The Ceremony

Photo by Steph

Kate and Adam were married on the patio overlooking the Hudson River on a perfect, warm autumn day.  The bridesmaids wore bright blue gowns and carried wildflower bouquets that brought out a hint of orange.  (Kate had told me their colors were blue and orange, “Not like the Mets!” and it was gorgeous.)

Kate looked amazing, wearing a birdcage veil over a flower brooch in her hair, and a shawl draped over her shoulders.  Adam smiled at her all the way down the aisle, and didn’t take his eyes off her for a moment.

Each chose a reading to encapsulate the feelings.  Kate chose, “Why Marriage” by Mari Nicols.  Here’s my favorite line:

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold…

Adam chose the Commitment Reading of the Pueblo Indians:

Photo by Steph

Before we met, you and I were halves unjoined except in the wide rivers of our minds. We were each other’s distant shore, the opposite wings of a bird, the other half of a seashell. We did not know the other then, did not know our determination to keep alive the cry of one riverbank to the other. We were apart, yet connected in our ignorance of each other, like two apples sharing a common tree. Remember?

I knew you existed long before you understood my desire to join my freedom to yours. Our paths collided long enough for our indecision to be swallowed up by the greater need of love. When you came to me, the sun surged towards the earth and moon escaped from darkness to bless the union of two spirits, so alike that the creator had designed them for life’s endless circle.  Beloved partner, keeper of my heart’s odd secrets, clothed in summer blossoms so the icy hand of winter never touches us. I thank your patience. Our joining is like a tree to earth, a cloud to sky and even more. We are the reason the world can laugh on its battlefields and rise from the ashes of its selfishness to hear me say, in this time, this place, this way – I loved you best of all.

And their vows included the moving statement of choosing their marriage: “Of all the people on this earth, I choose YOU.

Star Wars Tribute!

I’m all in favor of expressing your hobbies, interests and personalities at the wedding.  Kate and Adam really did that, from start to finish.  Of course, for this couple, that meant they would HAVE to include Star Wars.

Photo by Steph

The newlyweds were introduced to The Throne Room entrance from Star Wars: A New Hope.  Each table was named after a planet from the Star Wars Universe: Endor, Tatooine, the Deathstar.  And they had the cutest wooden cake topper of Princess Leia and Hon Solo.

The Music

Can I say…outstanding!?!!  Since Adam is a musician, we had a talented group of guests, some of whom gave special performances.  It reminded me how much I love live music, listening to those singer-songwriters on acoustic guitar, singing their hearts out.

Of course, Adam stole the show with a song he wrote for Kate, “Time Machine.”  Paraphrasing the lyrics, “We’ve got three kids, some pets…Would you do it all over again?  I’ve got this groovy time machine…”

I loved the spontaneous dance off to the Avett Brother’s “Kick Drum Heart,” and break dancing to “Dynamite.”  It was all about having a great time without holding back, and I had a blast watching it!

Kate and Adam, thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day!

Grandview

Photos by Majestic Studios

From the Grandview’s bounteous feast during the cocktail hour, while Jeff performed acoustic guitar, to the grand finale sendoff to “Shout” by the Isley Brothers, it was nothing short of impressive.

This was the first time we met Christine and Jordan in person, and they were very bit as fun as I’d imagined them.  Christine was gorgeous with her blonde hair in an elegant updo, and sparkling eyes as she danced, quite literally, all night long.

I introduced them as, “The Doctors Christine and Jordan,” to celebrate not only their marriage, but the completion of their veterinary degrees.  I like doctors who party!

The Details

Photo by Steph

The bridesmaids wore black gowns and carried bouquets white roses and lilies.  The tables were decorated with alternating tall and short arrangements of white hydrangeas, lilies and roses.  The white wedding cake had chocolate accents and was topped with their monogram and the cutest stethoscope cake topper!

Christine’s brother cracked us up during his toast by giving Jordan a warning to come armed with “both fruit rolls ups and ear plugs” in preparation for a disagreement.  Then Jordan took the microphone and said he was the luckiest guy in the world to be with Christine and to spend the rest of his life with her.

The Music

This was a “three Shout” wedding!  Christine’s family LOVES the song “Shout,” so those chose it for their introductions, had us play it in the middle of the reception, and then again as their grand finale.  They certainly had enough energy to convince us to bring it back happily!

The music was classic and fun, from Elvis to Journey with everything in between.

Photo by Steph

Along with their cake, guests enjoyed the Grandview’s Tableside Temptations and an international coffee bar.  Delicious!

