FREE 2016
HUDSON VALLEY
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A HUDSON VALLEY/CATSKILLS WEDDING
BE DRAWN IN
2
3
4
9 13
REAL WEDDING Caroline & Mark
19 31 35 44 51 58 63
REHEARSAL DINNER Ideas for the Night Before
VENUES In the Hudson Valley & Catskills
REAL WEDDING Crissy & Ryan CATERING Choosing the Best Caterer THE DRINKS Wine, Spirits and, Signature Cocktails CAKES and SWEETS Let Them Eat Cake, Or Not WEDDING PLANNERS The Pros of Hiring a Pro REAL WEDDING Adrian & Scuba
67 71 76 78 80 85 89 95 99
WEDDING RENTALS The Sky’s the Limit
FLOWERS Your Way BOUQUETS Symbolism of Bridal Bouquets BOUTONNIERES Floral Accessory CROWNS Dazzling Crown Options
COUTURE Beautiful Inside & Out BEAUTY Questions and Answers
JEWELRY The Newest in Rings OFFICIANTS Choosing the Right One
105 113 121 125 131 134 137 141 145
INVITATIONS Ways to Make Yours Unique
PHOTOGRAPHY Choosing Your Photographer REAL WEDDING Chris & Tina THE MUSIC Soundtrack to Your Love Story
A HOME WEDDING Where the Heart Is FAVORITE FAVORS Something to Remember
REAL WEDDING Isis & Austin
EXTEND YOUR WEDDING Keep the Fun Going GIFTS A Bit on Wedding Gift-Giving
5
RUSTIC ~ FARM ~ ELEGANCE Experience your wedding Al Fresco style, atop the highest hill at Wright’s Farm. Take in the vast Shawangunk mountain views while surrounded by apple and peach trees. Let us help you with everything from the rustic farm tables to the flowers and the wedding favors. Farm elegance at its best. 6
THE HILL AT WRIGHT’S FARM
699 Route 208, Gardiner NY 845-255-5300 eatapples.com
HUDSON VALLEY
WHO WE ARE WEDDINGvortex brings you everything you need to plan the perfect Hudson Valley and Catskills wedding. Find it all, from venues to florists and caterers to photographers. We invite you to add your wedding business to WEDDINGvortex.com for free or email us with your REAL WEDDING photos. WEDDINGvortex is a project by VISITvortex.
• follow us on instagram @weddingvortex • like us on facebook.com/hudsonvalleywedding • promote your wedding business at weddingvortex.com
Publisher: Jesse Marcus Creative Director: Melissa Hewitt Editor: Charlene V. Martoni Designers: Melissa Hewitt, Melissa Orozco-McDonough
A PROJECT BY
Sales/Operations: Jessica Brush Production: Melissa Orozco-McDonough Staff Photography: Matt Petricone Writers: Anne Pyburn-Craig, Melissa Orozco-McDonough, Charlene V. Martoni Cover: Photo by Magic Flute Photo & Video. Flowers by Jarita’s, Woodstock. Hair and Makeup by La Tua Bella, Rhinebeck.
VISITvortex is your portal to the great people and places of the Hudson Valley, sharing the very best of local. VISITvortex.com
IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS ANNUAL MAGAZINE OR ON THE WEBSITE, PLEASE CALL US AT 845-687-3470. ©2016 VISITVORTEX
WEDDINGvortex.com | VISITvortex.com | PO Box 82, High Falls, NY | 845-687-3470 | weddingvortex@gmail.com
7
7
8
real local wedding
CAROLINE + MARK Caroline and Mark got hitched at a rustic event at the Roxbury Barn. After a heartfelt ceremony in the woods, they went back to the barn for cocktails, dinner, and speeches filled with laughs and tears. The night ended with a gorgeous bonfire, where the guests roasted marshmallows and watched as the newlyweds released balloons into the night sky.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Clean Plate Pictures VENUE: The Roxbury Barn PLANNING/FLOWERS: Lydia Castiglia, Catskill Flowershop CATERING: Lekker CEREMONY MUSICIAN: Abe Pollack 9
INTIMATE WEDDINGS & GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS
435 Main Street, Rosendale, New York 12472 845-658-7800 www.the1850house.com 12
MAKING YOUR EVENT EXTRAORDINARY High Falls, NY
crestedhenfarms.com
845.687.2050
REHEARSAL DINNER UNIQUE IDEAS FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BIG DAY After rehearsing your ceremony, it’s time to thank your wedding party with some all-around good food. The rehearsal dinner should reflect the wedding theme and anticipated energy, but it should also be intimate and special—a dinner shared with those who are closest and dearest to you. Here are some simple and easy ideas for this most important feast:
PICNIC OR BARBECUE
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss.
You can go small with simple and delicious basics, or you can go big with a pig roast complete with extravagant and fancy fixings. Either way, a picnic or barbecue can be a really fun and relaxed way to spend time together.
FOOD TRUCK Everyone loves a good food truck. Imagine your favorite cuisine or
gourmet food made-to-order on location. It’s fun, festive, modern. and easy. The sky’s the limit!
FAVORITE RESTAURANT Hosting your rehearsal dinner at your favorite restaurant is romantic and will show your guests a little more about why you belong together. It’s a great way to set the stage for the next day.
13
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss.
14
Photo by Oskar Torres.
Heirloom Fire.
POTLUCK
MOBILE PIZZA OVEN
This is also an enjoyable and informal way to come together, but potlucks offer the opportunity for guests to share their favorite dishes. Everyone can chow down buffet-style while tasting something new!
This one also comes directly to you, and (almost) everyone loves pizza! You can even request gluten-free dough or vegan options from most mobile pizza ovens. There’s something for everyone.
FARM-TO-TABLE
LOBSTER/CLAM BAKE
Many of the same local farm venues that host weddings and receptions also host rehearsal dinners. You can have a farm-to-table dinner complete with the best and freshest ingredients, topped off with local wines and ciders.
This is a great idea for a summer wedding, and you can even have it in a backyard. Imagine a chill summer vibe with great seafood and perhaps some beers, refreshing cocktails, or light summery wines.
Photo by Alicia King.
Photo by Laura Harris Photography.
FAMILY FEAST
MORNING-AFTER BRUNCH
Family-style meals make everyone feel at home. Have a caterer whip up a few giant dishes in your favorite cuisine, and lay them out on a long seated table. Invite everyone to DIG IN!
Host a brunch at home or in a park, and serve quiche, bagels, and plenty of coffee. Saying one last goodbye the morning after your wedding is a sweet way for you to extend that happy feeling a little bit longer.
GARDEN PARTY
Any of these ideas would be great for your wedding feast.
Imagine a lovely outdoor setting with clothed tables clad with flowers and vintage-style dishware. It can be similar to a picnic but more elevated and elegant.
Whatever option you choose, all that really matters is that those closest to you are there to share in your happiness.
15
T H E D R E A M S TA R T S H E R E
THE PERFECT SPOT FOR ANY OUTDOOR WEDDING. 8 LANDSCAPED ACRES • HISTORIC 1760 STONE HOUSE • RUSHING STREAM SINCE
1760
Captain Schoonmaker’s 1760 Stone House and Barn
Full Service: let us take care of all the planning.
913 State Route 213, High Falls, NY 12440 845-687-7946 captainschoonmakers.com
A Victorian Castle. Magnificent views. Award-winning chefs. Our experienced wedding planners will help you create the event of a lifetime.
