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.

Planning a wedding in the Hudson Valley?

The Hudson Valley is without question one of the most beautiful areas in the country to

Photo by Lori O'Toole

host a wedding.  But there are a few factors to consider as you plan so you can guarantee an amazing day…

Unpredictable Weather – On of the biggest reasons couple choose the Hudson Valley is for the seasonal experience.  And when you picture your wedding day, you think of sunny skies, romantic sunsets and guests dancing all night long.

However, Mother Nature may have other plans.  The famous seasonal variety of the Hudson Valley also contributes to unseasonal havoc when it comes to the weather.

You might end up with a 50 degree day in February and a blizzard in October.  Before you set the date, look up the average temperature for the past few years.  Then consider your location and make sure you have a Plan B you can live with in case of bad weather…just in case.

Hudson Valley Wedding Vendors Book Quickly – The Hudson Valley is a gorgeous spot for a wedding, which means it’s extremely popular.  Especially during the spring, summer and peak fall foliage months of September and October, expect a lot of competition for your favorite wedding professionals.

When you start planning a wedding, sometimes it seems like you have all the time in the world.  In most areas of the US, couples book 6-8 months before the date without a problem.

Here in the Hudson Valley, it’s a different story.  Many wedding vendors book 12 months or even 2 YEARS in advance.

Of course, take your time and do your research, but move as quickly as possible so you won’t have to settle for your second choice.

Overwhelming Options – The Hudson Valley boasts historic locations, gardens, river views, theaters, gourmet restaurants, wineries and all the variety that comes from being so close to New York City.  This makes it perfect for creating a unique wedding experience, BUT…

All these choices can lead to overwhelm.  Before you start exploring all the many options the Hudson Valley has to offer, take a little time to think about what you’d like for your wedding.  This will help you eliminate choices right off the bat, saving you time and stress.

Accommodation Aggravation – The Hudson Valley is so popular and there are so many events happening here every weekend, that couples planning a wedding frequently run into hotel shortages.

This is particularly problematic May through October.  If you have many out of town guests, make arrangements to book rooms EARLY.  Try to block off rooms in more than one location so that if one hotel books up, you’ll still have another option.

Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out if there are any events happening in town on the weekend of your wedding.  College graduations, festivals and performances can make accommodations difficult to find.  A bit of planning will save you and your guests a big headache later on.

If you’ve visited the Hudson Valley, I’m sure you agree that the benefits of planning a wedding here far outweigh any draw backs.  So get down with your bad self and get that Hudson Valley wedding on!

And if you need any help or have any questions, be sure to ask us.  We’re happy to help!

Lori O'Toole Images

What makes a Hudson Valley wedding so glorious?

Well, Jeff and I did get married in the Hudson Valley ourselves…but even if we hadn’t, it’s one of the most beautiful places for a wedding in the entire country.  In my humble DJ opinion.

You’ve got mountains in the distance.  Brilliant foliage in the fall.  Historic mansions like the Mills Estate, Locust Grove and Boscobel with unparalleled views and architecture.  And we mustn’t forget the Hudson River itself, dividing the valley on its majestic trip to the sea.  Every time I cross the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, I catch my breathe in awe and count my blessings to be living in such a beautiful spot.

But the allure of Hudson Valley weddings goes beyond the evocative scenery.  It’s the people.  There exists in the Hudson Valley a diversity of culture, race, and interests.  Couples who choose to get married in the Hudson Valley are on the whole open-minded, well-traveled, with broadly ranging interests…and that diverse experience breathes life into their weddings, making it an absolute joy to participate in them.

I’ve seen nature-themed weddings, heart-themed weddings, black and white weddings, dragonfly weddings, weddings that were understated simplicity and weddings that were elaborate feats of elegance.

With a prime Hudson Valley wedding season from April through November, only Orange County, California has a more robust wedding industry.  So what if they’ve got the sunny weather?  We’ve got winter wonderland weddings and autumn foliage.  No comparison.

As a Hudson Valley DJ, I am privileged to work with some of the most dedicated, creative artists at the weddings we attend.  We perform before thousands of people whose tastes in music range from country to reggae to techno and beyond.  My knowledge of music, culture, and religion is stretched each season by the individuality of the couples we work with.

There is no question that the Hudson Valley is a wonderful place to live.  But to be married here?  The pinnacle of a wedding dream.

Why did you choose to get married in the Hudson Valley?  Leave me a comment.

But now, years later, I wish I’d had that dance with him.  I know just what song I’d pick: “Daddy’s Home” by Shep and the Limelites, the song Dad sang when he came home from work every night when I was a little girl.

Maybe I can sneak in a dance with my dad when we renew our vows someday…

The father and daughter dance is a special moment, and one I recommend (from hard earned experience) that you take advantage of.  I mean, how many times will you dance with your father in your lifetime?

If you don’t have a song that reminds you of your dad, try these on for size.