Christine and Jordan worked hard to pull off an amazing wedding planned at a distance.  You pulled it off!  Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of it.

The Grandview http://grandviewevents.com/

Photos by Rochelle Riservato

Video by Digital Weddings

The day began with a ceremony performed by Reverend Stu on the patio overlooking the Hudson River.  We enjoyed the sun over the water as we watched the sailboats pass the marina below.

Jeff did a masterful job (if I do say so myself!) creating a version of Howie Day’s “Collide” and Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter” on acoustic guitar for the processional.  Erica couldn’t have looked more beautiful or more happy as she walked down the aisle to Evan.

The Reverend Stu, in his infamous black porkpie hat, began the ceremony.  “How you doin’?” he asked the soon-to-be-weds.  “You ready to get married?”

The Details

The bridesmaids wore dark purple gowns and carried lavender, pale green and white floral bouquets.  The flower girls were simply adorable in white gowns with dark purple hair ribbons and sash, wearing purple Keds.  The cake was topped with purple and white flowers.

The Music

Erica and Evan were introduced to “Say Hey (I Love You)” by Michael Franti.  Their first dance song was a stand out, a special live performance of “You Are the Rose of My Heart” (originally covered by Johnny Cash) played by the groom’s brother on guitar and sung by the lead singer of the Jukebox Romantics.

The second dance song was almost as cool, “Such Great Heights” by the Postal Service.  I loved watching an older couple merenge (or was it fox trot?) to the odd rhythm.  It’s not every group who would dare a dance to an electronica love song, but these guys were in!

Later on Erica and Evan stole a moment to dance together to “Dracula’s Lament,” a song from their first date movie, ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’.

These guys were incurable romantics, so super sweet with each other that is was contagious, and they smiled from start to finish.  Thanks for inviting us, guys!

Grandview

Ceremony officiated by Reverend Stuart Chernoff

Photos by Elissa Davidson All photos in this post courtesy of Elissa Davidson.

Video by Best of Times

The newlyweds met when they were only children and Aimee had a huge crush on Chuck.  “When I was five years old, I told everyone I was going to marry Chuckie,” Aimee laughed.

But like her Maid of Honor explained in her toast, it took another 15+ years before Chuck asked Aimee out on a date!  It finally happened on December 4th, the day they choose for their wedding date.

Grease-y Entrance

The family and bridal party were introduced to favorites from the movie Grease: “We Go Together,” “Born to Hand Jive” and “You’re the One I Want,” for Aimee and Chuck.  I loved watching the energetic groomsmen do the hand jive on the way in!

The Details

Aimee confided in our first meeting that she loves the holiday season, and the first time they visited the Grandview ballroom decked out with trees that had gold ornaments, white lights and wreaths, she absolutely loved it.  The table linens were deep purple, topped with white lantern candle centerpieces over pine branches.  Guests received a pine seedling favor at each setting.

The bridesmaids wore deep purple dresses and carried white flowers.  The cake had a matching purple fondant bow with a gorgeous diamond brooch at the center.  Wedding photos of the couple’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents graced the gift table.

Aimee looked amazing!  The picture of the stunning winter bride in her fur wrap pinned with a diamond brooch.

Surprise!

Aimee and her father started out their dance together to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong with Kenny G.  Then, a minute and a half into the song, Jeff hit the breaks, bringing the music to a screeching halt!

Guests held their breaths (and I’m sure, silently cursed him) for a moment before we jumped into “Footloose,” the song Aimee’s dad had teased would be their dance.  The two had worked out a choreographed routine that left everyone in stitches.

This was a gorgeous wedding day, the sweetest couple and an amazing party.  Thank you so much for inviting us!

Grandview

Photos by Hudson Valley Photo Studio

Video by Joyful Video

Photo by Steph

vibrant energy of the couple and their guests.

Mary’s dress and jacket were amazing!  A slip gown that flattered her petite form, with a high necked, ruffled jacket that reminded me of Victorian England.  Mary was classically beautiful with her auburn hair drawn over one shoulder and pinned with an orchid hairpiece.

The bridal party was introduced to, “Chapel of Love,” by Bette Midler.  Then Mary and Brian shared a first dance to the classic love song by Mel Carter, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.”  I loved watching Mary sing it to her new husband as they danced.