CALL 845.256.2053
Mohonk
Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Rd. New Paltz, NY
www.mohonk.com/weddings photos by James Ferrara, Elario Photography, Jean Kallina
16
RUSTIC RIDGE VIEW 15 Old Queens Hwy. Kerhonkson, NY
FARM WEDDINGS
rusticridgeview.com 203-858-3634
C A T E R I N G + E V E N T S
175 MAIN STREET NEW PALTZ, NY 12561 路 (845) 255-2600 路 WWW.MAINCOURSECATERING.COM
MC 17
LEILA BREWSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORIC MILL AND CRAFT DISTILLERY
Host your wedding, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and pre-wedding activities at a truly unique countryside venue. We offer several different beautiful locations on the property, including riverside ceremony and receptions as well as a beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge as well as indoor options in our historic mill. Our highly-trained event planning staff will work to make your dreams of a beautiful wedding a captivating reality. 20 GRISTMILL LANE, GARDINER, NY TUTHILLHOUSE.COM TUTHILLTOWN.COM 845.255.1527 PHOTO BY JACK HRBEK
18
wedding venue CHOOSING YOUR
No matter what wedding you’ve been dreaming of, the Hudson Valley and Catskills have a place for you. Here’s a run-down of some amazing wedding locations to fit any style:
Photo by Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels.
19
If you’re looking to party, put up a tent. A big one. Tents are a great way to turn any space into a suitable wedding venue, rain-or-shine. Did you meet your honey at a party in a friend’s backyard or share your first kiss in a nook along the river? Consider renting a tent, dance floor, tables, and chairs, and making your wedding special by bringing it somewhere you love.
Protip: Think of a tent as a giant blank slate
for your dream wedding, but be warned: This one will require a lot of creativity and can cost as much as full-service venues. 20
Photo by Alicia King Photography.
Photo by Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels at Mohonk Mountain House.
Paul O’Reilly Photography. Flowers by Dark + Diamond Floral Design.
TENT WEDDINGS
CLASSIC VENUES
Country clubs, estates, and resorts provide you and your guests with atmospheres like those detailed in romance novels. Many offer indoor and outdoor options of all sorts, like gazebos, gardens, river or mountain views, ballrooms, and fireplaces.
Protip: Booking these popular venues early
is a must, but not before you have read the fine print. Ask questions like: What are my options for food? How can you help make my day go as planned? What can you give me that other places can’t?
WATER VIEW VENUES
Bring some serenity to your day with a waterfront wedding. Water views and sounds relax the brain and provide a beautiful background for wedding photos.
Protip: If your location happens to be a park
or public area, you will most likely need a permit to marry there. A permit will not only guarantee you access to the location, but it will also ensure minimal interference by passers by on your wedding day.
Photo by Matt Petricone at Crested Hen Farms. Flowers by Green Cottage.
Photo provided by Forever Wild Weddings.
Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
RESTAURANT/CLUB VENUES OFF THE BEATEN PATH Hosting your reception in a VIP or event room at a club or restaurant will give you endless choices in every flavor of cuisine and ambiance. Go out with friends to some clubs and restaurants to get a feel for how they naturally do things. When you find one that feels right, ask if you can have your wedding there.
Protip: When sampling these spaces, make sure to consider whether the ambiance and food compliment your theme and vision for your wedding.
Just because a place hasn’t been named a “wedding venue” does not mean it can’t be. The Hudson Valley is blessed with mountaintops, sculpture parks, repurposed buildings, nature preserves, riding stables, charter boats, and hundreds of beautiful spots that are also perfect for proclaiming your love. Ask someone in-charge if a wedding would be possible; you never know.
Protip: If you are dealing with a place that
FARM/BARN WEDDINGS
Farms, orchards, and wineries set the stage for rejuvenating weddings that will make you and your guests appreciate life and love. Indoor facilities for this option may include repurposed barns or historic structures ranging in style from rustic to sleek.
Protip: See if the farm, orchard, or winery
has a signature food or beverage to offer on your menu.
does not usually host weddings, be sure to research accessibility and restroom facilities. 21
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
wedding venues
Duetimage Photography
No matter what your style or what type of wedding you’ve been dreaming of, the Hudson Valley and Catskills have exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s a run down of some of our amazing wedding locations.
22
1796 HOUSE AT THE INN AT THE RIDGE Gardiner, 845-895-9251, innattheridge.com
1850 HOUSE INN & TAVERN Rosendale, 845-658-7800, the1850house.com
This beautiful, homey B&B is in a private and quiet rural location with a newly built pergola and 16 blueberry bushes in its patch. This charming country venue with a barn is perfect for a rustic, intimate wedding, and there are many activities available for every season. See the lotus pond, relax on the tree swing, or lounge on Adirondack chairs, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Shawangunk Mountains. Or, shop locally in nearby Wallkill, Gardiner, and New Paltz.
This historic boutique hotel is located in the town of Rosendale, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. It is the perfect location for an intimate wedding celebration. Whether it’s just the two of you or 60 of your closest friends and family, their brand new deck overlooking the Rondout Creek is a perfect choice for your wedding celebration. With ten comfortable guestrooms and modern amenities, the 1850 House Inn balances the old with the new to make your event everything you want it to be.
ASHOKAN DREAMS West Shokan, 845-657-2312, ashokandreams.com Have your dream wedding at this historic Catskill Mountains estate with breathtaking mountain and reservoir views in a quiet country setting. B&B suites and the lodge are decorated in a rustic comfort style reminiscent of the Adirondack great camps. Ashokan Dreams has an extraordinary mountainside setting with views of the Catskills, the Ashokan Reservoir, and the Berkshires. It is surely one of the most special places on earth for your special event.
BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN Highmount, 845-254-6129, belleayre.com
BEST WESTERN PLUS Kingston, 845-338-0400, bwpkingston.com
These two inns are located in the historic village of Rhinebeck. There are 80 delightful rooms, many with fireplaces in both historic and newer buildings. The Beekman Arms, America’s oldest continuously operating inn, has 23 rooms. Just one block away, the Delamater Inn has 57 rooms surrounding a garden courtyard. Both provide an elegant, romantic atmosphere while retaining an incredible historic feel.
Let the natural landscape be the backdrop on your special day or have an intimate ceremony in front of the grand fireplace in one of our rustic lodges.Say your vows at the Summit Lodge, with a chairlift ride to the top, Overlook lodge, The Great Room, Discovery lodge or the fountain full of flowers at the beach. The scenery, no matter the location will provide a fantastic experience that everyone will remember.
Catskill Mountain beauty surrounds this modern, impressive hotel and conference center. With 208 guest rooms and over 8,000 square feet of banquet space, Best Western Plus offers premiere event space plus the capacity to accommodate wedding guests traveling to the region. Their experienced team of event planners will provide a personal touch in making your wedding dreams come true.
CAPTAIN SCHOONMAKER’S BED & BREAKFAST High Falls, 845-687-7946, captainschoonmakers.com
CATSKILL ROSE LODGING & DINING Mount Tremper, 845-688-7100, catskillrose.com
Located in the quaint and beautiful town of High Falls, Captain Schoonmaker’s Bed & Breakfast is available for small events and weddings. Situated on ten acres—eight of which are landscaped— with a historic 1760 stone house, two seasonal waterfalls, a rushing mountain trout stream, and the remains of a stone gristmill, it’s a perfect spot for any outdoor wedding. Services available include catering, flowers, photography, music, bartending, officiating, group rates, bridal beauty services, and honeymoon packages.
Located in picturesque Mount Tremper, Catskill Rose is a delightful 1940s-era tavern turned into an inn. With gardens, a brick courtyard, a lovely dining room, and stylish lodging, it’s the perfect place for intimate on-site weddings and celebrations completely tailored to your needs. Custom wedding cakes serving up to 400 guests are also available. Contact owners and chefs Peter and Rose for more information.
BUTTERMILK FALLS INN & SPA Milton, 845-795-1310, buttermilkfallsinn.com The vast reception patio with its broad Hudson River vista is available for up to seven hours until 10pm (in accordance with local zoning restrictions). The Barn at Buttermilk, a warm, inviting space, is versatile enough to be transformed into the epitome of country elegance or a welcoming space for large, casual gatherings. Catering services are provided through Henry’s at the Farm, their restaurant.
