Even though Jeff and I have been wedding DJs for over eight years now, we’re STILL surprised to discover unusual, beautiful spots for weddings in the Hudson Valley that we’ve never seen before, right in our own backyard. The Soyuzivka Estate in Kerhonkson is one such spot, affectionately called “Suzy-Q” because of its unpronounceable name.

Just past Minnewaska State park, the UNA is nestled high in the mountains. The old Ukrainian resort, circa 1886, is a group of Bavarian-style resort lodges boasting the most beautiful mountain views I’ve seen since Mohonk. Andy worked at the resort as a teen, practically growing up there, and it was here that Ashely and Andy had their first date, making it a natural choice for their wedding.

Pumpkins lined the aisle runner set up in the lobby of the Main House for Andy and Ashely’s ceremony. The groomsmen, in black suits and Keds sneakers, stood to one side; the bridesmaids in royal blue took their spots across from them. Ashely, in a beautiful halter cut gown with a navy blue sash about the waist, glided down the aisle on her mother’s arm. She turned to face Andy, revealing the vivid peacock feathers woven into her hair, matching the ones in her deep red rose bouquet.

During the ceremony, one of the couple’s friends performed from memory a rhyming spoken word blessing he had written for the occasion. It was reminiscent of a Shakespearean poem, delivered with passion, “Love is friendship caught on fire,” well suited to the Medieval feel of the lodges and bridal party attire.

The guests moved to the Trembita building for cocktail hour, a dark wood paneled bar with Ukrainian mosaic figures on the walls, for cocktails and appetizers as Jeff performed an acoustic guitar soundtrack.

The tables in the downstairs reception hall were laid with navy blue linens and decorated with wrought iron candelabras draped with blue, maroon and silver ribbons.

GUESTBOOK IDEA: Ashely dressed up a regular white book with peacock feathers and ribbon to match her theme.

COOL CAKE IDEA: Instead of a traditional (and expensive) wedding cake, Ashely and Andy cut a single pumpkin cheese cake topped with a Ukrainian icon, while the staff plated of separate cakes for their guests in the kitchen. Not only did it offer savings off a traditional wedding cake; it fit their fall theme and was really delicious!

Dancing really took off after dinner. Two of the guests, both Iraqi veterans who had only met the day before, staged a Zoolander-esque dance-off to “Relax” by Freddy Goes To Hollywood, complete with contortions, mock break dancing, and dry humping on the dance floor.

The night ended with a song chosen by Andy and Ashely, “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles. Guests held hands in a circle around them and wove underneath the couples arms as they sang the song together.

Soyuzivka Estate

Photos by Matt Petricone

The tent was decorated simply with cranberry trim and ribbon, candles at each table, allowing the surrounding natural beauty of the Catskills center stage. Black and white wedding photos of Courtney and Erik’s parents and grandparents adorned the gift table, setting a tone of family love and fun that is so much a part of who the couple is.

I can say that with confidence, since this is the THIRD wedding we’ve played for Courtney’s family. For the past three years we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating the wedding of Courtney’s cousin, Steve, (who has a 6 month old now!) and then her sister Meghan. Having three of our special couples in the audience made it extra special for us. Especially since this fam loves to party!

DONATION IDEA: In lieu of favors, Courtney and Erik made donations in their guests’ honor to Heifer, a foundation working to end world hunger. They typed up a cute explanation for each table: “We bought you a llama. Well, not you, actually,” and explained that their donation “buys” a llama that will be given to a family in need; the wool will be used for garments and the offspring for milk and meat.

Courtney and Erik executed a lovely choreographed dance to Michael Buble’s “Everything,” Courtney opening her arms to invite her guests to join for the last minute. This was her party and Courtney glowed with confidence radiance.

A dinner of pork, salmon, roasted vegetables and risotto was served family style, encouraging conversation between the guests.

The party really started after dinner. The guests showed off their moves to the Siege of Ennis which they had learned together at the rehearsal dinner. (Only Courtney and Meghan actually seemed to remember the steps.) It was followed by a bluegrass jig for Courtney’s dad, who wowed us with his fancy footwork. “Suavemente” and some cumbia hits were a nod to the Latin contingent, and everyone enjoyed the diversity among the guests.

The festivities continued at an after party across the street in a cabin identical to the ones in Dirty Dancing, Courtney’s favorite movie, and so attached to her childhood memories of growing up in her parents’ cabin just up the road.

Full Moon Resort

Event Coordinator: Anh Sobo

Because live music is so important to them, Christine and Alex went back and forth between hiring a DJ and a band. I even helped them explore local band options. (I know, professional hazard.) In the end, they compromised by hiring a very talented mandolin folk duo for their ceremony and cocktail hour, and then had us for the reception.

To indulge the couple’s love for live music, Jeff performed live acoustic guitar during dinner, which was a special treat for the kids. A little curly haired boy in a striped shirt and jacket, rolled trousers and sandals who looked like he had just stepped out of a Gap catalog, danced with a blonde toddler in a blue dress and ballet shoes, twirling and dancing as Jeff strummed. When he paused between songs, they stopped dancing and waited, staring at him until he began to play again so they could continue their interpretive dance. At the end of his performance, Jeff got a rousing round of applause!

Onteora Mountain House transports you to the hills of California, right here in the Hudson Valley. Lily & Brennan were SO sweet and fun. The simple, elegant touches of their decor accented Onteora’s beauty without overshadowing it. Yellow cala lilies and purple irises set into a few river stones in glass vases adorned each table beside red and gold bags containing Chinese candy favors. The groomsmen wore light beige suits while the groom was dressed in gray–a perfect choice for summer weather. The bridemaids were beautiful; all three had long, dark hair cascading over their shoulders and each wore a uniquely cut deep jazz blue dress.

And Lily! She was the show-stopper. In a fitted dressed with asymettrical buttons down the back and a yellow tiger lily in her hair, she was stunning.

The party really took off after dinner. We delved into old school and new hip hop, motown favorites, even Daft Punk and the Gorillaz for Brennan. Lily changed into a striking yellow dress with a high Asian neckline that matched the yellow flower in her hair. The better to dance the night away with, my dear.

It was non-traditional, elegant, laid back, and SO much fun. Lily and Brennan, you rock!

Our thanks to our new friend Henry Chan for providing these awesome photographs. Look at that view!

P.S. I’m so excited that I HAVE to post this. Henry Chan sent us a link to a movie he made for Lily and Brennan. It’s absolutely AWESOME! Check it out.

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Henry Chan