Fortunately, their out of town guests were treated to a gorgeous view of the valley and an evening breeze as the sun set.

Amanda was beautiful in her light babydoll gown, a whimsical Grecian ribbon in her hair and pink shoes just peeking out from beneath her gown.  I loved watching the newlyweds check in with each other after the cocktail hour, stealing a moment away from the excitement.

Amanda and Colin were introduced to “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim, then shared a rousing first dance to “Can’t Keep My Eyes Off You.”  (This crowd was full of enthusiastic cheerers!)

The Details

The tables were draped in gray linens, and pink napkins and assorted flowers in white, pink and maroon filled mason jars at the center.  Guests were given cookies from NYC’s famous Momofuku.  The table numbers were displayed on china plates, completing the look of country elegance.

The bridesmaids wore gray strapless gowns and carried pink, white and maroon floral bouquets, while the groomsmen wore classic bow ties.

It’s so fun for us to learn more about out couples during the wedding, especially from the toasts.  Though we knew Amanda and Colin both worked for magazines, Amanda for Ladies Home Journal and Colin for Field and Stream, the toasts were sources of entertainment: the squirrel Colin killed, keeping its tail as a bookmark.  There was also a nod to the “hell pad” Amanda uses to keep warm.

A night of non-stop energetic dancing followed dinner.  One of my favorite moments was when Amanda and Colin took the microphone after the cake cutting.  Amanda confessed that at a few points during their two years of wedding planning, they’d glanced longingly at the courthouse down the street and wondered if they should elope instead; they continued with the wedding production because it meant so much to them to have all their friends and loved ones in one place.

Then Colin took the microphone.  “I love you, Amanda.  And I am so happy to be your husband…Even if the magazine industry continues to go down the tubes, I know I’m okay because I married a woman who would make an amazing wedding planner.”

The beautiful couple created an amazing day and celebration for their family and friends.  Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of it!

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Aaron Almendral All photos in this blog post courtesy of Aaron Almendral.

Photo by Jeff

Lorraine and Brett’s celebration.

The skies were clear as we arrived to set up under the gorgeous pavilion, greeted by the sound of the string and guitar duo playing for the ceremony.

Lorraine was a storybook bride with a dazzling smile, lovely in her strapless mermaid gown and carrying white calla lilies.   She danced with her new husband to “Hold You In My Arms” by Ray Lamontagne.

In her toast, the Matron of Honor, Lorraine’s sister, told how she had always looked up to her big sis…and waited until she moved out to steal her clothes!  Brett’s father, also his Best Man, revealed the development of his son’s character, including a few (mis)adventures on an ATV.  Lorraine’s friend told us about the Singles Council and how Lorraine’s membership was now permanently revoked.

THE DETAILS:  Floral arrangements of white hydrangeas and pink roses in river stones and gray linens on the tables.  The Matron of Honor wore an elegant black gown and carried a bouquet of pink roses.  A sign announcing “Lorraine and Brett” carved into a block of wood hung at the pavilion entrance.

Photo by Steph

Sometimes you just know it’s going to be a great night.  I knew when I saw Lorraine and Brett sneak a moment to themselves on the dance floor to, “What You Want” by the John Butler Trio, and Brett bent to kiss her hand.

The adorable flower girl rocked the dance floor all night, whether it was Usher, The Beatles or Celia Cruz, working her patented Robot moves.

This was one of the most supportive groups I’ve ever had the pleasure of celebrating with.  Lorraine and Brett were beautiful, romantic and so mindful of their guests’ comfort.  It was really our pleasure to be a part of it.  Thanks for having us, guys!

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by On Sight Photos

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 Jeff

Onteora Mountain House in Boiceville, NY.

Jeff performed acoustic guitar covers of “That’s the Way” by Led Zeppelin and “Waste” by Phish for the bridal processional.

The wind whipped the rainbow colored chuppah cloth, corners anchored by the hands of the Rabbi’s present, as Amanda and Jesse beamed at each other.  In a lovely tribute to the mystical number 7, the bride and groom not only circled each other 7 times, they had each of 7 different guests read one of the 7 blessings, to echo the cantor’s song.

THE DETAILS:  The tables in the pavilion were laid out with blue-green napkins over pewter linens, with white and pink orchid centerpieces incorporating river stones and soft moss.  Amanda looked amazing in her strapless gown!  I don’t think she and Jesse didn’t stop smiling at each other all night.

Photo by Steph

Beginning the night with an energetic hora, the pace barely slowed and the dance floor was packed as we moved from the Motown groove of the Jackson 5, the Supremes and Stevie Wonder all the way into A Tribe Called Quest and Outkast.

Check out this awesome photo slideshow of Amanda & Jesse’s wedding by Henry Chan.  Gorgeous!

The newlyweds are off on a South American adventure honeymoon to Argentina and Colombia.  Thanks so much for inviting us to your big day, Amanda and Jesse!  It was truly fabulous.

