In addition to TEN beautiful weddings –showcasing the work of fabulous wedding professionals from the Adirondacks to the Northern Berkshires – we have the coolest stories of REAL brides and grooms wanting to repurpose family items and use them for their own contemporary weddings… dresses, veils, rings… I LOVE these stories!!
I’m sure you’ve noticed…
This publication is filled with ADS - the businesses you need to plan your wedding, and the reason we can distribute these beautiful, informative magazines free of charge!
Please mention us by name when calling on them : )
As you know, I wish I could use every bride that contacts me, but luckily, we have SaratogaBride.com for that – please check us out for even more Flowers, Dresses, Cakes, Venues, Inspiration! Happy Planning with #SaratogaBride!
Chris
If you didn’t catch it on SB’s Instagram… I’m ENGAGED!!
Which is not something I expected at my age, so this has been such fun! Now to find the time to plan, implement and enjoy a nice intimate wedding for Stew and I and our four daughters, wish me luck : )
COVER PHOTO BY JESSIE CASEY
What May Come dreams
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Witness how the power of love and caring changes the world at Beloved Farm’s event space, nestled on 100 acres in the scenic hills of Cambridge, NY.
Beloved Farm - a picturesque property where you can take in the natural beauty of the season.
In 2014, on their beloved tree farm, Bill Badgley built a post and beam barn (styled after 18th century Dutch architecture) for his wife, Christa. Since her passing, he has opened the property for events of all kinds, from weddings, bachelorette, and graduation parties, to community gatherings, concerts, and fundraisers.
Beyond the beauty of their natural surroundings, what couples here love is the versatility of this secluded spot - where their dreams become a reality.
ALDRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY
RUSTIC AND REFINED
Beloved Farm’s main barn, graced with a balcony and three gorgeous vintage chandeliers, has been constructed with hand-hewn beams from wood harvested on-site; a testament to Bill’s dedication and the builder’s careful craftsmanship. A former wedding photographer, who still lives on, and cares for, the property, Bill has an eye for picture-perfect vistas, so there is an abundance of them on this beautiful property.
In such an artful landscape, there are a seemingly unlimited number of outdoor ceremony spaces, and Bill’s hand-built pergola can be moved almost anywhere on-site for a backdrop.
Winding through serene meadows, the expansive field stone walls (a defining feature of New England’s agricultural heritage) imbue guests with a visceral connection to the past. While the property’s four ponds, secret garden, gazebo, and half-acre orchard (with 300 bushes producing delicious, ripe, pick-your-own blueberries each summer) add to its charm.
THERE FOR YOU
Whether they are wandering along the crushed stone paths or gathered for cocktails in the courtyard, guests will delight in the tranquility of this remote, but accessible and WIFI-equipped, locale, just 12 minutes from Bennington, VT and 40 minutes east of Saratoga.
The three-season Beloved Farm event barn accommodates 120 people in an open space blessed with a nice crossbreeze when the windows are open. When heaters are brought in during the cooler weather, it’s warm enough for even brisk spring and fall evenings. There are separate entrances for caterers and the Beloved Farm’s Venue Representative, MaryBeth Hynick, can provide a list of preferred local vendors for you to work with. She also offers both rehearsal dinner and day-of coordination services. For 2025 bookings, their pricing structure includes tables and chairs. With a party per-hour rate, having even smaller get-togethers here is affordable, allowing your creativity to really come to life.
“We are there for couples from start to finish,” said MaryBeth.
JUST AROUND THE BEND
Always open to new ideas, whether its dancing under the stars, a pig roast, tent camping on-site, a horse and carriage, or food trucks, this space can adapt to rustic, casual, intimate events, or more formal soirees.
A bridal suite and three handicap accessible restrooms are located in another post and beam structure nearby, and in a small tower by the main barn’s entrance, a quaint church bell is rung to celebrate a couple’s nuptials.
During the fall, as the summer’s greens turn to autumn’s golds and reds, Beloved Farm invites you to take it all in amid a landscape dotted with covered bridges, where sweet shops offering unique antiques, artisan baked goods, and crafts, await nearby.
For more information, follow them on Instagram @OurBelovedFarm, find them on Facebook @BelovedFarm105, and at www.ourbelovedfarm.com
THE VINTAGE VIRTUOSO
Since 1999, Marie Hunt, the country’s foremost expert in restoring and restyling vintage headpieces, crowns, and wedding veils, has been making the Headpiece.com magic happen from a former auto parts store on a small street in New Jersey.
Now an elegant accessories shop and studio, each of her unique vintage and contemporary pieces (custom-crafted with fine millinery techniques from 14K gold or sterling silver wire, top-grade freshwater pearls, and sparkling Swarovski crystals) has been inspired by generations of women, from Audrey Hepburn to Lady Gaga.
For an epic 2018 Saratoga Bride photo shoot, at the request of Denise Eliopulos, founder of Something Bleu Bridal, Marie created a handful of pieces with effortless elegance, inspired by Audrey’s enduring style, from movies including “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “My Fair Lady.”
“The majority of brides who come to me don’t have a vision. They come to me for vision.”
ANTONIETTA HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
A FLARE FOR THE DRAMATIC
In 1980, Marie Hunt began studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and after graduating with honors, she continued to teach herself the techniques of the great millinery masters. Having designed for thousands of brides since, she is now the world’s leading expert in wax flowers, and has repurposed pieces from every decade since the 1940s. Prisilla Presley’s timeless 2-tier AB crystal and pearl crown (with short bouffant veil) is one of her favorite looks.
Each era comes with its own challenges, she said, but from the mid-to-late 1970s and on, the advent of glue, massproduced, inferior-quality elements, and hairspray, makes these pieces among the most difficult to deconstruct and salvage. In the late 1990s and 2000s, over-the-top looks weighing as much as 3lbs, and cathedral length veils made with so much tulle the bride could barely see, were popular.
Fashion is cyclical, said Marie, and even before today’s vintage rage, the requests from brides asking her to reuse these heirloom pieces never stopped coming. For the award-winning Headpiece.com, these projects comprised approximately 70% of business until two years ago. That’s when a @headpiececom Instagram reel went viral, garnering 700,000+plays and 22K “likes.” Now nearly 95% of Marie’s clients are requesting vintage redesigns!
AN EYE FOR FASHION
Whether creating a custom-length, hand-cut veil, or replicating a bride’s grandmother’s headpiece using a photo (and comparing it to the size of the iris in the grandmother’s eye) Marie’s focus is always on the bride.
“I want the whole picture and to know what the vibe of the wedding is. Each piece is designed based on that vibe,” she said.
When a fall bride getting married in a cemetery on October 30th wearing a black dress asked Marie to redesign a piece she’d made for a Paris haute couture fashion house - with black crystals and a spider in the center - Marie’s one-ofa-kind creation turned heads. She’s even made her dog, “Chappie,” 8, a five-pound Morkie, a crown.
One item Marie said she’d ask her younger self to design differently, to stand the test of “fashion” time, is her 1982 wedding gown and the puffy hat she wore with it. Then, she’d give her a piece of advice… “God created you with certain gifts. Don’t ever doubt those gifts because they are going to blossom. Just wait until you see where you’re going to be 25 years from now!”
