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

When Theresa and Eric booked their Bahamas vacation, they looked at each other and asked, “Maybe we should make this a honeymoon?  Let’s do it!”

That sense of fun and spontaneity filled their entire wedding.

COOL DETAILS: The centerpieces were an intricate tableau of the outdoors: two mini Adirondack chair candleholders around a tiny flower arrangement simulating a bush, surrounded by leaves and pine cones, as if tiny campers were about to lounge around a campfire. The cake was oliveade green (one of the most popular colors this summer and fall!) with brown trim to match the table linens. The couple named their tables after their Tattoos…the “Clown With Balls” table was the star of the night.

This was a tight, partying group of family and friends. We worked in Shaggy, the Cure, Fishbone and even the Killers…and they danced to it all.

Eric led the “Time Warp,” last second addition to their play list, and we ended the night with “What a Feeling” from Flashdance, Eric imitating the famous scene with buckets of water poured over the dancers head.

High energy and relentless enthusiasm, Theresa and Eric definitely have a fun-filled future ahead of them and the White House gang.  I almost expected them to ride off into the sunset on their matching motorcycles!

You guys truly rock.

Bykenhulle House

Photos by Paul Stokes of Hudson Valley Photo

Maureen and Tom chose “The Luckiest” as their First Dance song. It’s one of my favorites by Ben Folds. So romantic! Guaranteed to wring tears from even the toughest wedding guest. It’s that line about the old man who dies a few days after his wife because he misses her so much. “I know it’s a strange way to tell you that I know we belong…but I know, that I am the luckiest.”

It’s no wonder Maureen and Tom were stealing kisses during their solo dance.

Our couple from last month, Kyle and Alicia, were guests in attendance. It was so good to see them again! Jeff was so impressed with Kyle’s savvy Blu Ray buying skills (and his skillful justification of the purchase) that he’s already planning his own campaign. “But, honey, we get FREE high def included…”

Though I knew what to expect this time, I was pleased that enough of Maureen’s sorority was present to serenade her with an a capella version of their song. It was, however, the first time I’ve seen Red Hot Salsa in action. Apparently, Maureen took line dancing in college, and she and her group of friends suffered such a traumatic experience together that they are compelled to relieve their Red Hot Salsa group dance at every opportunity. “You’re red hot. You’re a red hot dancer…When you swing your hips, and you do the salsa.”

I always say: there are no rules in weddings. There is the traditional, but you should do whatever feels right for you. Maureen shared a special dance with her mother to, “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” a moving song Martina McBride wrote for her daughters. (Another tear jerker. Darn it!)

It’s your wedding. You get to make–and break–the rules. Dance with whoever you want, skip traditions that don’t fit you, or make up new ones. It’s all good!

Maureen and Tom are off to St. Lucia for “snorkeling and zip lining.” Yippee!

Villa Borghese

Photos by Paul Stokes of Hudson Valley Photo