S A R ATO G A
BRIDE Fall / Winter 2018 Complimentary
Saratoga's
NWEDDING E W EVENUE! ST
THE ADELPHI HOTEL
1
#
Niche Magazine in NY State
As awarded by the New York Press Association
“
JUDGES’ COMMENTS:
Clearly the standout entry in this category. This magazine is beautiful and the content structure genius. Amazing photography, readable content and eye-catching advertising.
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From the Editor
S A R ATO G A
BRIDE
Chris Vallone Bushee, Editor-in-Chief cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • @SaratogaBride 518-581-2480 ext. 201 • SaratogaBride.com
OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty hair by Diane Palma, photo by Alice Corey
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell
Thank you – all of you – for responding to my request for REAL BRIDES. I’ve seen hundreds of photos and have always wished I could use them all – and this year I have!! Check out our online version for… More articles! More photos! More Real Brides!! Saratoga BRIDE magazine is not out to replace Martha Stewart Weddings (wish we could!) in your collection of bridal planning magazines, we just want to show you all the wonderful talent available… right here in upstate NY! As we all know… Saratoga is a hot wedding destination and we have some great couples for you to meet! In addition to great love stories, we have beautiful photoshoots and pages of inspiration …and did I mention over 50 pages of Real Bride photos?! Meaning… pages upon pages of great ideas to steal and local references! It’s my pleasure to bring you THE ADELPHI HOTEL - the newest venue in downtown Saratoga Springs! And we don’t just “show you the hotel,” we bring a vision to life, that’s been years in the making.
In addition to photo shoots, advice, trends and swoon-worthy ideas… We have a ton of ads. That’s right, ADS… These are the businesses you need to help plan your big day. Read them, dog ear the pages you want to call (or just click on the ad to go the business’ website if you’re viewing us online!) They are also the reason we can provide this wonderful resource to you FREE OF CHARGE, so please support them and mention us by name when doing so. I hope you all enjoy this Fall / Winter issue of Saratoga BRIDE and find it helpful in planning your big day! The Spring / Summer issue will be out in Mid-February… will you be seen?
Happy Planning! -Chris
PS... OMG - I just love this issue, hope you do too! S A R ATO G A
BRIDE Fall / Winter 2018 Complimentary
Saratoga's
NEWEST
I think you’ll agree… The images from our photoshoot at the Adelphi are spot on from Denise's inspiration - read her story (page 73) and see her vision on page 77.
WEDDING VENUE!
THE ADELPHI HOTEL
Cover photo: Tracey Buyce Photography See story on page 77
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Vallone Bushee GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco ADVERTISING DESIGNER Morgan Rook ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey WRITERS Anne Gordon Casey Reeder Jeff Ives Laura Mullen Jonah Bayliss Maureen Werther Megin Potter Susan Blackburn Tonya Pellegrini PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Brockway Alice Corey Beth Shaw Clark + Walker Dawn Honsky Dave Bigler Photos and Films Imagine! Photography Janelle Rodriguez Jenn Moak Keira Lemonis Krystal Balzer Meaghan Golden Matt Ramos Niki Rossi Sarah Wigley for Rob Spring Susan Blackburn Tracy Buyce Vienna Glenn YTK Photography PUBLISHED BY SaratogaTODAY Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com 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 © 2018, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
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S A R ATO G A
BRIDE contents
Fall / Winter 2018
61
Susan Blackburn Photography
A Good Read
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 22 27 37 45
Something New? #RoyalWedding No Bridezilla Here! Holiday Planning Tips A Private First Look The Expo Winners' Honeymoon From Bulgaria with Love We're Engaged Mariah and Justin Melissa and Timmy Dream Honeymoon Destination: Saratoga Springs! Jenna's White Wedding Photographing your Winter Wedding
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Real Brides
164 176 144 148 160 120 136 188 172 124 128 140 186 168 152 156 132 116 112 180
Alana and Matthew Ali and James Bari and Chris Dana and Kyle Gianna and Frank Jacqueline and Matthew Jessica and Chris Juliet and Scott Katie and Jonathan Kate and Tim Kelly and Mike Keri and Alex Laura and Mike Megan and Nicholas Morgan and Drew Rachel and Adam Samantha and Andrew Sara and David Sydney and Brian Taralynn and Bobby
Photoshoots
50 53 61 75 81 88 92
Dress Like a Royal Holiday Wedding Decor Laura Dresses Winter Brides The Well Dressed Man Let the Parties Begin Somewhere in Time Denise's "Audrey Hepburn Inspired" Photoshoot at The Adelphi Hotel
Inspiration
20 24 48 78
Hair Flower Girls Fall and Winter Colors Grooms and Groomsmen
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BRIDES...
We have what you're looking for
something new?
After more than 20 years of making Saratoga (and beyond!) brides look and feel fabulous for their special day, Alayne Curtiss is developing a line of pro cosmetics for makeup artists … and novices, as well. Compiling her years of experience, favorite products and simple packaging to create the perfect face - every time! According to Curtiss, all her products will be “camera friendly, packaged in smaller sizes for pro artists to carry on location, easily palette-able and long wearing." Exclusive for Saratoga BRIDE Magazine - All the products used for Nina's photoshoot (page 77) were products being tested for production for Alayne Curtiss Bridal Beauty. Currently available are brow pencils, eye and lip liners. Check them out (and future launches coming this Fall!) at Make Me Fabulous in the Pavilion Grand Hotel, 30 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs.
something blue? TOGA HERITAGE 398 Broadway | Downtown Saratoga TogaHeritage.com Cuff Links
Scalloped Edged Handkerchief
something (that only looks!) old?
Signature Candle fragrance CELEBRATE
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For your Save-the-Date or Thank You Post Cards
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Is the #royalwedding making you dream of being a
Princess Bride?
WRITTEN BY CASEY REEDER PHOTOS FROM INSTAGRAM
T
he royal wedding has come and gone - but the timeless and romantic aura of the big event has stayed with us long past its conclusion. From Meghan Markle’s stunning, minimalist dress, to her dazzling tiara, brides everywhere are drawing inspiration from her magical day. Thankfully, Saratoga BRIDE Magazine’s talented wedding professionals offer brides everything they need to carry out their inspiration from the royal wedding! The most discussed element of the royal wedding was the classic beauty of Meghan Markle’s ceremony dress. Laura from Lily Saratoga (an enchanting bridal boutique in downtown Saratoga!) hypothesizes a trend toward modest and classic gowns, as well as a comeback of dramatic, cathedral length veils after Meghan Markle graced the aisle. (See more of this dress and others from Lily Saratoga on page 47) Another wedding salon in town, Something Bleu Bridal helps brides-to-be keep up with the latest trends and allows them to bring their inspiration to life through a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Emily, part of the boutique’s team, notices that brides are looking to be more “effortlessly beautiful -with gowns that radiate timeless elegance with their own twist.” Meghan’s simple and minimalist updo and natural makeup delivered a timeless elegance that future brides plan to radiate on their own big day. Alayne from Make Me Fabulous salon notices more brides are seeking a “fresh and undone look” similar to the princess’ and she expects that to continue throughout 2018 and 2019. (The Adelphi photo shoot on page 78 demonstrates Alayne’s new makeup line in action!) To tie the knot, every bride-to-be seeks the perfect wedding ring to showcase for the rest of their lives (and hopefully their fiancés are paying attention!) Evan from deJonghe Original Jewelry described Markle’s ring as a “classic 3-stone diamond ring with a large cushion shape diamond in the center. flanked by two round diamonds on each side.” While he notices a trend towards oval shaped diamonds set in different directions, he hopes to see an interest towards the cushion-cut diamonds. He looks forward to keeping up with these trends alongside couples through an educational and unique experience which he is grateful to be a part of. The princess’ all-white, handpicked flower bouquet made for a romantic and meaningful touch. Gretchen Squires, owner and designer at Posie Peddler notices a trend towards bridal bouquets of a much looser and more romantic feel with open blooms. Squires loves her job and enjoys personally delivering and setting up the weddings herself in a very hands-on way. Following the ceremony, the release of the couple’s wedding photos hit the internet, inspiring us even more! Beth Shaw, owner of the wedding photography business, Candidly Beth states brides have gone for a simpler feel and smaller, more intimate weddings that cater to the enjoyment of their guests. The, “it’s my day” state of mind has become less popular in a trend towards simplicity. The bridal industry has taken a simplistic, intimate and classy turn following the royal wedding. Brides in and around the area need not worry about keeping up with these trends and carrying out their royal inspirations… because our small locally-owned businesses go above and beyond to offer every bride a unique and special experience when planning out their perfect day …for themselves and their guests!
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MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R
Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. Email meghanlemery@yahoo.com
How NOT to be BRIDEZILLA
O
ne of the happiest times of your life can also soon become one of the most stressful! Planning a wedding and dealing with all the family dynamics of introducing family and hearing the opinions of what others think can make you go from joyful bride to a Xanax popping Bridezilla. What you envision for your wedding day should be ALL about YOUR vision, not trying to please your parents or anyone else. It’s sort of like choosing a baby name, the minute you share with people what your choice is EVERYONE has an opinion. One of the best ways to avoid feeling stressed out planning your wedding is to know what you want and stick to the plan unapologetically.
Don’t share your plans with everyone. It’s much better to have a few close people that you share your excitement with who will support you and keep their opinions to themselves. Have good boundaries and when someone tries to be bossy with you, simply let them know you are all set and will let them know if you need any help. If you have to be firmer with difficult family members do what you need to do to set solid boundaries. Don’t be afraid to let a controlling relative know that you are not interested in hearing their opinion and that if they don’t like your wedding plan they can choose not to attend.
Setting firm boundaries and honoring your peace of mind over anyone else’s is the key to getting through the planning process without drama and stress. If you have divorced parents and feel anxious about how things will go - have a meeting with your parents before- hand – letting them know that you expect adult appropriate behavior and you will not tolerate any drama. Be proactive about addressing tough dynamics that may steal your joy on your big day. Designate a wedding planner and or family member/good friend to be the point person to handle anything awkward or stressful that may come up. Let them know ahead of time who and what you are worried about and have a strategy in place about how things will be handled. This will help you focus on enjoying every moment of your day without having to be involved in anything that does not reflect the spirit of love and peace. The key to avoiding a case of Bridezilla is to stay calm, honor your vision for your wedding, have good boundaries and have a zero tolerance policy for difficult, controlling family members who try to strong arm you into doing things that you don’t want to do on your wedding day. Don’t let the drama of others steal your peace and joy during this special time in your life. Let this experience strengthen you and help you practice setting boundaries as a couple and new family of two.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Tonya Pellegrini of Pellegrini Events 12 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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PLANNING YOUR WEDDING OVER A
HOLIDAY WEEKEND?
Start Here! T
here are a lot of opinions regarding having a wedding over a holiday, some people love it and others think it can be downright rude.
A lot of couples like to plan their weddings over holidays with an extended weekend or major holiday like Memorial Day, July 4h, Labor Day, Columbus Day or New Year’s Eve. This allows them to have a “wedding weekend” with family and friends, including lots of fun activities.As a planner, I know these are very hot dates for weddings and book very quickly. There are however some things to consider for you and your guests when having your wedding over a holiday…
• Some vendors have higher rates over
holidays, especially on Saturdays. If your bud get doesn’t allow for this, you may want to look at a Friday or Sunday wedding date.
• Expect inflated hotel, house rentals, and
airfare rates; since travel is at peak during most holidays. Give your guests plenty of time to book travel and get time off.
• A wedding weekend that is not welcoming to
• If you are planning activities for your guests,
make it clear that they don’t have to attend everything and give them other suggestions for things to do in the area. Some people won’t want to spend all weekend with you, they may want to get out on their own.
• There are often community events during
such weekends. Be sure to research the area where your wedding is for events such as parades, festivals, fireworks, they may
compete with your ceremony time, and traffic patterns to your venue. children may deter some guests since those weekends are considered family weekends . ..or you may get more RSVPs than expected since the guests can roll your wedding week end into a mini-vacation.
• A New Year’s Eve wedding is great, but
if you go there, go BIG, it is, after all, NEW YEAR’S EVE! I could be an epic party, with New Year’s Eve inspired décor, special cocktails, and attire.
• When planning a New Year’s Eve wedding I
recommend a later start time so you can ring in the new year during your reception. Don’t forget fireworks but check with your venue to ensure this an option.
Happy Planning!
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Tonya
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WHY I SUGGEST
Rev. Joy Burke, Saratoga Wedding Officiant (www. revjoyburke.com), has been crafting bespoke wedding ceremonies for well over a decade. The bond she forms with couples, her attention to all the minute details, and her ability to create sacred space for the couple while at the same time entertaining all the guests, ensures that their nuptials will be jubilant and unforgettable.
A
A private first look
strategically arranged “First Look” with only your photographer present (but using their very long lens) can relieve so much of the stress associated with navigating your way to the altar on your wedding day.
This can be an exquisitely sacred moment. You will have the privacy and time to ugly cry with one another and talk about anything your hearts want to say. Maybe your vows to one another are just too personal to share in the presence of a hundred people. You can take this opportunity to share private vows. Spend some time alone in the middle of the excitement to remember precisely why you are where you are at that very moment. All these moments are woven together to become the story of your wedding day. When you are complete, you can compose yourself before your walk down the aisle to declare your love and commitment in the presence of all those guests, all those awesome people who have traveled from near and far to rejoice with you. Later on, when you watch your beloved walk down the aisle or await you at the altar, you will definitely not say “oh, I just saw her/him.” You will still have all the feelings associated with that magical moment. I promise! Of course, you can now get most of your photos taken earlier in the day, and logistically, this is a win-win. You will be able to go to that splendid cocktail hour and start celebrating with your family and friends right away. It becomes a seamless flow, seeing your beloved on your wedding day for the first time, spending time together instead
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WRITTEN BY REVEREND JOY BURKE
of waiting for the ceremony to begin, then to the ceremony, to cocktails, to music and dancing and feasting and fun. It goes without saying that the final decision is between the two of you. I am here to provide counsel, but never to impose my will upon you. But once I talk to my couples about these aspects of the day, many of them decide to go ahead and have the first look. And they always return to thank me for the advice. Tips if you choose not to have a first look: *Check in with one another during the day. If you have chosen not to see one another, a phone call can be a touchstone. *Take a deep breath when you arrive at the altar. You won’t be able to talk to each other, but a musical interlude at this time will give you a minute to compose yourself. A recent couple had family members sing Andrea Bocelli’s “Prayer” as they arrived at the altar; another couple asked their performers to sing Peter Paul and Mary’s “Wedding Song.” *Thoughtfully coordinate with your photographer, have as many pictures taken in advance as you can, so you can still manage to get some time in at your cocktail hour. And whatever you choose, do try to stay together for the rest of the day. Your memories are made this way. Your guests want to see you together, celebrating this ultimate moment. It becomes your wedding story; savor the details that you will talk about for years to come.
