Otesaga Resort Wedding - Beth & Matias - WellWed New York - Spring / Summer 2011

{logo design above} betsywhite.com {photography} Stacy Reeves {reception site} The Otesaga Resort

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cooperstown, new york

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Beth Lytwynec and Matias Mariani, both aspiring opera singers, met as graduate students at the Boston Conservatory. Matias was new to the school and was looking for information about the opera department, and Beth, who had completed her undergraduate degree there, offered to help him figure out what the school had to offer. As two members of a class of just five people, it wasn’t long before they felt like old friends.

Months later, Matias was cast as Prince Charming in Cendrillon, the opera version of Cinderella. The role seemed like fate. A few weeks after the performance, Matias showed up at Beth’s apartment and said he had no idea what was going to happen after they were finished with school, but he was sure he wanted to be with her, if she would have him. It wasn’t long before the couple fell in love, beginning a real-life fairy tale of their own.

One of the best things about Beth and Matias’ relationship has always been their shared passion for opera. After obtaining their graduate degrees, they even traveled to Italy together to attend a program for young opera singers. Unbeknowst to Beth, Matias had written a letter to her parents before they left, asking permission to marry their daughter. With their blessing, Matias proposed to Beth one evening in front of a beautiful medieval church. Gelato in hand, Beth accepted, more sure than ever that she had found her Prince Charming.

Though they briefly considered a Boston wedding, in the end they realized that Upstate New York was the perfect place for their wedding. Beth grew up there and has family in the area, and it just felt like the better choice.

“Beth didn’t choose a particular color palette. She knew she wanted the whole day to feel romantic and classic, with flair,” says Matias.

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When it came to the décor, Beth and Matias wanted to blend modern style with a sense of nostalgia. “Beth didn’t choose a particular color palette. She knew she wanted the whole day to feel romantic and classic, with flair,” says Matias. The pair paid special attention to little details, knowing that every element would contribute in a small way to the overall feel of the celebration. Beth chose decorative aspects based on whether or not they would help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Sure enough, when the day arrived, “The linens, flowers, ribbons, candles, centerpieces, and feathers were all details that simply looked like they belonged,” says Matias. The reception area was filled with a delightfully unexpected collection of vintage-inspired elements that the couple put a personal twist on. The photo booth,

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Coordination, Event Rentals & Design: Table Toppers of Rochester tabletoppersofrochester.com floral design: Flowers by Suzanne flowersbysuzanne.net Invitations: Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence lucky-luxe.com Photography: Stacy Reeves stacyreeves.com Reception Site: The Otesaga Resort otesaga.com

for instance, consisted of a wall of vintage family photographs — and a few empty frames for guests to peek through — that added a bit of playfulness to the event.

The bride and groom even had an assortment of false mustaches and hats for some added fun. An antique birdcage adorned the gift table, and quill pens beckoned for guests to sign the guest book in style.

The wedding ended up as welcoming and warm as the bride and groom could have asked for. Every detail, from the enchanting harp music to the delicately calligraphed place cards to the simple pink roses spilling out of glass jars, reflected Beth and Matias’ personalities and celebrated their love. The readings at the ceremony were conducted in both English and Spanish to honor Matias’ heritage and allow everyone to enjoy the mass. The couple agree that their favorite moment of the day was when they first laid eyes on the ballroom and it became clear that all their careful planning had added up to something extraordinary. “It was really special,” says Matias. “Our parents were with us, and we could all instantly feel the love and warmth throughout the room.”

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