Photo by Steph

Jen and Tom shared laughter and smiles during the ceremony, as Father Rich spoke about Joseph Campbell and the “heroic journey” of marriage they were about to embark on.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore elegant floor length black gowns and carried bouquets of champagne roses.  The tables were decorated with champagne and white roses and hydrangeas, and guests received chocolate favors.  The cake was layered in gold champagne with a flower on the front.

The Toasts

The toasts highlighted the story of Jen and Tom’s meeting on the Jersey Shore and how Tom was so anxious to see her that a

Photo by Steph

speeding ticket was involved!  Jen’s friends were concerned about a “situation” arising with this Jersey Shore guy, but their fears were quickly set to rest after meeting Tom.

The Music

The dance floor rocked non-stop!  Tom and Jen set the tone by dancing in to the Beastie Boys’ “Sure Shot,” and their opening song, “Sex Machine” by James Brown.  One of the servers told me that she thought the ceiling was going to cave in when she was on the first floor beneath and we were playing, “Party Rock Anthem.”

The newlyweds wanted a dance party, and they certainly made it happen!  Thanks so much for letting us in on the fun.

The Garrison

Photos by Jennifer May

Flowers by Petals by Alice

Photo by Steph

Pamela looked absolutely amazing in her dress!  I only wish I had the fashion vocabulary to describe it accurately…a strapless gown with a skirt of layered ruffles that gave it a very Spanish feel.  It was just perfect for her!

The bridal party was introduced to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, and they formed an arch and clapped as Pamela and Leif came in to “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘N Roses.  Jeff always loves a rockin’ entrance, and we were both loving it.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore gray gowns and carried bouquets of pink roses.  The tables were decorated with arrangements of white and pink roses and hydrangeas.  Guests were treated to favors from an elaborate pink candy buffet and scratch off tickets.  A table was decorated with the wedding photos of the couples’ parents, and their wedding guests’ wedding photos were displayed in mason jars.

The Love Story

Pamela and Leif’s romance began at work.  One of the maids of honor described Pamela’s excitement after meeting Leif at the

Photo by Steph

hospital, “And you know Pam, she’s sooo enthusiastic, if she likes something, she looooves it.  And she kept telling me about this really cute guy she kept hanging out in Radiology to see…”

According to one of Leif’s Best Men, “There are only two women who have ever made Leif happy.”  He then pointed to Leif’s mother and to Pamela.

The Music

We mixed in some salsa and merengue with some new club dance tunes, in particular “Party Rock Anthem” and “Take Over Control.”  Leif’s son, Justin, got to hear his favorite, Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything.”

It was a night of unbelievable energy and fun.  Thanks so much for having us, Pamela and Leif!

The Garrison

Photos by Dan Stockfield Photography

Video by Fantasy Flash

Kate was a vision of loveliness in her wedding gown, with white and blue flower clips holding her elegant twist.  The newlyweds danced all the way in as they were introduced to a funky 2^nd Line tune, then shared their official first dance to the jazz classic,

Photo by Steph

“The Very Thought of You” by Billie Holiday.

Then we launched into an Israeli hora that had the newlyweds holding on for dear life to the chairs they were hoisted upon.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore cornflower blue gowns cut above the knee, each in a different style.  The flowers were bunches of purple, yellow and white wildflowers in mason jars on the tables, with matching bouquets for the bridesmaids.

The cake was decorated in delicate purple sugar flowers.  Guests received favors of jars of homemade apple butter, made by Kate’s father.

The Moments

There were so many funny moving moments at this wedding!  A few of my favorites: the surprise slideshow featuring baby photos of Kate, the hysterical “Poker Face” dance, the follow the leader style group dances to Michael Jackson, and of course, the highlight of the night, a surprise performance…

Nir took the microphone and shared the story of how he met Kate four and a half years ago on the streets of New York City,

Photo by Steph

carrying his saxophone gig bag over his shoulder.  He thanked everyone for being a part of his day, then took his saxophone from a friend who had hidden it away and dedicated a song to Kate.

It was “Saving All My Loving For You,” and Nir nailed this solo sax performance.  Smokin!  He finished to thunderous applause.

With my Jeff beside me, I was falling in love all over again under the influence of the romance surrounding this amazing couple.  Thank you so much for having us!

The Garrison

Photos by Sara and Sarma

They say you should be “friends first,” and that was the case with Daniela and Quoc.  They met in junior high school, and though Quoc secretly always had a crush on her, they parted ways and went to separate colleges.  It wasn’t until later that they reconnected, went snowboarding and fell in love.

We learned the storybook proposal on the balcony of a hotel in Sicily as romantic music played in the background and the red moon cast its light over them.  Sigh.

Quoc and Daniela warned us that they weren’t really dancers, but watching their first dance together to “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, it was obvious they are made for each other.  They moved so well on the dance floor, Quoc leading confidently and Daniela following, that it was really a delight to see.

