning it through a pandemic and our day was honestly nothing like we originally pictured. Go with the flow. Whatever happens will happen and regardless, your day will be beautiful. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 97
real bride
Carlee & Dylan
Molesky
GOWN PALLAS COUTURE • PHOTOGRAPHER JP ELARIO LOCATION ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH & SARATOGA NATIONAL EVENTS 98 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Dylan and I grew up together. We lived in the same small town, went to the same school, but it wasn't until our sophomore prom that our friendship began when I asked Dylan to dance with me. He looked like the proverbial “deer in the headlights” and was very nervous. That slow dance turned into a beautiful friendship. We quickly became best friends. Through the years we always leaned on one another. We would have daily conversations and would trust each other with our deepest secrets. Dylan would always tell me how much he loved me and that one day he would marry me, but I just laughed it off. Throughout high school and college he would always ask me to be his girlfriend, but I was hesitant because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. It was my senior year in college, when Dylan and I vacationed together with my family, when I realized Dylan truly loved me for ME. Ten years ago, Dylan asked me out on a date, as more than friends, and I finally said yes. That's when our love story began. After seven years of dating, with both families present, he proposed. I thought we were going to Congress Park in Saratoga for family photos as a Christmas gift to our parents. When it was our turn for our picture, he asked me to marry him - with our favorite song playing (Mean To Me by Brett Eldredge). I turned and both families were watching - turns out I was the only one surprised. Dylan also planned a surprise engagement party with all our family and friends at our home when we returned. I quickly began planning our wedding day for June 6, 2020. I always knew I wanted our reception at Saratoga National Events - my dream venue. I've been dreaming of my wedding day since I was a little girl - down to every little detail. We all know the pandemic narrative, right? We had to cancel our original date and reschedule for May 29, 2021. It was worth the wait. Our wedding day could not have been more beautiful, and we were so thankful to all our vendors that helped make the day what it was. We were both just so appreciative of being able to spend that moment with our family and friends whom we love so much. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 99
100 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details
WEDDING DATE May 29, 2021 CEREMONY LOCATION St. John the Evangelist Parish RECEPTION LOCATION Saratoga National Events PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOBOOTH & VIDEOGRAPHER JP Elario PHOTOBOOTH BACKDROP Ballooon Gals STATIONERY SUITE Britt Life of the Party WEDDING GOWN Pallas Couture BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Portia and Scarlett TUXEDO Men's Wearhouse HAIR Melanie Raymond MAKEUP Erin Muller RINGS Glennpeter Jewelers FLOWERS Fleurtacious Designs EVENT DECORATOR Fine Affairs WEDDING PLANNER Katie O Events CATERER & CAKE Mazzone Hospitality TRANSPORTATION Royal Transportation DJ OR BAND New York Players FIRST DANCE "Mean To Me" by Brett Eldredge HONEYMOON DESTINATION Turks and Caicos Islands SPECIAL TOUCHES... "Sip And Be Seated" Champange Wall with two large flower arrangements on top greeted guests upon entry into Cocktail Hour and provided the seating arrangement (Ballooon Gals). Large Floral Chandelier over dance floor; large one piece floral centerpiece on 36' head table; combination of high and low floral arrangements on each table (Fleurtacious Designs). Tent entirely drapped including bar area, lighting on entire ceiling; upgraded linens; gold chargers; gold chiffon chairs; candles; large white dance floor (Fine Affiars). Menu with greenery at each place setting; mini champange bottles with special label and white bow. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Enjoy every moment from planning to actual event. Try not to stress because every detail will fall into place at the end of the day. Take it all in and remember, no matter what, this will be the best day of your life. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 101
real bride
Briana & Stephen
Haluska
GOWN LILY SARATOGA • LOCATION 60 STATE PLACE • PHOTOGRAPHER ROMANELLO STUDIOS 102 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Stephen and I met through a mutual friend during the summer of 2015 and hit it off immediately. After 3 years of dating we decided to build our first home together with our two kitties, Ravioli & Cannoli. On our 5th Anniversary (10/12/19) Stephen decided to pop the question in our home - that we built together! It was a very intimate and special moment that I wouldn’t change because of how much it meant to the two of us. We were so excited to start planning that we immediately attended a wedding expo and fell in love with 60 State. We visited the venue and knew it was the perfect place. The marble walls, grandiose nature of the venue and Great Gatsby feel provided the most perfect venue for our dream wedding. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect! From the moment we arrived to get ready in the bridal suite to the moment we left as husband and wife, it couldn’t have been more perfect. A special thank you to all of our amazing vendors, for making it the most picture perfect day! I want to just relive it over and over again!