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Henry Chan

Flowers by A Night in Bloom

Photo by Steph

Laura and Todd’s wedding at Onteora Mountain House was magnificent…breathtaking views of the valley in full autumn foliage, a slight chill in the air carrying the scent of fallen leaves.  As it grew colder, guests were invited indoors by the warm fireside for cocktail hour.

THE DETAILS:  Red and orange mums, gourds and mini-pumpkins decorated the tables.  Since it was important to Laura to keep her wedding as environmentally friendly as possible, she and Todd created a poster for guests’ seating instead of using place cards.  As guests entered the heated pavilion, they were guided to their seats by the attentive staff.

Photo by Steph

Music spanned genres and decades at Laura and Todd’s wedding: The Barenaked Ladies, Santana, Gipsy Kings, Michael Franti, Buena Vista Social Club, Jay-Z and even Vampire Weekend.  It was eclectic and engaging for the family from Spain and the couple’s friends.

Photo by Steph

Todd and his mother danced to a song she had sung to him as a child, “For Baby” by John Denver.

Laura and Todd had an animated finale to their evening with a circle of guests arm in arm singing along to “When I’m 64″ by the Beatles.  And a last song, the tongue in cheek “If I Had A Million Dollars,” had everyone laughing, singing (and wishing!) along.

Photo by Steph

Thanks so much for letting us share in your fun, Laura and Todd.  Can’t wait to see you next season, Onteora!

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Julie and Steve of Gelfand-Piper Photo

Steph wishing she lived here!

The Reverend Sharami Kerr told the story of how Will and Camilla met only briefly seventeen years earlier, until destiny, “with help from a race, a glimpse and Google” brought them together again.  Ceremony readings included e.e. cummings and Ranier Marie Rilke.

Camilla and Will were announced officially married, proceeding down the aisle to a song they both loved, “I’m Sailin’” by Mazzy Star.  One of their guests wandered over to the railing, gazed out at the breathtaking view, then slowly backed up and mouthed, “Wow!”

“Wow” pretty much sums up this wedding day.  Camilla and Will included their families in their First Dance to Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares For Me.”  Later on, Motivated guests danced to Michael Jackson, Prince, a hora with the newlyweds on chairs and an interpretive dance to MIA’s “Paper Planes,” striking vogue-like poses.

DETAILS:  The centerpieces were purple, cream and pink flowers.  A slideshow of photos played throughout, displaying pictures of Will and Camilla in their world travels, hiking, climbing and exploring.

The gorgeous view and unbelievable weather with just the hint of autumn coolness made this a spectacular day.  Long live outdoor weddings in the Hudson Valley and congratulations, Will and Cam!

Onteora Mountain House

Ceremony performed by the Reverend Sharami Kerr

Photos by Bob Wallace

Because live music is so important to them, Christine and Alex went back and forth between hiring a DJ and a band. I even helped them explore local band options. (I know, professional hazard.) In the end, they compromised by hiring a very talented mandolin folk duo for their ceremony and cocktail hour, and then had us for the reception.

To indulge the couple’s love for live music, Jeff performed live acoustic guitar during dinner, which was a special treat for the kids. A little curly haired boy in a striped shirt and jacket, rolled trousers and sandals who looked like he had just stepped out of a Gap catalog, danced with a blonde toddler in a blue dress and ballet shoes, twirling and dancing as Jeff strummed. When he paused between songs, they stopped dancing and waited, staring at him until he began to play again so they could continue their interpretive dance. At the end of his performance, Jeff got a rousing round of applause!

Onteora Mountain House transports you to the hills of California, right here in the Hudson Valley. Lily & Brennan were SO sweet and fun. The simple, elegant touches of their decor accented Onteora’s beauty without overshadowing it. Yellow cala lilies and purple irises set into a few river stones in glass vases adorned each table beside red and gold bags containing Chinese candy favors. The groomsmen wore light beige suits while the groom was dressed in gray–a perfect choice for summer weather. The bridemaids were beautiful; all three had long, dark hair cascading over their shoulders and each wore a uniquely cut deep jazz blue dress.

And Lily! She was the show-stopper. In a fitted dressed with asymettrical buttons down the back and a yellow tiger lily in her hair, she was stunning.

The party really took off after dinner. We delved into old school and new hip hop, motown favorites, even Daft Punk and the Gorillaz for Brennan. Lily changed into a striking yellow dress with a high Asian neckline that matched the yellow flower in her hair. The better to dance the night away with, my dear.

It was non-traditional, elegant, laid back, and SO much fun. Lily and Brennan, you rock!

Our thanks to our new friend Henry Chan for providing these awesome photographs. Look at that view!

P.S. I’m so excited that I HAVE to post this. Henry Chan sent us a link to a movie he made for Lily and Brennan. It’s absolutely AWESOME! Check it out.

Onteora Mountain House

Photos by Henry Chan