Photo by Steph

Guests were ushered into the ballroom for the ceremony.  I loved the quote from When Harry Met Sally written on the black ceremony programs:

“I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.  And it’s not because I am lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve.  I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Amy was radiant on her father’s arm as she walked down the aisle to George who was grinning from ear to ear.  “Surprisingly, I’m not nervous,” he’d told me.  “There are too many little things to take care of.”

Father Rich’s ceremony was warm, insightful and well received.  Of course, I would have like to been privy to the unspoken conversation happening between Amy and George during the service; watching the warm glances and smiles exchanged was heart warming.

Photo by Steph

The Details

During cocktail hour the ballroom was transformed into an elegant winter theme.  Snowflakes hung from the ceiling, black napkins were folded at each table setting around a centerpiece of white flowers and greenery accented with white feathers and pine cones set into a tall vase draped with faux crystal beads.

Guests were encouraged to take a New Year’s resolution off a silver tree, and leave one behind for someone else.  They also took black and silver New Year’s Eve tiaras, hats and noisemakers for the midnight celebration.  The white cake was accented with chocolate motif and a monogrammed cake topper.

The Toasts

George’s brother led off the toasts on a spirited note, and Amy’s brother followed.  He relayed his reaction upon hearing about the engagement, “What’s in it for me?” and proceeded to praise George for his auto maintenance skills, the fact that he was a “gun man…I mean, firearms enthusiast” with an arsenal that would be handy in a zombie apocalypse.

Photo by Steph

The humor served to highlight the love and fun spirit of Amy, George and their guests.

Amy chose a beautiful song for her dance with her father that had special meaning for them, “Leader of the Band” by Dan Fogelberg, a song they danced to in the living room when she was growing up.  Amy’s mother joined in at one point, and I imagined they’d danced that way years ago.

Hosting a New Year’s Eve wedding is a sure way to amp a wedding celebration up to the next level.  Amy and George did it in style.  Thanks so much for inviting us!

Villa Borghese

Photos by Digital Weddings

Ceremony officiated by Father Rich

Photo by Steph

Gina and Matt were introduced into the atrium room to “The Magnificent Seven” by the Clash, and they strutted down a corridor of their guests before sharing a first dance to “The Book of Love” performed by The Magnetic Fields.

The Details

Gina was absolutely adorable in her strapless gown, with her raven hair in an elegant updo.  The tables were decorated with floral arrangements of deep red roses and purple flowers.  The wedding cake was adorned with mini red roses and a “Love is Patient” cake topper.

The Toasts

Matt’s brother “broke the ice” with his toast, and was followed by a warm toast by Gina’s sisters.  But Matt’s speech was the grand finale, a hysterical poem filled with inside jokes and charmingly ridiculous rhymes.

Photo by Steph

Matt shared a dance with his mother to the song, “Harbor Lights” by The Platters, a song his mother told me was particularly special because it was her father’s favorite.  Gina and her family followed by inviting their guests to dance to “Lazy Mary” by Lou Monte.

One of my favorite moments was watching Gina and Matt steal a dance to “Trapeze Swinger” by Iron & Wine, dancing alone in the dim atrium.  (A nine minute song, by the way, and they didn’t look at all bored gazing into each other’s eyes.)

We called out the Lake Hill Farm neighborhood for a rousing sing-along to “Living on a Prayer.”

They danced and sang and enjoyed every minute.  It was a pleasure to be a part of this celebration.  Thanks for having us!

Round Hill House

Catherine Leonard Photography

Photo by Steph

The couple was married in a sunset ceremony on the patio with the Hudson River in the background, just before the train tracks.  Jeff performed Iron and Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights” on guitar for Corin’s walk down the aisle.  Corin’s beautiful smile couldn’t have been brighter.

The Details

The tables were named after Simpson’s locations (Moe’s, The Flanders, Springfield Retirement Castle among them) and each had a gorgeous white orchid centerpiece.  The wedding cake drew many laughs and smiles; it was shaped like a giant donut topped with pink icing and sprinkles that would have made Homer Simpson drool.

The Toasts

The Best Man’s toast explained that Corin and Albert were like yin and yang, going together perfectly.  “Corin likes to cook, and Albert, well, he likes to eat what she cooks.”

The Maid of Honor admitted that she hadn’t always loved the groom for her best friend.  “No one is every good enough for one of my girls.  Albert was no exception.”  But his generosity and big heart won her over in the end.

Photo by Steph

The Dancing

This floor was PACKED, as in nary an inch of dancing space unoccupied.  It was such fun watching the surging dance floor.  The playful guests even made up words for the Temptation’s, “My Girl.”  They sang, “Al’s girl.  Talkin’ bout Al’s girl…”

We also got to finish out our November weddings with our friends Jenn and Mike from Beautiful Memories, and Myles from Myles Studios.  It doesn’t get better when you get to work with friends, especially when the food is so excellent!

Corin and Albert, you pulled off a flawless, amazingly fun wedding.  We’re so happy we could share in the celebration!