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SARATOGA BRIDAL EXPO WINNERS
Sophia and Ed's
Hawaii Honeymoon WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON PHOTOS PROVIDED
Sophia and Ed, of Saratoga Springs NY, got married this past May 2018 and went on their honeymoon to Hawaii immediately following. They had won 2 free nights at The Modern Honolulu at WRITTEN AND PHOTGRAPHED The Saratoga Bride ‘Bridal Expo’BY through Live Life Travel and then continued to plan the remainder of their honeymoon in Hawaii with SUSAN BLACKBURN myself, a Honeymoon Travel Specialist at Live Life Travel. Here’s a OF SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY sneak peak of what their Hawaii Honeymoon looked like! Island 1 – Oahu – The Modern Honolulu (3 nights) Sophia and Ed arrived and of course spent their first day at leisure as all of our couples do on their honeymoon. While in Oahu, they also toured the Pearl Harbor Museum which was a priority of theirs. “We had an amazing ocean front room overlooking the harbor and saw some amazing sunsets. We really enjoyed the pool and the proximity to the beach. We were able to walk to Waikiki beach and take in the sights.” – Ed and Sophia Island 2 – Maui - The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea (6 nights) “When we got to Maui we truly felt like we arrived in Hawaii!! The Fairmont was beautiful, and we had an AMAZING suite with a wraparound veranda which allowed us to oversee the garden/ pool area AND the beach.” – Ed and Sophia. In Maui, Ed and Sophia enjoyed many excursions including a traditional luau feast, a waterfall and rainforest hike, the infamous Haleakala Sunrise Bicycle Tour and they enjoyed a sunset sail on their final night in Maui together. Island 3 – The Big Island – Four Seasons Hualalai (3 nights) Their final stop in Hawaii was at the Four Seasons in Kona. This was intentionally planned with no excursions and was designed to be the “Grand Finale” of what was a “Dream Honeymoon” for Sophia and Ed. “There really are no words to describe this place. When we landed in Kona we were blown away by how different the landscape was from that of Maui and Oahu. It was more of a desert black landscape with all the lava rocks. The facilities at the Four Seasons were frankly THE BEST that Sophia and I have ever stayed at.” – Sophia and Ed Congratulations to Sophia and Ed. Thank you to our partners at Saratoga Bride. It was a true pleasure working with all of you. ~Anne Gordon, Honeymoon Travel Specialist, Live Life Travel, an affiliate of Travel Edge, Virtuoso Member www.livelifetravel.world
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F R O M B U L GA R I A
with love
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
When everything you see is through a filter of gratitude, the world is alight with love.
G
rowing up in a small farm in Bulgaria, Dilyana and her sister Tatyana enjoyed simple traditions like decorating the Christmas tree.
After their father’s death, Dilyana came to America as an exchange student to learn and work so she could send money home to help support her family. “They’re very thankful and very happy I’ve made a life here,” said Dilyana. IN THE DARK, FRIENDS ARE FOUND Dilyana Bell began working at Family Vision Care Center in February 2016. Just two months later she was told that Tatyana had received a horrific diagnosis – granular corneal dystrophy. “Words were grey speckles on white paper. Reading was like a yearning for something long gone,” described Tatyana. In a year, her vision would be so bad she’d have to quit her job as an engineer and would be unable to care for the family she had hoped to have one day. Coworker and friend Jennifer Grassi accompanied Dilyana on a short trip to Bulgaria where she met Tatyana and instantly sympathized with her predicament. When Grassi returned, she instantly – and incessantly – strived to help. “Of course, I’d do anything for my friends,” said Grassi. “I saw how passionate Jen was and started the ball rolling,” said Susan Halstead, owner of Family Vision Care Center. To regain her eyesight, Tatyana would need a $30,000 cornea transplant surgery in America. It seemed an unreachable goal but Grassi started a Go Fund Me campaign, Halstead reached out to her friends and business contacts, and they organized a fundraiser. “As a business owner, in my role in the community, I’m used to being asked for things – but this time I was asking others to help us and every single ask was met with the utmost generosity,” said Halstead.
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“My donors, my benefactors, my sunbeam, my hope,” Dilyana talked to her sister daily about the progress they were making. “Everybody kept giving me the everyday share of hope so that I could keep on believing,” wrote Tatyana about that time. THE GIFT OF SIGHT Donations of art, gift certificates, dinners out and vacation packages were given for the November fundraiser at Gaffney’s Restaurant. The night before the event, Halstead got an unexpected call. Dr. Robert Schultze, Associate Professor and Director of Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Albany Medical College, would perform the procedure free of charge and Ophthalmologist Dr. Allen Zieker would provide free use of facility space. The fundraiser was a tremendous success, collecting enough money to pay for airfare from Bulgaria, the corneas, anesthetic used during the procedure and other crucial components. “My donors, my benefactors, my sunbeam, my hope,” stated Tatyana. Overcoming her fear of flying, Tatyana and her husband Tihomir, came to America for her first surgery, performed on December 23rd. “I had the biggest present – I was able to see again,” she said. The first thing she saw was her husband. “He loves her so much. His love for her, it’s incredible. He looks at her and his eyes sparkle,” said Dilyana. It took a total of five months and several other procedures (including a harrowing drive in a snowstorm to treat emergency complications) to restore Tatyana’s sight. She wrote a book to thank all of those who helped her during this amazing journey, saying they would all be a part of her life forever. “You changed my life and taught me how to smile. Now everything is bright,” she wrote. In July, Tatyana and Tihomir Georgieva were excitedly expecting the arrival of their first child, a boy. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
A COMMON THREAD One of the items at Tatyana’s fundraiser was a wedding package donated by Denise Eliopulos, owner of Something Bleu Bridal. “Simply said, I could not imagine not helping out,” said Eliopulos. By March, the package, which included a dress by a Bulgarian designer, photography session and bouquet, was unclaimed. Bride-to-be Allison Snyder tried on the vintage-style silk gown with buttons down the back. “It was like a Cinderella moment, it literally fit like a glove,” said Allison. “This is the dress!” declared her mother Kathryne. Eliopulos said she wanted to tell the Synders a story. Tears of total disbelief flowed when Eliopulos said she was giving Allison this dress. Allison was in the air medical unit of the National Guard and her groom, Joshua Meyer was a Black Hawk pilot who (coincidentally) was stationed in Bulgaria. Allison and Joshua were married in December in Lake Placid. “Tatyana was there in spirit with me,” said Allison. The Meyers are now expecting their first child, a girl they plan to name Faith.
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we're
Engaged!
Mariah and Justin
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Justin and I had our first date at Spot Coffee in Saratoga. We hit it off right away and from that point on we knew we had found something special. After about a year and a half of dating, Justin andPHOTGRAPHED I were WRITTEN AND BY eating breakfast at Spot SUSAN BLACKBURN Coffee. While sitting at the OF SUSAN PHOTOGRAPHY table where weBLACKBURN first met, he lifted his coffee cup to reveal a ring and proposed. A July 2018 wedding is planned in Saratoga.
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PHOTOS BY PAUL SANDERS
Wedd i ng N ew s
Melissa and Timmy met at a Gaelic Football game in the Bronx. He sparked conversation, recognizing her from the neighborhood restaurant she worked at during grad school. From that night on, they both knew THIS was it. A couple of years later, Timmy invited Melissa on a walk through Van Cortlandt Park, a park in Riverdale, where they were closing on their new co-op together. They went to
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Wedd i ng N ew s
Melissa & Timmy
their usual spot, a rock with city views, overlooking their favorite park. In this moment, Timmy asked Melissa to marry him. The Cosmetic Engineer and NYPD Sergeant are so excited for their upcoming wedding – on November 2, 2018 - when they’ll say their vows in Melissa’s hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY at the Hall of Springs.
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this page: Sarah Wigley at Rob Spring Photography, Hair by Cassondra, Cassondra Schauble see pg. 188 next page: 1, 2 Susan Blackburn Photography, stylist Danika at Our Little Secret Beauty Bar 3,4 Katherine Wright & Alex Fagan at YTK Photography, hair and makeup by CW Hair Design Studio, see pg. 132 5, 6, 7, 8 Susan Blackburn Photography, stylist Danika at Our Little Secret Beauty Bar
HAIR
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how to make OVER THE A WATER BUNGALOWS work for your
WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON OF LIVE LIFE TRAVEL
lot of couples “dream honeymoon” consists of staying in an over the water bungalow (for short, let’s call them OTWB’s). Unfortunately, sometimes those dreams can fall short once they see the price tag or find out how far they have to fly. But there are many options and for some, this is the time (when you can take 2 weeks off at once) to take that long flight and go somewhere more exotic and far away. Like we always say, everyone’s dream honeymoon is different and today we are going to talk about different options for those whose dream is the OTWB.
Dream Honeymoon PHOTO BY BRANDO SUITE BORA BORA, INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA
The Maldives has the most OTWB’s of any region in the world – Some of the clearest water and most luxurious resorts that you will ever see or find in your life. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for either a honeymoon couple or perhaps a special anniversary (or family vacation) once you are more established. There are of course a range of what is offered, including prices, inclusive meal/ drink plans, etc… French Polynesia is definitely the #2 in terms of amount of OTWB’s and overall natural beauty. We fell in love with Bora Bora and would recommend that if you are going to go all the way to French Polynesia that you definitely book yourself in an OTWB in Bora Bora. It is exactly what you are picturing in your head when you think “dream honeymoons” and has that perfect blue water that everyone dreams about. There are not any All-Inclusive options in this region for OTWB’s, which can make it a costly option, but there are some creative ways to make it work. Sandals has now built OTWB’s in the Caribbean at the following resorts: Jamaica – Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast St. Lucia – Sandals Grande St. Lucian These OTWB’s are gorgeous, but only some located at SRC come with a plunge pool, the rest only have hammocks for the guests, but all other amenities are super VIP, including butlers. All Sandals resorts are Adults Only All-Inclusive resorts. One of our favorite destinations, easy to get to from the Saratoga area, Mexico (Riviera Maya), also now has OTWB’s. El Dorado Maroma has built 30 “Palafitos” all of which have plunge pools. El Dorado is an Adults Only, All-Inclusive Property. We have found that these are the most reasonable from a price perspective than the other 3 regions as well. Tips on how you can afford to stay in an OTWB: • Plan on spending half of your trip in the OTWB and the other half on land (all resorts) • Consider doing an All-Inclusive 7-night cruise on the Paul Gauguin and then staying 1-3 nights in an OTWB (French Polynesia) • Book in advance (these sell out fast, especially the ones in Mexico and the Caribbean) • Plan in advance and always use a Virtuoso travel advisor (upgrades, resort credits, VIP status, complimentary meals, more tips like these, etc…) livelifetravel.world
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FLOWER GIRLS (AND A RING BEARER)
this page: Meaghan Aldridge Photography, see pg. 128 next page: 1, 3 Janelle Rodriguez Photography, see pg. 37 2 Alice Corey Photography, see pg. 164 4 Meaghan Aldridge Photography, see pg. 128 5 Susan Blackburn Photography, see pg. 168 6 Imagine! Photography, see pg. 156
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S A R ATO G A
BRIDE Spring / Summer 2019 deadlines on November 30, 2018 WILL YOU BE SEEN? SaratogaBRIDE.com
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
Jen and Rob
Rob and I met on a blind date after a year of telling the couple who wanted to set us up that there was no way we would go out with each other. We were both recently divorced and lived an hour and a half apart—Rob in North Jersey and me on the Jersey Shore. Plus… I had three kids, he had two, and it just seemed like way too much effort. But finally, we gave in. Rob drove down the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and took me out to dinner on the water. After hours of hanging out at the Tiki Bar and talking late into the night, we both knew something magical was about to happen.