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 103
104 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details
WEDDING DATE June 12, 2021 LOCATION 60 State Place PHOTOGRAPHER Romanello Studios PHOTO BOOTH Silly Snaps STATIONERY SUITE Zola WEDDING GOWN Essence of Australia purchased at Lily Saratoga BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Ferri’s Formal BRIDE HAIR & MAKEUP Natasha Pironi Artistry BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR Purity Salon BRIDESMAIDS' MAKEUP Kelli Desnoyers RINGS Custom made, designed by my step Dad FLOWERS Fleurtacious Designs CATERER Ruggerio Hospitality CAKE Zach’s Pastry Shop DESSERT Custom sugar cookies by Cookie Boss, Saratoga Gelato DJ OR BAND Non Stop Music- DJ Tyler FIRST DANCE "Your Song" by Elton John HONEYMOON DESTINATION Santorini & Japan CUSTOM PET COCKTAIL SIGNS Etsy SPECIAL TOUCHES... Private first dance, Private cocktail hour, First look (absolute must!), Sparkler exit, Bubble exit, Wine bottle favors, Bridesmaids first look, Dad & Stepdad walked me down the aisle together, Dance with dad then separate dance with stepdad, Custom cookies, Jenga guestbook, Custom cocktailsThe Ravioli & The Cannoli, Exchanging wedding gifts / cards for each other, Raw bar with ice sculpture, Custom cake topper, monogram on the wall, Thank you note at each table setting, Funky colored socks for the groomsmen, Mismatched bridesmaids dresses, Photoshoot on the Million Dollar Staircase ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... SLOW DOWN! Enjoy the process and soak it all in! At times it may become overwhelming to plan but, make a checklist decide on things together and enjoy every second along the way. The day goes by too fast and before you know it, it will be over! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 105
real bride
COMPLIMENTS OF… ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY
Amanda & Andrew
Satalich
GOWN BHLDN • LOCATION THE LODGE AT SARATOGA CASINO HOTEL • PHOTOGRAPHER ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY 106 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Although both our families are from the Westchester area, I grew up in Saratoga. Andrew grew up in Westchester and after he graduated from college, he moved upstate full time. It was during that summer we met, and even though I was still in college for two more years, our relationship was worth the long distance. Once I graduated from college, Andrew and I moved to New York City. Although most people end up moving every year in NYC, we somehow managed to find an apartment we loved, and never left. After 7 years of dating, and 5 years in the city, Andrew proposed in Congress Park the day after Christmas. I had always had the dream of being proposed to during my favorite time of year, (between Thanksgiving and Christmas) and he did not disappoint! Even though we had originally planned our wedding for September 2020, the pandemic had other plans for us. We moved our wedding to Summer 2021, moved out of the city, purchased our first home, and crossed our fingers 2021 would be the year we got married. Lucky for us, it was! Our wedding was more perfect than I ever could have imagined. From the decor to the food, to the dancing, everything was better than expected, but I think the most special part about the day was seeing the joy all our friends and family had in being able to celebrate with us. Waiting that extra year was well worth the wait, and we cannot wait for what the future has in store for us! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 107
108 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE June 26, 2021 CEREMONY LOCATION Family Farm RECEPTION LOCATION The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Spring Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Ebabil STATIONERY SUITE Shine Wedding Invitations WEDDING GOWN BHLDN CUSTOM ALTERATIONS KHYMANO Studios BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Fame and Partners GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Men's Warehouse HAIR & MAKEUP Make Me Fabulous RINGS HH Jewelry, NYC FLOWERS Erin Erlich WEDDING PLANNER On The Go Concierge - Donna Connor DECOR RENTALS Total Events, Rain or Shine CATERER The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel CAKE Cake by Alissa TRANSPORTATION Royal Transportation DJ OR BAND DJ Scott Pallone FIRST DANCE "Leather and Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley HONEYMOON DESTINATION Maui, Hawaii SPECIAL TOUCHES... Making sure the guests had a great experience from the moment they entered our wedding was top priority to us. From handing a glass of champagne as they entered, to having their name cards at their seat when they sat down, ensured our guests really remembered our wedding. Plus an open bar and a great DJ never hurts :) ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Take in every moment! The day goes so fast, so take a few moments throughout the day to soak everything in and remember the special moments. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 109
real bride
Rebecca & Brendan
Roberts