The Details

Submerged white orchids with floating candles graced the center of each table.  The bridesmaids wore merlot gowns in different styles.  The wedding cake was a classic tiered confection decorated with white ribbon and topped with fresh white orchids and pale yellow roses, along with Mary’s (great?) grandparents’ antique bride and groom cake topper.

Instead of favors, the newlyweds made donations to Hospice of Sullivan and Orange Counties.  Even so, they gave their guests cookies, candies and snack bags to take with them.

Mary was a fireball on the dance floor!  In particular, she sang and strutted to “Teenage Dream” performed by the cast of Glee and “IZZO” by Jay-Z.  The music selection was certainly diverse, with something for everyone.

I’ll tell you this: Mary knew her guests.  The songs she requested were spot on!  From Motown hits to old school rap, she nailed it.

One of the highlights of the night was the Grandview’s Ice Cream Sundae buffet.  The curtain rose as we played, “Candyman” by Sammy Davis Jr, to reveal the bride and groom (Mary playfully indicating the decadent display of ice cream and toppings with a flourish.)

Mary and Brian, it was your vivacious personality and the strong relationships you have with your family and friends that made this wedding so amazing.  We were honored to be a part of it.  Thank you!

Grandview

Photos by Uplift Photography

Amanda and Roberto were introduced to “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin, carrying their adorable son, Lucas, in their arms.  He was a charmer, an absolute sweetheart all night…especially when they let him have the first taste of cupcake icing!

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore elegant black dresses and carried white bouquets, each with a bouquet charm containing a photo of Amanda and Roberto’s Hawaiian wedding.  The groomsmen were handsome in their Marine and Army uniforms.  Tables were decorated with floral centerpieces of pale green bells of Ireland and white roses, along with picturesque photos the couple enjoying Hawaiian beaches and Maui sunsets.  Green and white cupcakes adorned with yellow roses on a tiered display.

Guests were given S’mores favors in mason jars, complete with an adorable poem, “S’more Thanks, S’more love…”  Instead of a traditional guest book, guests signed tags and hung them on a Wish Tree decorated with glittering jewels.

Amanda was so beautiful, with a feather in her hair and an effervescent personality that made her the sweetheart of the night.  It was our first time meeting Amanda and Roberto in person, but the glimpse of their personalities told us they were every bit as sweet and caring as I had imagined.

We played songs by Hawaiian artists to treat the guests to “Island style” during dinner.  N’sync also made an appearance, thanks to a helpful guest who clued us in to the fact that Amanda was obsessed with them as a teenager.

The guests also enjoyed the decadent ice cream sundae buffet.  Yum!

It was a true celebration of love and family that united the generations and guests from across the states.  Thanks for having us, guys!

Grandview

Photos by Beckie Butcher

Flowers by Apple Valley Florist

Photo by Steph

They were a non-traditional couple (our specialty) and Nick, a musician himself, made it clear that they did NOT want the typical cheesy wedding songs or a cookie-cutter wedding experience. Our kind of couple!

Thanks to their great taste in music (80’s new wave, Talking Heads, the Cure, Billy Joel, Leonard Cohen) and their fun-loving guests, delivering was a cinch. And so much fun!

Jackie and Nick were introduced to “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and shared a first dance to “San Francisco Serenade” by Tom Waits. Cool, right?

Each table was named after one of Jackie and Nick’s favorite bands: Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Led Zeppelin and (my favorite) Black Sabbath. The newlyweds made a decree that if we played a song by one of these artists, the table named for it would have to dance. This was an excellent idea, as each table hopped up when their artist was played. It was the first time I’ve seen anyone dance to Radiohead!

Photo by Steph

THE DETAILS: The girls wore gray gowns that matched the linens on the tables. Flowers at the tables were variegated yellow and red roses with purple flower accents that came together with the bright lilac chair covers. The cake was decorated in blue, yellow and pink psychedelic starbursts to match the menus. (Nicely done, Pastry Chef, Casey!)

Jackie was the picture of vintage beauty, tall and elegant in her simple bird cage veil and loose lace bolero. Nick and the guys wore purple striped ties to match the wedding colors.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Nick arranged a surprise serenade for his new bride. He plugged his guitar into Jeff’s amp and sang a song he had written. “You are the vinyl. I am the needle. You make me sing…” Thunderous applause!

Not only did we get to play some kick-butt music, we got to hang with real music lovers and help Nick and Jackie create a wedding that was totally them. Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of it!