ANTONIETTA HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY
SomethingOld becomes Something New
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED
Artfully transformed, a cherished family heirloom transcends time.
FFashioned of white tulle and Venetian lace, the tea-length strapless gown Rollande Lafevre wore to marry Robert Maskell at St. Patrick’s Church, in Rouses Point, NY, on September 26, 1953 has seen a lot of love.
Purchased from Merkel’s Department Store in Plattsburgh (where Rollande attended Loretta Business School) for less than $50, this dress has lived through two generations of girls carefully lifting it (and its delicate lace jacket) from the hope chest, dreaming of the day they too, would marry.
Rollande and Robert were married for 39 years, until his passing in 1992. They had seven children but only one biological granddaughter – Emily Rollande Lemieux.
“She’s always been my girl,” said Emily of her “Granny” Rollande. She was present the day Nicholas Zeglen asked Emily to marry him, and on July 5, 2024, at the age of 94, Rollande watched from the front row of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Glenville, as her granddaughter was married in the same gown she herself had worn 71 years earlier.
“She was so beautiful. It was overwhelming. It was really something to see,” said Rollande’s daughter, Emily’s mother, Denise Lemieux.
Incorporating remnants of a preserved dress in a new one is something brides are requesting more this year, said Master Seamstress Megan Mosca, owner of Mosca Alterations (formerly Will Fit U In).
“We’ll change the dress to fit you, you don’t have to change to fit the dress,” said Megan.
JUSTIN TIBBITTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Rollande Lafevre & Robert Maskell
September 26, 1953
In November, Emily reached out to Mosca Alterations to see if they could salvage her grandmother’s dress, and brought it to her first appointment at Saratoga’s historic Franklin Square studio. After discussing their options, the week-long process to deep clean the fabric commenced. The results were better than they ever imagined possible.
“Seeing Emily’s face when we walked in and saw it, was just phenomenal,” said Denise. Now a fresh, bright, white, after sourcing fabric from New York City to match, Megan Mosca and seamstress Courtney Thomson began refashioning the dress.
By handcrafting the bodice and adding an invisible zipper hidden in the side seam, they transformed a dress too small to fit onto a size 0 form into a bridal size 8. Over the course of nine fittings (the last just two days before the wedding), a new bustle (embellished with hand-stitched beading) was affixed, the lace skirt repositioned, and an extra layer of tulle added to create volume and a floor-length gown.
Topped with a custom circle-cut cathedral veil, the dress went from being a delicate but sentimental “something old”, to living a new life, as it went seamlessly from ceremony to reception - and dancing!
“I was dropping it low, spinning around, even DJing. It was so perfect!” said Emily.
Granny Rollande, who had traveled three hours to be there, reached out her hand to Emily and smiled, before practically jumping onto the dance floor at the Mohawk River Country Club & Chateau in Rexford herself. Brides wanting to include heirloom pieces in their wedding day should contact Mosca Alterations 9-12 months in advance. Follow them on Instagram and visit moscaalterations.com
Megan Mosca and Emily picking up the dress
perfectly beautiful
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Flawless weddings take the cake. Despite changing trends and evolving moods, a fabulous florist makes your wedding flowers look, feel, and smell heavenly. When everything Must. Be. Perfect.
A Touch of an Angel Florist delivers a perfect bloom.
Victoria Hill, owner of A Touch of an Angel Florist, has more than 40 years of experience as a professional floral designer but her love of flowers began even earlier.
“I love all kinds of flowers and gardening, and after experiencing the horticulture program at my high school and working for many different shops, I just fell in love with it and decided to start my own,” she said.
“I just love making people happy with what I do – to WOW! people and to express their emotions with flowers.”
To share her love and knowledge of flowers with others, Victoria purchased A Touch of an Angel Florist from a co-worker in 2005, and never changed the name, only added the tagline, “we deliver a perfect bloom” – because that’s exactly what they do.
JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Another thing that hasn’t changed - her whimsical garden design style, and the fact that she never turns anyone away; putting the same care and love into her work whether a bride contacts her a year in advance or just three weeks before the big day. Skilled, confident, and willing to work with you within your budget, A Touch of an Angel Florist brings out your unique creative vision.
“This is a special milestone in their life, and we want to make it special for them,” said shop manager Jessica Catone.
Trend-spotting
A Touch of an Angel Florist’s Victoria Hill and Jessica Catone are delighted when they discover new and divinely different flowers trending.
“October is the new June but I always want to see what the next, best, flower is,” said Jessica.
Active online and at industry shows, they work with brides to embrace evolving esthetics, themes, and colors.
This year, the sky is the limit with the fresh promise of pure whites paired with boundless blues. Energic and interesting, a healthy balance of brightness is bumping the deep reds, burgundies, and terra cotta colors that typically reign the autumn months.
Try infusing drama into your wedding arrangements with anthuriums, orchids, celosia, calla lilies, and hanging amaranths in funky hot pinks and oranges.
Surrounding themselves with the beauty of flowers at home and at work, for fall weddings, A Touch of an Angel Florist harvests florals from their own gardens including hydrangea, zinnias, astilbe, delphinium, sedum, and a variety of foliage. The fluffy, fragrant peony and the ornately structured dahlia are also among Victoria’s favorites to work with. Lending a luscious and lovely style to any affair, they pair big, beautiful blooms with delicious greenery, including bay leaves, mint, Italian Ruscus, pepper berry, and a variety of luscious eucalyptus. Skilled with both native flowers and big, bold tropicals, they also import their florals from Canada, California, Florida, Columbia, Holland, and elsewhere to ensure your wedding is simply sublime.
They are happy to create mock bouquets, perform site visits, and incorporate your own special finds into their traditional and on-trend designs including tablescapes, bud vase gardens, and pocket boutonnieres.
This year, the mobile flower bar is on trend. Filled with a variety of seasonal blooms for your guests to take home to enjoy, they have been popular for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, or any special event.
Find the multiple award-winning A Touch of an Angel Florist, at 140 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, on Facebook, and online at atouchofanangelflorist.com
Instant favors
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Portraits
created
on-the-spot that excite and delight
Live wedding painting is a memorable reception addition that provides guests with a unique interactive experience and a personalized keepsake.
Documenting the dress and gestures of guests can be done in more ways than one. Lauren Wiley, a Greenwich, NY artist, was inspired to launch Watercolor My Party this year after witnessing what happens behind the scenes in the bridal industry while delivering flowers from the Lot 32 Flower Farm.
“I just loved the energy and wanted to be a part of it.”
FALLING IN LOVE WITH WATERCOLORS
Lauren is drawn to beautiful things and has a deep appreciation for color. A mother of three who pursued cosmetology before studying criminal justice at California State University, Los Angeles, she moved to Charlotte, NC. After relocating to New York, in the fall of 2022, Lauren was talking about the colors of the Northeast’s gorgeous natural landscape when she was told that she sounded a lot like an artist.
“Are you a painter?” she was asked.
“After that, I began painting with watercolors every day, fell in love with it, and haven’t turned back since!” she said exuberantly.
Drawn to creating floral designs that play with water’s natural pooling and bubbling, Lauren deploys spatters and color saturation to express the contrast of the delicate and the intense within abstract impressionist gardens of light.