LOCAL WEDDING VENUES
THE BEEKMAN ARMS/DELAMATER INN Rhinebeck, 845-876-7077, beekmandelamaterinn.com
23
Matt Petricone
CATSKILL ANIMAL SANCTUARY Saugerties, 845-336-8447, casanctuary.org/weddingvv The Homestead is a beautifully renovated pre-Civil War residence located on the grounds of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Both have wonderful photo opportunities and will provide a memorable experience for you and your guests. The Homestead is available for events of up to 30 people inside or 50 people outside. For more information, please email Lisa Jackson at lisa@casanctuary.org, or call to check availability and start planning your special day.
ELMROCK INN Stone Ridge, 845-687-4492, elmrockinnevents.com
24
Whether you envision a destination wedding or a smaller, more intimate gathering, ElmRock Inn is a perfect setting for an elegant farm-style wedding in the Hudson Valley. The beautiful gazebo is an ideal place for a romantic ceremony. Afterwards, mingle with your guests over cocktails on the bluestone patio amidst the locust grove, followed by a reception on the great lawn. Culminate the festivities with a late-night bonfire. Their experienced, professional staff is ready to assist you in arranging an event to remember, from beginning to the perfect ending.
COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB & THE BARN AT COPAKE LAKE Copake Lake, 845-454-1490, 518-325-0019, copakecountryclub.com, thebarnatcopakelake.com
CRESTED HEN FARMS High Falls, 845-687-2050, crestedhenfarms.com
Copake Country Club and The Barn at Copake Lake are must-see venues for those seeking a laid-back wedding weekend surrounded by nature. With rustic yet chic indoor decor and amazing views, both properties will instantly set the tone for a unique, memorable experience. They can provide personalized service with an on-site coordinator and catering by a CIA-trained chef. The beautiful spaces and options to customize your entire event creates a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Crested Hen Farms provides the ideal site for a rustic and organic yet sophisticated and elegant wedding or other special event. It is located just 90 minutes by car or bus north of New York City, at the base of Mohonk Mountain. Nestled on the banks of the Rondout Creek, the farm sits in the middle of 32+ acres. The circa 1830 English-Dutch dairy barn has been carefully repurposed, resulting in a 3,000-square-foot special event space with soaring ceilings supported by original hand hewn beams. The venue is available from mid-spring through mid-autumn.
EMERSON RESORT & SPA Mount Tremper, 845-688-2828 ext. 7611, emersonresort.com
EVENTS AT MOUNT TREMPER ARTS Mount Tremper, 845-688-9893, eventsatmounttremperarts.com
Celebrate your day surrounded by the beauty of the famed Catskill Mountains. In addition to premium accommodations, spectacular views of the mountains and the Esopus Creek, and many amenities for your special event, they provide stunning indoor and outdoor options and a veteran event team with over 20 years of experience in helping couples create the day of their dreams. An Emerson wedding also includes onsite catering using freshly prepared and locally sourced menu items.
Take over the campus of Mount Tremper Arts for an incredible wedding weekend celebration. Situated on 150 acres, Mount Tremper Arts is an artist residency space dedicated to contemporary and experimental performance. With expansive mountain views by day and starry skies at night, your rental includes lodging, a gorgeous studio, fields, gardens, and fire circles. Host multiple events over your weekend rental for no additional charge. Full wedding coordination or DIY packages available.
Tracey Buyce Photography
Lush gardens and fountains envelop this intimate and romantic 1800s Greek revival manor. The estate setting offers an intriguing and distinctive alternative to conventional wedding venues. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this is an easy one-hour drive from Manhattan, Westchester, or northern New Jersey. At one wedding per day, the capacity, with dinner and dancing, holds 200 people.
HISTORIC BARNS AT NIPMOOSE Buskirk, 518-944-4414, nipmoosebarns.org Perched on a knoll overlooking stunning farmland, the Nipmoose and its historic barns provide an idyllic setting for weddings. The fully restored Scottish Barn, German Barn, and Corn Crib exemplify America’s rich agricultural heritage. These magnificent barns provide a rustic yet chic backdrop for celebrations, whether elegant or casual, grand or intimate, or something in-between. Couples will be excited by the many barn options, which are all included in a single wedding event.
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Catskills, the Four Corners Country Inn offers a perfect getaway, blending history, country charm, and comfort while catering to your every need. The Inn boasts large grounds, perfect for an intimate wedding. With eight antique-furnished rooms, it offers excellent accommodations for you and your wedding party. It’s centrally located five minutes from Phoenicia, 15 minutes from Woodstock, and 25 minutes from Saugerties or Hunter. The Inn also features a restaurant that serves French-American fare and a full cocktail bar.
HANAH MOUNTAIN RESORT & COUNTRY CLUB Margaretville, 845-586-4849, hanahcountryresort.com
LOCAL WEDDING VENUES
FOUR CORNERS COUNTRY INN Mount Tremper, 845-688-3054, fourcornerscountryinn.com
F.E.A.S.T AT ROUND HILL Washingtonville, 845.497.7476 feastcaterers.com
At the Hanah, natural beauty can be found around every corner. Wake up to see a doe with her fawn pass by your guest room window, or watch the sun fade into the Catskill Mountains after saying your vows on the outdoor wedding deck. The staff at Hanah is prepared to handle every aspect of your wedding, from setting up your ceremony to serving a custom menu. They want to help you celebrate your love.
HISTORIC HUGUENOT STREET New Paltz, 845-255-1660, huguenotstreet.org
HONORS HAVEN RESORT AND SPA Ellenville, 845- 210-1600, honorshaven.com
Make history with your wedding at one of the most significant historic sites in America, including seven stone houses that date back to the early 18th century. This national historic landmark district offers a variety of options for memorable weddings and rehearsal dinners. A non-denominational French church can accommodate up to 65 guests. The grounds behind the Deyo House, a breathtaking Victorian mansion, can accommodate tents and is just steps away from a catering kitchen.
Situated on over 200 acres at the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa offers breathtaking lake and mountain views. Its lakeside tent and outdoor ceremony site can accommodate up to 200 guests. Complete with 232 guests rooms, resort amenities, a spa, a golf course, and the Zephyr Lounge for possible after parties, Honor’s Haven is so much more than a reception site—It’s a destination.
25
HOTEL DYLAN (accommodations) Woodstock, 845-684-5422, thehoteldylan.com Conveniently located near several wedding venues, Hotel Dylan is an ideal destination for bridal parties. When the hotel is reserved, guests can enjoy exclusive use of the grounds and prepare for the big event in complete privacy. Staff will help set up hair and makeup services and secure transportation to your venue. They can also arrange for next-day brunch services at their on-site restaurant. The staff is dedicated to making guests feel well cared for, whatever their needs might be.
INN AT KETTLEBORO New Paltz, 914-213-2487, kettleboro.com
26
Check out this gorgeous 1830 Dutch Colonial located on a 12-acre fruit orchard overlooking the Shawangunks and Mohonk. The Inn at Kettleboro offers the perfect venue for that intimate non-traditional affair. Either outside on the bluestone patio with the mountains as a backdrop or inside with the fireplaces glowing in the parlors and dining rooms, they will make your day memorable. They also offer four beautiful guest rooms. Stop by or call them to discuss how they can tailor that special day for you.
HUDSON CRUISES Hudson, 518-822-1014, hudsoncruises.com The Marika is a luxurious vessel available for private wedding cruises on the picturesque Hudson River. Her elegance, tastefully prepared cuisine, and attention to detail combine to create a perfect setting. Wedding cruises can be custom-designed, and their team is available to work with you or your planners. The location offers quick access from Amtrak trains, major airports, and metropolitan areas. They also specialize in wedding rehearsals, corporate retreats and trainings, retirement parties, birthdays, and more.