The Rhinecliff Hotel

Photo by Myles Studio

Video by Beautiful Memories

Photo by Steph

The Ceremony

The ceremony was held in the Eisenhower room, overlooking that gorgeous view of the river and the last of the autumn foliage.  Jeff performed “Sea of Love” for Liz’s walk down the aisle on her father’s arm.  She was radiant as she met John to exchange their vows.

One of the bridesmaids sang an amazing, sultry version of Elton John’s “Your Song” during the ceremony.  Outstanding!

The Details

The bridesmaids wore latte gowns, and the Maid of Honor had a deeper chocolate gown, and they carried bouquets of deep red roses and orange calla lilies.  The wedding cake was white with orange calla lilies and white sugar roses.

The Toasts

The Best Man’s toast began, “Like all great love stories, this one started on the Staten Island Ferry…”  And so it was that Liz met John through work as an attorney, after she started her position on Staten Island.  Apparently the seriousness of their relationship was obvious when John asked that they be assigned to separate cases.  “It’s the equivalent for lawyers of giving your girlfriend your letter jacket,” the Best Man explained.

Photo by Steph

The Maid of Honor said she knew the seriousness of their relationship when they watched a Curb Your Enthusiasm marathon, and Liz pointed out the way Larry David’s idiosyncrasies matched John’s, and they’d never laughed harder.

The Music

Liz danced with her father to a song she remembers her mother playing on guitar during childhood, “Tangled Up Puppet” by Harry Chapin.  We enjoyed playing songs for John, like Pavement, Yo La Tengo and Hall and Oates.

This was an amazing day and one of the happiest brides we could ask for.  Thanks so much for inviting us to be a part of it!

 Thayer Hotel

Photos by Christine Tullo

Photo by Steph

The Ceremony

Tara and Mike were married under the outdoor pavilion.  Jeff performed an acoustic version of “Stay” by Little Big Town for Tara’s walk down the aisle, a song she loves for of its lullaby quality.

“I listened to Jeff play it at first, then my father took my arm.  I was trying so hard not to cry that I just couldn’t listen to it!  It’s such a beautiful song,” she said.

Tara was absolutely gorgeous in her rose covered dress and long train.  The groomsmen wore dark brown suits with peach-yellow roses at the lapel.  The Maid of Honor wore an olive green gown.  When they exchanged vows, Mike answers eagerly, “I will.  Absolutely!”

I loved watching Tara look into Mike’s eyes at the ceremony, her eyes glistening with happy tears.

Photo by Steph

The Love Letters

It was my pleasure to read the beautiful letters Mike and Tara had written for each other.  Tara’s talked about their many adventures over the past seven years, to other countries and even “movie night.”  Mike earned tears and sighs with his tale of how he nearly despaired of finding his “special someone,” until he asked God to send him an Angel, and a week later came their first date.  His words led to a seamless transition into their first dance, “Something About the Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John.

The Details

The tables were decorated with autumn leaves and peach-orange and green flowers.  Guests received jars of Jelly Belly beans.  The tables were named with positive words in wooden frames Tara put together: Happy, Laugh, Dance, Smile.

The wedding cake was made to look like the Adirondack cabin they camp in, with a Precious Moment’s cake topper on the “front lawn.”  Guests left their thumbprints and signed them on the wooden plaque Tara had burned herself.

Photo by Steph

The Music

Mike told me he was a music lover, and he didn’t lie!  He tore up the dance floor for his disco favorites.  With so many loving couples, there were plenty of love song dedications.  Plus, songs from Kiss and Twisted Sister played in honor of the groom.

The night ended with, “With a Little Help From My Friends” by the Beatles, the guests singing to each other in a circle, and Van Halen’s “Happy Trails.”

You guys are the sweetest, and it was our pleasure to be a part of your celebration.  Thanks for inviting us!

Le Chambord

Photos and Video by Majestic Studios

Photo by Steph

We’re not talking about just a dusting, either.  As I type this we’re driving home in a veritable blizzard, with nearly a foot of snow already accumulated.  Yeah.  (I’ll have to let you know if we made it home safely.  UPDATE: We did!  No one was hurt in the making of Megan and Michael’s wedding.)

Despite the threatening weather, the guests arrived ready to party.  Holy smokes, they lit up the dance floor!

Megan and Michael made their reception entrance to “Hey Ya!” by Outkast.  Megan was gorgeous, flashing that contagious smile, and wearing Michael’s hat, a double string of pearls and a white wool scarf over her gown.  This is a girl who creates her own style, and I loved it!

The Details

The tables had orange red napkins and autumn floral centerpieces of orange, red and yellow daisies, zinnias and roses.  Guests received favors of votive candles and maple syrup.  The cake was gorgeously decorated with red and peach roses.

Photo by Steph

The Music

These guests literally leapt to the dance floor five minutes into the party and started doing a Soul Train line to “My Girl.”  As Michael’s brother, one of the Best Men, pointed out, he had memories of dancing with his cousins over the years, and that’s exactly what they did at this wedding.