In the summer and fall of 2023, Lauren’s work was included locally in the LARAC June Arts Festival, sold at the Tiashoke Farm Store in Schaghticoke, and two market events held at Gather in Greenwich.
PAINTINGS THAT GENERATE LIGHT
Watercolor My Party live wedding painting packages typically begin with Lauren taking a quick posed iPhone photo of guests. She then sets to work with the goal of painting as many portraits as possible that night.
Painted with beautiful, lightfast, Daniel Smith watercolors on a roomy 5” x 7” professional grade 140lb watercolor paper sheet, she includes an optional notecard mount and envelope placed in a protective plastic sleeve.
Lauren’s speed and accuracy make it possible for her to complete portraits in as little as just 5-minutes each, enabling subjects to see themselves and others that very evening.
“Their faces light up when they see the painting is done and that they get to take it home with them. They say how wonderful they think it is and what a great idea it is to have this at a wedding. It’s something many have never seen before,” said Lauren.
Watercolor My Party portraits, painted in a loose, informal style, feature the figure’s posture, and details including hair style, attire, and accessories. As a brand-new artist, Lauren is very flexible with the services she offers and is open to working with couples to make their special vision a reality.
Portrait pricing starts at $14 per painting (pricing includes all of Lauren’s materials, time, and travel expenses).
For more information, follow @lauren_wiley_watercolors on Instagram and go to www.laurenwileywatercolors.com
Lauren Wiley, Watercolor My Party
A NNE’S WASHINGTON INN
WRITTEN BY MADELEINE BOKAN THARES
PHOTOS BY JULIA REBECCA PHOTOGRAPHY (UNLESS NOTED)
Photo courtesy of Anne's Washington Inn
Looking back at our first 80 Years…
My family’s hilltop hotel, Anne’s Washington Inn, has been the location of so many special events over the years. And this year, we get to celebrate an anniversary of our own, the 80th year that the Inn has been in my family.
My great grandfather, a hotelier, started it all when he purchased the 111 South Broadway property. Shortly after, he invited my grandmother, grandfather and their first child to live in the north building. As the story goes, a dozen or so people had driven up the hill and knocked on the front door asking if they had any vacant rooms. My grandparents took it as a sign and started renovating the once hospital into a hotel. They began hosting guests in overnight rooms in 1944. They celebrated family events at the property over the years and heard from friends how idyllic the location was for these festivities. But it wasn’t until my parents took over the business in the ‘90s that the event arm of the Inn was officially created.
CASSIE JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Lawn with gazebo before being
They renovated what was once my grandparent’s living room, bedroom, and sewing room into the dining room space that is used for our indoor events today. They made design decisions that have withstood the test of time, opting for many bright windows and beautiful hardwood floors.
Wedding couples and event clients loved the new space, but some noted how they wished they could host more guests than the space’s 100-person capacity allowed.
A few years later, my parents moved our iconic gazebo from the south end of the hill to a more central location, creating an optimal space for larger tented events.
I grew up watching - and working - special events at the Inn. I celebrated many of my own there too, including birthdays, my high school graduation party, holidays with family, and more! So it was incredibly special for my entire family when my husband and I chose to celebrate our wedding reception at the Inn.
During our wedding planning process, I came across a list of the traditional symbols that mark each anniversary. You may have heard of the 25th year being your silver anniversary, 40th being ruby, and so forth. When we started talking about our 80th year festivities for the Inn, I revisited that list and scrolled pretty far down to find which symbol represents the start of the eighth decade. Eighty is the oak anniversary, symbolizing strength and wisdom, like that of a mighty oak tree.
In our 80th year, we are reflecting on the strength we’ve had as a family, passing the Inn’s keys generation to generation, working together, weathering small business storms, all while celebrating our successes, learning from mistakes and continuing to grow.
But most importantly, we have so much appreciation for the support from our guests and clients and for all they have taught us over the years. Our strength and wisdom is really… Thanks to You!
We are grateful to be the location of so many special Saratoga memories throughout our 80 years and beyond.
To learn more about events at AWI, email events@anneswi.com.
Photos courtesy of Anne's Washington Inn
Joe completing renovations
Kathy painting
Kathy. Anne and Joe
relocated. Photo courtesy of Anne's Washington Inn
breathtaking, adventurous, romantic...
Lake George
Area offer a variety of settings, from tranquil lakeside locations and rustic barns to grand historic hotels and scenic mountaintops, ensuring each celebration is unique and personalized. Whether dreaming of an intimate affair or a lavish gathering.
Beyond the ceremony, the Lake George Area provides a complete experience for wedding guests, earning its reputation as the "Original Vacation" destination. Activities abound, from enchanting steamboat cruises and adventurous ski trips to leisurely days at amusement parks, offering ample opportunities to extend the celebration into a memorable wedding weekend.
The Lake George Area in the Southern Adirondacks of Upstate New York is a premier wedding destination, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse venues that cater to every couple’s vision and budget. Nestled within the expansive Adirondack Park, this region blends natural beauty with charm, featuring quaint villages and vibrant downtowns adorned with local shops against stunning backdrops. Wedding venues in the Lake George
Whether exchanging vows against the backdrop of a mountain vista, amid lush gardens, or under starlit skies, the Lake George Area promises a romantic and unforgettable wedding experience. With its blend of natural splendor, versatile venues, and expert support services, it remains an ideal destination for couples seeking both adventure and romance in the heart of Upstate New York.
The region’s hospitality extends to seamless planning facilitated by the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, which offers complimentary concierge services. From venue selection to accommodations and vendor referrals, their expert assistance ensures a stress-free planning experience, allowing couples to focus on enjoying their special day. Connect with Lexi Carroll, our Convention Services Coordinator, at lcarroll@lakegeorgechamber.com or call 518-668-5755 for assistance.
Discover more and begin planning your dream Lake George Area wedding by visiting us at meetlakegeorge.com/weddings, where you can explore our comprehensive Lake George Area Wedding Guide.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTRY MEADOWS BARN
SILVER BAY YMCA
JORDAN JANKUN PHOTOGRAPHY
Design Custom
AS TOLD TO CHRIS VALLONE BUSHEE | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Men's Wedding Band from Heirloom Family
Bridal Rings
As a recently engaged woman myself, I know that every piece of jewelry has a story.
My fiancé and I are going into this marriage, each having a previous life to consider, and we had N. Fox help us design a ring to not only include them but celebrate our joining together as one big family – feel free to check out Saratoga Bride’s Instagram feed to see MY beautiful ring!
When I heard about this gentleman’s story – I got a little jealous – but knew I had to share it with you guys!
Whether you received your first pair of diamond stud earrings for your 16th birthday, you were given a watch for graduation, or you received a family heirloom after a loved one passed away, jewelry has always been the traditional way to celebrate life’s milestones. I cherish every item I have received from my aunts – who all had TONS of beautiful pieces – and most importantly – my grandmother’s ring, that was handed down from my mother and will go to my daughter someday… jewelry has a special spot in our heart.
We all know… the best stories cross generations and involve turning old jewelry into new!
Matt, a recently engaged gentleman, asked that N. Fox Jewelers’ Custom Designer Grant Dorangrichia, create a custom gold wedding band.
This would all seem quite routine if the gold metal used in the production didn't come from the wedding rings of FOUR of Matt's grandparents!!