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A few weeks later, Rob surprised me with a trip to Saratoga Springs. I’ll never forget the feeling I had the first time we drove down the Avenue of the Pines into Saratoga Spa State Park. As we gazed through the windows in awe at the stunning trees and then pulled up to the Gideon Putnam, we felt like we were coming home. We fell in love with Saratoga as we fell in love with each other. Four years (and about 20 trips) later, in November 2015, Rob proposed to me on the Avenue of the Pines, kneeling down and sliding a ring (he had specially designed!) on my finger. The very next day, we walked into the Hall of Springs, marveled at its elegant beauty (including the fireplaces), and set our date for November 11, 2017. 11.11.17. Early on in our relationship, we started noticing 11:11, so much that we began texting each other whenever we saw it (often followed by heart emojis!). When I researched more about it, I learned that if you and your partner see it frequently it means you have a unique spiritual connection. Together, we began two of the most amazing years planning our wedding. Because I had lost both of my parents eighteen months apart, years earlier, Rob and I did everything together. We would hop in the car and drive up for the weekend to pick out music, a photographer, a florist. One Saturday, we walked into Something Bleu Bridal. Rob sat in the bridal room while I tried on dress after dress until I found the one—I could tell by the glow on his face when I walked out of the dressing room. He then came to every one of my dress fittings! What made our wedding planning so special was that we became friends with all our vendors. We had drinks with Beth Shaw from Candidly Beth after our engagement shoot. Had coffee with Paul and Karen from Saratoga Sound DJ to discuss our musical selections. And we became so close with Denise Eliopulos of Something Bleu that she and her husband came to our wedding (which came in handy when my dress needed to be bustled!) And the Hall of Springs could not have been more perfect. I have Celiac Disease, but they were able to make the entire meal gluten free (including butter rolls and a cake by Saratoga Gluten Free Goods). Even more, they accommodated a special request to serve Thanksgiving dinner, as that was the weekend we typically celebrated with our families. Our wedding was the most amazing day of our lives. It began with a walk hand in hand to the spot where Rob proposed, followed by getting dressed together at the Gideon Putnam. After first-look photos, we walked into the Hall of Springs serenaded by Karen and Paul and found special moments to just be a couple. After a circular ceremony surrounded by family and friends (and tons and tons of candles!!), we celebrated with delicious food and dancing, never leaving each other’s side. Everything came together beautifully. And we know it’s because we got married in Saratoga Springs … our happy place! 28 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Details
wedding date November 11, 2017 ceremony and reception location Hall of Springs photographer Beth Shaw (Candidly Beth) stationary suite Solari Creative, Red Bank, NJ bride's dress Something Bleu Bridal bridesmaid dresses JaeHee Bridal Atelier rings Art of Jewelry groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Biltmore Tuxedos hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design caterer Mazzone Hospitality cake Saratoga Gluten Free Goods band / dj Saratoga Sound DJ first dance ̀I Can't Help Falling in Love With Yoú by Ingrid Michaelson and ̀I Choose You ́ by Sara Bareillis Mashup honeymoon destination Saratoga Springs special touches Gluten-free wedding, mashed potato bar, smoke purple linens by Samantha Nass, wine from Saratoga Winery advice to pass along... Tell your love story through your wedding and spend as much time together as a couple
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DESTINATION:
Saratoga Springs
Kathryn & Dominik
A lot of pieces had to fall into place for us to meet. Dominik had to graduate from Ludwig-Maximilians Universität in Munich and decide it was time for an adventure. I had to decide that I wanted to go back to school, but work at the same time. We both had to end up in the same research institute at the University of Maryland…and then we had to wait three years after meeting until the stars aligned for us to actually date.
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We both knew we were something special from the beginning, but we were wary. I was finishing up my MBA and Dom was in his final year of his PhD. In some respects the timing was right, but in others it forced us to decide sooner rather than later if we were really going to be in this together. And in the end, those early conversations about values and what we wanted from life formed a foundation and habit of communication that has allowed us to bring our two families together across an ocean. After Dominik finished his Ph.D., we moved to Saratoga for him to start working with IBM and fell in love with Saratoga Springs and the community here. We live downtown, spend summer weekends at SPAC or on the lake and winter weekends at the bar at Saratoga Tea & Honey. Our ritual date night quickly became the monthly wine pairing dinners at the Thirsty Owl, where we happened to meet some of our best friends Upstate! Dominik popped the question at Yaddo in October 2017, about a year and a half after we moved up to Saratoga. Everyone had been expecting us to return from a trip to Europe for his sister’s wedding with a ring on my finger, but he fooled them – and me! – and waited until we were both back in the city we’ve made home.
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Christmas for everyone this year and it hit us – we’d have a Christmas wedding in Saratoga with our immediate families and then host two parties, one in Germany and one in Maryland. From there, the decision making was easy. We made the motions of looking at other places, but we both knew we wanted to have our ceremony and reception at the Thirsty Owl (and if you’ve ever had the scallops with a white chocolate risotto, that were on our wedding menu, you wouldn’t hesitate either!). My knitting group at A Common Thread in Saratoga put me in touch with Susan and Sydney, and suddenly almost everything was in place except for The Dress. Dominik had even gone to purchase the pair of grey shoes he’d had his eye on at the National for over a year by the time I found my dress.
It wasn’t the planning of the wedding that we found difficult, but the decision about when, where, and how. We quickly realized that no matter where we got married, it would be a destination for someone (actually, most!). With Dom’s family in Germany and mine down in Maryland, most attendees were looking at anywhere from a 7 hour drive to a 7 hour flight. One day we were talking about how excited we were to be hosting
You see, I’d convinced myself that since we weren’t having a traditional wedding I didn’t want (or need) a traditional wedding gown. I was wrong. My mom and sister flew up for the weekend to help me shop, and my friend Marissa insisted that I make an appointment at Something Bleu (where she had also gotten her gown). As soon as I put on the cream, empire-style gown, I knew. Handmade in Europe, the gown had simple, classic lines that I loved, with stunning detail in the lace and applique. Denise said the dress had been waiting for me, since several other brides found it not quite right. Do I believe in fate or the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
one perfect [insert noun here… man, dress, etc.]? No, but am I extremely grateful that no other discerning bride snapped up my dress before I could get there? Absolutely! The wedding itself was perfect and incredibly intimate. Our fathers performed the ceremony, customizing the traditional ceremony for us and creating an incredibly poignant bilingual sacrament that we will remember forever. Lyndsey and Josh and everyone at the Thirsty Owl had seen to every detail. We added a few of our own, but especially in the back room where we had dinner, most of the decorations were the seasonal décor that Lyndsey put together. One happy surprise for us when we got back to the reception area for dinner were little chocolate favors, that Dominik’s parents had brought over from their hometown in Germany with pictures of the two of us. I really cannot say enough wonderful things about Lyndsey and Josh at the Owl. The day I called Lyndsey she got off the phone and moved three bottles of my favorite wine (their Cab, Syrah, Malbec blend) out of stock and into her office. By the time our wedding rolled around they were sold out. We were pretty hands off when it came to the menu, preferring to choose the wines and leave the course pairings in the hands of the experts, and we were not disappointed. I’ve already mentioned the scallops (hands down the savory yet sweet favorite of the evening!), but we also had delicious braised lamb shanks and a decadent chocolate dessert served with their special cabernet ice wine. Just like with the wine pairing dinners, each course had two options paired with the same or different wines, and everyone at the wedding could choose what struck their fancy the night of (we went with our usual tactic of divide and conquer and taste everything). As if our Saratoga wedding hadn’t been magical enough, we were lucky enough to celebrate again this July in Germany. Our party there was much more casual, but no less special. We decided to host the party in the partial ruins of a castle (a castle!!) near where Dominik grew up in Germany. My motherin-law deserves all the credit for our lovely party …full of wildflowers, excellent traditional German foods, and a 10-piece band that played all night! We asked everyone who attended to brush up on their slow waltzes to open the dancing with us to Seal’s Kiss from a Rose. Of course, I took my wedding gown with me, because who can resist pictures in a castle?! To celebrate in Maryland, we booked our favorite hangout from our days at the University of Maryland, the Board and Brew Café. With coffee, beer, wine, and board games, we couldn’t think of a better place to complete the celebration our relationship than the place where it all began. Wine and food for both of us. Castles for me in Dom’s home country and board games for Dom in my home state. What could be a more perfect representation of the two of us?!
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Details
wedding date December 28, 2017 ceremony location Thirsty Owl Bistro Tasting Room reception location Thirsty Owl Bistro photographer Susan Blackburn Photography stationary suite Designed by Tim Fealey bride's dress Something Bleu Bridal rings Fox Jewelers groom's tuxedo Jos.A. Banks hair and makeup Courtney at Make Me Fabulous flowers Simply Sidney cake and caterer Thirsty Owl honeymoon destination Cote D'Azure special touches Our fathers performed the ceremony, writing everything themelves (except our vows) so that we could have a bilingual ceremony in English and German. advice to pass along... Do what feels right for you. If one big ceremony and party don't feel right, don't force it. We loved having a small, private ceremony with just our immediate family. Choosing the small wedding allowed us to celebrate at a venue that's very special to us with our favorite date night - a four course wine pairing dinner at the Thirsty Owl!
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JENNA'S
White Wedding
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY JANELLE RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
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The captivating beauty of love is like opening the gates to an enchanted secret garden of hidden delights.
W
hile walking their dog “Tito” on a rainy Sunday in Yaddo Gardens, Ryan Hotaling surprised Jenna Rochelle Clarke with a gorgeous engagement ring.
Embarking on a royal wedding adventure, they celebrated at Kings Tavern.
Wild & Vivacious
Jenna and Ryan are very similar; they drink in life and strive for success. At age 16, Jenna began a modeling career that highlighted her confidence and also led her to become a standout athlete at school. In 2012, Jenna was a semi-finalist on the reality television series, America’s Next Top Model. That was also the year she met Ryan, another remarkable athlete, in Saratoga Springs. A phenomenal lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League he now plays with the New England Blackwolves. “Our attraction to one another was instant and I believe it was just undeniable that it was a force neither of us could challenge. We are like magnets. I could never get enough of Ryan when we first started dating and that’s how I feel still to this day. We were destined for one another,” said Jenna. The couple both work in sales; enjoy working out and running together. “We do life together,” said Jenna. They choose to tag their wedding #teamhotaling on social media.
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The Game Plan
To lay out the unique wedding she desired, Jenna stayed organized. A large blinged-out binder kept ideas, pamphlets and contracts all together. She began following designers, venues, brides, photographers, vendors and bridal magazines on Instagram and Pinterest. Scoring one-of-a-kind small details on Etsy, once all the wedding items started pouring in, she kept them organized in labeled storage bins. Jenna hails from Utica and Ryan from Rochester, but the couple knew that Saratoga would be the ideal location for their wedding. “I fell in love with the area along with falling in love with him. It is where we met and now live but is a trendy, posh destination for our family. We wanted them to see the city we love so much,” said Jenna. Working with many local vendors, Jenna said she spent the most time at Lily Saratoga, the quaint Victorian boutique where she purchased her bridal jewelry, shoes and other wedding accessories. “I basically lived there,” she said.
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The Making of a Magnificent Dress
Choosing a classic all-white wedding, Jenna knew her selection would come with special challenges – including that her bridesmaids also dressed in white. At Kleinfeld’s Jenna worked with designer Lazaro on a luxurious, show-stopping, custom-made dress. “Being a model for so long, I know what looks good on me. I’m the kind of girl that really wanted to push the envelope with something edgy. Lazaro’s work is dreamy, sophisticated and sexy,” said Jenna. The refined silhouette of style #3715 featured a glittery layer covered with Chantilly lace, with detail on the sheer straps and cascading down the low-cut back. The beaded waist incorporated blue crystals and sculpted a sophisticated shape. An extra-special front hem was created with the addition of lace from Jenna’s great-greatgrandmother’s turn of the century gown. “Ryan was stunned – he loved it,” said Jenna. A framed, hand-drawn sketch of the dress designed by Lazaro was displayed at the reception.
Playing for Keeps Creating an all-white wonderland at Saratoga Polo Association was all about the details. The cut-out white garden paper suite by PaperDolls of Saratoga invited guests into a world of Jenna’s imagination – created and chronicled by a dream team of local talent. Consultants at Saratoga Polo arranged for horses to frolic in the fields and riders to pose (amazing the couple’s nearly 300 guests) and suggested appropriate timing to allow for the sun to softly highlight the outdoor ceremony in the center of the polo field. The aisle began with a pair of bountiful flower baskets, was lined with a heavy scattering of white petals and ended under a lush flowerfilled arbor. The tightly placed cobblestone flooring in the romantically draped reception tent provided the foundation for the secret garden décor. Pure white flowers and rich green eucalyptus vines draped from the chandeliers.
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Atop the crisp white table cloths, place cards were labeled with stories of the many places in Saratoga where the couple experienced special moments. Resting beside the white flowered cage gift card box, an embossed Rustic Rose wooden guest board replaced the traditional guest sign-in book. The reception culminated in a spectacular fireworks show and a ride in a white Rolls Royce, but it was the moment that Ryan pulled Jenna aside to take it all in that was her favorite. “He surprised me and when we stood back and saw everything, it was beyond what I expected. It was a dream come true.”
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Details
wedding date September 23, 2017
ceremony location Saratoga Polo Association reception location Saratoga Polo Association photographer Janelle Rodriguez Photography videographer Gavin Law Wedding Videography stationary suite PaperDolls of Saratoga bride's dress Kleinfeld Bridal, Designer: Lazaro rings Egon Ehrlinspiel, Syracuse NY bridesmaids' dresses The Dressing Room, California, designer: Jadore groom's and groomsmen tuxedos Jos.A. Banks hair Chris Burt makeup Jennifer McCarthy of True Grace Makeup Artistry a day of coordination Old Daley Custom Catering, Susan Minahan flowers and linen Rena's Fine Flowers transportation Upstate Transit Saratoga for guest buses/ Advantage Transportation for limo and Rolls Royce caterer Old Daley Custom Catering cake Make Me A Cake Next Door band / dj DJ Paul Knox of SCE Event Group, NJ first dance Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur ceremony / cocktail hour music / entertainment Christopher Dollard officiant Margie Nowak wooden polo player guestbook Adirondack Rustic Rose Street Signs Fast Signs of Saratoga Maple Syrup Favors James Hotaling (Ryan's Uncle) of Smokey Hollow Maple Syrup Veil Kleinfeld Bridal, Designer: Justine M Couture Bride Hair Chain Kleinfeld Bridal, Designer: MEG Jewelry bride's robe, shoes, jewelry Lily Saratoga fireworks Jeff Alonzo save the date's Wedding Paper Divas garter La Gartier (makes for famous brides) breitling watch for groom (gift) Northeaster Fine Jewelry diamond earrings and bracelet for bride (gift) Lily and David Rehearsal Dinner Longfellows After party Diamond Club at Embassy Suites Ties and Pocket Squares: TieBar Gelato Bar: Saratoga Gelato special touches All white garden themed wedding. Hand drawn sketch of the wedding dress by Lazaro framed at reception. Something old was lace from my great great great grandmother's dress from the inaugural ball. Many small touches were all local vendors even down to guest log in. We drove with my father to the ceremony in a white Rolls Royce. advice to pass along... Stick to what you really want as a couple and have it reflect in your big day. Your ideas will for sure be different than every other person but that is what makes weddings special and unique. Don't listen to critics because if we all did that every wedding would be the same. Don't be scared to do something different or outside the box. Relax and take it all in. Enjoy all the small moments throughout the process. Try your very best to include your husband to be in every decision whether he likes it or not because having his input will mean something to him someday. He can put his name on the big event too. Don't get stressed by external factors. Have a game plan and a timeline. Help vendors to communicate and work together. Take your husband aside at the ceremony and look into your party and reflect for just a couple minutes at how everyone came together for just you both. That was my favorite moment of the night. It was quiet and impactful.