LIPPINCOTT MANOR Wallkill, 845-895-2474, lippincottmanor.com Nestled in scenic Ulster County, Lippincott Manor features one of the most beautiful country-rustic settings in the Hudson Valley for outdoor weddings and private events. This unique site, situated on 15 charming acres, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Mountains. Owners Martin and Patricia Van Dyk pride themselves on developing close working relationships with each couple and treat every wedding as if it were their own. Celebrating only one event per day, Lippincott Manor offers a full-service facility for a one-ofa-kind Hudson Valley wedding.
INDIAN RIDGE FARM Highland, 845-883-3208, indianridgepreserve.com Looking for a unique location with a country style? You’ve found the right place. Indian Ridge Farm offers beautiful indoor and outdoor options for a wedding, family reunion, birthday party, christening, weekend getaway, corporate retreat, or any other event. With acres of privacy, beach entry to their lake, paddleboats, a beach volleyball court, and a large tent area, their unique offerings are perfect for any party.
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE New Paltz, 845-256-2053, mohonk.com Picture the wedding of your dreams at Mohonk Mountain House. Their Victorian castle resort creates a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. With over 40,000 acres of pristine forest, Lake Mohonk, and the surrounding mountains, your day promises to be extraordinary. Exchange vows in their lush gardens or the Victorian parlor, which offer unparalleled views of Lake Mohonk. Their staff will help you plan every last detail, from music and flower arrangements to cocktails and more.
NOVELLA’S NEW PALTZ New Paltz, 845-255-2122, novellasnp.com
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN Roxbury, 607-326-3500 ext. 116, plattekillmountainwedding.com
Nostrano is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley wine country, where vast views of rolling hills, apple orchards, and grape vines are part of the everyday scenery. The view from their 75-acre fruit farm and vineyard is breathtaking, and the beautifully restored Pole Barn and Creekside space amongst the vineyards are equally perfect choices for a day in wine country. The property’s relaxing design and landscape makes this unique venue a charming location for any event.
A story is told through every special event, and Novella’s can ensure your story is played out with elegance and grace. Their professional staff is dedicated to providing magnificent service with an intense attention to detail. Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Novella’s is conveniently located right off the New York State Thruway and adjacent to several area hotels. Their newly renovated 9,000-square-foot facility can accommodate parties from 50 to 250.
If you want a private Catskill mountaintop ceremony and a rustic lodge reception, Plattekill Mountain has it all. Envision making your vows high upon a mountain peak with picturesque views of the Catskill Mountain range, dining in a cozy lodge with a wraparound deck, outdoor fire pit, and bar, and enjoying an evening amongst your closest family and friends. The remote location provides a private indoor-outdoor setting, and the lodge is fully equipped with restrooms and changing rooms.
RUSTIC RIDGE VIEW FARM Kerhonkson, 203-858-3634, rusticridgeview.com Get married on a horse farm, and dance the night away under glowing paper lanterns in a covered, open-air pavilion. Stunning 360-degree mountain views, grazing horses, and rolling pastures make this a completely unique and unforgettable venue for a ceremony and reception. There is no shutdown time, so you can keep the party going as long as you like and even pitch tents. Planning and coordination services are available to help make the best of your weekend. Venue rental includes Friday through Sunday and is open June through October.
SENATE GARAGE Kingston, 914-388-7357, senategarage.com Senate Garage is a dramatic, industrial event venue located within the Senate House’s beautiful grounds in the heart of Uptown Kingston’s Stockade. It is a converted 1921 garage, available for weddings, corporate functions, and celebrations of all kinds. The facility holds up to 450 guests, and 2016 dates are still available.
LOCAL WEDDING VENUES
NOSTRANO VINEYARDS Milton, 845-795-5473, nostranovineyards.com
SHADOW LAWN (accommodations) High Falls, 845-687-2302, shadowlawnny.com Experience the charm, historic atmosphere, and unparalleled service that Shadow Lawn offers. Situated at the crest of the High Falls waterfalls, this six-acre property is celebrating its 14th wedding season and is home to a beautiful 18th century Dutch stone house and a restored 19th century barn. Beginning in 2017, the site fee will also include two private guest suites: the Summer Kitchen and the Guest Cottage. Together with accommodations available at The Sheeley House B&B next door, 22-24 guests can stay on-site for a truly memorable celebration.
27
THE ASHOKAN CENTER Olivebridge, 845- 657-8333, ashokancenter.org The Ashokan Center offers an array of backdrops to stage your most memorable moments. Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, the 385 acres include soothing nature trails, stunning waterfalls, an antique covered bridge, and much more. You and your guests will be comfortable, entertained, and inspired by the magical moments you share at Ashokan. Enjoy seamless catering with their acclaimed on-site executive chef. Visit for a tour to see for yourself.
THE LODGE AT WINDHAM MOUNTAIN Windham, 518-310-2725, windhammountain.com The Lodge at Windham Mountain offers spectacular Catskill Mountain views in every direction. Host your wedding with a chairlift ride to the summit, a patio ceremony, fireside cocktail hour, and an elite reception. Inside, you will find sunlit rooms with vaulted ceilings and unique spaces for your event.
28
THE BELLWOOD BARN Saugerties, 845-247-6240, bellwoodbarn.com The Bellwood Barn is a boutique venue and vacation home rental designed for intimate gatherings, unique events, group retreats, or simple weekend getaways. The property consists of 24 acres on a Saugerties cul-de-sac, just two hours from New York City. This very spacious three-bedroom/three-bathroom home with cathedral-like ceilings and 2,000+ square-feet of indoor event space is architecturally stunning and incredibly unique. Whether for an intimate venue space or simply as a quiet weekend retreat in the woods, it will certainly feel special.
THE HILL AT WRIGHTS FARM Gardiner, 845-255-5300, eatapples.com
THE PHOENICIAN Phoenicia, 845-688-9800, thephoeniciansteakhouse.com
THE ROXBURY BARN Roxbury, 607-326-4874, theroxburybarn.com
Located in the charming town of Phoenicia, surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, is the Phoenician Steakhouse, a true local gem. With a party-friendly backyard situated on the Esopus Creek, a selection of steaks ranging from grass-fed to USDA prime, and a friendly tavern serving craft brews and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients, this place has something for everyone. The indoor and outdoor catering and event areas are perfect for intimate weddings or upscale affairs.
With its old-world grandeur, stunning natural environment, 164-year-old barn, lush gardens, ponds, hilltop pavilion, and enchanting pine grove, the Roxbury Barn is one of the most extraordinary and romantic settings for a Catskills wedding or elopement. Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, the Roxbury Barn is open for events from early May through mid-October, hosting parties up to 140 persons in size.
The Hill at Wrights Farm is one of the most beautiful and secluded farm wedding locations in the Hudson Valley. The site sits on top of the highest hill on the farm, surrounded by apple and peach trees, and it offers a breathtaking view of the Shawangunk Mountains.
VILLAS IN WOODSTOCK Woodstock, 917-596-8533, escape2woodstock.com
A ceremony or reception on the banks of the Shawangunk Kill, surrounded by a century-old milling history from 1788, is a most astoundingly gorgeous place to say, “I Do.” Beautiful river views and the sounds of flowing water provide a tranquil backdrop, and a specialized-events team helps to arrange it all with superior service and amenities. Tuthill House is also a spectacular location for a rehearsal dinner.
These luxury boutique accommodations, made with love and passion in the heart of Woodstock, offer unparalleled design and comfort while complimenting the artistic ambiance of this well-known town. Woodstock is a creative haven for artists, musicians, and writers. It’s welcoming and small-town feel, film and art festivals, unique shops, restaurants, swimming holes, hiking trails, and music venues make it a perfect destination year-round. Follow them @villasinwoodstock.