This is such a cool process, and I need to share it with my Saratoga Bride readers…
After the stones were taken out, the four individual gold rings were heated to approximately 1100 degrees Celsius. Once the gold reaches a molten state and is flowing as one-mass it can be poured into a casting mold to form an ingot and cool. The gold ingot is then passed through a series of decreasing rolling mills to form what will become the custom solid gold wedding band.
With every few passes, Custom Jewelry Designer, Grant, must heat the gold ingot until it is red hot, then allowed to cool down slowly. This is called annealing and helps to prevent the metal becoming too brittle to work with.
When the ingot is the required width and depth for the style of the wedding band it is bent to form a circle with the use of a forming press.
Matt requested a straight polished finish. To achieve this, the ring was “sanded” with progressively finer grades of emery and followed with buffing and polishing.
I think you’ll agree…
The end result is a breathtaking reminder of love's past -and future!
When calling N. Fox Jewelers to ask about repurposing your vintage and antique jewelry, please tell them Chris from Saratoga Bride sent you!
N. Fox Jewelers, 404 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-7777 • nfoxjewelers.com
Meet...Annie Rose Brill
The new owner of the Saratoga Winery goes all out for your big day
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
PHOTOS BY ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY
When Annie Rose Brill became the General Manager of the Saratoga Winery in 2020, she had no idea she’d own it just three years later.
Originally from Chicago, she and her husband, Andrew, met while they both attended Skidmore College in Saratoga. They married in 2012 and have two children, Peter, 8, and Mitzie, 5.
In 2021, the Saratoga Winery’s owners, Rich and Tara Nimmo, told Annie they were looking to sell.
“I’m a big believer in fate and the universe. Andrew and I had been talking about owning our own restaurant and then this just fell in our laps. It was an opportunity I wasn’t going to let pass us by,” said Annie.
After two years of learning how to navigate the world of small business loans, they closed on the property in June 2023.
DOUBLE THE EVENT EXPERIENCE
Annie, the former Event Director at the Mansion at Saratoga, fell in love with weddings when she was planning her own.
“For my wedding, I planned and obsessed (psychotically!!), and assumed everyone did that, but when I realized they didn’t, and that I could help them, that’s what I did. I’m good at understanding the big picture and the event as a whole, but I’m also obsessive about the details.”
Today, Annie has provided fullservice wedding coordination for more than 400 weddings and says there’s nothing she hasn’t seen. And, with Andrew, who most recently worked as a Mazzone Group Sales Manager, by her side, Annie has a partner she can depend on.
“His work ethic is incredible. There’s nobody I trust more to get it done as equally well (or better) than I would,” she said.
THE SECRET INGREDIENT
Since coming aboard, Annie has made some major changes at The Saratoga Winery. To facilitate weddings (the venue’s keystone events) their new year-round hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10am – 4pm. They now serve an award-winning brunch menu of Upstate Pub Fare including an amazing selection of sandwiches, their popular wood-fired Hangover Pizza, Falafel Nachos, and Cinnamon Space Buns that are out of this world!
Created by Executive Chef Alex Kenney, their catering menu features items suitable for casual and formal events alike including a barbeque buffet, filet mignon, and prime rib options. Incorporating many handcrafted wines into their dishes, their menu offers upscale dining with regional flare.
The Saratoga Winery’s sous chef, Corey Henry, is also their Beverage Director, crafting signature cocktails with juices and syrups made in-house. As talented as their culinary team is, Annie said that when prepping and catering an event, there’s always one extra-special ingredient added.
“When you spend this much time with each other, its important to like each other, have fun, and laugh.”
In addition to a total rebrand, Annie executes the many levels of logistics and works with you closely to ensure a seamless, hassle-free wedding for up to 175 people in a rustic but refined reception space filled with farmhouse tables, Chiavari chairs, and twinkling bistro bulbs. From the restaurant’s covered deck, to their four wine cabanas, the bright yellow 1940 International orchard truck, and lawn games in Saratoga’s biggest backyard, Annie makes the outdoors work for you.
Next on her list – resuming in-house wine making.
To learn more, find The Saratoga Winery on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.thesaratogawinery.com
Your WEDDING VIBE
Get inspired by these unique photo shoots from LILY SARATOGA & SOMETHING BLEU BRIDAL
PHOTOS BY TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Your Wedding Vibe BRIDAL COUTURE
IN FULL BLOOM
Photo shoot
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
IN ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA
MADDIE
KRISTA IN JENNY YOO
JAJA IN DESSY GROUP
Your Wedding Vibe | LILY SARATOGA
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
KRISTA IN MARTINA LIANA
JAJA IN LOVELILY & MADDIE IN AMSALE
The DETAILS
Gowns: Lily Saratoga & Styled by Lily Saratoga
Location: The Brill Manor
Flowers: Rena’s Fine Flowers
Hair: Cassondra Luxury Hair
Make up: Amanda Pierce Make Up and Skin
Photography: Tracey Buyce Photography
Your Wedding Vibe |
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
KRISTA & MADDIE IN AMSALE
JAJA IN MADE WITH LOVE BRIDAL
Your Wedding Vibe TIMELESS, ELEGANT... ROMANTIC
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo shoot
Your Wedding Vibe |
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
The DETAILS
Gowns: Something Bleu Bridal
Location: The Inn at Erlowest
Flowers: Surroundings florals Studio
Hair: Hair by Cassondra
Make up: Beauty by Sarah Salvioli
Photography: Tracey Buyce Photography
Brandi Soloman, Sofie Mangino, Sarah Salvioli and Tracey Buyce
Your Wedding Vibe |
TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
WRITTEN BY STACIE BAXTER, HEBER TRAVEL
Honeymoon Planning made easy
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA:
The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to the land down under? Australia has become a top choice for honeymooners, offering a "once in a lifetime" or "bucket list" experience that's perfect for newlyweds. With its unique wildlife and one of the natural wonders of the world, Australia is an ideal first trip as husband and wife.
SYDNEY HARBOR
Traveling to Australia can be quite the adventure, especially from the Northeast. You'll head west, then southwest, with a few flights involved. But the excitement of seeing and maybe even touching a koala or kangaroo will make the journey worthwhile.
Unforgettable Itineraries
Gold Coast Rail & Coastal Vacation:
Imagine you and your love soaking up the sun on the iconic Gold Coast or marveling at the Great Barrier Reef. This itinerary blends excitement and relaxation, offering the perfect mix for honeymooners!
12-Day Australian Adventure:
This trip covers major cities and the heart of Australia's outback. Visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) and witness a sunset in this sacred place of the Aboriginal people. Travel through sandstone dunes, spend a night in Alice Springs, and experience the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
ULURU
Must-See
Destinations
The Great Barrier Reef:
One of the world's natural wonders, the reef boasts over 900 islands. Snorkeling, boating, and scenic flights offer unparalleled experiences. The region's fantastic resorts, white sands, and azure waters make it an excellent honeymoon spot.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park:
Located in the Northern Territory, this outback destination will take your breath away. Enjoy local cuisine while gazing over the vast landscape with your newlywed by your side.
Unique Wildlife and Iconic Landscapes
A Honeymoon Like
No Other
Australia is a "once in a lifetime" trip, perfect for both adventurers and those seeking relaxation. The journey might be long, but the experiences are worth every penny.