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BEHIND THE SCENES atJenna's White Wedding How Old Daley Custom Catering created the perfect experience!
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTO BY JANELLE RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY JENNA AND RYAN HOTALING’S classically beautiful wedding came together because of close relationships behind the scenes and an exquisite attention to detail.
“We definitely met on multiple occasions to plan the wedding and Ryan was at every meeting. He was involved in a very loving, supportive way – that was really lovely to watch.”
“We create a relationship with you that gives you the safety and confidence that we’re going to make your event perfect – that what you’re hoping for is going to happen,” said Old Daley Custom Catering Wedding Planner Susan Degnan Minahan.
The day of the event, a wedding assistant was assigned to Jenna for the sole purpose of fussing over the bride.
Connecting directly with the Saratoga Polo Team Captain Cuko Escapite, Minahan arranged it so players were on the field practicing and were available for great photos with the guests before the wedding. “It was so romantic and beautiful and just really lent to the feel of the whole polo environment,” said Minahan. #TEAMHOTALING As Saratoga Polo’s resident caterers for the last seven years, Old Daley knew how to create an event that would go off without a hitch. Jenna’s excited but calm approach and Ryan’s helpful involvement made this wedding a real team effort.
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SPECIAL TOUCHES On a menu of outstanding options, adding on the Wild Icelandic Rack of Lamb with Mint Chimichurri to the more traditional plated dinner selections was an especially excellent choice. Unlike some caterers that pre-plate their meals, Old Daley plates theirs as they are serving them. It took just 12 minutes to serve nearly 300 people! Cake is great but cutting smaller pieces leaves enough room on the plate for homemade miniatures and a scoop of Saratoga Gelato made fresh that morning. Old Daley Custom Catering is enjoying their last year of weddings at the Saratoga Polo Association. They will continue to intimately organize events at their Crooked Lake house and at private locations around the region.
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P h o t o g r a p h i n g yo u r
Winter Wedding WRITTEN AND PHOTGRAPHED BY SUSAN BLACKBURN OF SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
inter Weddings have become very popular lately and what is not to love? A blanket of fresh snow, bouquets with evergreens, rich fabrics and furs… all sumptuous and romantic! But planning the day in terms of your wedding photos presents some unique challenges. Fear not, we have you covered. Below are some of our best tips and tricks to make sure you get beautiful photos with the least amount of stress.
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PLAN AHEAD FOR AN EARLY SUNSET It seems obvious, but many times couples forget that the sun sets pretty early in the day in the Winter in Upstate NY. If you want to get great outdoor images, make sure you take that into account. The most beautiful light of the day is usually an hour before sunset, also called the “Golden Hour.” If your ceremony begins after sunset, you might want to do a First Look to take advantage of daylight. Also, if you love the look of night photos, make sure you allot time in your day for that.
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PLAN FOR UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER. Bad weather can complicate your travel plans, so make sure you leave extra time in case there is snow or icy road conditions. Even better, consider having your ceremony at the same venue as the reception so you do not need to travel more than is absolutely necessary. Adding additional time into your schedule will ensure that you have time to create all the pictures you want without being stressed out if things get a little crazy with the weather. Plan for unpredictable weather in terms of your attire as well. It can get really cold in the Adirondack Region. We recommend that if you are planning for outdoor photos that the bride invest in a pair of warm, waterproof boots–they can still be super cute. A fur stole or jacket is also a great investment. Gloves or mittens and a beautiful pashmina are all
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wonderful items to have on hand. We have even had brides with big poofy dresses wear thermal underwear or sweats underneath their dresses during the outdoor photo session. If your dress is more formfitting, at least get some knee socks to keep your legs warm. Needless to say, the bridesmaids would also appreciate warm mittens or stoles.
PLAN FOR THE RIGHT FLOWERS Keep in mind that some flowers, such as hydrangeas, do not hold up at all well in subzero temperatures. Be sure to ask your florist what will work best for bouquets and boutonnières for outdoor pictures. If there is a delicate flower you simply must have, use them for the centerpieces and use a hardier flower for your personal flowers. There you have it—follow these simple suggestions and you will be able to enjoy your Winter Wedding stress free!
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1 this page 1 Susan Blackburn Photography florals by Samantha Nass Floral Design 2 Cassandra Daye Photography at The Inn at Five Points, styled by Dawn Honsky, florals by Poppy Tree Florals, see pg. 85 3 Cassandra Daye Photography at The Inn at Five Points, styled by Dawn Honsky, macrame by The Naughty Knots, vintage rug by Rovimports - Molly Ree, dress by Lily Saratoga 4 Cassandra Daye Photography at The Inn at Five Points, styled by Dawn Honsky, florals by Poppy Tree Florals, see pg. 85 next page 1,2,3 Susan Blackburn Photography, dress by Lily Saratoga, florals by Samantha Nass Floral Design 4 Niki Rossi Photography at the Hall of Springs, decoration by Total Events, florals by Dehn's Flowers and Gifts, see pg. 172 5 Clark + Walker Photography, florals by Samantha Nass Floral Design, see pg. 140
FALL COLORS 2
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WINTER COLORS 4
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photo byNiki Rossi Photography
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ROYAL INSPIRATION bridal salon: Lily Saratoga; makeup: Corina Scott Makeup; hair: Angela Barnes of True Beauty Bride photography: Susan Blackburn Photography; shot on location at Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm See more from this photoshoot on page 47 For our photo shoot at Lakota's Farm, our model Sierra had a
Meghan Markle
moment in a gorgeous crepe gown by Martina Liana. As with any trend in the wedding industry, it's important to make it your own so that you always love what you chose for your wedding day, even years from now. Our Royal Wedding dress offers a twist to the conservative look with a gorgeous cowl-back and a figureflattering silhouette. We paired this simple, yet elegant dress with a statement-making tiara and cathedral length veil by Untamed Petals. Like Meghan Markle's veil, ours a lso featured a soft tulle that sits closer to the head, giving it a modern look. -Laura Mullen Lily Saratoga
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photo byAl
photo by Susan Blackburn Photography
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lice Corey Photography
C OZ Y U P YO U R
Holiday Themed Wedding AN INTERVIEW WITH GERIANN EDDY OF FINE AFFAIRS BY MEGIN POTTER
decor and styling: Fine Affairs flowers: all floral decor from Dehn's Flowers except page 42 photos: Susan Blackburn Photography location: Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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“ Winter weddings
are popular because during the holidays there is a spirit of... togetherness.
“
-Geriann Eddy, President of Fine Affairs
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The crisp air and dreamy mood make winter weddings a delight! GO GREEN Encouraging brides to add a hint of the holidays into their décor, Geriann suggests starting with oversized wreaths. Their round shape is symbolic of love and they can be less expensive at this time of year. Deep green foliage and cherry red berries pop against a background of white. Natural greenery can be used a lot more – pine boughs and cedar add a delectable woodiness. Laying a long green center garland atop a mixture of table shapes (round and rectangle) adds interest to the space. Large Amerillis blooms are also nice focal point. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Illuminate your love with lots of lights!
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GET GLOWING. Capitalize on the classic elegance of white with all-white linens, napkins, chargers and all-white centerpieces. Add a bit of glitter with gorgeous silver hues. Illuminate your love with lots of lights! Fill lanterns with pillar candles, layer an abundance of candles in varying heights or add the new-again flare of a “Mr. & Mrs.” neon sign for an unforgettable backdrop. “Lighting with soft shades adds warmth and softens the look,” said Eddy saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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HEAT THINGS UP The best thing about the cold outside is snuggling up with someone you love. Incorporate supple, rich velvet fabrics or throw toasty plaid blankets over the bride and groom's chairs. Fur will look and feel fabulous. A fur trim on a high table-skirt linen adds a grace and style made for winter weddings.
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GIFTS OF THE SEASON Planning a wedding for this time of year does come with specific challenges to consider. Reserving the vendors early is crucial because you’ll be competing with holiday party bookings. Travel can also be an issue – often the price tag of flights is higher and of course, there’s the unpredictable weather to take into account.
If you’re willing to take the risk, the benefits of winter weddings can be beautiful. Gift wrapping favors gets everyone in on the joy of the season. Plus, you can take advantage of the already handsomely decorated places around town for your photography sessions, advises Eddy. “All you need is the horse and carriage and you’re all set.”
Dress from Lily Saratoga, garland from Dehn's, see page 68 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Dressing Brides
WINTER
Laura Mullen of Lily Saratoga guides us through the best seasonal dress choices! Though June through October may be the most popular wedding months here in Upstate New York, we’re seeing more and more brides choose to have their weddings in the “off-season” winter months instead. Winter weddings are always cozy, romantic and intimate, even when they are in the grandest of venues. Just because a bride chooses to have her wedding in colder temperatures, doesn’t mean she has to sacrifice style or don a turtleneck on her wedding day to keep warm! Dresses with sleeves and the use of shimmering fabrics help a bride to create a stunning seasonal look. If you’re the type of bride who is not comfortable wearing a wedding dress with sleeves, we suggest selecting a dress with glistening beads or snow-inspired details instead. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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"Starr” by Modern Trousseau features an abstract beaded lace pattern that’s perfect for a winter wedding and today’s Boho bride. Her hair by stylist Angie Barnes is loose and textured, and her makeup by artist Carina Antonucci of Carina Scott Makeup, is soft and ethereal. The perfect look for a dewy winter wedding.
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Dehn's Flowers recommends... Winter white bouquet of silvery greens with white roses.
Draped garland of cedar and Silver Dollar eucalyptus.
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Wearing a long-sleeved gown doesn’t mean you have to be conservative on your wedding day. This Martina Liana gown is both sultry and romantic, featuring soft lace that is placed throughout to sculpt the body. From a sweetheart neckline, the lace of this gown extends out into an off-the-shoulder neckline and long, illusion-lace sleeves. Her hair is softly pinned in beautiful waves while her makeup is glowing with a vibrant red lip to give the style a modern pop of color.
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Dehn's Flowers recommends... New Love babies breath, pine cones and dried accents.
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Fuller silhouettes, like ball gown or A-lines, are always great for winter weddings (with the added bonus of being able to wear leggings underneath without anyone knowing!) This dress, by Essense of Australia, also features a Pearl Mikado skirt, which is a thicker fabric that’s perfect for winter. The winter months also open the doors for the use of cold weather accessories, like a faux fur shrug or cape. And old-fashioned finger wave updo and a classic deep red lip round out this vintage and wintery look.
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Dehn's Flowers recommends... Full and lush bouquet of cedar and eucalyptus featuring white garden roses and Lisianthus.
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Though you may not be able to guarantee a winter wonderland on your wedding day, you can select a dress that helps to bring in some sparkle and texture. This elegant mermaid gown by Martina Liana boasts the perfect amount of sparkle on its beaded bodice. It also features a silk Zibeline skirt that creates a subtle shimmer.
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Dehn's Flowers recommends... Small but memorable bouquet of red Freedom and Black Pearl roses.
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This simple, yet oh-so-elegant gown is absolutely flawless. It’s so sleek and chic, with a bateau neckline that frames the face effortlessly. The key feature of this sleeved wedding dress is the cowl back, which allows for this full-sleeved dress to be sexy, while providing coverage. We love pairing simple dresses with bold accessories, like a bouquet of red roses or a fabulous tiara! This tiara by Untamed Petals is also versatile, as it can be worn on the back of the head for a more tamed down look. The low textured updo, natural smoky eye and nude lip works perfectly with the classic, yet modern vibe of this gown.
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BEHIND THE SCENES at the
Winter Bridal Photoshoot
at the WEDDING BARN AT LAKOTA'S FARM location Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm photography Susan Blackburn Photography bridal salon Lily Saratoga makeup Corina Scott Makeup hair Angela Barnes of True Beauty Company models Sierra and Taylor decor / styling Fine Affairs bouquets and garlands Dehn's Flowers table-top Sourandings Floral Studio
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S A R ATO G A
BRIDE
WILL BE AT ALL AREA BRIDAL SHOWS! FALL IN LOVE IN GLENS FALLS WEDDING SHOW
NEW YORK BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO
Sunday, October 14, 10:00 PM to 3:00 PM Charles R. Wood Theatre 207 Glen St., Glens Falls
January 13, 2019, 11 am - 5 pm Albany Capital Center 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207
A BRIDLE AFFAIR WEDDING EVENT
19TH ANNUAL DAILY GAZETTE WEDDING SHOW
October 21, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs FREE
January 27th, 2019, 11am to 3pm Gideon Putnam Spa and Resort and the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs
ONLY THE BEST BRIDAL SHOW
LONGFELLOWS WEDDING SHOW
November 4, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM National Museum of Dance 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs FREE
Sunday, Feb 24, 2019, 11:00 AM Longfellows Restaurant 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs FREE
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THE WELL DRESSED MAN WRITTEN BY JEFF IVES OF JONATHAN REID MENSWEAR PHOTOS BY MEAGHAN GOLDEN
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Everyone
…
man or woman, loves Fall and Winter fashion above all other seasons.
The reason is that the season allows for more options in terms of layering and texture and in a much more diverse selection of style and colors. For men, winter fashion doesn’t change all that much in terms of the suiting style, except for the color schemes. Charcoal grays, deeper, richer navy blues, and patterned black suits are the most popular during Fall and Winter. It is also very acceptable to wear taupe or brownish shades in your suiting during the autumn. The exciting fashion choices typically come with the over coats and scarves that you get to wear on the snowy days. A nice winter coat made of cashmere and wool is a great investment not only for the warmth but style and allows you the opportunity to show your individuality in places where you typically can’t with just your suit.