WOODSTOCK FARM SANCTUARY High Falls, 845-247-5700, woodstocksanctuary.org
WOODSTOCK BYRDCLIFFE GUILD Woodstock, 845-679-2079, woodstockguild.org
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, now in High Falls, is home to over 300 rescued and rehabilitated farmed animals, and offers a unique setting for your vegan wedding. Imagine ducks and geese in the beautiful pond, the goats scrambling down the hill and drinking from the creek, and the cows and pigs in pastures. Choose to have your ceremony in the trees, in a pasture, or our 5,000 sq. foot dining hall. Either way, your magical vegan wedding will be a dream come true.
Weddings at the Byrdcliffe Art Colony, founded in 1902, are steeped in the Catskills’ pastoral beauty, the warmth of an artists’ community, and over a century of creativity. Original arts-and-crafts buildings decorate 250 acres of verdure and forest, inspiring artists, writers, and explorers alike. Whether you choose the rustic elegance of the Byrdcliffe Barn or the historic architectural gem of the White Pines, come celebrate love and life at the colony that made Woodstock.... Woodstock.
Photo by Sarah Tew, shot at Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa.
TUTHILL HOUSE AT THE MILL Gardiner, 845-255-1527, tuthillhouse.com
29
the
Ashokan Dreams B&B An historic converted Catskill Mountains barn with breathtaking mountain and reservoir views in a quiet country setting. Rustic comfort reminiscent of the Adirondack “Great Camps”. STUNNING WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS.
West Shokan, NY
845-657-2312
Ashokan Center Where nature inspires your Dream Wedding
www.ashokandreams.com
HUDSON VALLEY FARM CHARM WEDDINGS & EVENTS
A
ccommodate, entertain and inspire your guests on our idyllic property in the Catskill Forest. Enjoy seamless catering by our on-site Executive Chef. For more information, contact us at: info@ashokancenter.org or 845-657-8333
ElmRock Inn
Rustic Country Wedding Venue 845.687.4492 Stone Ridge, NY elmrockinnevents.com 30
477 Beaverkill Road · Olivebridge, NY www.ashokancenter.org
real local wedding
CRISSY + RYAN Crissy and Ryan chose the gorgeous campus at Mount Tremper Arts as their location, complete with a post and beam-style studio for the ceremony, rolling meadows, organic gardens, and breathtaking backdrops. With a rustic feel, pops of fun color, and special touches, the wedding perfectly reflected their lighthearted and whimsical style.
PHOTOS: Samantha Lauren Photographie VENUE: Mount Tremper Arts, Mount Tremper CATERER: Blue Mountain Bistro FLORAL DESIGN: Jarita’s, Woodstock MUSIC: DJ Ali Gruber
31
Start Your Wedding on a High Note
Deliciously fresh and responsibly sourced catering for your wedding or event www.windhammountain.com - Contact Erika DeWitt at 518-310-2725
Simply fabulous!
PARTIES&EVENTS Book your next occasion at ole savannah! Catering Packages, Party Platters, & More
Call 845-331-4283 And Ask for a manager to BOOK YOUR next occasion at ole savannah!
go to OleSavannah.com/catering to see the menus and packages available! 34
Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go Onteora Mountain House bluemountainbistro.com I 845-340-9800
onteora.com I 845-657-6233
Right image: Grounded Catering. Photo by DuetImage. Blue Mountain Bistro Catering. Photo by Samantha Lauren.
the catering
YOUR GUESTS WILL REMEMBER THE FOOD AT YOUR WEDDING 窶認OR BETTER OR FOR WORSE. There is much more involved in catering than simply providing food. It calls for logistics, good spirits, and a sense of beauty. You want your catering team to feel like an effortless part of the party, but you want everything done perfectly too. The best caterers know this and work hard to make your wedding meal a great experience.
35
Are you available on my date? What cuisine is your specialty? _____________________________________________________ Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options? Do you source ingredients locally? Organically? Sustainably? How flexible are you if I decide to bring my own wine, dessert, or special dishes? _____________________________________________________ Do you have a portfolio of pictures from past events that can show me your presentation style? Do you have photos of your dishes? Who can I call for references? _____________________________________________________ When can we schedule a tasting session? Is there an extra fee? _____________________________________________________ Are you familiar with my venue? Do you have a state license? A liquor license?
36
Are there other permits we will need? Can you take care of those? What presentation items do you offer, such as tableware, glassware, and linens? _____________________________________________________ Is there a difference in cost between passed appetizers and appetizer tables? _____________ Can I save money by opting for a buffet instead of servers? _____________ Do you offer a discount for children’s portions? _____________ Is there a cake-cutting fee? _____________________________________________________ What is included in cleanup? _____________________________________________________ What about leftovers? Can guests take them home? Can they be donated? What is the charge for overtime? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
Catering by Main Course. Photo by Matt Petricone at Crested Hen Farm. Flowers by Green Cottage. Rentals by Events Unlimited.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A CATERER:
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
Samantha Lauren Photographie.
wedding caterers
BLACK EYED SUZIE’S Saugerties, 917-692-1274, blackeyedsuziesupstate.com
BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO Kingston, 845-340-9800, bluemountainbistro.com
BRIDGE CREEK CATERING New Paltz, bridgecreekcatering.com
Black-Eyed Suzie’s specializes in casually elegant menus that celebrate the seasons and honor the region. They use natural meats and poultry and fresh, local produce and dairy from neighboring farms. Sit down with them for a consultation to create a custom seasonal menu for your event. Their professional staff will guide you through the planning process and provide attention to detail that will make your event shine.
The official caterers of the Onteora Mountain House, Blue Mountain Bistro is committed to providing high-quality food catering service both on the day of your wedding and during the time leading up to your event. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering to cater your wedding in the Hudson Valley, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family. Feel totally carefree to relax and enjoy yourselves knowing that their creative, experienced staff is handling all the details of the day.
Bridge Creek Catering is an experienced off-site caterer that excels at executing special events. Their detailed planning and extensive experience allows them to provide handcrafted, restaurant-quality food for large groups in unique locations, and they specialize in crafting menus that celebrate their clients’ unique interests. Their chefs have deep and varied culinary backgrounds and can prepare anything from American and Argentinian to French and Filipino. Their detail-oriented staff will keep track of all the event needs during the planning process and provide day-of coordination with the officiant, florist, musicians, etc.
37
DELANEY BBQ Brooklyn, 718-701-8909, delaneybbq.com
DIEGO’S TAQUERIA Kingston, 845-338-2816, diegoskingston.com
Farm-to-table wedding and event catering offers the freshest local fare in the Hudson Valley, something that is at the core of Cafe Mio’s food philosophy. They strive to provide an experience that allows the culinary wealth of the region to shine in every dish. Café Mio will make your wedding an event everyone will remember.
Delaney BBQ throws elegant events at the intersection of utterly delicious and super fun. Their specialty is fastidiously prepared Central Texas-style BBQ classics, including slow-smoked brisket and fall-offthe-bone ribs. They also make elegant hors d’oeuvres, mean drinks, and mouthwatering desserts. Best of all, they do it all with a focus on hospitality, service, and ambience.
A newer staple in Uptown Kingston, Diego’s has acquired an incredible reputation for superior service and an unstoppable menu of fresh, modern, Tex-Mex. They apply the same standards to their catering service, where they continually serve up locally sourced ingredients with a fun, warm, atmosphere surrounding everything they do. Isaac and Elena are sure to add something completely unique, delicious, and lively to your big day.
ECCE TERRA Kingston, 845-338-8734, ecce-terra.com
FRIENDS AND FAMILY II HILLSIDE Accord, 845-626-7777, friendsandfamily2.com
Let Ecce Terra host your bridal party or rehearsal dinner. It’s a quaint, intimate setting with local farm-to-table food, a full bar, many craft beer choices, friendly service, and house-made desserts. The restaurant can accommodate up to 35 people, and all food is prepared to-order. Call to book your event.