Australia is renowned for its unique animals. It's the only place where you can see bouncing kangaroos and slow-moving koalas in their natural habitats. Don't miss the great white sharks, made famous by the land of Greg Norman. The iconic landscapes of Australia draw many to its cities. The Sydney Opera House, a marvel of engineering, sits beautifully in Sydney Harbor. Uluru, a sacred Aboriginal site, offers sunsets that dreams are made of.
Heber Travel, a trusted travel agency in the upper Capital Region since 1971, specializes in creating unforgettable travel experiences. We offer full-service travel planning, ensuring every aspect of your trip is handled with care. Congratulations on your nuptials! We wish you a lifetime full of happiness and, of course, travel.
For any questions or to start planning your dream honeymoon, feel free to reach out to us.
See Julia and Justin's Wedding PHOTO BY LAUREN MCGARRY PHOTO
Sumin Ben&
WEDDING DATE • OCTOBER 1
GOWN • EDDY K ITALIA
LOCATION • HISTORIC BARNS OF NIPMOOSE
PHOTOGRAPHER • TRACEY BUYCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Story...
It was summer of 2020 and the height of Covid lockdown in Oakland, CA. Sumin was baking through the Great British Bake Off to stay sane. She made her friend Mai’s favorite dessert, Mary Berry’s tiramisu, and decided to (safely) drop it off for her. Mai’s mom was visiting and, within minutes of meeting Sumin, saw an opportunity to matchmake.
Soon after in Brooklyn, NY, Ben received a text from his childhood friend Mai asking, “Would you be interested in meeting someone over here?” Ben replied, “Of course!” before realizing that “here” did not mean New York. But then it was the height of Covid lockdown, Zoom dates were in, and what’s the harm in giving it a shot?
After three months of video calls, remote cooking dates, and Lord of the Rings (extended edition, of course) watch parties, Ben bought a one-way ticket to California and finally met Sumin in person. They were happy to confirm that it was, in fact, not too good to be true. Months later, Ben and Sumin decided to get married. They packed up Sumin’s things in California and drove cross country, met each other’s families, and moved in together in New York.
The Historic Barns of Nipmoose was the perfect place to celebrate the couple’s union with family and friends. After a personalized wedding ceremony in a storybook setting, Ben and Sumin performed a Korean traditional ceremony. The season, location, food, music, and people made for a truly wonderful, unforgettable day.
details
LOCATION Historic Barns of Nipmoose
PHOTOGRAPHER Tracey Buyce Photography
WEDDING GOWN Eddy K Italia (Style #EK1410)
HAIR Sarah Ahn
MAKEUP Sarah Ahn
GROOM'S ATTIRE Enzo Custom
RINGS David S. Diamonds
WEDDING PLANNER Wedding Planning Plus FLOWERS Lisa's Flowers
RENTALS Total Events
Lawn Game Rentals: Upstate Jamboree
CATERER The Swell Party
CAKE Hudson Valley Cheesecake
PARTY FAVORS L.L. Bean
TRANSPORTATION
First Student Charter Center & Royale Limousine
DJ OR BAND DJ Trumaster
FIRST DANCE “Such Great Heights” cover by Iron & Wine
HONEYMOON DESTINATION
Tahiti (Moorea-Maiao and Bora Bora), French Polynesia
special touches...
• Rehearsal Dinner: Sun-hee’s Farm & Kitchen
• After Party: Franklin Alley Social Club
Amanda Connor&
WEDDING DATE • OCTOBER 15
GOWN • A LITTLE SOMETHING WHITE LOCATION • THE INN AT ERLOWEST PHOTOGRAPHER • ASHLEY NIZOLEK
Our Story...
Connor and I met at the Northeastern University library in Boston while we were both getting our master’s in accounting. I sat next to him during our tax class final, and he found me on Facebook later that day to ask how I did on the test.
...Before we knew it we were inseparable.
After finishing our degrees, we both moved to NYC to start our careers in public accounting. We moved into our first apartment together in 2019, but a few months later our entire apartment building was burned to the ground. Luckily, everyone in the building made it out of the fire. We lost a lot of material objects but got closer than ever. That fire taught us that we are at our best when we are working as a team, and all we really need to be happy is each other.
After 5 years together, Connor proposed on New Year’s Eve at my family home on Lake George. Connor knew that I always wanted to get married at The Inn at Erlowest, so he had planned a special surprise New Year’s Day brunch there for the two of us to celebrate our engagement. Little did Connor know that by the time we left brunch I would already have our wedding date booked!
We absolutely loved our intimate wedding with family and friends, the Inn at Erlowest went above and beyond, and every detail was even better than we could have imagined.
details
LOCATION The Inn at Erlowest
PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley Nizolek
WEDDING GOWN A Little Something White
HAIR Make Me Fab
MAKEUP Make Me Fab
GROOM'S ATTIRE Hugo Boss
RINGS Brilliant Earth
WEDDING PLANNER LeAnna Avila
EVENT DECORATOR
LeAnna Avila & Alexis Kaminski-Carter
FLOWERS Little Compton Flowers
STATIONERY SUITE Minted
Save the Dates: Watercolors by Madeleine
CATERER The Inn at Erlowest
CAKE Lake George Baking Company
PARTY FAVORS Etsy
PHOTO BOOTH Polaroids
DJ OR BAND The Refrigerators
FIRST DANCE "Dancing in the Moonlight" HONEYMOON DESTINATION Manchester, Vermont
special touches...
• Rehearsal Dinner: The Algonquin
• The flowers for the wedding were all planted and grown specifically for the wedding by my friend in Little Compton, Rhode Island. I was able to choose dahlia varieties, help tend to the tubers, visit the dahlia fields,and make my own bouquet on the morning of my wedding with my best friend!
advice to pass along...
When in doubt, wine & whine it out!
Rachael Jacob&
Our Story...
Jacob and I attended the same college, played a collegiate sport and shared many mutual friends while living temporarily in the small town of Potsdam, NY. We met in March of 2018 and from then on shared our summers visiting each other and college semesters living together, until both graduating.
Eventually Jacob and I moved to the Capital Region with our golden retriever and began our careers in an area that was a better fit for a teacher and a salesman. After five years of dating, he proposed to me in the backyard of our best friend’s house. Jacob made a video featuring songs and pictures of us from the past years. He ended the video asking me to meet him outside where friends captured the entire proposal. There was a rose petal covered path leading to lightup letters spelling "MARRY ME." The proposal was an absolute dream!
Jacob and I both love the fall season and golfing is one of our favorite hobbies. We quickly decided on the Hiland Park Country Club for its beautiful Adirondack Mountain foliage and golf course aesthetic. Our wedding day could not have been more magical, and we are so grateful to have experienced such genuine, personable vendors who went above and beyond to make our day a dream come true. Jacob and I are so thankful for our family and friends who traveled near and far to celebrate our love. We love them so much!
WEDDING DATE •
OCTOBER 20
GOWN •
ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA
PURCHASED AT LILY SARATOGA
LOCATION •
HILAND PARK COUNTRY CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHER •
ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY
special touches...
• Rehearsal Dinner: Park & Elm in Glens Falls
• DIY outdoor ceremony arch with pampas grass & other fall florals
• Newspaper style ceremony program
• Thank you's placed on chargers of every table
advice to pass along...
