The couple was married on the hill beside the garden.  We didn’t get to see that part, but we heard about their romantic horse-drawn carriage ride to and from the ceremony.

Jeff was ecstatic to perform acoustic guitar on the wrap around porch outside the Parlor overlooking the lake.  He’s always in his happy place when he gets to play outside. 

The Details

Patricia indulged her artistic side in the planning; she designed the menus, the place cards and table numbers and put together the elements for her latte lovebird theme.  The bridesmaids wore latte gowns and carried bouquets of pale pink and peach roses.

The cake was decorated in chocolate accents and topped with two porcelain lovebirds in a nest of blush roses.  Guests received favors of lovebird salt and pepper shakers to match the theme.  They couple even had an ice sculpture of the mountain house with a sign reading, “The Lovebirds” in front of it!

The Music

Patricia was full of beauty and grace and so photogenic!  (Janet let us peek in her camera at some of the ceremony pictures.)  She and Vince made the most romantic picture dancing to “I Finally Got It Right” by Fooling April.

Vince choose a beautiful song for his dance with his mother, one that’s destined to be a classic, “All to You” by DJ Keo.  Despite limping to the dance floor on a broken ankle, his mother danced the entire song with him.

Awesome job designing, coordinating and planning this wedding.  Thanks so much for having us, guys!

Mohonk Mountain House

Photos by Ashley Studios All photos courtesy of Ashley Studios

Video by Artistic Images Video

Flowers by A Night in Bloom

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


Photo by Steph

Valley.  Talk about a winter wonderland!

This was a Tuesday night wedding, but it was as crazy with dancing as any Saturday night.  These guys had it covered!

JoAnne and Rich were introduced into the atrium room to share a first dance to “Love of My Life” by Jim Brickman and Michael W. Smith with their families surrounding them.

The Details

Cranberries and floating candles in bowls were centerpieces at each table.  The girls carried bouquets of white roses and pale greenery.  But it was the cake that stole the show.

JoAnne and Rich turned to the Cake Boss to add a sense of humor to their wedding cake.  JoAnne is a cemeterian and Rich is a funeral director, so they asked for something funeral-y.

The result was a cemetery display complete with RIP tombstones and a hearse.  The bride, shovel in hand, digs her groom out of a coffin.  Beside the cake were two stuffed animals, each wearing a T-shirt, “I love my cemeterian,” and, “I love my funeral director.”

So if you haven’t figured it out yet, this couple loves to have FUN.  Their kids helped pick out the music and did an amazing job at including a broad selection of music, from Sinatra and Earth, Wind and Fire to Usher and Flo Rida.

This night was all about family love and celebration.  Thanks so much for having us and have a Happy New Year!

Round Hill House

Did they ever!

The bridal party made their entrance to “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over” by Hank Williams Jr. and the newlyweds danced their way in to Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel.”  Their first dance song was a beautiful duet by Dolly Parton and Ricky Vanshelton called, “Rockin’ Years.”

The Details

The adorable bridesmaids wore orange gowns that matched the groomsmen’s vests and ties as well as the lily arrangements on each table.  Guests received favors of white and milk chocolate candy calla lily and truck lollypops.  The card box was a replica of Sheena and Matt’s house, made by a friend!

The high school sweethearts looked amazing.  Sheena in particular just glowed in her gown with rhinestone beading.

Halloween Cake Topper

The cake topper was a tribute to Halloween, a French kissing bride and groom skeleton with a tombstone engraved, “Love Never Dies.”

Photo by Steph

I was so impressed with the new additions to Anthony’s Pier 9!  We checked out the gardens, patio and ceremony area, complete with backlit fountain and stairs for the bride to make her dramatic entrance for the wedding.  Simply gorgeous.

There sure were some crazy moves happening on the dance floor!  The groomsmen arrived in reflective vests to do the “YMCA.”  Guests got their country on with a little line dance action to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Good Times.”  Sheena’s father and the bridal party feverishly did the “Surfin’ Bird” dance.

A Sentimental Date

Sheena and Matt got married in the very same church where Sheena’s parents were married…exactly 27 years before on the day prior to their wedding!  The newlyweds dedicated their wedding song to them, “Never Gonna Let You Go” by Sergio Mendez.

You set the tone by inviting your “rowdy friends” over for a party, and they delivered!  Thank you so much for letting us celebrate with you.

Anthony’s Pier 9

Photography by Fotos by Cheryl

Video by Starlight Video

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

expression of musical passion set in a gorgeous country setting.

This was the second of our “intimate weddings” this weekend (that’s code for a small guest list) and both couples proved that you CAN have a beautiful, fun, unforgettable reception without inviting everyone you know.

