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

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

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

Nicole and Marc wrote love letters for each other that I got to read before the first dance.  Marc’s teased about how they were

meant for each other because of Nicole’s uncanny knack for being on time, and ended with a sweet and sincere declaration of love.  Nicole related the time she knew they were meant for each other; she had called Marc in tears after a bad day, and came home to a vase of flowers and a card reading, “Smile,” on her doorstep.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore carmel-colored floor length gowns topped with black lace and carried bouquets of white roses and winterberries.  The tables had matching flowers.  Guests received favors of crossword puzzles, a tribute to the couples’ love of games.

Nicole was a gorgeous and smiling hostess in her strapless gown and fingertip length veil.

The Music

The requests came pouring in from the start.  From Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga and KC and the Sunshine Band (for the little kids, if you believe it!) the music was across the map and touching all the generations.

There are those special moments I watch for at a wedding, and I usually notice them on the dance floor.  Here’s one: Nicole and Marc were dancing at the end of their first dance song, after the bridal party had joined.  They smiled at each other and exchanged this look that just said everything: their happiness, the love, their excitement.

This was an amazing wedding!  Thanks so much for letting us be a part of it, Nicole and Marc.

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Hudson River Photographer Photographs provided by Hudson River 

Peach Rose Centerpiece

The couple had officially married in Canada back in July and were celebrating with their US family right here.  Danielle’s parents found us and made the Dutchess Manor celebration arrangements.

Danielle and Steve were introduced to the Star Wars theme.  Danielle’s mother told me this was an appropriate choice and it wasn’t until much later than I learned why.  Apparently Steve is a huge Star Wars fan.  They designed special Star Wars boutineers  for their Canadian wedding constructed out of legos!

THE DETAILS:  Peach roses in greens on the tables.  A wedding cake with bold orange-pink sugar daisies.  Danielle pulled her hair back into a lovely pony-tail and wore a shimmering silver sheath dress.

Our tiniest dancer (and possibly biggest fan) at the wedding was a boy no more than four or five years old.  He danced the entire night!  “I learned some moves when I was a baby,” he said.  “And I still got it.”

It gives us great pleasure to play love song requests for couples at a wedding and at Danielle and Steve’s wedding we played, “Crazy For You” by Madonna, “Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray and “To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees.  Watching those couples dance close still warms my heart.

With gracious hosts and fun-loving family, this was a party we are thankful to be a part of.  Thanks for having us!

Dutchess Manor

Photo by Steph

Beacon, NY was an undeniable celebration of life and love.

The couple added Scottish touches to the day to honor Shannon’s heritage: a bag piper at the ceremony and a metallic heather theme.

CEREMONY NOTE:  I’m always encouraging couples to share their story at the wedding and there are so many ways to do it.  Shannon and Dan included their story on their ceremony programs.  They met and dated in junior high school, then went their separate ways for 15 years until they were reintroduced at a wedding; the attraction was instant and impossible to ignore, and their fate was set.  I love this unobtrusive way they drew guests into their story!

The bridal party was introduced to “Drum Trip,” by Rusted Root, a tribal beat that set the tone of anticipation.  Then, the fanfare of “Conquest” by the White Stripes as Shannon and Dan ran into the room.  Perfect!

Their first dance song was beautiful, chosen by Dan, “Have a Little Faith” by Michael Franti & Spearhead.  This one was new to me and I’ll definitely be adding it to my personal playlist.

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore knee length metallic heather gowns and matching pearl necklaces, carrying bouquets of white roses and greenery that matched the elegant, tall arrangements on the tables.

Shannon absolutely rocked her wedding dress, a v-neck halter top suggesting a flipped up collar.  She wore dangling earrings and had her hair drawn up into a knot and secured with flowers and a short veil, the image of beautiful, funky cool.

At the end of dinner, the two adorable flower girls danced to “Tiny Dancer,” posing and spinning for the photographer.  We delved into old school: “Poison” by Bel Biv Davoe, “Jump Around” and “It’s Tricky.”

It was an honor to witness the journey of two people who were so obviously destined to be together.  Thanks for having us, Shannon and Dan!

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Hudson Valley Photo

Photo by Steph

couple’s wicked sense of humor and love for each other shone through the entire day.

Jeff performed acoustic guitar for the ceremony overlooking the Hudson River. What a gorgeous view!

Krisanne and Bob had us introduce the bridal party to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys in honor of their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. Of course, we timed it just right so that the Best Man and Maid of Honor (huge Yankees fans) came in to the line, “We’re shipping up to Boston…”

Confession: it is an MC’s worst nightmare the he will mispronounce the couple’s name. But I did it that night…on purpose!

I introduced them as Mr & Mrs Krisanne…at the couple’s request…then paused and explained that my “mistake” was because Krisanne filled out the paper work. I just love the fun, irreverence of this couple!

THE DETAILS: The Bridesmaids wore lavender dresses, except for the Maid of Honor, whose dress was dark lilac. They carried bouquets of white calla lilies. Lavender napkins and the famous Dutchess Manor roses matched the bridal party colors. The cake had dark purple ribbon between the layers, tiny purple polka dots and sugar calla lilies.