Take your time with the decisions that you make and be sure it's what YOU want. On your wedding day, don't leave your partner's side. It goes by too fast and you'll want to share all the memories together!
details
LOCATION Hiland Park Country Club
PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Spring Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Abby Brancati
WEDDING GOWN
Essense of Australia - purchased at Lily Saratoga
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES
Jenny Yoo - purchased at Styled by Lily
HAIR Make Me Fab
MAKEUP Make Me Fab
GROOM'S ATTIRE Men's Warehouse
RINGS Northeastern Fine Jewelry
FLOWERS RomancePlace (via Etsy, based out of Buffalo)
STATIONERY SUITE Zazzle
PARTY FAVORS Late Night Food, Photo Booth Prints
PHOTO BOOTH Experience Events
ADDITIONAL VENDORS
Donut Walls by MK
Backdrop Babes
DJ OR BAND Experience Events
FIRST DANCE "Biggest Fan" by Adam Doleac
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Scottsdale, Arizona
Sarah Eddie&
Our Story...
Eddie and I met and fell in love when we were just teenagers. But for the years leading up to that moment, we were living very different lives on opposite sides of the country - him in California and me in Saratoga Springs. My family moved to California when I was starting middle school and set down roots there. Fast forward to junior year of high school, Eddie asked me to homecoming and of course I said yes! We started dating a few months later. We were both smitten and when it came time to graduate and go off to college, we made a tough and seemingly unrealistic decision - to stay together.
Soon enough, we found ourselves living very different lives on opposite sides of the country. This time it was me in California, and him in New Jersey. We both spent all our very minimal money to visit each other every few months. And every Thanksgiving, Eddie would join my family at our home here in Middle Grove. After four years of long distance, we found ourselves still very much in love and excited to finally be together again.
On the 10th anniversary (to the day!) of Eddie asking me to be his girlfriend, he asked me to marry him. It was an easy YES! from me. We had made so many memories in Upstate NY over the years, that when it came time to plan the wedding, it seemed obvious to use the backyard of my family home here. We forced all our California friends to make the trek out to experience the autumnal magic and it was a huge hit. We had the happiest weekend of our lives having all our favorite people in such a beautiful and meaningful place.
WEDDING DATE • OCTOBER 21
GOWN • REEV BRIDAL
LOCATION •
PRIVATE RESIDENCE IN MIDDLE GROVE, NY
PHOTOGRAPHER • JESSIE CASEY
advice to pass along...
Get creative and do whatever feels most to true to you as a couple!
details
LOCATION Private Residence in Middle Grove, NY
A note on the venue - it was in the backyard of my family home and it was our first time hosting a big event there. Our planner and all of our vendors said it was such a great space that we should rent it out. So there is definitely future rental potential for any interested couples!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jessie Casey
WEDDING GOWN Reev Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Everyone chose their own!
HAIR Make Me Fab
MAKEUP Make Me Fab
GROOM'S ATTIRE Suit Supply
WEDDING PLANNER Paula Smith @ Your Event
FLOWERS Boston and Burke
STATIONERY SUITE Yours truly! The bride hand painted all of the name cards and designed all of the signage.
CATERER Airstream Catering
DESSERT BAR Bread Basket Cake Shop
TRANSPORTATION Coxsackie Transport
PHOTO BOOTH Saratoga Photobooth
DJ OR BAND Nick Maddalone
FIRST DANCE "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain
HONEYMOON DESTINATION
Switzerland & Mallorca, Spain
special touches...
We had welcome drinks at Whitman Brewing Co the Friday before the wedding.
A major crowd pleaser was a surprise that we had waiting for our guests at dinner — at every table was an envelope filled with pictures of us and the people at that table from over the years. It was such a joy for us to put together and felt like a nice way to appreciate all of our guests. The pictures definitely sparked many conversations and shared stories amongst our friends and families.
We also put a bit of a twist on our ceremony processional that made our ceremony feel extra special and joyous. My husband and I entered the ceremony together before everyone else, then greeted all of our family and friends in the bridal party as they entered. We were able to have a special moment with each person and it really set the tone for a love-filled day.
Julia Justin&
Our Story...
I hardly remember life without Justin in it.
As he will tell you, we met in Spanish class in 7th grade and that's where I "fell in love immediately.” However, Justin never said one word to me until high school, don't let him fool you!
We later met in our high school cafeteria after school and have been together ever since.
We both stayed local as we proceeded into our college years, I studied Elementary Education, while he pursued his dreams in the Automotive program at HVCC. As we got older, we couldn't help but dream of our wedding day. Growing up together has been so special and we are very grateful to have met at such a young age. Although every moment may not have been glamorous, it has truly shaped us into who we are today.
After seven years of dating, he completely surprised me and proposed in the most intimate way. It was just the two of us early in the morning on a hike at Thatcher Park having convinced me we were off-leash-training our puppy, Tucker. Little did I know my life was changing right before my eyes!
I would be lying if I said we toured multiple venues before choosing the one. We immediately fell in love with The Old Daley on Crooked Lake and immediately booked our wedding date!
It truly was everything we could have EVER dreamed of and more! Kate our wedding planner was such a blessing to us, and we cannot thank her enough. Thank you to all our incredible vendors that contributed to make our wedding a true fairytale!
WEDDING DATE • DECEMBER 16
GOWN • A LOVE STORY BRIDAL
LOCATION • OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE
PHOTOGRAPHER • LAUREN MCGARRY PHOTO
advice to pass along...
Remember this day is about YOU! Enjoy every step of the process leading to your special day, I promise nothing will matter that day. Embrace this new chapter, it goes by too fast!
details
LOCATION Old Daley on Crooked Lake
PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren McGarry Photo
VIDEOGRAPHER Vibe with Me Videography
WEDDING GOWN A Love Story Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Revelry
HAIR Kirsten at Salon Onaj
MAKEUP Bride: Kevin Huneau, Vibe Beauty Collective & Mia Mangino, True Beauty
GROOM'S ATTIRE Men's Warehouse
WEDDING PLANNER Kate Mace
EVENT DECORATOR Bride & Bride's Mom
RENTALS Drapery & candles: Total Events
STATIONERY SUITE Mia Clune, Mia's Print Shop
CATERER Daley Hospitality Group
CAKE Daley Hospitality Group
TRANSPORTATION Premiere Transportation
DJ OR BAND Chris, For the Love of Music
FIRST DANCE "Life with You" by Kelsey Hart
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Aruba
special touches...
I am a designer so details matter to me. However, every designer knows when it comes to your own home, event, etc. it is far different from working with a clients space! My mom truly out did herself with the details. She spent countless months planning and sourcing items to make our wedding everything I have ever dreamed of. From the small details on each table, to the grand Christmas trees in the Oak Room for our ceremony, she didn't miss a beat. It really was like a Winter Wedding Pinterest board.
Emily Ryan&
Our Story...
Ryan and I met at the infamous Pearl Street Pub (RIP) in the summer of 2016. At the end of the night, Ryan paid for a taxi to get me and my friends home safely, and we exchanged phone numbers. A few weeks went by, and I kept declining his attempts to hang out. My friends stressed that he would give up if I didn't say yes one of these times. Finally, I obliged to a first date… and here we are!