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this page Janelle Rodriguez Photography, tuxedo by Jos.A. Banks, see pg. 37 next page 1 Sarah Wigley at Rob Spring Photography, tuxedos by Tuxego, see pg. 188 2 Susan Blackburn Photography, clothing by Men's Warehouse, see pg. 176 3 Clark + Walker, tuxedo by La Sartoia, see pg. 140 4 Keira Lemonis Photography, tuxedo by Via Roma, Albany, see pg. 124 5 Susan Blackburn Photography, tuxedo by Jos.A. Banks, see pg. 116 6 Susan Blackburn Photography, tuxedo by Men's Ware house, flowers by MeMe's Florist, see pg. 148 7 Janelle Rodriguez Photography, tuxedo by Jos.A. Banks, see pg. 37 8 Matt Ramos Photography, tuxedo by Ferri Formals and Bridals, see pg. 160 9 Susan Blackburn Photography tuxedo by Jonathan Reid
GROOMS (AND GROOMSMEN)
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Let the parties begin...
Engagements, luncheons, showers ....even small weddings WRITTEN BY JONAH BAYLISS PHOTOS BY DAWN HONSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
T
he Inn at Five Points, a local Bed and Breakfast located in the quaint neighborhood that bears its name and just steps from Downtown Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Race Course, has begun hosting small curated events and partnering with many local vendors to create custom occasions for their clients that boast as nothing short of spectacular.
"The key is to stay local," remarks owner, Eilis Petrosino. She goes on to explain that conversations with potential clients almost always turn to “How can we create a special ‘Saratoga Feel’ and who will we need to work with?” "People want to feel the full experience. It doesn’t matter if they are locals or not, everyone is looking for that same ‘Saratoga feeling’”. By curating local brands, stemming from a wide variety of well-established and newer brands - that are exclusive to the area – they can create these intimate gatherings. Throwing a party in Saratoga is fun when you have such a wealth of amazing brands and people to work with. Saratoga BRIDE Magazine was interested in seeing what The Inn at Five Points had to offer…
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Feeling Romantic
A Bohemian Bachelorette Party (see page 68) with macramé and flower crowns might seem difficult for some to pull together, but in this town, it seems the possibilities are endless! Amazing local artists like Dope Rope and The Naughty Knots can create amazing table runners or even backdrops. Poppytree Floral Company came in and set up a flower crown station for the bride’s guests to create their own flower crowns. "It's the intimacy of it all", Petrosino says. "To be able to create an event that is your own vision with a ‘Saratoga Twist’ is what makes Saratoga so much fun!” The Inn at Five Points’ owner went on to describe an instance when a bride envisioned a bridal shower that was tea themed. It was based on a quirky theme she created and dubbed it, "Tee for Two," being that her new last name would now be Tee.” “I absolutely loved it,” Petrosino exclaims, “and who better than Saratoga Tea and Honey to create a beautiful makeyour-own-tea table along with providing individual honey pots to be used as party favors for each guest!” 82 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Ink Revival’s, Sara McCarthy helped with custom calligraphy swirls to be used as name cards, and set at each tea cup; which were all mismatched and from Saratoga Tea and Honey’s personal collection. Sara also provided the bride with custom invitations that included tea in the packaging – too cute! Petrosino loves working personally with each client to create a distinctively individualized event. Knowing that the power of this process lies in local connections, she jumps at the chance to collaborate with the talent and creativity Saratoga has to offer. "When I see it all come together for someone, and their face lights up, that is why I do this!" She proclaims that the key is to start with a vision, an idea, a picture… anything. From one picture or idea you can begin to piece together other ideas to create your vision board. As the board comes together you can add and subtract from there and allow your event to take shape. “When you can see your event come together organically, it often provides a more personally curated feel which adds to the enjoyment of the whole experience. You end up creating something different, something others haven't seen before and something that makes them feel a certain way - that's always our ultimate goal.” As the bed and breakfast owner wrapped up her thoughts, you could hear the passion to exceed and wow her guests coming through her voice. “Give them the unexpected, the thoughtful, the never been done before… that’s how we create elated clients.” She ended by succinctly summarizing her philosophy through the words of her favorite quote from Ellen Degeneres… "I'm a big fan of getting people together." 84 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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The Details
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photography Dawn Honsky Photography
styling and location The Inn at Five Points
signage & rentals Holly Winnie Calligraphy and rentals
favors and tea cups Saratoga Tea and Honey Co.
calligraphy Ink Revival
rug rentals Rovimports
florals Samantha Nass Floral Design, Olive and June Floral Company and Poppytree Floral Design
catering The Five Points Deli
rentals Five Points Vintage Rentals
wine Thirsty Owl Winery
cake Austin Bayliss
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A WEDDING AT THE ADELPHI
Somewhere in time...
AN ICONIC WEDDING REMEMBERED WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED 88 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Denise Eliopulos has been dressing brides in romantic fairytale gowns for more than 30 years. She began her retail career in 1981, opening Bird of Paradise on Broadway. It wasn’t long before her gorgeous styles and one of a kind dresses and evening wear became known throughout the Capital Region, with women and girls traveling to Saratoga to find the perfect dress for special occasions, from cocktail parties and track galas to prom dresses and informal wedding dresses. Today, Denise’s one of a kind bridal boutique, Something Bleu bridal, occupies the entire second floor of the well-known mansion on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue, Grant Plaza, just a block from North Broadway. As the third longest running original owner of a women’s wear boutique in Saratoga, Denise has created innumerable memories for the brides she services. Perhaps her desire to be such an intrinsic part of those memories comes from her own bi-coastal fairytale romance that culminated in the wedding of her dreams at the iconic Adelphi Hotel during its first renaissance. But, to tell the story, we have to take a step back in time. . . . . .
With my girlfriend there to greet me, she immediately sensed that something very special had just happened in my life. Three days later, he called and asked me to go to lunch on his way back to his business down south. I had given him my girlfriend’s number, at his request. We met for lunch in Denver and spent hours just talking and learning more about one another. Twenty-nine days later James came to Saratoga for a one-day visit, and I toured him around town, showing him everything – Yaddo, the Jazz Fest, Congress Park. We
had dinner at the Canterbury Restaurant (now Longfellows) and then I took him for an after-dinner drink to one of my favorite places in Saratoga – the Courtyard at the Adelphi Hotel. He was as enchanted by it as I’d hoped he would be. . . . We dated long distance for two years and four months, taking turns visiting each other. We never missed a month. On one of James’ trips here, we went antiquing on Broadway. We came upon an amazing Grandfather clock, and James was completely taken by it. I knew I had to buy
I like to say that I met my husband, James, in ‘heaven.’ In reality, we met on a plane. I was on my way to visit a girlfriend in Colorado and he was on a connecting flight to Cheyenne, Wyoming (his home). I truly believe what they say about timing… I had the window seat and he was on the aisle. A lady named Isabel in the middle seat was full of stories about her match-making escapades. I wasn’t about to give my own story away, but I couldn’t help noticing how attractive James was. There was a familiarity like I’ve always known him. Later he mentioned the same feeling, like a continuing on from a time before... My girlfriend already had a blind date arranged for me and I was on my way to a new adventure. When the plane landed, James handed me his business card and began to walk away. Something made me quicken my step and catch up with him as he strode along toward baggage claim. “So, do you ever go by way of Saratoga?” I asked him. It sounds so funny now, but it was the only thing I could think of to say. “No, but I could,” he answered. We walked together the rest of the way to the baggage claim area, a connection already beginning to form.
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gown by: Ann Christina, handmade silk with ivory knottingham lace, London, England
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Awaiting the first look with "everyone included"
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that clock. This was going to be my gift – of time – to James. Little did I know how much time would go by before he proposed to me! James believed in long, very romantic courtships. And that it was. Unbeknownst to James, I bought the clock and went to see Greg and Sheila, owners of the Adelphi, with a crazy idea. I needed a place to put the clock and, if he ever asked me to marry him, the Adelphi was my dream place to get married. The clock would be his wedding day present. We had it moved into what is now the library and it stood there for another year and a half. I told James that the clock had been purchased and was gone. Imagine his surprise when he saw where that clock had ended up! A short time later, Jim was hatching a plan of his own. Now, the staff at the Adelphi had two secrets to keep: the secret of the clock and Jim’s upcoming proposal. The big challenge was getting me to the Adelphi dressed just right for the most romantic evening of my life – without giving away the surprise. Jim called a photographer friend of mine to help him out. The plan was to ask me to be in a photo shoot for a book on Victorian hotels. I fell for the ruse. Meanwhile, Jim had reserved the Adelphi’s pool area beyond the courtyard, and he hired local harpist Elizabeth Huntley. The stage was set. It was Travers week and the Adelphi was jammed with people as I entered, clad in a lovely antique dress. I remember hearing somebody whispering, “There she is,” as the photographer led me through the gates. And there stood James, who I thought was still 600 miles away. He took my hand and walked me to a private table for two in the Adelphi’s “secret garden.” After dinner, dessert came in the form of an engagement ring resting under a sterling silver domed plate cover…and then the proposal. Eight months later, Jim and I were married in the ballroom of the Adelphi. After the reception, Jim and I went back to the library, where the clock stood. I handed him a velvet box. Inside was a skeleton key to the clock, with a note that said, “Here is your key to ‘somewhere in time,’” an allusion to our favorite movie. That’s when I gave him his wedding present – his grandfather clock. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Love at first
sigh t
WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER ENVISIONED BY DENISE ELIOPULOS PHOTOS BY TRACY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
W
hen professional model and Greenwich native, Nina Jade, first saw the newly remodeled Adelphi Hotel, she knew she had found the perfect spot for her upcoming wedding.
shoes: Birdies | San Francisco the stylish flat that's secretly a slipper basket: Toga Heritage, downtown Saratoga saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Nina, who travels around the world with her modeling career, met her fiancé, Christopher Sumner, while she was in London, and she was thinking of having her upcoming wedding abroad - that is, until she saw The Adelphi Hotel. Like her iconic look-alike Audrey Hepburn, seeing the Adelphi was truly “love at first sight.”
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Nina revels in her surroundings, as does her furry friend...the Famous Hairy Winston. Nina plans to experience the entire ambience of the Adelphi. And, what better place to start but the al fresco café that is part of Morrisey’s in the Adelphi? Her adorable little friend, the ‘Hairy Winston,” is full of bubbly affection as he snuggles with Nina at the outdoor café. And feeling like a duchess, Nina pays homage to newly wedded Meghan Markle, whose favorite casual footwear comes from Birdies | San Francisco.
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credits: venue: Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs; clothing: Nina’s personal collection; shoes: Birdies | San Francisco; vintage gold bicycle courtesy of Adelphi Hotel; basket courtesy of Toga Heritage; cute pups: courtesy of owner, Michelle and Ron Riggi: Itsy Bitsy (in basket) and Hairy Winston of Posh Palazzo Pups.
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Nina is feeling very Chanel as she adds a stunning black hat and heels to her Amante gown. From regally romantic to stunning sophistication, Nina knows that the addition of just the right hat and heels, creates a look that is simply sensational for any bride dreaming of a French theme.
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credits: gown: ATELIER EMELIA, Paris; “Paige” heel: Bella Belle Shoes; flora bouquet courtesy of Samantha Nass Floral Design; hat courtesy of Hatsational, downtown Saratoga.
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If Breakfast at Tiffany’s was Hepburn’s romantic ideal, Nina considers Brunch at the Blue Hen to be the idyllic wedding venue in Saratoga. Nina embodies all that is regal, royal and ravishing in this gorgeous strapless gown and tiara. Her custom-made white gloves and simple pearls add that perfect extra touch of elegance, romance and class as she enjoys a sip of tea and a macaroon in the Blue Hen. credits: venue: The Blue Hen at the Adelphi Hotel; gown: French Designer, Atelier Emelia’s “Amante” bridal gown; custom headpiece designed by Headpiece.com; floral arrangement courtesy of Samantha Nass Floral Design; vintage teapot and cups courtesy of Saratoga Tea and Honey; three-strand pearl bracelet and by Angie Starr Designs; pearl necklace courtesy of Denise's Grandmother, Anne.
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Nina channels her “inner Audrey.” Just like her classic Hollywood counterpart, Nina poses for photographer Tracey Buyce in front of the Adelphi’s own floral “wall of pink hibiscus.” Her look is both coquettish and demure – the ultimate in romantic with a capital “R.” credits: “Amour” gown: ATELIER EMELIA, Paris floral arrangements courtesy of Rena’s Fine Flowers; custom-made floral choker by Rena’s Fine Flowers.
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Just as Audrey wowed the fashion world in her spectacular Givenchy cape, gown and singularly stunning headpiece, Nina knows that her own haute couture silk crepe gown and cape is perfectly suited to the Saratoga scene. For an alternative look, Nina contemplates a sheer lacey cape with a border of French lace. Her custom headpiece and delicate lily of the valley bouquet are the perfect compliments to this sophisticated and sleek look. credits: “Fiona” gown and cape: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal, Toronto custom-made headpiece by Headpiece.com; lily of the valley bouquet courtesy of Samantha Nass Floral Design. 104 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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The courtyard of The Adelphi Hotel is the perfect setting for the opulence of Nina’s Italian Contessa look. Nina captures the essence of romance in her luxuriously feminine strapless lace gown with tiered flounced sleeves and full skirt and train. The pink hibiscus trellis provide the perfect backdrop as Nina glows in anticipation of her special day. credits: “Laguna” gown by Italian designer, Elisabetta Polignano; pearl strand and crystal choker; Something Bleu Accessory Boutique; custom-made hairpiece by headpiece.com for Something Bleu Accessory Boutique; “Peony” bridal heels courtesy of Bella Belle Shoes; floral arrangements courtesy of Rena’s Fine Flowers.
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Nina poses in front of the Italian travertine marble and mosaic fountain in the back courtyard at The Adelphi Hotel, as she shows off her laced bodice and flounced sleeves. credits: “Laguna” gown by Italian designer, Elisabetta Polignano; pearl strand and crystal choker; Something Bleu Accessory Boutique; custom-made hairpiece by headpiece.com for Something Bleu Accessory Boutique; “Peony” bridal heels courtesy of Bella Belle Shoes.
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BEHIND THE SCENES at the
Audrey inspired photoshoot
at THE ADELPHI HOTEL
venue Adelphi Hotel photography Tracey Buyce
Samantha Nass Floral Design
bridal salon Something Bleu Bridal cover flowers, red rose bouquet, lily of the valley bouquet Samantha Nass Floral Design hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous / Alayne Curtiss model Nina Jade The Adelphi Hotel lead designer Rena's Fine Flowers
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Rena's Fine Flowers
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Real Bride s our love s
tories...