GOWN LILY SARATOGA • LOCATION THE BARN AT LORDE HOWE VALLEY • PHOTOGRAPHER KISSICK WEDDINGS 110 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Brendan and I initially met in college where we became good friends, although I secretly suspected that he was harboring a schoolboy crush. We went our separate ways after college but kept in touch. In 2013 when I moved to New York City where he was living, it happened to be “No Shave November” and after seeing an older, scruffier Brendan, our friendship entered a new season as boyfriend and girlfriend. After eight years, as summer turned to fall, Brendan proposed to me. He took me out into the apple orchards at Indian Ladder Farms, a beautiful scene set against a backdrop of rolling green hills, on what seemed like an innocent hike with friends. Once we stepped out between the rows of apple trees to take our picture, he dropped down on one knee and the rest is history. Although we lived in New York City, it was always my desire to be married in upstate New York close to family and friends, and ideally at a venue that incorporates the natural beauty of the area. Coincidentally, a day after the proposal my cousin’s girlfriend gave me a copy of Saratoga Bride, in which we found our incredibly beautiful venue, The Barn at Lord Howe Valley in Ticonderoga, New York. Our wedding day started out with some inclement weather that led to moving the location of our ceremony indoors. The result was more breathtaking than I ever could have imagined, and just as cocktail hour commenced, the sun broke through the clouds, and we were able to enjoy the outdoors! After a year of social distancing and dealing with the pandemic, we are so thankful and incredibly honored to have been able to celebrate our special day, surrounded by our closest and most loved family and friends. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 111
112 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE July 3, 2021 CEREMONY LOCATION Ticonderoga, NY RECEPTION LOCATION The Barn at Lorde Howe Valley PHOTOGRAPHER Kissick Weddings WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES David's Bridal GROOMMEN ATTIRE SuitSupply HAIR Just Glamorous Salon MAKEUP Carina Scott Makeup RINGS Brilliant Earth FLOWERS Flowers by Pesha WEDDING PLANNER KTWeddings CATERER 2Shea Catering CAKE Coccadotts Cake Shop TRANSPORTATION Royale Transportation DJ OR BAND Players Nouveau Band FIRST DANCE "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young HONEYMOON DESTINATION Tulum, Mexico SPECIAL TOUCHES... We wrote our own vows which was an incredibly special experience for us to share with eachother in front of our close friends and loved ones. ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Try to let go of the notion that everything needs to fall into place exactly how you planned it. Things are bound to change last minute, but if you just embrace it I think you'll find that everything will happen for the better - you won't even be able to imagine it any other way, because it’s your day.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 113
COMPLIMENTS OF… OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE
real bride
Kayla & Greg
Leder
GOWN LILY SARATOGA • LOCATION OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE • PHOTOGRAPHER DANIELLE SIMMONS 114 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our story Greg and I matched after we both swiped right on Bumble. Our first date was at Uncommon Grounds. We talked for 3 hours over two small cups of coffee and have been inseparable ever since. Greg proposed in April of 2019, with the help of our two dogs. Wedding planning started immediately, and Old Daley on Crooked Lake was the first - and only - venue we visited. We couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else the minute we stepped inside and immediately booked a wedding date of April 18, 2020. Then, COVID hit. In March of 2020, we were forced to reschedule. We rescheduled to July 18, 2020, then September 11, 2020, and then finally, July 10, 2021. The process of rescheduling our wedding multiple times was seamless because of Jan, Kate and the rest of the Old Daley staff, who did everything they could to take the stress off our shoulders. Our wedding day was everything we dreamed of. Old Daley brought our vision to life; the food and drinks were delicious; and the dance floor was packed all night thanks to our DJ, Chris Hollister. Danielle Simmons, our incredible photographer captured every intimate moment, allowing us to relive our day every time we look through our gallery. Our wedding day was perfect, and we owe it all to our amazing vendors, family, and friends! Now…it’s time to grow our family! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 115
116 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
details WEDDING DATE July 10, 2021 LOCATION Old Daley on Crooked Lake PHOTOGRAPHER Danielle Simmons STATIONERY SUITE Minted WEDDING GOWN Lily Saratoga BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Lily Saratoga TUXEDO Suit Supply GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Men's Warehouse HAIR Hair By Sarah Ashley MAKEUP Megan Martino RINGS Lily & David Fine Jewelers FLOWERS Floral Garden WEDDING PLANNER Kate Mace of Old Daley on Crooked Lake CATERER Old Daley on Crooked Lake CAKE Perfect Blend TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation DJ OR BAND Hollister Entertainment FIRST DANCE "Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett HONEYMOON DESTINATION Hawaii ADVICE TO PASS ALONG... Do a first look! It is very intimate, makes the day run smoother, and gives the bride and groom time to enjoy cocktail hour!
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 117
118 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 2021
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Voted Best Wedding Venue and Best Caterer in the Captial Region for over 10 years. old daley on crooked lake 2339 NY- 43 | Averill Park, NY | 12018 (518) 674-3132 | olddaley.com
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
2021 | SARATOGA BRIDE | 119