Friends & Family II Hillside has been serving fine continental cuisine since September 2004, and they have earned a reputation for some of the most delicious handcrafted dishes, prepared with only the freshest local ingredients. Their incredible chef, Salah, serves seasonal, high-quality food.
Magic Flute Photo & Video
CAFE MIO Gardiner, 845-255-4949, miogardiner.com
38
GROUNDED Kingston, 845-514-3432, groundedny.com Grounded offers exceptional catering services for events of all sizes, specializing in wholesome food made from farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, and meats. Local farmers, fisherman, and ranchers who use the healthiest, most sustainable methods supply their ingredients. They can also assist with themes, decorations, invitations, and other event elements. They cater to all special-need palates and offer a diverse selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free menus.
HICKORY BARBECUE 845-338-2424, Kingston, hickoryrestaurant.com
Handsome Devil offers phenomenal traditional American and Italian cuisine in addition to their incredible award-winning BBQ. They have a catering truck with smokers, a char broiler, and a convection oven available to cook on-location. Upon consultation, they design a custom menu that will be personable and one-of-a-kind for you and your guests.
A leader in the local farm-to-table movement, Harvest Real Food Catering is passionate about food, and they select the best local ingredients to create custom menus showcasing the Hudson Valley’s seasonal bounty. Chef Mark will personally design a menu that matches your individual style and unique vision for your special day. Their experienced team of professionals is ready to help bring your Hudson Valley dream wedding to life and assist you in arranging an event to remember, from beginning to the perfect end.
As a full-service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding, including a selection of their most popular mouth-watering items. From a simple backyard barbecue to a special wedding, Hickory can help with all the details. Many of their dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan—just ask. Linen and equipment rentals are available. Likewise, they can also provide floral, cake, bar, and other services.
HEIRLOOM FIRE The Berkshires, 413-329-6522, heirloomfire.com
HIGH FALLS KITCHENETTE High Falls, 845-687-7464, kitchenetterestaurant.com
MAIN COURSE CATERING 845-255-2650, New Paltz, maincoursecatering.com
Heirloom Fire curates inspired and unique experiences for your occasion. Cooking with fresh, seasonal, and handcrafted foods from local farms, this sustainably minded, fire-based catering and events company makes your event one to never forget. Menus are designed around what is available from the farms for large gatherings and small, intimate events. Their close-knit relationship with local growers and producers ensures that you get the best of the farm at your table.
The High Falls Kitchenette’s space includes a 60-seat restaurant as well as an intimate party space that can host up to 75 people for cocktails and 50 people for a sit-down event. If your party is larger than that, you can even rent out their entire space. Offering full-service wedding planning, unique catering, complete off-site catering, specialty cocktails, rentals, and services in both NYC and the Hudson Valley, Kitchenette can help make your event one to remember.
Main Course is a full-service caterer that can coordinate all wedding aspects including customized menus, decor, linens, and rentals. Under chef Bruce Kazan’s innovative leadership, a team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local, organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats.
LOCAL WEDDING CATERERS
HARVEST REAL FOOD CATERING Stone Ridge, 845-687-4492, harvestrealfoodcatering.com
HANDSOME DEVIL Wallkill, 845-943-7003, handsomedevilllc.com
39
LEKKER 209 Stone Ridge, 845-687-9794, lekker209.com
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen provides an inspired seasonal menu using fresh and local ingredients. Whether you are having an elegant dinner party, country wedding, or family picnic, their professional staff can help to make your party stress-free. They will personally take care of and customize every aspect of your special event, including tents, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, plates, and more. Leave the details to them, so you can fully enjoy your party.
Committed to providing creative menus using fresh and sustainable ingredients along with personal and friendly service, Lekker has earned a reputation for consistent excellence, polished country fare, and sophisticated tastes that please every palette. Whether you’re hosting a reception for a few guests or a dinner for hundreds, they’ll be delighted to work with you to design a truly memorable experience using local, organic, seasonal, and sustainably grown ingredients, providing top quality, delectable fare.
OLE SAVANNAH SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR Kingston, 845-331-4283, olesavannah.com
40
Ole Savannah’s menu and bar seeks to celebrate the American South’s fresh and inspired cooking and culture, striving to deliver a spirited and inventive twist on classic Southern cuisine. The South is about succulent, fall-off-the-bone barbecue, fried chicken, and pecan pies as much as it is about great bourbon and craft beers. Equally important to the quality of their food is their staff’s hospitality. Offering family-style, buffet, and three and four-course plated catering menus in addition to passed hors d’oeuvres, Ole Savannah has outstanding food, served by happy people to appreciative friends.
THE VILLAGE TEAROOM New Paltz, 845-255-3434, thevillagetearoom.com As a member of the Hudson Valley chapter of Slow Food USA, the TeaRoom’s mission is to offer high-quality local, seasonal, and organic food at reasonable prices. Their menus feature hearty dishes from a variety of European cooking traditions. Delicious food and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a catered event by The Village TeaRoom, Restaurant, & Bake Shop.
Styled by Main Course. Photo by Matt Petricone at Crested Hen Farm. Flowers by Green Cottage. Rentals by Events Unlimited.
MISS LUCY’S KITCHEN Saugerties, 845-246-9240, misslucyskitchen.com
3928 Main St, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 (845) 687-9794
3928 Main St, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 (845) 687-9794 B O O K YO U R W E D D I N G O R E V E N T W I T H L E K K E R 845-687-9794
lekker209.com
photo by LES LOUPS
3928 Main Street, Stone Ridge
Ecce Terra An Eclectic Mix of Locally-Sourced Fresh Food in the heart of Historic Uptown Kingston.
845.338.8734 ecce-terra.com 288 Fair St, Kingston
INSPIRED FARM-FRESH CATERING Providing an inspired seasonal menu using fresh and local ingredients. From an elegant dinner party, country wedding to a family picnic we will personally take care and customize every aspect of your event. Leave the details to us so you can fully enjoy your party.
INSPIRED FARM-FRESH CATERING
Providing an inspired seasonal menu using fresh and local ingredients. From an elegant dinner party, country wedding to a family picnic we will personally take care and customize every aspect of your event. Leave the details to us so you can fully enjoy your party. 41
WEDDINGS at
at Blue Willow
Where You Create Memories That Last A Lifetime
Marry the love of your life surrounded by the natural beauty at Indian Ridge . . . Have your wedding outdoors, lakeside, under an elegantly lit tent, or in our beautiful, rustic lodge.
Wedding and Event Catering Serving Unique, Seasonal, High Quality Food
We offer over 300 acres of possibilities! An apple orchard, farm to plate meals, overnight accommodations and a wooded countryside make this setting truly one-of-a-kind. Only 90 miles north of Manhattan
Since September 2004, we’ve earned a reputation for delicious hand-crafted dishes prepared with only the freshest local ingredients.
Friends & Family II Hillside
4802 Route 209, Accord NY friendsandfamily2.com 845-626-7777 42
500 Crescent Ave ❖ Highland, NY 12528 ❖ 845-883-3208 events@indianridgepreserve.com ❖ www.indianridgepreserve.com
Weddings, Rehearsals, Showers, Pig Roasts, Sit Down or Buffets In House or Out
743 Route 28, Kingston
845-338-2424
hickoryrestaurant.com
DON’T WANT THE COOKIE CUTTER WEDDING? Kitchenette can help make your event one to remember. We offer full service wedding planning, unique catering, cocktails, rentals and service.