164 176 144 148 160 120 136 188 172 124 128 140 186 168 152 156 132 116 112 180
Alana and Matthew Ali and James Bari and Chris Dana and Kyle G i a n n a a n d F ra n k Jacqueline and Matthew Jessica and Chris Juliet and Scott Katie and Jonathan Kate and Tim Kelly and Mike Keri and Alex L a u ra a n d M i k e Megan and Nicholas M o rg a n a n d D re w Rachel and Adam S a m a n t h a a n d A n d re w S a ra a n d D a v i d Sydney and Brian Ta ra l y n n a n d B o b b y
photo by Janelle Rodriguez Photography, see page 25
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Photos by
Real Brides
Sydney & Brian
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Vienna Glenn P
I
hotograph
y
Our Story
n early 2014, both Sydney and Brian had swiped right, and that was where their love story began. Then, early in the morning on May 5th, 2017, Sydney’s 29th Birthday, Sydney awoke to find Hank, her golden lab-hound mix, snuggled up against her in bed with a diamond ring fastened to his collar. Four months later, they were married at the Surrey Inn, a hidden gem tucked away on North Broadway in Saratoga, surrounded by stone walls, mossy gardens and stone pillars.
Sydney descended the beautiful stone staircase to Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love,” played by Garland Nelson of the band Soul Session. They exchanged vows, broke the glass, exclaimed “Mazel Tov!” and they made their way by limo that took them to the reception at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. Garland had gotten word, during the Best Man’s speech, that Brian grew up playing guitar and could sing, and invited him up on stage to join the band and serenade his new wife to the tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Their wedding day was truly magical at the Surrey Inn, followed by dancing all night under the stars on the golf course with the incredible band Soul Session!
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Details
wedding date September 9, 2017 ceremony location Surrey-Williamson Inn reception location Saratoga Golf and Polo Club photographer Vienna Glenn Photography stationary suite Minted bride's dress A Love Story Bridal rings N Fox Jewelers groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Generation Tux hair Hair by Cassondra Cassondra Schauble makeup Bellas Caras- Helen Barboza Centanni flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design caterer Saratoga Golf and Polo Club cake Cakes by Debbie Coye band / dj Soul Session first dance ˊAt Lastˋ by Etta James honeymoon destination Kennebunkport, Maine
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Photos by
Real Brides
Sara& David
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Susan Blackburn Photogra p hy
Our Story avid and I met just three weeks after I moved to Eugene, Oregon to accept a job teaching at the University of Oregon. He has an organic vegetable farm called Lost Creek Farm and sources many local restaurants and grocery stores.
After two years of dating I was offered a 3-year position at Wellesley College, a women’s college in Massachusetts, which David supported me in accepting. Soon after taking the job—with many flights back and forth across the country—we knew we wanted to be together for the long haul and David proposed. Having grown up in Saratoga Springs, I wanted to get married close to home and fell in love with Lakota’s Farm. We wanted a beautiful and elegant wedding, but also wanted something really fun that was more like a big barn dance. The venue was perfect and our vendor dream team worked with the staff at Lakota’s to help us create the best day of our lives!
As a long-time meditation practitioner I wanted to create a ceremony that honored my Buddhist tradition, while also paying homage to David’s connection to the land, as a farmer. I asked five of our friends to design a wedding altar—which we didn’t see in advance—that they constructed as part of the ceremony. It was beautiful, with elements from the natural world. Since I married a farmer, our first dance was naturally, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” which kicked off an amazing night of food, drinks and dancing.
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Details
wedding date September 23, 2017
ceremony and reception location Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm
photographer Susan Blackburn Photography stationary suite Paper Dolls
bride's dress Something Bleu
rings Redesigned with my grandmother's diamond groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Jos.A. Bank hair/ makeup Lipstick and Lashes
flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design cake and caterer Lily and the Rose band / dj Saratoga Sound
officient Reverend Joy Burke
first dance ˊShe Thinks My Tractor's Sexyˋ by Kenny Chesney advice to pass along... Choose a wedding dress and shoes you can dance in. I wore cowboy boots!
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w e h t t a e& M
Photos by
Real Brides
Jacquelin
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Jenn Moak
Our Story
M
atty and I met in 2013 where he worked as a bartender. We were introduced through mutual friends and from that point on we began to spend all of our time together. We shared a love of creating small, simple adventures from a night away somewhere new to going to hear live music outdoors on a Sunday afternoon. I met his friends and family, and he met mine. It wasn’t long before they became our friends and family.
We moved in together with our dog Marty, and in 2015 Matty proposed. He took me to the restaurant we had our first date, which we hadn’t been back to since that date. He covered it up as a celebration dinner for my new job, so needless to say I was surprised when he asked me to marry him! After dinner he took me to our favorite bar in Troy where all of our friends and family were waiting to celebrate with us. It was the best day.
Our wedding day could not have been any better. Everything we did was inspired by our personality and our relationship. The National Museum of Dance was beautiful and the perfect space for us. It was a beautiful fall day and you could feel the love of everyone in the room. Our dance floor was full the entire night and we had the time of our lives. We were so lucky to celebrate with all of the people we love the most. We couldn’t have asked for better vendors. They truly made sure we had nothing to worry about and made our day flawless.
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Details
wedding date October 6, 2017
ceremony location National Museum of Dance reception location National Museum of Dance photographer Jenn Moak stationary suite Minted bride's dress Angela's Bridal rings Mayfair Jewelers bridesmaids' dresses Jocelynn's Bridal groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Tuxego hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous wedding planner Wendy Lawrence flowers Poppytree Floral caterer Nicole's cake Nicole's band / dj Chris Johnston (Love of Music) photobooth Smile Lounge first dance ˊBonfire Heartˋ by James Blunt honeymoon destination Royalton Punta Cana special touches Our bridesmaids walked down the isle to Sleeping at last's cover of "I'm gonna be (500 miles)" and it was by far one of the best parts of our wedding. We were married by one of our best friends and our ceremony was amazing. My husband is obsessed with WWE and our wedding had small touches of that for him (which I worked very hard to try and keep minimal and classy, ha) I did however let him wear his belt when we got introduced in the reception and we were introduced to "Lets get ready to rumble" advice to pass along... Enjoy every moment. 122 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Real Brides
Kate& Tim
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Our Story
im and I were set up on a blind date by longtime mutual friends in May 2013. It was an instant connection right from the start! Little did we know that our love for flipping houses, DIY projects, and travel adventures would keep our hands so busy and our hearts so full! Every year for Tim's birthday, we go on a winter weekend getaway. Little did I know that on a birthday trip to Newport, Rhode Island in February 2017, Tim would be the one surprising me with a beautiful sunrise proposal over the ocean on the 40 Steps of the Cliff Walk! Since we had been together for nearly four years at that point, we knew we wanted a short engagement. Having worked in the bridal industry for ten years at Something Bleu Bridal, I knew exactly what I wanted for our special day and loved every minute of planning our perfect fall celebration.
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Details
wedding date October 8, 2017
reception and ceremony location Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm photographer Keira Lemonis Photography bride's dress Something Blue Bridal bridesmaid dresses Lily Saratoga rings Brilliant Earth and Mayfair Jewelers groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Via Roma Albany hair Molly Tremante and Carissa Mongillo from Plush Hair Studio makeup Make Up by Doria - Doria Riker flowers The Petal Pusher - Burnt Hills, NY caterer Suburban Kitchen NY - Ryan O'Shea cake Hollister Entertainment Chris Hollister transportation Suburban Kitchen NY - Ryan O'Shea photobooth Brightbird Photobooth Co. band / dj Hollister Entertainment - Chris Hollister first dance ˊI Will Follow You ˋ by Toulouse honeymoon destination London, Paris, Berlin! special touches For dessert, we opted for an apple pie bar with five different kinds of apple pies. It was such a hitnot a crumb was left! advice to pass on... The day goes by quicker than you can even imagine! Be sure to take the time to stop and breathe it all in throughout the day.
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Kelly& Mike
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Our Story
ike and I became friends in high school but never dated. After a few years of not seeing one another at all, we reconnected at a birthday party for a mutual friend in Middletown, NY. Over the next four years our lives changed in many ways. We made the move to Astoria, got our first real jobs, and after two years of living with friends, only 4 blocks apart, we eventually got a place of our own. After four years of dating, Mike caught me completely off guard with a surprise proposal and thus the wedding planning began. Contrary to how this is handled by most couples the groom played a greater role in this than I did.
When deciding where we wanted to get married, Saratoga was an easy choice. Both Mike and I not only love the area, but come from large families. The Hall of Springs was the perfect choice for us , not only because of how incredibly beautiful it is but also that it could easily accommodate our lengthy guest list. Our experience with Hall of Springs, Mazzone Hospitality, and all of our vendors was an incredible one. Everyone did such a wonderful job making our day so special. The live event painting was a surprise from Mike’s parents that in addition to our photos and video gave us another great way to capture the memories of that day. Mike and I wanted to make sure our day had some personal unique touches which included the custom brewed beer that served as our favors for our guests. Our wedding day was absolutely incredible and we cannot thank everyone enough for all that they did to make it so special. We are beyond thankful that we were able to spend our day with all of our friends and family that we love so much.
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Details
wedding date October 8, 2017
ceremony location Saint Michael's in South Glens Falls reception location Hall of Springs photographer Meaghan Aldridge Photography videographer Lovecraft Productions bride's dress Paisley Bridal, Glendale bridesmaid dresses David's Bridal rings Jared Jewelers Carle Place groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Suit Supply hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous flowers Dehn's Flowers and Gifts transportation Advantage Transportation Group cake and caterer Mazzone Catering band / dj Grand Central Station first dance ˊTo Make You Feel My Loveˋ by Billy Joel honeymoon destination Antigua - Cocobay Resort special touches Locally brewed beer by Justin Bergin and Jurij Owad. Wedding "Guest Book" Alexander and Co. Live Event Painting Janet Howard-Fatta
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w e r d n ha & A
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Samant
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Our Story
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amantha and Andrew met in 2009 at Rochester Institute of Technology on Samantha’s first day of college, which also happened to be Andrew’s birthday. Six months later they made it official and since then, they have fallen even more in love with each other and keep enjoying their adventures …exploring the world together.
In 2016, they embarked on a 72-day road trip, camping all over the country. They spent most of their summer visiting the National Parks, so it was only fitting that Andrew surprised Samantha and proposed to her in one; Shenandoah National Park. Andrew had an amazing hike planned out, but a fierce thunderstorm had other plans. While the weather didn’t cooperate, Andrew still managed to surprise Samantha when he got down on one knee at an overlook. It was the perfect ending to a great road trip!
After moving back to upstate New York, they began searching for the perfect wedding venue. In a style befitting them, they decided to hold their ceremony on top of Oak Mountain in Speculator during peak fall foliage. The weather, the scenic view of the unspoiled Adirondacks, and colors of the changing leaves made this a day no one would forget. There was even a bar set up at the top so the guests could enjoy the views before riding the ski lift back down to the reception… and their photographer provided a life size cut out of their dog to be included in all the photos! After the wedding, Samantha and Andrew (in their typical adventuresome fashion!) spent two weeks camping around the beautiful continent of Iceland. Since their special day shared with all their friends and family - the couple has since moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to continue their adventures!
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Details
wedding date October 8, 2017 ceremony and reception location Oak Mountain photographer YTK Photography Katherine Wright & Alex Fagan stationery suite The bride! bride's dress her mother's wedding dress bridesmaids' dresses David's Bridal rings J Fine Jewelry & Etsy engagement ring Castiglione Jewelers groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Choppa & Son hair and makeup CW Hair Design Studio flowers Sacandaga Flowers caterer Oak Mountain cake Saratoga Gluten Free Goods & Villa Italia photobooth Events by Cool Cat band / dj Maddalone Entertainment first dance ˊYellowˋ by Coldplay Officiant Father Christopher Richards honeymoon destination Iceland
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Jessica& Chris
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Our Story hris and I met online, or as he likes to tell it, in the “grocery store”. It was one of those first dates where we were finishing each others’ sentences, and we were soon inseparable. After many years of failed online dating, we had both found something special in one another. We moved in together after 3 months of dating, and the rest, we say, is history.
Our engagement was the most perfect and romantic evening I could have ever dreamed of. It was our three year anniversary, and Chris brought me to the restaurant where we had our first meal as a couple. At the end of the candle-lit meal, he handed me a card that read “to my fiancee”, and when I looked up, he was on his knee. I can’t say that I remember much of anything after that aside from screaming yes! He then brought me to the wine bar where we had our first date and surprised me with my family and friends all in from out of town. The following day, the surprises continued with a brunch attended by all of our friends, several from out of state. The entire weekend was magical and perfect!
When we began wedding planning, I wasn’t sure where we would be celebrating. I am from New Hartford, NY, and Chris is from Fords, NJ. I used to spend my summers in Saratoga Springs with my grandparents, and this felt like the most beautifully perfect middle ground for our ceremony. After some research, I stumbled upon the National Museum of Dance, and things began to truly fall into place. As a dancer myself, this venue could not have been more perfect!
It was the most beautiful, wonderful, and unique wedding because we planned every detail to represent us. We made sure to take time out to enjoy each moment, and had the most amazing time celebrating with the family and friends who helped shape us into the people, and couple, we are.
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Details
wedding date October 14, 2017 ceremony location St. Mary's, Ballston Spa reception location The National Museum of Dance photographer / videographer Adam Brockway stationary suite Invitations from Minted bride's dress Pronovias rings Fred Meyer Jewlers bridesmaids' dresses Dessy Group groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Indochino hair Heidi McCormick makeup Alyssa Aiello wedding planner Aralis Mejia flowers Dehn’s Flowers transportation Upstate Transit of Saratoga caterer Mark Fahrer cake The Dessertist band / dj Complete Weddings & Events photobooth Complete Weddings & Events first dance ˊDie a Happy Manˋ by Thomas Rhett rehersal dinner Saratoga Casino after party Vapor honeymoon destination Maui advice to pass along...