These weddings can actually be better because you have only your closest family and friends; you’ve “cut out all the fat” from your guest list.  Of course, that’s just my humble opinion.  *smile*

The festivities began with a ceremony under the arbor in the beautifully landscaped gardens.  The incomparable Reverend Stu, Jason and his Best Man waited before the fountain until Kim appeared on her father’s arm; in her flowing gown, hair in tendrils around her shoulders with white flowers in her hair, she was a gorgeous garden nymph.

Jeff loved performing guitar for both the ceremony and cocktail hour (he is always in his happy place playing outdoors) but even more so because of the musicians in the audience.  At the end of the cocktail hour, the Best Man borrowed Jeff’s guitar and sang harmonies with Jason, a performance that was received with thunderous applause!

Photo by Steph

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore blush peach gowns and carried bouquets of white daisies that matched those on the tables.  Guests picked up their table seatings on paper butterflies perched on the edge of the champagne flutes.

Kim and Jason shared a romantic first dance to “Samson” by Regina Spektor, a beautifully haunting tune that they sang to each other as they danced.  I admit, this one moves me almost to tears every time.

We had so much fun with Jason and Kim’s eclectic music choices!  Jason and his band mates rocked out to “Starlight” by Muse (love, love, love it!) and “Jungle Boogie.”  We even ended the night…with every last person on the dance floor…with the grand finale “All These Things That I Have Done” by the Killers.

Awesome music, unbelievable energy and so much love.  Thanks for having us, guys!

Bykenhulle House

Catering by Bridge Creek Catering

Photos by Kimberly Coccagnia

Sean waited in front of a birch arbor decorated with fuschia and white gerber daisies for Tanya to arrive.  The bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the Canon in D remix by Ronald Jenkees and a smiling bride arrived on her father’s arm to the theme from Lost.

Tanya and Sean are incredibly thoughtful and fun loving, so it was no surprise that they brought as much care to their day as they do to everything else.  They were introduced into the East Dining room and I read their love letters describing how they met at work, became friends and gradually fell in love amidst baklava eating, ziti baking and Lady Gaga concerts.

The newlyweds began a first dance to “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” by Elvis.  Then, after about 30 seconds…  “Ra ra ah ha ha ha…Bad Romance.”

The newlyweds did the Bad Romance dance for their guests, complete with claw hands and shoulder shrugs, before inviting everyone to join in the fun.  What an awesome way to start a party!

THE DETAILS:  Bridesmaids in coral dresses carrying white daisies.  Sweet Tanya looked amazing in her gown with a long train and fingertip veil.  The guys wore classic tuxes with bow ties.  The wedding cake was covered with fuschia sugar flowers and a bride and groom penguin cake topper.  Each guest received a gift bag filled with chopsticks, California wine and Kazakhstan chocolate.  (I know because the newlyweds were kind enough to give us one, too!)

The night included some Russian songs, including my favorite Gogol Bordello, in honor of Tanya and her family from Kazakhstan.  Also a tradition in her country, she asked us to play some games, “when everyone is drunk.”  These guests were up for anything, so it was so much fun.

Mohonk is the perfect retreat for guests who’ve never seen the Hudson Valley, and its beauty and laid back vibe were the perfect environment for Sean and Tanya’s wedding.

You are amazing hosts.  Thanks for having us!

Mohonk Mountain House

Photos by Ricky Cheung *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Ricky.

Kristen’s viola teacher and family friend performed for the ceremony and Michael’s percussion instructor played in a jazz duo of vibraphone and bass for the cocktail hour. What a sentimental way to add meaning and cool music to the wedding!

The newlyweds were the unassuming, sweet mannered stars of the day. Kristen was beautiful in her traditional gown and Michael was stylin’ is his classic cutaway suit and gray and black striped ascot. Traditional, gorgeous and classic all the way!

THE DETAILS: The bridesmaids wore bright blue dresses, each in a different cut that flattered them, and carried bouquets of pink roses. Matching blue napkins and bold colored wildflower arrangements were at each table. Instead of numbers, the tables were named after Beatles songs: Dear Prudence, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Love Me Do. It set up a fun musical theme for the day.

Another amazing personal touch was having Michael’s uncle sing “What a Wonderful World” for the groom’s dance with his mother. I was so impressed by the musicianship amongst their family and friends.

But I’ve also got to comment on the energy! Not everyone is willing to participate in crazy dancing in bright day light, but it was absolutely no problem for these guests.