After five years of dating, I thought I was finally getting the friends’ Lake Placid Weekend that had been on our bucket list for the past three years. Little did I know Ryan and all my best friends were busy planning our proposal weekend. Lake Placid, NY was always a special place for us, and we made it a point to visit every winter since our first year of dating. Ryan brought me to the middle of the frozen lake to "film a Tik Tok video," but actually… He got down on one knee and popped the long-awaited question!
When it came time to pick a wedding date and venue, we knew we wanted something special, something that felt like "us." In past years, we always hosted New Years Eve parties for our friends, so we thought - what if we got married on NYE? No one ever has anything planned. We also wanted a venue that we hadn't attended a wedding at before. The Adirondacks is a special place for us, with the Nolte family camp being on Assembly Point in Lake George, and we knew we wanted somewhere close. We stumbled upon “The Q” via Instagram and booked a tour the spring following our engagement. They were building a new ballroom at the time, but the historic vibe and overall character of the hotel seemed to be exactly what we were looking for!
Our wedding day was the best party we could have ever had - the perfect mix of love, laughter, emotion… and dancing. We are so grateful for our friends and family, the staff at The Q, and our lovely vendors for making it so special!
WEDDING DATE • DECEMBER 31
GOWN • CHARDONNAY BY ENAURAPURCHASED AT LILY SARATOGA
LOCATION • THE QUEENSBURY HOTEL
PHOTOGRAPHER • NINA LONG
special touches...
We had a NYE countdown to midnight with a balloon drop as the new year came. We also did a unity tequila shot at the alter. We had a dog treat bar to incorporate our dog, Scout, and had cardboard cut outs of him at our photo booth. We also had a late night cigar bar on The Q's patio outside the ADK ballroom. It was a lovely winter night, not too cold to enjoy a cigar and a drink outside with friends & family.
advice to pass along...
Enjoy the moments leading up to the wedding, and the wedding day itself, invest in a wedding planner to help with day of coordination to ease your mind. Remember the day is about celebrating your love for each other! No one will remember a flower out of place or a missed cue. It goes by so fast!
details
LOCATION The Queensbury Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHER Nina Long
VIDEOGRAPHER Jackson Long
WEDDING GOWN & BRIDE ATTIRE
Chardonnay by Enaura - purchased at Lily Saratoga
Reception Dress: Untamed Petals
Custom fingerless gloves: Mosca Alterations
Alterations: Mosca Alterations
Initial Earrings: Retrofete
Spray Tan: Glow+Go Spray Tan Upstate NY
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Birdy Grey
HAIR Kaile Rae Harrison
MAKEUP Kaile Rae Harrison
GROOM'S ATTIRE Choppa & Son Formal Wear
RINGS Glennpeter Jewelers
WEDDING PLANNER Amanda Gansfuss, The Luxe Affair
EVENT DECORATOR Bride DIY
FLOWERS Bride DIY
RENTALS
Floral wall rental and balloon drop: ADK Balloon Co.
STATIONERY SUITE Truly Engaging
CATERER The Queensbury Hotel
CAKE Bites of Indulgence
Donuts: Duck Donuts
PARTY FAVORS NYE Survival Kits: noise blower, mint, Hershey's Kiss, water bottle & a snack
PHOTO BOOTH DJ HollyW8D
DJ OR BAND HollyW8D Stars Photo Booth
FIRST DANCE "Lover" by Taylor Swift
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Italy
Megan Joshua&
Our Story...
JOSHUA:
During the challenging times of the pandemic, like many seeking connections, I found Megan on the dating app Hilly. My heart skipped a beat as I swiped right on her while working out at the gym with my sister. Megan's directness, questioning my age and intentions, revealed her raw authenticity, drawing me in with her honesty as we chatted amidst the clinking weights.
MEGAN:
As our conversations blossomed, we decided to meet in person, leading to an enchanting first date at Mini Golf, where Joshua's prowess not only in mini golf but in capturing my heart became evident.
Our adventures in Troy NY, from bike rides to shared moments, deepened our bond, culminating in the decision to move in together in Saratoga NY, solidifying our love. Exploring the thrill of jet skiing in Daytona Beach ignited our spirits, creating unforgettable memories and a desire for more adventures.
Joshua's surprise trip to Jamaica turned into a fairytale as he asked me for forever, and in that magical moment, overwhelmed with joy and love, I said yes, my heart brimming with the certainty that Joshua was my forever.
In January 2024, after meticulous planning, we chose to say "I do" closer to our hearts at The Excelsior. Our wedding day, wrapped in snowy enchantment, became a magical celebration of love and joy, heralding the start of our shared forever.
WEDDING DATE • JANUARY 6
LOCATION • THE EXCELSIOR
PHOTOGRAPHER • SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
advice to pass along...
Consider the local vendors in and around Saratoga Springs. We kept it local and couldn't have been happier.
details
LOCATION Excelsior Event Center
PHOTOGRAPHER Susan Blackburn Photography
WEDDING GOWN Treasures
Alterations: Mosca Alterations
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Azazie; Color: Light Pink
Alterations: Mosca Alterations
HAIR Jessica Preston, Serene Beauty
MAKEUP Jessica Preston, Serene Beauty
GROOM'S ATTIRE Tuxedo from Jos A. Bank
RINGS Kay Jewelers and N. Fox Jewelers
WEDDING PLANNER
Marianna Hutcheson, Excelsior Event Center
EVENT DECORATOR Family and friends
FLOWERS Niki Russel, Garden to Table
STATIONERY SUITE The Marriott
CATERER Courtyard Marriott
CAKE Indulgence Bakery
PARTY FAVORS Johanna Nelson
DJ OR BAND Saratoga Sound DJ
FIRST DANCE "The Power of Love"
HONEYMOON DESTINATION European Cruise
special touches...
Karen and Paul, from Saratoga Sound DJ were fantastic! From their acoustic duo during the ceremony to the surprise Haitian music at the reception. They had everyone up and dancing. Also, highly recommend the photo booth!
Danielle Adam&
Our Story...
At sixteen, you're barely old enough to drive, let alone decide who you want to be with for the rest of your life. For me and Adam, however, this was one thing that seemed to come naturally. We met in 2009 during our junior year of high school in Amsterdam, New York. We spent years growing up not realizing we lived only a mile apart. After hanging out only a few times, it was apparent there was something special between us. So special that we dated throughout high school and long distance in college. We've had the honor of growing up together and it's not lost on us just how special that is.
After undergrad, we moved to Syracuse, New York for grad school and have started our careers there. In August 2021, 12 years in the making, Adam proposed with the backdrop of a beautiful Cazenovia Lake sunset at the Brewster Inn.
We began looking for venues in Syracuse originally. Despite beautiful options, we were drawn to go back home where it all began. As teens, we always joked we'd get married at the Hall of Springs, and after touring the venue, there was no doubt it was the perfect choice. We asked for a classic, romantic spring wedding and our amazing vendor team blew us away. It was better than we could've dreamed. With the historic Hall of Springs as our setting we were able to share the most stunning day and homecoming with the most amazing friends and family.
WEDDING DATE • APRIL 26
GOWN •
PRONOVIAS - PURCHASED AT SILK BRIDAL
LOCATION • HALL OF SPRINGS
PHOTOGRAPHER • KATIA POPIK PHOTOGRAPHY
advice to pass along...