My Favorite Father and Daughter Dance Songs of 2008…

“Daddy” by Kendall Payne – This one is a definite tear-jerker.  A sweeter than honey voice with heart-felt delivery and piano accompaniment.  Great lyrics!

“Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III – A bit more light hearted, but still a sweet and true bluegrass tune.  Sung from a devoted father’s point of view.

“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw – This one’s not exactly an unknown, but it still makes my list of favorites.  Country fave Tim McGraw sings straight from the heart, there’s no denying.  It gets me every time.

Have you found the perfect father and daughter dance song?  Leave me a comment.

Photo by Anthony Kelly

If you’re searching for the perfect father and daughter dance or mother son wedding dance song, you can always go with the classic favorites:

“Daddy’s Little Girl” by Al Martino or “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle or the new favorite “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

“Song For My Son” by Mikki Verrick or “Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men or “The Man You’ve Become” by Molly Pascutti

But if you’re looking for the best parent dance songs you haven’t heard, these might be right up your alley.

The following songs work for either father and daughter or mother son dances:

“Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi – Sentimental and sweet, but still cool.  I mean, it’s Bon Jovi!

“One Friend” by Keb Mo – A touch of bluegrass with slide guitar, heart felt lyrics.  Perfect for if you and your dad are friends, too.

“The Secret of Life” by James Taylor – Classic, syrupy sweet James Taylor.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles – A bit upbeat and just charming.  It conjures up images of parent consoling a child who’s just scraped her knee.  (At least for me, big sap that I am.)

These are just some of my favorite less traditional parent dance songs.  But it’s just the tip of the ice berg.  Hopefully this spurs you on to the song that’s right for you.  More ideas for parent dance songs that are mother and father specific coming next week.

Got a favorite undiscovered parent dance song?  Leave me a comment.

pjinomaha

Are you stuck on picking out a song for your parent dance?  You want something that fits your relationship…something different…but not too different?

A few tips before you start beating your head against the wall in frustration over finding the “perfect” parent dance song:

• Ask your mom or dad if they have a particular song in mind.  If they come up with a song that’s special for them, it’s one less thing you have to worry about.  Job done!

• Think back to your childhood.  Is there any song or artist who makes you think of your dad?  Does he have a favorite singer?  If so, this could point you to the right song for your parent dance together.

• Don’t worry about the lyrics too much.  (Most people don’t listen that close anyway.)  If you find a song that’s meaningful to you, who cares if it’s an “official” parent dance song.  You and your dad will get it.

• If you do choose a less traditional song for your parent dance, ask your entertainer to provide a simple explanation for your audience.  For example, “Jennifer picked out ‘You Are My Sunshine’ for her special dance with her father because he sang it to her when she was a little girl.”  Instantly an unusual parent dance choice becomes perfect.

Stay tuned for my favorite Parent Dance songs of 2008 over the next couple days.

Are you having a tough time picking out your parent dance song?  Leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help out.

Photo by Fleur Phillips

After last weekend’s storm, I think it’s official.  Winter is here. Ready or not.

But December can be a great time to have your wedding, Hudson Valley style.

Why?

Let me share a few secrets…

• You’ll save money on decorations.  Catering halls around the Hudson Valley are already decked to the hilt, trees draped in tinsel, ornaments, lights, wreaths, even mistletoe.  You won’t have to do much to add to the holiday feel, and that saves you a bundle.
• You’ll save on booking your wedding vendors.  Here in the Hudson Valley, corporations are cutting back on their holiday events and weddings are few in December.  Less demand means that catering halls, wedding DJs and photographers will be eager for your businesses.  That translates to DISCOUNTS.
• December is typically NOT known for huge snow storms.  (Leave it to last weekend to make a liar out of me.)  Especially if your Hudson Valley wedding is in early December, you’ll avoid the foul weather and take advantage of savings and that holiday charm.
• Your family may already be coming into town.  If that’s the case, combining your wedding festivities with holiday travel to the Hudson Valley is a winning combo.

If you’re planning a winter wonderland wedding in the Hudson Valley, some things to consider:

– Cold Weather.  It’s likely your photographer will want to take you into the wild, freezing outdoors for pictures.     Make sure you can handle the cold.  Or buy an elegant faux fur wrap or cloak to keep you warm.

– Travel.  If your guests are coming from out of town, you might end up with cancellations if you run into bad weather.  We got hit with a snow storm that dropped 18 inches on the Hudson Valley during one January wedding a few years back.  The couple was supposed to have 85 guests attending…only 27 people showed up.

– Environment.  It’s not as pretty in December…unless you’re blessed with snow, in which case you deal with travel issues.  The Hudson Valley is known for its gorgeous fall foliage, but once it falls from the trees it’s mostly naked branches and brown lawns.  Make sure you choose an indoor location that has lots of photographic interest to compensate.

What do you think about winter weddings?  Leave me a comment.