The Grandview

Photos by Steve Planck of Blue Sky Photography

Not every couple can pull off a mid-week wedding, on a non-holiday MONDAY, no less…but for these guys it was a piece of cake. Coming off a weekend of celebrating Neil’s graduation from West Point, their guests partied as hard as any Saturday night wedding.

The first to be introduced, Courtney’s mom and brother sauntered in to “Eye of the Tiger,” wearing Rocky gear: he even had a bandage taped over one eye! Not to be outdone, the bridal party made a spirited entrance to “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C&C Music Factory, bridesmaid and groomsmen running in from opposite sides of the tent, high fiving, doing the fish and generally entertaining everyone.

The Lieutenant and his new Mrs. stole the show with a romantic dance to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, the song he proposed to on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center in NYC.

THE DETAILS: Courtney’s vision and do it yourself skill transformed the Grandview tent with Tuscan elegance. Hand-sewn dark purple table runners, maroon napkins, Tuscan gold, grapes, flowers and moss in wrought iron centerpieces draped in purple and gold jewels. The bridesmaids wore deep purple gowns and the groomsmen drew together accenting colors of maroon red with their ties. The bouquets pulled in those same reds, purples and gold.

Check out the cake topper! Courtney made it herself: Neil in his Army uniform and Courtney as a cheerleader. The cake tiers were decorated in dark purple rhinestone encrusted ribbon.

As beautiful as the bride was, it was her effervescent personality that lit up the night. There is nothing these two can’t do together. Enjoy your Sweet Home Alabama, Courtney and Neil!

Grandview

Brett met the rabbi beneath the wooden chuppah topped with turquoise and green cloth that he had made, enjoying the view of the Hudson River in the distance, eagerly awaiting his bride. Boughs of white dogwood graced either side.

Jen finally arrived on her brother’s arm, gorgeous in her strapless mermaid gown, a flower and veil in her hair and an excited smile.

CEREMONY MUSIC: Guests absolutely raved about the ceremony music the couple selected: pop tunes from The Cure, Fall Out Boy and Taking Back Sunday covered by the Vitamin Strings.

THE DETAILS : The Grandview ballroom, while always beautiful, looked amazing at Jen and Brett’s black and white wedding.  White chair covers tied with black sashes to match the elegant bridesmaid dresses, low arrangements of cream and pale green orchids and tulips on each table.  Rhinestones decorated each tier of the wedding cake topped with an adorable pair of birds in a nest.

The Maid of Honor revealed the moment she knew Jen and Brett were meant for each other: when they surprised their college friends by attending a Halloween party dressed as Spartan cheerleaders from SNL…complete with a routine they performed for everyone.  Now that’s love!

Despite the alluring view and unseasonably warm weather, the guests were all over the dance floor.  I loved slipping in the couple’s favorite Michael Buble tunes, along with Kings of Leon and Modest Mouse.

Spring love, black and white elegance and a hint of emo punk flare; a wedding personalized is a wedding to be loved.  Thanks for having us, guys!

Grandview

Photos by Lori O’Toole

Photo by Steph

family.  In fact, her brother and sister both have adorable babies who were in attendance!

Of course, the Grandview always rocks.  But Erin, Jimmy and their crew took it to a whole new level.

Erin and Jimmy started their night with a high-energy introduction to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, in homage to the Yankees and because, “He’s he closer and she is his…”

Then the blues loving couple danced to “That’s How Strong My Love Is” performed by Taj Mahal.

THE DETAILS:  The girls wore taupe dresses and carried bouquets of red and fuschia roses.

Leave it to this family to weave in their sense of humor throughout the night.  Since Erin’s new mother-in-law had given her an “ugly fish” vase as a gag gift earlier, she regifted it back…as the surprise “ugly fish” centerpiece on their table.

And Erin’s mother (we love you, Jeanne!) challenged their new in-laws to a polka stand off…The story goes that both Jeanne and Jimmy’s dad played accordion years ago and joked that they would play “dueling accordions” at the wedding.  Since there were no accordions in attendance (thankfully) we broke out the Jimmy Sturr instead.

Erin was so lively, beautiful and happy, greeting guests on and off the dance floor, that it was an absolute delight.  We played a version of “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” that Erin sings to Jimmy, made famous by this classic episode of Tom and Jerry, and watched her pull him onto the dance floor…

If we could custom order an entire family to celebrate with us each wedding weekend, it would be this one.  And I am so psyched that our friend Jimi Ferrara was there to capture their fun and personality like only he can.

Thanks for having us, Erin and Jimmy!

Grandview

Photos by Jimi Ferrara