• If you are on the fence to do a first look — do it! My fiance and I were able to spend so much more time together throughout the day and it really was a special moment we shared together!
• Give someone in your wedding party a polaroid camera to take photos all weekend. Our bridesmaid Laura went above and beyond giving us almost 100 priceless behind the scene shots that we cherish!
• Take a photo with each table individually as you make your rounds! Whether it's a professional shot or on someone’s phone, sometimes it's the only photo you will get with them the entire night!
details
LOCATION Hall of Springs
PHOTOGRAPHER Katia Popik Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Pretty Films
WEDDING GOWN Pronovias - purchased at Silk Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Jenny Yoo (Whisper Blue)
HAIR True Beauty Company
MAKEUP True Beauty Company
GROOM'S ATTIRE Mr. Shop Syracuse
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE The Black Tux
RINGS Skaneateles Jewelry
WEDDING PLANNER Selin Demir, Ivy Road Events
EVENT DECORATOR Total Events
FLOWERS Boston & Burke
STATIONERY SUITE Logo & Illustrations by the Groom
CATERER Mazzone Hospitality
CAKE Mazzone Hospitality
PARTY FAVORS Logo marshmallows by Saratoga Candy Co.
TRANSPORTATION Royale Transportation
PHOTO BOOTH Non-Stop Music
DJ OR BAND Ceremony: Tania Susi Music
Reception: Non-Stop Music - DJ Tyler Mac
FIRST DANCE "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Italy
special touches...
• Getting Ready Venue & Rehearsal Dinner: The Adelphi Hotel
• Danielle had a piece of her childhood blanket sewn into her gown as she always joked that “Blankey” would be her wedding dress one day.
• Adam had Danielle’s initials and their wedding date embroidered into the collar of his custom suit.
• Danielle and Adam have each other’s fingerprint engraved inside their wedding bands.
• Danielle sang in a polka band with her dad when she was 6 years old. Her recording of the polka “Polish Boyfriend” was played to kick off dancing at the reception.
• Adam designed their custom monogram and all illustrations used throughout their wedding weekend.
• Danielle gifted her bridesmaids matching wedding day perfume so that they could create a memory around the scent.
• Marshmallows are Danielle’s favorite treat and nickname for Adam, so Saratoga Candy Company made marshmallow wedding favors with their custom monogram.
Ali David&
Our Story...
Dave and I have the best love story, and it’s one of our favorite memories to reminisce about.
We met in college through a mutual friend and became fast friends. After a bit we lost touch - fast forward seven years - and we were randomly reconnected again through a different friend!
From the night we reconnected we have been pretty much inseparable.
After four years of dating, Dave proposed in Newport, RI, while we were on a little weekend getaway- something we love to do, just the two of us each summer.
When it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something intimate, special, and very “us.” After scoping out several locations, we kept coming back to 408 Saratoga. As a newer location in Saratoga Springs and being where we live, it immediately checked all the boxes we were looking for.
Our wedding day was everything we hoped for and more. Living in Saratoga, we love getting to walk by our wedding spot on a regular basis and see if others are having the best night of their lives …just like we did!
WEDDING DATE • MAY 19
GOWN • DANIELLE’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
LOCATION • THE 408 EVENT & OCCASION
PHOTOGRAPHER • MOLLI HENDRICK
special touches...
My dad built the arch we got married in front of. It was perfect for the space and such a special touch to have had my dad build it for our special day.
details
LOCATION The 408 Event & Occasion
PHOTOGRAPHER Molli Hendrick, Molli Photo
WEDDING GOWN Danielle’s Bridal Boutique
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Azazie
HAIR Jenny Terrell
MAKEUP Sarah Salvioli
GROOM'S ATTIRE Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel
RINGS N. Fox Jewelers
WEDDING PLANNER
The 408 Event & Occasion In-House Planner
FLOWERS Lisa’s Flowers
CATERER The 408 Event and Occasion
CAKE Bread Basket Cake Shop
TRANSPORTATION Upstate Transit Trolley
DJ OR BAND Experience Events (DJ Michael Peart)
FIRST DANCE "Forever After All" by Luke Combs
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Ireland and Paris
Rachel Kyle&
Our Story...
Kyle and I met in Syracuse, and on our one-year anniversary he took me to Saratoga Springs for the first time, at which point I said… “If you ever want me to move in with you, this is where I want to live.”
Years later, we made Saratoga our home and got our dog Mr. Rigatoni, who is as equally obsessed with food and Saratoga as we are! Kyle proposed to me in Saratoga and when it came to picking our venue, we knew we had to have our wedding in the place we made our home.
We toured the Adelphi, and not only did we fall in love with the space, but also with Connie - who was absolutely incredible!
Our wedding day felt like a dream. It was the most magical day…from Garland and Soul Session hyping our wedding party up, to Derik sharing a sweet story about marriage and to Connie making sure we were able to try all our wedding food! Nothing is more special than celebrating your love surrounded by people you love the most.
WEDDING DATE • JUNE 22
GOWN • JENNY YOOPURCHASED AT LILY SARATOGA
LOCATION •
THE ADELPHI HOTEL
PHOTOGRAPHER • DORI FITZPATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY
advice to pass along...
Stay by your partner the day of the wedding. It’s so special looking back and remembering each moment with Kyle by my side.
details
LOCATION The Adelphi Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHER Dori Fitzpatrick Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Ebabil Video
WEDDING GOWN
Jenny Yoo - purchased at Lily Saratoga
BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES
mixture (two were Jenny Yoo)
HAIR Heart and Soul House of Beauty
MAKEUP Heart and Soul House of Beauty
GROOM'S ATTIRE Mr. Formalwear
RINGS Mayfair Jewelers
EVENT DECORATOR Connie Slocum
FLOWERS Market 32
CAKE The Adelphi
PARTY FAVORS Saratoga Olive Oil
DJ OR BAND Soul Session Band
FIRST DANCE "Here On Out" by Dave Matthews Band
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Portugal
special touches...
Rehearsal Dinner: Henry Street Taproom
Officiant: Derik Roy, officiant and dear friend
Angel
gowns
WRITTEN BY KELLEEN O'ROURKE-DUDWOIRE
I am very much looking forward to being in Saratoga Bride’s Spring/Summer 2025 publication. In the meantime, I wanted to share information about a wonderful charity where I am donating my wedding gown and veil.
Days after our July 5th, 2024, wedding, I questioned what to do with my beautiful Mikado silk wedding gown. I didn’t want to store it or sell it and was hoping to find a more emotionally meaningful place for it to go.
After much research, I went to Facebook and found Angel Gowns - Capital Region NY. This amazing organization accepts donated wedding gowns where seamstresses give their time (all unpaid, all volunteer) to create special burial bereavement gowns for angel babies. The service is free of charge to parents grieving their most unimaginable loss. Their hope is to alleviate further stress on a family who is already suffering the loss of their loved one. This group has assisted families from Maine to Florida and has created angel gowns for over 6,000 babies. What a special team of seamstresses to give their time and energy to this very special cause.
My memories are made, and I feel now is the best time to give to others. If you have a wedding gown or veil you would like to donate, please contact this charity directly via Facebook; Angel Gowns-Capital Region, NY.