Catering Company with a Local, Seasonal Menu HIGH FALLS KITCHENETTE 1219 Rte 213, High Falls, NY 12440 845 687-7464 kitchenettehf@gmail.com
Hudson Valley, NY blackeyedsuziesupstate.com 43
wine + spirits People have probably been partying at weddings since the discovery of fermentation. A couple of drinks— an ever-so-slight lowering of inhibitions—and suddenly Aunt Sue is killing it on the dance floor while your childhood friend sparks a romance with your friend from college. These are the kinds of moments that make receptions magical, and you can help inspire them with a little liquid encouragement. Here are some of your many options:
catered drinks
Having your drinks catered can relieve some stress on the day of your wedding, and it adds a fancy element to your reception. If a catering company is providing the alcohol, make sure they understand your preferences and you understand their prices before the wedding day. Also, if your catering plan includes wine with dinner, grab your menu and head to a Hudson Valley wine shop or winery for a consultation. You must make sure that wine pairs perfectly with your food.
champagne toast
It’s alright to use a really good bottle of Champagne for your wedding party and some decent but not-so-expensive sparkling wine for the rest of your guests. The toast is largely symbolic, and many people take just a sip anyway. Plus, the money you save by not providing 100 people with genuine French Champagne could be used to make them—and you—happy in more meaningful ways. Perhaps put the money you save toward more personal wedding favors or splurge on a fun photo booth.
after-dinner drinks
Whether to serve an after-dinner Cognac or brandy is up to you. If you do, consider some aged tawny Port, Highland or Islay-style single-malt Scotch, small-batch bourbons, Cognac, amaretto, or Frangelico. A fifth contains 16 1.5-ounce shots, and a liter contains 22. Two or three choices should be sufficient for your guests’ varied tastes. 44
signature cocktail
Your signature cocktail should be special, and it should compliment your wedding’s theme. If you’re getting married barefoot in a sundress, a simple but delicious wine spritzer may be a good idea. If your wedding is more formal, on the other hand, bartenders serving up a creative concoction in fancy martini glasses may be more appropriate.
drink station
Cover a long table with a cloth that matches your wedding theme, and set up a row of beverage dispensers. Fill them with several different mixed drinks for varying tastes—perhaps something sweet, something sour, and something fresh tasting. Add some bowls of fruit slices, and you’re good-to-go.
self-service
Find something fun for coolers, like perhaps vintage wagons or hay bales. Fill them with ice and an array of drinks. You could even mix a few ingredients and put them into individual labeled mason jars. No bartenders are needed here, but it may be a good idea to appoint someone as the official ice, cup, and beverage re-stocker. Get your alcoholic supplies ready a couple of weeks in advance so you don’t have to worry about it as your big day approaches. Regardless which option you choose, arrange safe rides home or comfy couches for guests who’ve had too much to drink. Also, be sure to offer mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. Everyone should have something tasty to drink, even if they cannot consume alcohol or after they’ve hit their limit.
if you’re providing
the alcohol HERE’S A SHOPPING LIST FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 PEOPLE:
Photo by Vivian Photography.
Photo by Ethan Harrison.
BEER: 3 cases (bottles not cans) VODKA: 6 one-liter bottles GIN: 3 one-liter bottles SCOTCH: 3 one-liter bottles LIGHT RUM: 2 one-liter bottles BLENDED WHISKEY: 1-2 one-liter bottles BOURBON: 3 one-liter bottles TEQUILA: 1-2 one-liter bottles WHITE WINE: 1.5 cases (18 bottles) RED WINE: 1.5 cases (18 bottles) DRY VERMOUTH: 1 one-liter bottle SWEET VERMOUTH: 2 one-liter bottles CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE for toast: 1.5 cases (18 bottles) (If serving Champagne during the cocktail hour, get two cases.) DINNER WINES RED WINE: 2 cases (24 bottles) WHITE WINE: 2 cases (24 bottles)
45
HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING
wines, spirits, and drinks
46
BINNEWATER Kingston, 845-331-0237, binnewater.com
ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS Kingston, 845-331-1921, esterwine.com
STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS Stone Ridge, 845-687-7125, stoneridgewineandspirits.com
It is very important to keep guests hydrated for any event, large or small. Binnewater can provide New York’s finest spring water and Mountain Valley Spring Water in addition to ice for keeping those drinks nice and cool.
Ester is a small neighborhood shop run by folks who are passionate about wine and spirits. They have a small yet stunning showroom with hand-selected craft inventory made by boutique distilleries and wineries from all over the world. Ester also focuses on biodynamic and natural production, which is healthy and romantic to-the-core.
Located in historic Stone Ridge, this knowledgeable group is uniquely qualified to recommend wines for any event or menu. This year marks their 23rd year in business, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve service. Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits looks forward to assisting you with selection for your big day.
signature cocktails FOR ANY WEDDING STYLE
A signature cocktail is yet another way to make your wedding truly yours. Your tribe will enjoy drinking
All cocktail photos by Matt Petricone, shot at the Stockade Tavern.
together with a shared beverage experience—all the better if it’s something delicious and a little bit off the beaten path. We teamed up with Kingston’s Stockade Tavern to bring you this unique list of signature cocktails you can raise a glass to.
47
jungle bird
RUSTIC
black strap molasses rum pineapple lime juice cane syrup campari This 1970s neo-tiki drink is an incredible combo of darkness and light.
bees knees local gin fresh lemon juice local honey A fun buzz-worthy cocktail that’s perfect for a spring or summer wedding, this sweet and sour classic keeps it fresh with local ingredients.
48
FUN
cava punch
BOHO
cava raspberry syrup lemon juice Punch makes a great signature cocktail because it’s fun, easy, and has low alcohol content so guests don’t getting too loopy too early.
monte carlo
CLASSIC
rye whisky benedictine herbal liquor angostura bitters lemon twist for garnish This drink is the ultimate in classic. The Monte Carlo is similar to an Old Fashioned, but with Benedictine in place of the vermouth. 49
Stunning catering with the freshest local, organic and bio-dynamic ingredients.
FARM TO TABLE CATERING IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
HARVEST REAL FOOD CATERING harvestrealfoodcatering.com 845.687.4492
FARM TO TABLE
WEDDING & EVENT CATERING On premises or off.
845-255-4949 2356 RT 44/55, Gardiner www.miogardiner.com
845.514.3432 50
GroundedNY.com
Kingston, NY
Laura Harris Photography at The Greens at Copake Country Club. North Country Vintage Rentals. Flower Blossom Farm.
let them eat cake
...OR NOT
TODAY’S CAKES CAN HAVE PICTURES, FLOWERS, ORNAMENTS, JEWELS, CANDY, AND SO MUCH MORE INCORPORATED INTO THEIR DESIGNS. IT’S A CAKE’S WORLD, AND YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED IN IT. It is believed that, at one point, grooms actually threw cakes made of wheat at their brides to foster fertility, luck, and prosperity, which may explain the tradition of smearing frosting on your love’s nose. Wedding cakes have a long history, so it makes sense that they are a tradition honored at most weddings. These days, wedding cakes can range from the stunningly simple to the outstandingly intricate. Couples can choose virtually any number of layers, and they can select from many flavors and styles. 51
Cake by Grounded Catering.
Photo by Alicia King.
Photo by Magic Flute Photo & Video. Cake by Grounded.
OUR HUDSON VALLEY BAKERS’ CREATIVITY WITH CAKE BATTER AND ICING MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED. Consider a romantic cake with lace-style finishes and pastel floral designs, or think about making your cake pop with bold colors and modern shapes. Perhaps go retro with a 50s-style rectangular tower in white, or re52
interpret the same design in metallic colors. Our Hudson Valley bakers’ creativity with cake batter and icing must be seen to be believed, so bring some inspirational photos to a local baker for a consultation.
if cake isn’t your thing
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CAKE TO REPRESENT YOUR LOVE AND LIFESTYLE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY. HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO SWITCH IT UP:
IF YOU LIKE CAKE BUT DON’T WANT TO BREAK UP THE PARTY TO SIT?
IF YOUR WEDDING IS FOCUSING ON FRESH, LOCAL, OR HEALTHY FOOD...