We don’t often bust out those line dances; however, Kristen asked for them and they were so right for this group. We went through not one, not two, but three group dances in a row! (I swear Jeff just likes to laugh at my two left feet leading the Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle. Hey, I never claimed to be a professional dancer.)

I loved it when Kristen’s dad kidnapped her to the dance floor for “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy” and then one of the groomsmen hijacked her for a dance to “You Shook Me All Night Long.”

There was music, love and such fun energy that it was an absolute joy. Thanks for having us, guys!

Christo’s Catering

Photos by Majestic Studios

Photo by Steph

afternoon showers didn’t help, but the skies cleared just in time for the ceremony, ushering in a cool breeze that made it a perfect night.

Peter and Kristin made an amazing entrance to “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles, guests chuckling at the fanfare at the beginning. Then they shared a romantic first dance to Jack Johnson’s “Better Together.”

Kristin’s dress was amazing! (Despite my lame description of it.) Below the waist it flares out into feathery ruffles, adding texture and movement. Kristen wore a bird cage veil for the ceremony to completed a look of vintage chic. The result: she looked absolutely beautiful!

The Details

Bright blue linens on the tables that contrasted brilliantly with wildflower arrangements in mason jars of orange and yellow zinnias, daisies and snapdragons with a hint of indigo. The bridesmaids wore bright blue dresses and carried matching wildflower bouquets. The tables were named after Kristin’s favorite desserts and treats: Kristin’s Almost Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Whoopie Pie.

The theme of fine, country wildflower elegance was an ideal match for Onteora Mountain House. Guests received favors of homemade maple syrup from the trees on the property of Peter’s family as well as the printed recipe card each of their tables was named for.

Check out this awesome slideshow of photos from Kristin and Peter’s Onteora wedding courtesy of Henry Chan.  Need I explain why Onteora is our favorite Hudson Valley wedding location?

POLAROIDS! It’s difficult to find Polaroid cameras these days, but Kristin and Peter managed it. Guests took photos of themselves, signed the back and hung them on a clothes line for all to see. While they were waiting for the Polaroid to dry, they paged through the Pine Plains yearbook to see what the newlyweds looked like when they first started dating 10 years earlier.

Even better, the winning recipe for a Hudson Valley wedding…the beauty of Onteora Mountain House, the artistic photography of Henry Chan and us!

High school sweethearts romance, personal country elegance and fine fashion. Kristin and Peter, you outdid yourselves! Thanks for letting us bask in the light of your wedding day.

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Henry Chan

Photo by Steph

included multiple tributes to Marist College and was followed by one of the most non-stop dancing parties we’ve had all year!

Travis absolutely loves music and gave us a long list of requests for the wedding.  Man, did he know his group!  From “O.P.P.” to “Jamboree in the Hills,” the music united their Marist friends with their West Virginia and Massachusetts family on the dance floor.

The reception began with elaborate introduction music engineered by Travis.  I announced, “Travis and Bobbie Sue had a really tough time agreeing on an entrance song.  Let’s see who won…”  Excerpts from songs referencing West Virginia, Boston and the Pittsburg Steelers followed before finally settling on “Bobbi Sue” by the Oakridge Boys.

Then I told the love story of Travis and Bobbi Sue, how they met, fell in love and got engaged at Marist College, finally getting married there in the Chapel that day.  Their first dance, “Then” by Brad Paisley said it all.

THE DETAILS:  The bridesmaids wore strapless fuchsia gowns and carried bouquets of fuchsia roses accented by pale green flowers.  The tables were decorated with matching fuchsia napkins and centerpieces of pink and fuchsia gerber daisies.  Guests were treated to drinks in Little Mermaid sippie cups, a tribute to Bobbi Sue’s love for Ariel.

Bobbi Sue was simply stunning!  As the Best man joked, “Travis may be a great guy, but Bobbi Sue greatly outshines him.”

However, Travis is no slouch himself, as the Matron of Honor pointed out.  “Our Ariel has finally found her Prince Eric and now she really is the girl who has everything.”

Travis worked the room with the microphone, singing along to “Sweet Caroline” as he egged on his guests and later on “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

What made the night even sweeter was working with our buddies Steve Planck from Blue Sky Photography and Bill and Mike from Joyful Moments Video.  These guys are easy as pie to be around, almost invisible at the wedding…and Steve is just so irresistibly fun to mess with.

Once again the Links was spot on with timing and accommodating dinner service.  A true pleasure!

Travis and Bobbi Sue, you masterfully drew your friends and loved ones from across the country together into your own love story using the power of music and your energizing personalities.  You are now my personal heroes!  Thanks for letting us join in the fun.

Links at Union Vale

Photos by Blue Sky Photography

Video by Joyful Video