Remember that this day is to celebrate you as a couple. Make sure to keep that in mind when planning, because each detail you include will reflect the two of you. Those small details are what will make your wedding memorable. Most importantly, don't forget to breathe, and take moments to yourself as a couple. Step away every now and again and take it all in. It will be over before you know it! 138 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Keri& Alex
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Our Story
lex and I met in NYC in 2013 on a blind date! My friend from Union College, where I went to school, set us up on to meet at an outdoor bar near where we both worked in New York. Without knowing anything about each other and never having even seen a picture of each other, Alex and I accepted our friend’s idea to meet for a drink. Alex and I hit it off instantly—despite the fact that I am a Yankees fan and Alex is a Red Sox fan. Three years later, Alex proposed on the date we first met. He proposed on our rooftop in New York City overlooking the New York harbor at sunset. It was just beautiful!
I grew up in Saratoga Springs so it has always been a special place to me. I have always been in love with its historic charm and beauty. Alex and I frequent the racetrack together in the summers and we knew we wanted to get married in my hometown of Saratoga.
We got married at the Hall of Springs on October 14, 2017. The changing leaves were stunning and the weather was beautiful. We wanted the wedding to be romantic and elegant, our colors were shades of purple, white, and gold. My most favorite part about having my wedding at the Hall of Springs is that the room speaks for itself! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Details
wedding date October 14, 2017 ceremony and reception location Hall of Springs photographer Clark + Walker stationary suite Bonomo Paper Co. bride's dress Saks Fifth Avenue rings Beckman Jewelers bridesmaids' dresses Each bridesmaid chose her own long black dress (wanted to have a mismatched look!) groom's tuxedo La Sartoria groomsmen tuxedos Each groomsman wore his own tux hair and makeup Kyle Anne Garcia event planner Keri Messa flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design transportation Premier Transportation cake and caterer Mazzone Hospitality band / dj Silver Arrow Band photobooth Smile Lounge first dance ˊLoving You Easyˋ by Zac Brown Band honeymoon destination Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora special touches We wanted to add a few special Saratoga Touches: Our wedding invitation suite was horse themed and our seating chart/tables were all horse themed advice to pass along... Don't worry about the details on the day of your wedding, just enjoy the party!
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Bari& Chris
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Our Story
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hris and I were introduced by his sister, Stefanie. At the time, I was tending bar and she would always come in with her husband and tell me that she had a brother who was moving to Long Island from Atlanta, and she really wanted to introduce us. Once Chris made his move, he would come visit me at the restaurant. Since our first date on April 5, 2013, we have been together ever since.
Chris is originally from Schenectady NY, and I am from Long Island, and grew up with my horse Alladin. During our first summer dating, he took me on a trip to Saratoga, and I immediately fell in love with the town and spent hours just sitting by the track’s paddocks watching the horses while him and his friends watched the races. We had only been dating for a few months, and when we walked into our hotel, they had a pile of Saratoga Bride magazines on their counter. Chris handed me a copy and said, “I bet you would love a Saratoga wedding one day.” Little did I know, four years later, we would have our dream upstate wedding. Our wedding was at the Historic Barns of Nipmoose, and it was a dream come true. This venue captured Chris’ upstate roots, and my love for horses. We decided to take the beautiful barn setting and work with an incredibly talented team to transform it into our all-white wedding, lit only by chandeliers. It turned out to be a beautiful, warm Fall day, and I’ll always remember the moment Chris’ dad pulled us aside, walked us towards the field and had us take a step back and look at the setting filled with all our friends and family …the perfect day we hoped for!
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Details
wedding date October 14, 2017 ceremony and reception location Historic Barns of Nipmoose event decorator Renaissance Floral Design photographer Tracey Buyce videographer Studio 94 stationery suite Minted bride's dress Sayville Bridal, Designer: Hayley Paige bridesmaid dresses Bridal Reflections groom 's tuxedo Theory groomsmens' tuxedos The BLACK TUX rings John Marmo Diamonds hair and makeup LUXE Saratoga flowers Renaissance Floral Design cake and caterer Lily and the Rose transportation Today's Limo + Upstate Transit for guyst busses photobooth Events by Cool Cat band / dj / photobooth DJ Michael Melice first dance `These Arms of Mineˋ by Otis Redding hotel to get ready The Adelphi Hotel honeymoon destination Italy advide to pass along... Enjoy every minute - it is possible for the day to NOT fly by if you stop several times during the day and take a step back to look at all of your planning, love, family and friends all in one place… happy, healthy, smiling and celebrating!
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Real Brides
Dana& Kyle
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Susan Blackburn P hotograph y
Our Story
E
veryone wonders if meeting online works. In mine and Kyle’s case it absolutely worked! The running joke between Kyle and I is that it took him 10 years to find me and it only took 10 minutes for me to find him. He had messaged me right away and even though I had my doubts in meeting him I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I never realized that online dating would change my whole life. Currently we reside on Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario. When I had first met Kyle he had told me that his dream would be to live on the water within 5 years. As a couple we made that dream become a reality. We both enjoy jet-skiing and boating.
I grew up in Corinth NY and envisioned a wedding near my hometown. After getting engaged to Kyle I found the Saratoga Auto Museum. Anyone that has met Kyle knows that he's a gear-head and this would be the perfect place for a unique wedding. The only stipulation was that I could make the whole reception car themed. I wanted model cars for the centerpieces with license plates for table numbers, a tire shaped cake, and much more. What I didn’t realize was that Mazzone’s would create my vision even better. When I walked in to the museum, I was blown away and I appreciate all their hard work. My advice to other couples would be to have a wedding that you want! Kyle and I will never forget that special day.
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Details
wedding date October 21, 2017 ceremony location St. Marys Catholic Church, Ballston Spa reception location Saratoga Auto Museum photographer Susan Blackburn Photography bride's dress David's Bridal rings Blue Nile groom's tuxedo Men's Warehouse groomsmen clothing Tuxes hair Naomi Crockford- Sodus Point makeup Katie Burns & Fusion the Salon flowers MeMe's Florist, Corinth caterer Mazzone Hospitality, Megan Bell cake Victoria Minnitti, bride's aunt transportation Premiere Transportation, Albany band / dj CT Productions, Mike Reilly first dance Custom mix, ˊYou and Meˋ by Kenny Chesney and ˊMarry Youˋ by Bruno Mars Caricature Artists John Gurney & Carl Mefferd honeymoon destination Cancun, Mexico special touches Car themed, center pieces were model cars with a connection to the bride and groom (their first cars, their parent's first cars, etc.) the table numbers were the year of the car, and were license plates. Candy buffet was car theme (chocolate covered pretzels for dipsticks, cotton candy for airbags, etc). Toolbox for gift cards. Cake was tires. Matchbox cars for escort cards. Caricature artists as a wedding favor, drew people sitting in a 1957 Thunderbird. Bride and groom drove this car from the ceremony to the reception. advice to pass along... This is your wedding, make it about what you want and special for you. 150 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Real Brides
Morgan& Drew
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Our Story
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rew and I met at Boston’s Logan Airport during the summer of 2014. Our mutual friends introduced us and we instantly hit it off! Although we met in Boston, we both grew up in the Capital Region. I was raised in Clifton Park and went to Shenendehowa, and Drew grew up in Delmar and attended Bethlehem. After a year of dating, our lives took us to New York City when Drew became the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Manhattan College.
In the fall of 2016, he proposed on the private deck of our Manhattan apartment. We celebrated our engagement at the Boat Basin Café overlooking the scenic Hudson River and to my surprise, when we arrived, all our closest family and friends were there. Who knew he could plan an unforgettable surprise party?! Having grown up near Saratoga, we both knew we wanted to get married there. Our heart was set on the Hall of Springs for both the ceremony and reception given the gorgeous ballroom and team at Mazzone hospitality. Every part of the wedding day was so memorable it's hard to put it into words how we felt! From the first look to the dreamy décor, our wedding day was perfect. It would not have been possible without all the help and support from our vendors, families, and friends. We are so lucky to start this next chapter of our lives surrounded by so much love!
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Details
wedding date November 3, 2017 ceremony and reception location The Hall of Springs photographer Krystal Balzer videographer LaRose Media event decorator Martin Dodge Designs stationary suite Shine Wedding Invitations bride's dress Bridal Gallery by Yvonne rings Furnari Jewelers bridesmaids' dresses Bella Bridesmaids groom and groomsmens' tuxedos The Black Tux hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous flowers Martin Dodge Designs transportation Saratoga Luxury Limo and Upstate Transit of Saratoga cake and caterer Mazzone Hospitality band / dj Nonstop Music photobooth Smile Lounge Photobooth first dance ˊCame Here For Loveˋ by Ella Eyre (Acoustic) honeymoon destination Saint Lucia special touches We alternated the centerpieces on each of the tables with high and low arrangements. This gave depth to the room since the ceilings were so high. My favorite part were the high arrangements - they were about 5ft tall with acyrlic mirrors, chandeliers, a flower halo, and blossomed branches to compliment the fall season! We also re-purposed the ceremony arch as the backdrop for our sweetheart table which included a lush mix of white florals and became the focal point of the ballroom. advice to pass along... Do a first look! It's such an intimate moment. The sun goes down earlier in the fall so you can get your photos done beforehand and enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. 154 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Rachel & Adam
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Our Story
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dam and I met working at Panza’s Restaurant (the reason why we chose them to cater our big day!), while he was waiting to begin his new career at Global Foundries and I was finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
Every first weekend of December, Adam would take me to the ‘Annual Lights in the Park’ in Albany, when my busy season at work “lightened up” (our family owned business, Fine Affairs, a Wedding and Event Planning/Décor Company) for a night to unwind together. Fast forward 4 ½ years later, it was then, he popped down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him! Of course, I said YES! As we celebrated with dinner & drinks, the next surprise of the evening, was that he had booked the Canfield Casino for our reception (6 months prior to popping the question), knowing that I had always DREAMED of having it there! It was a dream come true!
We had so much fun planning our wedding, with the most amazing vendors! Being in this line of work, you see A LOT, so we knew we wanted to keep a classic look, something that when we look back, we don’t say “why in the world did we do that?!” and everything just fell into place. The Canfield is such a beautiful venue; thus, we chose to enhance it with a gold-cream-and pops of plum palette and traditional details that will last a lifetime. Music was our thing and we wanted our wedding to portray that – so we had our favorite 3 bands there with us! And boy, no one left the dance floor all night long! To all the future brides/grooms – cherish every moment! Celebrating with your family and friends, near and far, all together for the entire evening, is one of the best feelings in the world!
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Details
wedding date November 4, 2017 ceremony location National Museum of Dance reception location The Canfield Casino photographer Imagine! Photography videographer Al Woodard event decorator Fine Affairs stationary Paperdolls of Saratoga bride's dress Something Bleu Bridal bridesmaid dresses Yvonne's Bridal Boutique groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Mr. Formal Wear hair and makeup Blush 518 flowers Surroundings Floral wedding planner Fine Affairs caterer Panza's Restaurant cake and dessert station Villa Italia transportation A private shuttle service bands Michael Panza and The Charles Cornell Trio for cocktail hour, and The Audio Stars and The Accents both for the extended reception late night pizza station D'Andrea's Pizza honeymoon destination Europe special touches Caricaturists Phil Singer and Rich Conley (for guest favors - HUGE HIT) advice to pass along... Enjoy every moment planning it goes by so quick!
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Gianna & Frank
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Our Story rank and I met in the summer of 2013 after we returned back from college. We had mutual friends at the time who had planned a get together at the Saratoga Winery, and from there we started dating a few weeks later. From the start, we had extremely different interests and lifestyles but we had the best time learning new things and keeping the spark alive. Frank is an avid outdoorsman who participates in the Rodeo circuit in the Northeast region. Whereas I can usually be found with my head in books and enjoying the simpler things in life. If anyone had told me I would be marrying a cowboy I would have told them they were crazy!
We have supported each other, our interests and passions from the moment we started dating. I supported Frank while he started a small-business, an outdoor motor sports dealership, while we started dating, and Frank continues to support me and my pursuit of a Juris-Doctoral degree at Albany Law School.
With our busy schedules, it is seldom we have time for vacations, but in June of 2016 Frank proposed on a weekend getaway in Boston. We knew we wanted a special wedding with a different style than most, and decided on a winter holiday theme. Our wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect. The light snowfall and the excitement of the holiday season added to make it the most amazing day ever. It was unforgettable and we owe it all to the help of our family, friends, and exceptional vendors!
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Details
wedding date December 30, 2017 ceremony location Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Amsterdam reception location Hall of Springs rental Total Events photographer Matt Ramos Photography stationary suite Leanna Anderson Graphic Design bride's dress Something Bleu Bridal engagement ring Castiglione Jewelers wedding bands Sondra's Fine Jewelry bridesmaids' dresses Ferri Formals and Bridals groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Ferri Formals and Bridals hair and make up - bride Nikki Glover hair - bridesmaid, mother of bride Beauty by Sarah Salvioli / Flutter Lash Bar & Makeup Studio makeup - bridesmaid , mother of bride Flutter Lash Bar & Makeup Studio flowers Surroundings Floral Studio transportation Upstate Transit & All Occasions Limo cake and caterer Mazzone Hospitality dj Music Man Entertainment photobooth Matt Ramos Photography first dance ˊIn Case You Didn't Knowˋ by Brett Young honeymoon destination Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid special touches
The custom sleeves on my wedding gown were added on so beautifully by my seamstress Irena Garin
advice to pass along...
Take a moment to look around with your spouse and appreciate the special moment. I know this sounds cliché, but your wedding will go by faster than you ever thought possible!
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Real Brides
Alana& Matthew
P h o to s b y
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A li c e C o r e y P h o t o g
raphy
Our Story
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atthew and I are the quintessential high school sweethearts. We met when we were 15 years old while attending a basketball game. We made a connection through mutual friends, and have been together ever since. We survived our teenage years together and feel that it has made us have a strong connection as adults, and we have lots to look back at and laugh about!