We had impromptu line dances, circle dances and dance offs.  We played, “One More Time” by Daft Punk as the last song of the night, and the young girls weaved in a line in time to the music.  It was amazing!

Megan and Michael, it’s obvious how much your family and friends love you.  Neither sleet nor snow nor state of emergency could keep them from partying down with you.  Thanks for inviting us to join in the fun!

Dutchess Manor

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music by Helen Avakian

Larissa was simply stunning in her strapless gown with a bow at the back.  She wore her blonde hair in waves over one shoulder, a classic, alluring beauty a la Veronica Lake.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore navy blue gowns and carried bouquets of pink roses.  The groomsmen wore classic black tuxes with bow ties and suspenders.  The tables were decorated with pink and white roses and hydrangeas, the same flowers that graced the top of the wedding cake.

The Matron of Honor talked about her long history with Larissa, and how their parents dressed them like they were twins when they were girls.  The Best Man revealed his only fear for his brother on his wedding day, remembering how he had presented an inappropriate finger once many years ago.

Photo by Steph

The Music 

Larissa absolutely loves music, and had given us a very extensive list of song requests.  Well, not only does she have great taste, she knew her group!  They danced to everything from swing favorites to Twisted Sister and Jay-Z.

Some of my favorite moments were watching Larissa and Mike dance to “Something in the Way She Moves,” the song Mike dedicated to his new wife; seeing Larissa lose herself in a Lady Gaga medley; the circle of kicking legs to “New York, New York.”

It was truly a pleasure.  Thank you so much for having us!

The Garrison

Photos by Jennifer May

Day of Coordination by New York Engagements

Photo by Steph

humor!

The Details

Julie was lovely in her gown and bolero jacket, with a smile that lit up the room.  The bridesmaids wore purple gowns and carried bouquets of white roses and calla lilies with purple centers.  Each table had an arrangement of lavender roses.

Julie and Vinny shared a dance to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, and we invited everyone to join.  It was the first time I’ve seen a group hug during the first dance.  So sweet!

Bouquet Competition

Instead of throwing her bouquet to the single ladies, Julie decided to have some fun with the tradition.  She called out her two competitive single cousins and had me explain their history of diving for Easter eggs and fighting under the Christmas tree, and said that she was going to spare the Dutchess Manor their destruction by skipping the bouquet toss and holding a trivia contest

Photo by Steph

instead.  (I saw the way her cousins competed to win the quiz, and I don’t think she was exaggerating!)

One of my favorite moments was watching Julie and Vinny slow dance to “Feels Like Home” by Chantal K in the corner of the room when no one was watching.  They are absolutely adorable.

This group was warm, fun, and full of an amazing sense of humor.  Thanks so much for inviting us!

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Majestic Studios

Photo by Steph

full of delicious eats.

Lisa Marie was stunning in her gown, lace bolero and birdcage veil with a feathered flower in her long, dark hair.  Loved it!

The Details

The bridesmaids wore lovely gray dresses and carried bouquets of dark purple calla lilies.  The wooden tables were decorated with candles, leaves, pumpkins and gourds.  The wedding cake was chocolate laid with decadent chocolate leaves and topped with adorable bird cake toppers.

During the toast we learned about the time Lisa Marie sang Bon Jovi in her sleep.  (Of course, we had to bring Bon Jovi back later in the evening after hearing that!)

The Music

I loved watching Lisa Marie and her family sing and sway along to, “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.”  They were having fun on and off the dance floor all night long.

The three course meal was amazing!  Guests were treated to s’mores melted over the campfire outside and homemade cookies to take home, on top of the chocolate wedding cake.

What a gorgeous day!  Thanks so much for inviting us to be a part of it.

Highlands Country Club

Photos by Maggie Heinzel Neel

Video by Beautiful Memories

Flowers by Flowers on the Porch

Their intimate ceremony was held inside the ballroom by the Reverend Jim Rooney, who happens to have a lovely Scottish accent

Photo by Steph

and a charming personality to boot.  He asked the guests to call out things they want for the couple in their marriage: “Happiness!”  “Peace!”  “Money,” the Reverend joked.

The Details

The tables were laid with gorgeous metallic maroon linens and autumn centerpieces of daisies, lilies and sunflowers.  Guests were given favors of spice scented candles and orange and black M&Ms.  The chocolate wedding cake was decorated with fondant pumpkins, leaves and acorns.

The Music

Photo by Steph

We loved the adorable kids Robert and Curt had invited to the wedding.  From the smallest toddlers to the dancing teens, they were a delight.  They danced with glow necklaces and played with foam swords the newlyweds provided for them.

One of my favorite moments was watching Robert and his Maid of Honor “Vogue” together on the dance floor.

There was love in the room, a few happy tears, and a great sense of fun.  Thanks so much for having us, guys!

Dutchess Manor

Reverend Jim Rooney