The couple’s constant ribbing and teasing (after chants of, “Let’s go Yankees!” by the guests, Krisanne threatened to throw out the next person who even said the word Yankees) couldn’t hide their sensitive side. These guys obviously love each other, their families and friends with their whole hearts.

It was so heart-warming to watch Krisanne and Bob dancing together to “Then” by Brad Paisley, barely moving, lost in that moment. Jeff and I knew how close they are right away; we caught them making out in our driveway after our very first meeting!

It was a beautiful day, an amazing party and a night full of love. Thank you so much for having us!

Dutchess Manor

As if the effervescent Kristin wasn’t already adorable enough, on her wedding day she was a beautiful princess, with a huge smile and curls drawn over one shoulder.  Ken couldn’t have looked more proud of his new wife.

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore elegant pewter gowns with a touch of lavender for a vintage look.  The flowers were pale pink roses and white hydrangeas.  The wedding cake had silver polka dots and chocolate ribbon between the tiers.  Wedding favors were housed in white boxes tied with pink ribbon to match the flowers.  Spring beauty!

The night’s music blended Pink Floyd and Kings of Leon (for the groom) with Garth Brooks and Gretchen Wilson (for the bride) along with a good dose of 80′s favorites.  When we busted out, “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy,” guests ran to the dance floor with goofy hats on their heads: lobster claws, a red parrot, and a fuzzy white chicken.  The hats circulated the room, perched on the heads of numerous guests throughout the rest of the night.

We finally met photographers Jade and Tim of Uplift Photography, whose gorgeous wedding photo blog I have admired for quite some time.  We love those husband-wife teams!

The Dutchess Manor topped off the evening with an extravagant Viennese dessert display.  Yes, everyone’s sweet tooth was well satisfied.

Kristin and Ken are enjoying the Napa Valley and its vintage delights right now.  Thanks for inviting us to your amazing day!

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Uplift Photography *All photos in this blog post courtesy of Uplift Photography.

Margaret and Brian met as math teachers at Washingtonville school, united by their love for numbers.  It was only right that their marriage should celebrate the blossoming of that mutual love.  Their tables were playfully named after fractals: Koch Snowflake, Julia Set, Dragon Curve.  The Best Man’s speech was filled with masterful mathematical puns that kept the guests in stitches.

THE DETAILS:  Floral arrangements of lavender tulips at each table with matching napkins on gold and cream linens, all of which looked stunning against the gold backdrop of the Dutchess Manor’s ballroom.  The bridesmaids wore lavender dresses.  Guests were treated to wedding favors of mini chocolate Easter baskets.

Margaret looked amazing!  I loved her choice of “something blue,” blue topaz earrings and a matching necklace.

Brian’s mother shared a dance with all three of her sons, enjoying every moment and singing along to “Beautiful Boy” performed by Celine Dion.

It was wonderful to visit our friends at the Dutchess Manor once again and work with Lou and Lea of Bedinotti Photo, who snuck the newlyweds out for a quick sunset shot against the gorgeous orange pink sky.

If ever there was a weekend of purple passion, it was this one.  Jeff and I were thrilled to be a part of it!

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Bedinotti Photo

I knew we were in for a non-stop dancing party when one of the groomsmen approached us before the reception.  “I’ve been appointed head silly dance guy,” he told us.  “We’ve named ourselves the Dazzle Squad.”

Dazzle they did.

The bridal party made their entrance to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas and when the Dazzle Squad hit the dance floor with the ring bearer and flower girl, they gestured wildly to the crowd, urging everyone to dance until the floor was packed.

All this even before the couple’s first dance!

Ken and Mary shared the love letters they had written for each other, highlighting how they met at a Habitat For Humanity work site, their Red Sox vs. Yankees “rivalry,” and how they had each found what they were searching for in each other.

Ken took Mary in his arms and gently led her around the dance floor to “Fields of Gold” by Sting.  The two smiled, touching their heads together as they waltzed, Mary gorgeous with a white flower and red berries in her hair.

THE DETAILS:  The holiday season has arrived!  The Dutchess Manor was decked out with live trees decorated in silver and gold; large arrangements of red roses, greenery and holly berries; poinsettas; silver branches draped in white lights; and the Dutchess Manor’s famous red rose centerpieces on each table surrounded by ornaments and pine cones.  The bridesmaids wore merlot dresses, the groomsmen gray and black striped ties, everyone draped with Dazzle squad sashes.

The wedding cake was covered in beautiful icing snowflakes and pine cones, with cranberry ribbon tied around each tier; a tiny Bruce Lee stood beside it.  Guests were given favors of stockings filled with candy and a lottery ticket.

Guests rocked out to artists as diverse as Abba, Bee Gees, Lady Gaga and The Cult…with a modern line dance and even a tango thrown in for Ken’s parents…amazing dancers!

The night was filled with warmth, fun and enthusiasm from beginning to end.  The newlyweds are off to New York City for a few days before their honeymoon in Spain and Portugal after the holidays.

An amazing couple with an amazing love story.  Thanks for sharing, guys!

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Nick Carter