Matt is an avid outdoorsman, so in true fashion he planned an engagement surprise that included a hike up Vanderwhacker Mountain complete with champagne and sushi hidden in his backpack. Ironically, it was a blizzard at the top of the mountain and all I wanted to do was get back to the bottom. I had no idea that a proposal was coming, so Matt had to use his best persuasion tactics to get me to the top of the fire tower. Luckily, the snow made for awesome proposal pictures! We started our wedding journey looking for not only the perfect venue, but also a fall 2017 wedding date. When we visited Saratoga National Golf Course we knew that this beautiful venue was exactly right for us, and we ended up with a winter date that couldn’t have been more magical. From the foyer ceremony to the upstairs cocktail hour and ballroom reception, everything was better than we could have imagined.
We currently reside in Glens Falls, NY near all of our family and friends and are diligently working on our fixer upper home. We have added to our joy with our chocolate lab fur baby.
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wedding date January 1, 2018 ceremony location Saratoga National Golf Course reception location Saratoga National Golf Course event decorator Total Events LLC photographer Alice Corey Photography stationary suite Paper Dolls of Saratoga bride and bridesmaids' dresses Lily Saratoga rings Northeast Fine Jewelry groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Jonathan Reid hair Shirley Padasak makeup Baileigh Padasak flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design caterer Mazzone Catering cake Mazzone Catering band / dj Master Cylinders first dance ˊCover Me Upˋ by Jason Isbell honeymoon destination Key West, FL special touches Selfie Station with New Year's props in lieu of photobooth advice to pass along... Enjoy every moment because it goes by too fast, and don't sweat the small stuff!
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Photos by
Real Brides
Megan& Nicholas
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Susan Blackburn
Photogra ph
y
Our Story
N
ick and I grew up in the same small town. He was one year ahead of me in school. I was advanced in math so we were put into the same geometry class. One night he sat down next to me on the bleachers at a basketball game and talked to me the entire game. I was only 14 and had no idea that this random kid sitting next to me uninvited would change the rest of my life.
Nick and I dated all throughout high school. He was my first date, first kiss, prom date, and best friend. After graduation, I attended pharmacy school in Albany. For six years we only saw each other on the weekends and he was often just helping me study. Nick never complained.
A week before graduation Nick asked me to go hiking in Lake George with a couple of friends. Once we got to the top of the mountain he handed me a photo book filled with his favorite pictures of us, quotes, and a handwritten letter. When I finished reading, he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, the answer was yes!
People never think that their first relationship at 14 will be the last, but that is what happened for us and I could not feel luckier. A decade of love brought us to our wedding day. We got to know each other as young kids and can continue to grow together for the rest of our lives.
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wedding date January 28, 2017 ceremony location St. Joseph's Church - Fort Edward, reception location Longfellows photographer Susan Blackburn Photography videographer Ebabil Film bride's dress I Do, I Do - Maryland rings Scoville Jewelers - Glens Falls groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Jonathan Reid hair Looks by Lacey makeup Bekah Ripley flowers The Arrangement Shop Hudson Falls caterer Longfellows transportation Advantage Transportation band / dj Events by Cool Cat first dance ˊYou're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves youˋ by Dean Martin honeymoon destination Negril, Jamaica
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Katie& Jonathan
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Niki Rossi Ph
otography
Our Story
J
on and I met through mutual friends. He finally asked me out on a date and we had our first date at Peddlers in Clifton Park. After our first date I took a 2 week trip out to the west coast to visit Seattle WA and Portland OR. During those two weeks we talked every day and started to develop a relationship. Upon my arrival home I knew I had to introduce Jon to my family. I have never seen someone so nervous! We spent the next few years getting to know each other taking many trips together to Vermont, Georgia, and Michigan to name a few.
On Christmas Eve my best friend from Georgia was in town and they wanted to go to Congress Park in Saratoga to take a picture to announce the arrival of Gavin. We were walking through Congress Park when Jon brought me up to the gazebo and got down on one knee. This was a very special moment as we were surround by our family and friends. This was also the place my parents had been married over 25 years ago.
We wanted a winter wedding for the snow and the cold weather! While we did not have any snow, we had the cold weather. We explored many venues, but when we walked into the Hall of Springs we knew this was the reception venue for us.
Our wedding day could not have been more special. We owe it all to our vendors, family, and friends who made our big day so special.
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wedding date January 28, 2017
ceremony location Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany reception location Hall of Springs photographer Niki Rossi Photography videographer Ryan Polce stationary suite Shine Wedding Invitations bride's dress Bridal Gallery by Yvonne rings Hannoush Jewelers bridesmaids' dresses Bridal Gallery by Yvonne groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Tuxego hair Rachael Mattison makeup Amanda Brousseau & Joyce Parkhurst event decorator Total Events flowers Dehn's Flowers transportation All Occasions Limo caterer Mazzone cake Mazzone band / dj Music Man Entertainment- Mike Grassi photobooth Niki Rossi Photography first dance ˊH.O.L.Y.ˋ by Florida Georgia Line honeymoon destination Norwegian Cruise advice to pass along... Enjoy every moment planning the "big day" it is worth all the stress. Pick the vendors that connect with you, they have done this a million times, just trust them but be sure to say what you want!
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Photos by
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Ali& James
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Susan Blackburn P hotograph y
Our Story
L
life is all about Adventure! This has been our motto through our whole relationship. It all began on a bike ride to our favorite hilltop for what I thought was to take in the beautiful Fall Foliage and was surprised to see James on his knee asking me to be his wife.
Having both worked in the hospitality industry, we knew we wanted to plan something untraditional and something that was true to us. Keeping a theme of Food, Fun and Fellowship we were drawn to our love of Lake Placid which is where each season holds a special place in our hearts for cycling and skiing. The Whiteface Lodge was the perfect location for our Winter Wedding! We went outside the box with every part of our wedding story. For a Wednesday wedding, a small group of our closest family and friends gathered at the Whiteface Lodge for a Woodland Winter Wonderland Celebration. Following a private ceremony to exchange our vows in a lean-to, James and I along with our wedding guests warmed up by the fire, feasting on all our favorite foods with a custom family style menu complete with a Fried Dough Wedding Cake. The party continued with a Lumber Jack and Jill After Party including bowling, billiards and a midnight cigar social. The best part of our special day was listening to our hearts and making the day truly what we wanted. We cannot wait to see where our adventure takes us next!
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wedding date February 1, 2017 ceremony location Lean-to at Whiteface Lodge reception location Whiteface Lodge event decorator Piper Ainsworth - Bride's Mother photographer Susan Blackburn Photography stationary suite PaperDolls bride's dress Jocelynn's Bridal rings Glenpeter Jewlers groomsmen clothing Men's Wearhouse hair Stylist Tania Uber - Hair Studio One makeup Carrie Phillips - Brides Best Friend flowers Trillium Florist, Tupper Lake caterer Whiteface Lodge officiant Marissa Ainsworth - Bride's Sister honeymoon destination Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid special touches
Stay true to you and your fiance
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Photos by
Real Brides
Teralynn & Bobby
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Dave Bigler Photo s
and Film s
Our Story
B
obby and I met our freshman year at a small high school in upstate New York. We were always good friends and started dating our senior year. Even though college was right around the corner, we knew we had something special and were willing to see where it lead. That summer, we left for college and continued dating, long distance. With Bobby on the basketball team, I traveled most weekends from St. Bonaventure to Princeton to watch his games and share a few days together. Those visits were so special and meaningful as our relationship continued to grow.
After college graduation we were more than ready to start a life together in the same state (finally!). We were fortunate enough to both find careers in Pittsburgh, PA and fell in love with the area immediately. On a trip to the Adirondack Mountains, a year and a half later, Bobby proposed on a snow covered bridge overlooking one of our favorite places, Lake Placid, NY. After our magical engagement weekend, we knew that beautiful, quaint town would be the perfect place to exchange our vows. One year later, we had the wedding of our dreams at Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. We are both so thankful to our vendors who helped make the day everything we imagined. Bobby and I feel so blessed that our loving friends and family traveled near and far to share in our winter celebration.
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wedding date February 3, 2018 ceremony and reception location Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid photographer and videographer Dave Bigler Photos and Films stationary suite Minted.com event decorator Our wonderful friends and family and the amazing staff at Whiteface Lodge bride's dress Bridal Beginnings, Pittsburgh rings The Gold Smith, Binghamton bridesmaids' dresses David's Bridal groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Men's Warehouse hair and make up - bride Katherine Oropallo Salon hair and makeup - bridesmaids Mirror Mirror Salon flowers Black Sheep Gardens cake and caterer Whiteface Lodge dj Music Man Entertainment photobooth Matt Ramos Photography first dance ˊPerfectˋ by Ed Sheeran honeymoon destination A week at Whiteface Lodge - we just couldn't get enough of the Adirondacks! special touches
We were able to use Birch wood from trees surrounding Bobby's childhood home to decorate our ceremony and reception space, adding a perfect touch from our hometown.
advice to pass along...
This is your day so remember to follow your heart, if you want something specific, go for it! And don't forget to ask for help along the way.
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Laura& Mike
Photos by
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Dave Bigler Photo s and Film s
I
Our Story
’m a Jersey Girl who fell in love with a native Saratogian. We met in 2013 at my best friend’s birthday party but didn't start dating until I sent a Facebook message over a year later. Thankfully for me (since I tried to delete it) I discovered you can NOT delete a FB instant message. Michael responded about 15 minutes after I tried deleting it …and we were married 3 years and 2 months later!
I have family in South Jersey and CT, while Michael has family in CT and Saratoga, so we had to think about the best location to get married. When we passed the Lodge at Saratoga Casino I knew this was my place. Not only was the size, look and feel of the location just perfect, but working for the Lodge was one of Michael’s first jobs! He helped hang the picture of Secretariat over the mantle, 23 years pror to us being married in front of it.
Looking back, I couldn’t have had a better engagement and wedding. I can’t call Casey Baldwin at the Lodge at Saratoga Casino, photographer Dave Bigler, “Music Man” Mike Garrasi, florist Samantha Nass or beautician Courtney Vogel (formally) of Make Me Fabulous vendors since they all became friends! And they, along with my husband, daughter, family and many other friends, gave me one of the best days of my life.
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wedding date February 18, 2018 ceremony and reception location The Lodge at Saratoga Casino event decorator The Bride photographer Dave Bigler Photos and Films stationary suite Zazzle.com wedding planner Casey Baldwin bride's dress Amazon.com bridesmaid dresses David's Bridal rings Online stores groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Brooks Brother hair and makeup Make Me Fabulous flowers Samantha Nass Floral Design caterer The Lodge at Saratoga Casino cake The bride's sister-in-law band / dj Mike Garrasi, Music Man Entertainment first dance ̀Feels like today ́by Rascall Flatts honeymoon destination Santa Monica and San Diego special touches
We got married on my (and my dad's) birthday. Michael worked with Casey at the Lodge to have a small birthday cake brought out for my dad and I it was the sweetest thing ever. Also, since I have a 13 year old daughter from a previous marriage, we included her by having me dance with her after my dance with Michael. It was to "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride and then Michael danced with her to "My Wish" by Rascall Flatts. There were lots of happy tears during those songs
advice to pass along... DIY can be your BF! Save your money for the big
things, like your photos and your DJ, and then DIY where you can like I did making my own centerpieces and customizing the invitations I found online. But know your limits with DIY - I would never try to make the mantle and balcony garland (or if I did it would never look as beautiful as Samantha's flowers!). Final note on my centerpieces and ecoflowers - I am able to keep them forever. I have one of my centerpieces on my mantle right now, with my cake topper in it, so I get to look at it everyday reminding me of one of my most special days ever. 186 | SARATOGA BRIDE | FALL/WINTER 2018
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Photos by Sarah
Wigley at
Real Brides
Juliet & Scott
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S
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Our Story
cott and I ran into one another on the top steps of the Saratoga City Tavern in Saratoga Springs, NY, in August of 2015. With social media and familiar friends, Scott and I knew of each other which sparked our initial conversation. After some early obstacles and an unfurnished apartment, we did our best to find time for one another while thriving in our own careers. On our first date Scott surprised me and took me to Opus 40 (sculpture museum) in Saugerties, NY. Let’s just say my jean shorts and heels were not the best outfit for climbing on rocks, but at least I looked good! That was the first of many adventures we shared filled with laughter, fun, and surprise.
After two years of dating, Scott and I took a trip to Brooklyn, NY. There we explored the city, (I got my hair done!) and ate at some of the tastiest restaurants for every meal of the day. It was then that Scott took me to Dumbo where he proposed to me along the Brooklyn Bridge Waterfront. It was such a special moment, that I almost threw up! The next day I was so excited that I got right to planning for our special day. I have lived in Saratoga my entire life and loved what it had to offer. When I was a little girl my grandmother would drag me to SPAC when she volunteered her summers for the NYC ballet. It wasn’t until Scott and I were looking at venues when I first stepped foot into the Hall of Springs. Once we saw the beautiful marble floors and columns, the Belgian crystal chandeliers, and high vaulted ceilings, we knew that this was the venue for our fairy tale wedding.
In just 6 months after our engagement, our dream, navy and gold, winter-themed wedding had all come together, and our friends and family had joined us on such a special and unforgettable day!
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wedding date February 18, 2018 ceremony and reception location Hall of Springs photographer Sarah Wigley for Rob Spring Photography stationary suite Homewood Suites event decorator Megan Bell bride's dress A Love Story Bridal bridesmaids' dresses Yvonnes rings North Eastern Fine Jewlers groom and groomsmens' tuxedos Tuxego hair Hair by Cassondra, Cassondra Schauble makeup Cassandra Mckenna D'Alberto flowers Market 32 Clifton Park cake and caterer Mazzone Hospitality band / dj Albany Metro Music transportation Royale Limousine first dance ˊPerfectˋ by Ed Sheeran photoboth Fotos by Jacqueline honeymoon Santorini, Greece
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We hope you've enjoyed this issue of SARATOGA
BRIDE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS: To have your Real Bride and/or story idea included in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue, please reserve your ad space by November 30, 2018 BRIDES: To have your wedding featured in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue, please send me a teaser of your love story, why you chose to be married where you did, your vendors and three to five photos by November 30, 2018
WILL YOU BE SEEN? SaratogaBride.com SaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com * if you have submitted photos and did not see them in this issue, (assume they came in after our deadline) please resubmitt to be included in the next issue. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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