The Details

Guests picked up their place cards, stamped passports for each table named after either a place or an activity the couple loves: Furnari, Sicily, Ithaca, Snowboarding, Rock Climbing.  The Garrison served both Italian hors d’ouevres and Vietnamese delights, authentic Vietnamese spring rolls and banh mi made by Quoc’s mother!

The bridesmaids wore bright aqua gowns and wore pink orchids in their hair.  The tables were decorated with sea green napkins and mixed tropical arrangements of yellow, pink and white orchids, lilies and roses.  Chopstick favors were set at each seat for the guests to enjoy.

Two Dresses!

Daniela, a dark Italian beauty, looked amazing in her traditional wedding gown.  But this lucky bride had two beautiful dresses; after the cake she changed into a gorgeous fitted pink Vietnamese ao dai. What an entrance in her second stunning gown!

The Music

When Quoc asked us to dedicate a Tevin Campbell love song to his Best Man, I didn’t understand the significance, but once we heard the toast it all became clear.  The Best Man talked about their secret Asian gang (don’t worry, I won’t reveal your gangster name, Quoc) and being a big hit with the ladies like Tevin Campbell.

We danced a Tarantella for the Italian side, and the night saw Daniela upon a chair, hanging on for dear life.  This group was not shy and we loved it!

Thanks so much for sharing your story and your sense of humor with us, Daniela and Quoc.  Congratulations!

The Garrison

Photos by Turn Loose the Art All photos courtesy of Turn Loose the Art

Meghan and Chris introduced us to an electro-swing band called Caravan Palace; they chose two songs for their swingin’

Photo by Steph

introduction.  Chris grabbed Meghan when they hit the dance floor and showed off some swing moves before their dance to “Steal My Heart Away” by Van Morrison.

The Details

Meghan was gorgeous, tall and elegant with flowers in her hair.  The girls wore electric bold blue gowns in different cuts and carried yellow and white bouquets, except for the Matron of Honor wore a white dress with blue and green print.  I love blue and yellow!

The floral centerpieces were mixed arrangements of blue, yellow, purple and pale green hydrangeas, roses and irises.  A five tiered cupcake display of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with blue and yellow icing stood in place of the cake.

The Toasts

Meghan’s father began with a warm welcome to everyone.  The Matron of Honor quoted Anais Nin, Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born,” and teased about the infamous leather pants, brandishing the photographic evidence.

Then the Best Man gave his toast, the story of how he met Chris and Meghan, complete with samples of swing and house music from their college days and chants of the groom’s last name: “Hip Hip HASEMAN!”

The Music

Meghan’s cousin sang an amazing version of “Whistlin’ Gypsy Rover” a capella, finishing to a standing ovation.  The newlyweds swing danced to the Black Eyed Peas and shook it to a double shot of Phoenix.

But this was a first for us: at the end of the night the groom jumped behind our DJ gear to mix a little Basement Jaxx with Caravan Palace.  A guest appearance by DJ Dislexic!

This was a fun-spirited, energetic group with character to spare.  Thanks so much for inviting us to the wedding, Meghan and Chris!

Garrison

Sara and Sarma

Milestone Video Productions

This was our first time back at the Garrison since the renovations over the winter.  Wow!  The ceremony area on the lawn boasts

Photo by Steph

a panoramic view of the Hudson River and valley.  The cocktail hour area is glassed in and completely climate controlled; no more sweaty summers or chilly autumn nights under the tent.  Now guests enjoy an unobstructed view from ceremony all the way to through the reception.

Sarah was simply lovely.  I loved watching her dance with her head on her new husband’s shoulder during their first dance to “You and Me” by Penny and the Quarters.

The Details

The centerpieces were Jeff’s favorite, a riot of color with yellow daisies, pink zinnias, red roses and purple flowers, adding a bold splash of color to the cream linens.  The cake was decorated in yellow and purple lilies.

Sarah originally described her colors as “Dunkin’ Donuts” pink and orange, and the actual wedding colors were delightfully bold.  The bridesmaids wore hot pink dresses and carried yellow bouquets, while Sarah’s bouquet had wildflower colors to matched the centerpieces.

The Music

Holy smokes, these guys could dance!  The groomsmen were especially crazy, rump slapping, singing along, and forming dance circles all night.  Someone even showered them with single bills!  Tunes ranged from “We No Speak Americano” to “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

It was smooth sailing all night, with a cool breeze, a pink orange sunset, the Garrison’s unbelievable entrees and an enjoyable

Photo by Steph

visit with our talented photographer friends Sara and Sarma. Check out this slideshow of Sara and Sarma’s gorgeous images from the wedding!

You did an awesome job, Sarah and Greg.  Thanks so much for having us!

Garrison

Photos by Sara & Sarma

Photo by Steph

Kirsten and Brandon were triumphantly introduced to “Country Grammar” by Nelly, the song that was popular the year they met in 2000.  Kirsten looked amazing in her strapless gown with rhinestones at the waist; one guest said, “She looks like a movie star!  Do you usually have brides who look like movie stars?”

The Details

The couple left the tables bare to show off the gorgeous antique wood tables.  Tall vases of green apples topped with pale blue and green hydrangeas adorned each table.  The girls wore deep blue gowns.  The groomsmen wore gray suits.

