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.

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

Photo by Jeff

gorgeous autumn days we’ve had so far.  The reception started at 3:30, allowing guests to fully enjoy the panoramic view of the Hudson River during cocktail hour.

I spied on the couple outside during their photo shoot.  Chris held Kimberly in a tender embrace as the sun set behind them; she was so elegant in her long white gloves.  The he tickled her and photographers Vicki and Allan snapped away to capture the delightful playfulness between them.

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore merlot dresses.  The Dutchess Manor’s famous rose centerpieces this time w ere cream, white, yellow and rustic orange.  Photos of Kimberly and Chris as children and then together were displayed during cocktail hour.  Favors were classic Jordin almonds and chocolates wrapped in ribbon tied purple boxes.

Photo by Steph

The couple’s love for each other was the most inspiring centerpiece of the evening.  As Chris’ brother and Best Man put it, “No one cares about anything the way these two care for each other.”

Photo by Steph

The Maid of Honor revealed how she met Chris when he visited Kimberly’s dorm and taped her favorite candies to her door…and how years later proposed on a gondola ride in Italy.

This group needed no urging to party!  They were all over the Tarantella, several Greek dances and even Jay-Z made an appearance.

One of my favorite moments was watching Chris doing the lawnmower on the dance floor.

My heart was warmed just looking at this loving couple.  Thanks for having us, guys!  It was truly an amazing day.

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Allan Levine Photography

Video by Artistic Images

Photo by Steph

wedding.

The bridesmaids wore elegant, full length fuschia dresses as they walked down the aisle, carrying bouquets of fushia and pink roses.  Adam was escorted by his parents, then waited under the chuppah for Robin’s entrance.

She was beautiful and regal, hair drawn up beneath her veil in a bun at the crown of her head, with a dazzling smile as Jeff performed the traditional “Bridal Chorus” on guitar for the processional…a song more commonly known as “Here Comes the Bride.”

Rabbi Hershel Jaffe led a simple, moving ceremony including the Seven Blessings and concluding with an explanation of the breaking of the glass.  Robin and Adam were married with the wedding rings worn by Robin’s grandparents!

The tables in the ballroom were decorated with fuschia and pink roses accented with dark purple flowers.  (Don’t I wish for a horticultural background so that I could tell you what they were.  They were so beautiful!)  White boxes with fuschia lettering matched the printed menus.

Photo by Steph

The toasts revealed the story of Robin and Adam’s romance: Robin actually met Adam’s mother first, as a student in her art class.  And it was an advanced art class that would bring the couple together years later.

A photo montage put to music, “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen, treated guests to snap shots of Robin and Adam as they grew up and fell in love.

The night was filled with energetic dancing and celebration.  One of my favorite moments…music geek and pun fan that I am…was watching Robin dance to the Jackson Five’s “Rockin’ Robin.”

Well done, Robin and Adam!  Off to an amazing Hawaiian honeymoon…

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Lori O’Toole

Video by Chris Fig

Their love story unfolded in the letters they wrote to each other along with the toasts of their Maids of Honor and Best Man.  Amy and Adrian forged a relationship in spite of the odds and six long years separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  Their late night telephone calls, “did more for Irish-American relations than any diplomat ever has,” in the words of Adrian’s brother.  Amy’s Maids of Honor spoke about their “blue light chats” in college and the girls’ declaration that Adrian was definitely a keeper; “You better keep your kung-fu grip on him!”

DETAILS:  An Irish and American flag graced the sweetheart table.  A photo slideshow of Amy and Adrian through the years played on a lap top throughout the night, a lovely presentation put together by Amy’s godmother.

Amy had spent years in a capella groups, so she decided to surprise her new husband with a serenade.  She invited Adrian to a chair in the center of the dance floor, then sang a pitch perfect, “Be My Baby.”  I expected her to be good, but Amy was outstanding!  The lovely, unassuming Amy worked the room like a pro, circling and singing to her new husband.  The guests burst into applause at the finish in a standing ovation.

Blending Irish music with classic feel-good oldies tunes was just the right musical combination for Amy and Adrian.  We ended the night with “Lean On Me,” all their friends circled arm in arm on the dance floor, singing along.

Dutchess Manor

Photo & Video by Majestic Studios

Their love story unfolded in the letters they wrote to each other along with the toasts of their Maids of Honor and Best Man.  Amy and Adrian forged a relationship in spite of the odds and six long years separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  Their late night telephone calls, “did more for Irish-American relations than any diplomat ever has,” in the words of Adrian’s brother.  Amy’s Maids of Honor spoke about their “blue light chats” in college and the girls’ declaration that Adrian was definitely a keeper; “You better keep your kung-fu grip on him!”

DETAILS:  An Irish and American flag graced the sweetheart table.  A photo slideshow of Amy and Adrian through the years played on a lap top throughout the night, a lovely presentation put together by Amy’s godmother.

Amy had spent years in a capella groups, so she decided to surprise her new husband with a serenade.  She invited Adrian to a chair in the center of the dance floor, then sang a pitch perfect, “Be My Baby.”  I expected her to be good, but Amy was outstanding!  The lovely, unassuming Amy worked the room like a pro, circling and singing to her new husband.  The guests burst into applause at the finish in a standing ovation.

Blending Irish music with classic feel-good oldies tunes was just the right musical combination for Amy and Adrian.  We ended the night with “Lean On Me,” all their friends circled arm in arm on the dance floor, singing along.

Dutchess Manor

Photo & Video by Majestic Studios