Jeff performed on acoustic guitar as the guests took their seats.  Then, as the bridesmaids readied for their walk down the aisle, he swapped positions with Stephanie’s brother who played and sang “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis.  Dogs Lily and Magee, the ring bearer and flower girl with sunflowers tucked under their collars, were walked down the aisle.

Stephanie blinked back tears and smiled at her brother’s serenade, stunning in her strapless mermaid dress as she met Josh before Stephanie’s uncle, the minister.  Their marriage had been many years in the making (a fact the newlyweds were teased about numerous times in the ceremony and toasts.)

The bride’s uncle related a few character defining highlights from their childhoods…

At eight years old, Stephanie decided to dress all in black for school one day; when her teached asked why, her answer: “Because I am a unique individual!”  At the same tender age, Josh was riding in the front seat with his brother when his father passed out at the wheel of the car.  In a heroic move, Josh controlled the car until his father regained consciousness, saving all their lives.

Though Stephanie and Josh didn’t know each other as young children, they each enjoyed summers playing in the sand of Long Island beaches.

I learned so much about this couple and their love story listening to a ceremony delivered by Stephanie’s uncle, who had actually been present at her birth.

THE DETAILS:  Tables in the dining room were decked out in brown linens accented with mini-pumpkins, gourds and leaves.  Guests took home personalized jars of maple syrup.  Sunflowers!

We snuck 80’s power ballads into the dinner hour music, songs by Heart, Def Leppard and Led Zeppelin…Stephanie’s guilty pleasures.

We also got to see our friends Catherine and Scott, whose wedding we performed at back in spring.  It was great to reconnect…and pay “C’mon Ride the Train” for an enthusiastic Scott.

The day was amazing!  Thanks so much for making us a part of it.

Round Hill House

Photos by Majestic Studios *All photos in this blog courtesy of Majestic Studios

Their love story unfolded in the letters they wrote to each other along with the toasts of their Maids of Honor and Best Man.  Amy and Adrian forged a relationship in spite of the odds and six long years separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  Their late night telephone calls, “did more for Irish-American relations than any diplomat ever has,” in the words of Adrian’s brother.  Amy’s Maids of Honor spoke about their “blue light chats” in college and the girls’ declaration that Adrian was definitely a keeper; “You better keep your kung-fu grip on him!”

DETAILS:  An Irish and American flag graced the sweetheart table.  A photo slideshow of Amy and Adrian through the years played on a lap top throughout the night, a lovely presentation put together by Amy’s godmother.

Amy had spent years in a capella groups, so she decided to surprise her new husband with a serenade.  She invited Adrian to a chair in the center of the dance floor, then sang a pitch perfect, “Be My Baby.”  I expected her to be good, but Amy was outstanding!  The lovely, unassuming Amy worked the room like a pro, circling and singing to her new husband.  The guests burst into applause at the finish in a standing ovation.

Blending Irish music with classic feel-good oldies tunes was just the right musical combination for Amy and Adrian.  We ended the night with “Lean On Me,” all their friends circled arm in arm on the dance floor, singing along.

Dutchess Manor

Photo & Video by Majestic Studios

Their love story unfolded in the letters they wrote to each other along with the toasts of their Maids of Honor and Best Man.  Amy and Adrian forged a relationship in spite of the odds and six long years separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  Their late night telephone calls, “did more for Irish-American relations than any diplomat ever has,” in the words of Adrian’s brother.  Amy’s Maids of Honor spoke about their “blue light chats” in college and the girls’ declaration that Adrian was definitely a keeper; “You better keep your kung-fu grip on him!”

DETAILS:  An Irish and American flag graced the sweetheart table.  A photo slideshow of Amy and Adrian through the years played on a lap top throughout the night, a lovely presentation put together by Amy’s godmother.

Amy had spent years in a capella groups, so she decided to surprise her new husband with a serenade.  She invited Adrian to a chair in the center of the dance floor, then sang a pitch perfect, “Be My Baby.”  I expected her to be good, but Amy was outstanding!  The lovely, unassuming Amy worked the room like a pro, circling and singing to her new husband.  The guests burst into applause at the finish in a standing ovation.

Blending Irish music with classic feel-good oldies tunes was just the right musical combination for Amy and Adrian.  We ended the night with “Lean On Me,” all their friends circled arm in arm on the dance floor, singing along.

Dutchess Manor

Photo & Video by Majestic Studios

The newly renovated ballroom at the Dutchess Manor was the perfect compliment for Jessica and Dean’s wedding.  The bridesmaids’ pale yellow dresses, yellow roses accented with purple (Jess’ favorite color) and the gorgeous multi-color bouquets really popped.

We met Jessica and Dean a few months ago and I knew they would have type of love fest wedding we like best.  They brought their baby daughter, Mya, who giggled and smiled at our goofy pitbull during the entire meeting.

Jessica and Dean were introduced to “Welcome To the Jungle” by Guns ‘N Roses, a head bangin’ start to the evening.  When they danced to “Heaven,” the piano version by DJ Sammy, they held each other’s gaze with that dreamy smile that says, “I can’t believe we’re here, and I am so happy it’s you.”

It’s true, the month before the wedding took the newlyweds on an emotional rollercoaster: illness, the passing of a loved one.  But at the wedding the couple’s bond with their guests was even stronger.  There was so much love in the room, so much genuine gratitude and appreciation for each other, that I was moved to tears more than once.

It was the Best Man’s speech that really got me.  He talked about how for years he’d taken it for granted that all families and friends were as close as theirs.  But now he knew how lucky he was to be there, in that moment, with his loved ones who weren’t afraid to let it show.  Brian also revealed other things he knew, such as, “I know that Jess gives high fives really hard…and I know that Dean yells at the guys on the video games, even though he’s the one controlling them…and I know that Mya is damn cute…”

If you’ve ever gotta propose a toast, remember this: heart felt words (and tears) combined with humor is a winning combination every time.

I was really in love with the flowers at this wedding.  The cake was decorated with fuschia roses and delicate orchids.  Jess even tossed a “fortune bouquet,” something I’d never seen before.  The bouquet was made up of small bunches of yellow daisies that burst apart when thrown so that each single lady could take home a flower, and attached to each mini-bouquet was a love fortune note.  A lovely twist on the traditional bouquet toss.

 

Dean has absolutely no excuse to ever forget his wedding day, since it also happens to fall on his birthday.  Jessica arranged for a groom’s cake decorated with Dean’s former sports car to celebrate the occasion.

The night ended in a circle as the guests swayed with arms around each other and sang, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra.

I must have been heavily influenced by all the love and emotion flying around, because I recorded a reverie on our Flip Mino about why I love weddings that night.  If I can get Jeff to edit a few pieces together soon, I’ll post them up here.  (If you leave a comment bugging him about it, maybe he’ll jump on it faster…)

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Mark Greenstone of Majestic Studios

Cake by Pastry Garden