The cake was striking, decorated with tiny green apples and blue flowers to match the wedding colors.

Since Brandon is the chef at the Garrison, the menu was an extremely important part of the wedding.  It was comfort food all the way: chicken pot pie, braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables.  Outstanding!

The night’s music was FUN!  Lot of 90’s old school and new hip hop ruled the night.  It was hysterical watching our guy friends from the Garrison dancing with a pink scarf to “With You” by Chris Brown and sliding (more like belly flopping–ouch!) across the floor to “Alejandro” by Lady Gaga.

Guests enjoyed s’mores roasted over the fireplaces, since the rain kept us inside.  They were given favors of French macaroons from the Culinary.  Divine!

What an amazing night filled with laughter and love.  Thanks for inviting us, guys!

Highlands Country Club

Photos by Jimi Ferrara

Photo by Steph

were married last July in Sydney, Australia and came back to New York to celebrate with the American side of the family.

Kathryn was just as beautiful in her wedding gown as the first time she wore it (I know because I saw the video of their Sydney ceremony) as she and Ray were introduced to “Smokin’” by Boston.  They shared a dance to their song, “Forever and For Always” by Shania Twain.

The Details

The Highlands was decked out in holiday splendor with a Christmas tree in the corner and pine branches over the fireplaces.  The tables were decorated with tall candelabras, each with a red cardinal perching on it, and draped in snowflake garlands.  The wedding cake was white covered in snowflakes and topped with a white bow.

That night was the first time we met Kathryn and Ray, but by the end of the night we learned their story.  Ray took a job for 12 months in Sydney, where he met Kathryn on a cruise with mutual friends.  Kathryn’s mom confided that she “knew right away” that he was the one.

Photo by Steph

These guests must have been primed for a celebration because they practically leapt to the dance floor.  One of the stand out, surprising moments was a guest who crunked to “Find Your Love” by Drake.

The newlyweds were blessed with two amazing winter weddings, though the Sydney wedding didn’t have 18 inches of snow dumped on them only a few days before!  They even imported their photographer to NY for the second wedding.

It’s always a challenge to plan at a distance, and the couple and their families did an amazing job planning from outside the country.  Thanks so much for having us and Happy New Year!

Highlands Country Club


The ceremony was held amongst cream walls, high ceilings with lots of light, rose bouquets and tulle lining the aisle and candle lit lanterns as a backdrop.  They chose one of my favorite readings which emphasized the individuality of a couple even as they come together in marriage.

The bridal party was introduced by Kelly’s father!  He read tributes he had written for each member of the bridal party after interviewing Kelly and John as “Crazy Train” played in the background.  The result was personal and hysterically funny.

Then the newlyweds made their entrance to, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” by Jet.  (I think the answer to that question was Yes.)

The Details

Kelly was beautiful, like a winter princess in a strapless gown ending in a cascade of ruffles and with a diamond tiara nestled in her blonde hair.  The girls wore gray gowns with ruffles at the bodice echoing those on Kelly’s dress; they carried red rose and winter berry bouquets while the bride’s bouquet was white roses with winter berries.

The centerpieces were white roses in vases of cranberries.  The wedding cake was covered in silver beads and topped with a Claddagh cake topper.  Photographs of the couple, their parents’ wedding photos and black and white images of their grandparents were set out beside the place cards.

Kelly’s sisters and Maids of Honor proposed an amusing toast, “5 Reasons We Are Excited That Kelly and John Are Getting Married.”

The Dancing

What fun!  We sampled various genres, from disco to classic rock and top 40 hits.  Characters such as “Fat Cream” and “Farticus” made an appearance, and I witnessed dancing around and over a glass before diving to the floor to take a sip.

It was an amazing time and I think we had almost as much fun as the guests.  Thank you so much for inviting us, Kelly and John!

The Garrison

Photos by Sam Antoci *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Sam Antoci.

Video by Todd Kenny

The newlyweds were introduced to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas, one of Ellen’s favorite songs.  Then they did a romantic choreographed dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.  Ellen was lovely, with a touch of adorable nervousness as they giggled their way through the moves.

The Details

The table centerpieces were shafts of wheat tied with blue ribbon.  The bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses and carried bouquets of red roses.  The cake was decorated with red and purple flowers and topped with a Precious Moments cake topper.  A few masquerade masks, jack-o-lantern trinkets and marbles decorated the gift table.

It’s always a pleasure to work at the Garrison, and once again Todd and the staff were spot on.  Jeff couldn’t help but notice the fine selection of Belgian beer they were serving!  It’s like the Benjamin Franklin quote David used in his thank you speech, “Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

We enjoyed playing requests for a merengue, cha cha and fox trot from an 80 year old gentleman who danced to nearly every song for as long as he could.  “The spirit is willing, but the hips are weak,” he told me.

Ellen and David pulled off an amazing experience for their family and friends in only a few months.  Thanks so much for inviting us to be a part of it!

The Garrison

Photos by H&H Photo *Photo in this blog post courtesy of Eric Wessman