Go with CUPCAKES. You can mix vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and carrot with more eccentric flavors to create a cake buffet that will please all of your guests.
Serve CAKE POPS, BROWNIES, COOKIES, PASTRIES, or any other hand-held deserts that your guests can pop into their mouths while they keep poppin’ on the dance floor.
Maybe steer clear of cake altogether. Instead, set up a table with your favorite PIES, or serve a tiered tray with layers of local CIDER DOUGHNUTS. Or, try a fresh local fruit platter!
T-Spoon Desserts by Kelly Merchant Photography.
Julie’s Pies and Cheesecakes. Duetimage Photography.
IF YOU LOVE CAKE BUT WANT VARIETY FOR YOUR GUESTS...
53
IF YOU DON’T WANT A CAKE BUT STILL WANT IT TO FEEL CLASSIC...
IF YOU WANT TO PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS...
Photo by Lev Kuperman.
IF YOU’RE CELEBRATING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS...
Why not build a bonfire and serve some S’MORES and hot cocoa or cider? Remember to give your guests some blankets so they can get cozy while they munch.
Consider serving GOURMET CHOCOLATES, PUFF PASTRIES, or the traditional French CROQUEMBOUCHE. They’re distinctive and classy, not to mention delightful.
Plan for a decadent and colorful DESSERT TABLE, complete with pies, pastries, cookies, and candies—all with your cake as the centerpiece.
WHICHEVER DESSERT OPTION YOU CHOOSE, HUDSON VALLEY BAKERS CAN HELP YOU MAKE IT YOUR OWN. DON’T BE AFRAID TO THINK OUTSIDE THE CAKE BOX! AS LONG AS IT’S DELICIOUS, YOU CAN’T GO WRONG.
54
LOCAL WEDDING BAKERS
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
Lily Szabo Photography.
wedding bakers
BEACON PIE COMPANY Beacon, beaconpiecompany.com
BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO Kingston, 845-340-9800, bluemountainbistro.com Blue Mountain Bistro is committed to providing gorgeous and delicious wedding cakes and desserts to fit any wedding style. They also provide complete planning services so you can feel totally carefree to relax and enjoy your special day knowing that their creative, experienced staff is handling all the details of the day.
Beacon Pie Company has been serving up pies whole and by-the-slice since 2015. Their pies are made from scratch and use local, seasonal ingredients. They’ve ditched the storefront and now vend from a converted 1962 ice cream truck, selling local ice cream, flavored whipped creams, and pie shakes along with their delicious pies. They also cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, graduations, and just about any other occasion that would call for pie. Check them out online and at the Beacon Bite lot: 416 Main Street.
BREAD ALONE BAKERY Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, 914-388-7588, breadalone.com Bread Alone Bakery is a family-owned, values-driven bakery whose vision has not changed since the day it opened: create delicious, honest breads and foods. Staff will work with you to craft your perfect wedding cake from scratch using only the best local ingredients. Call for a consultation and tasting at one of their four cafĂŠs in the Hudson Valley: Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock. 55
GET FROSTED CUPCAKERY Beacon, 845-765-1002, getfrostedcupcakery.com
JULIE’S PIES AND CHEESECAKES Kerhonkson, 845-626-1173, juliespies.tk
MAIN COURSE CATERING New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.com
Every day is a good day for cupcakes, including your wedding day. Beacon’s Get Frosted Cupcakery is a from-scratch bakery that utilizes local produce and products whenever possible. Currently rotating over 100 flavors on a weekly basis, they’ve got your cupcake fix covered. Not just a bakery, Get Frosted caters events as well. From small intimate parties to large weddings, Get Frosted strives to make your special day a sweet and memorable experience.
Julie’s Pies and Cheesecakes are truly homemade from scratch using only local, fresh ingredients. Pies, cheesecakes, cakes, and other goodies are all made fresh to-order, and she specializes in wedding pie dessert bars. Let Julie share her love of baking with you on your special day.
Main Course takes care of all the planning and catering, but they can also create the perfect wedding cake and all the desserts to make your wedding super sweet!
PEACE, LOVE, AND CUPCAKES Woodstock, 845-247-3687, woodstockcupcakes.com Peace, Love, and Cupcakes is a multiple award-winning cupcake shop featuring a huge array of delicious cupcakes and cookies. They only use the highest quality ingredients, locally sourced and organic whenever possible. Not only do they offer all the traditional sugar and butter choices, but they also make vegan, gluten-free, and raw versions as well. Food Network has honored them with two wins for “The Best Cake in the Country!” and “Rewrapped.” MSNBC featured them, and they are also a “Best of the Hudson Valley” business. 56
THE VILLAGE TEAROOM RESTAURANT & BAKE SHOP New Paltz, 845-255-3434, thevillagetearoom.com Made with Vermont sweet cream butter, Feather Ridge Farm eggs, Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, Ronny Brook old-fashioned cream, King Arthur unbleached flour, and non-aluminum baking powder, The Village TeaRoom’s cakes are as delicious as they are beautiful. Wedding cakes can be customized to suit your preferences. The Honey Bee Cake, a signature wedding cake, has been featured in Style Me Pretty.
Bread Alone will create your wedding cake with you. We bake our cakes from scratch using only the best local ingredients. Call for a consultation or tasting at one of our four cafes in the Hudson Valley. Cafe Locations: BOICEVILLE
KINGSTON
RHINEBECK WOODSTOCK
Email Sharon at sharon.burnsleader@breadalone.com or call (914) 388-7588 for more information www.breadalone.com
@breadalonebakery
323 Main Street, Beacon
845-765-1002
getfrostedcupcakery.com
Julie’s Pies and Cheesecakes
photo by DuetImage
Julie’s delicious homemade goodies are made to order using only the freshest local ingredients. www.juliespies.tk
845-626-1173
Kerhonkson, NY 57
WHEN TO HIRE A
wedding planner
Photo by Lev Kuperman.
Is it possible to plan your own wedding? Of course it is! Will it be easy? Not by any means. There are so many details that go into planning this important event; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Wedding planners, however, can help you navigate smoothly through the planning process and make sure everything goes off without a hitch on the big day.
58
Organizing a wedding on top of your already busy life is not a good idea, but imagine coordinating everything on the day-of. Nothing can take the romance out of getting ready than an argument with a florist who lost the flowers or a mad search for missing centerpieces and party favors, and if you’re planning a destination wedding or one that will take place in an unfamiliar setting, hiring a planner is almost an absolute must!
One big reason to hire a wedding planner is that they often have excellent connections with local vendors and will help you find ones to suit your style and your budget. They also know everything that’s essential for a successful wedding—no need to draw up those huge checklists. Another great reason to hire a professional wedding planner is that they can help to make your dream wedding a reality. We know you have many brilliant ideas, but it’s a planner’s job to help you zero in on each detail and bring them to life. So, check out our amazing, talented, angelic Hudson Valley wedding planners. You won’t be sorry!
LOCAL WEDDING PLANNERS
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
wedding planners
A PERFECT PLAN Hudson Valley, 845-541-1044, aperfectplan.biz
FOREVER WILD WEDDINGS Phoenicia, 845-688-3143, facebook.com/foreverwildweddings
GINA MALONEY EVENTS Woodstock, 845- 853-4075, ginamaloneyevents.com
Managed by Heather Bell-Pellegrino, an internationally certified event planner, A Perfect Plan offers several years of experience ranging from corporate events to party planning and weddings. Heather founded A Perfect Plan after realizing that her passion was in the coordination of events and seeing her clients’ enjoy celebration. She and her team have earned a reputation for sincere organization with positive professionalism and making their clients feel like family. A Perfect Plan has also been known to think outside the box for creative cost savings and extraordinary entertainment.
Forever Wild Weddings can make a simple yet stunning hiking wedding in the Catskill Mountains a reality for you. Husbandand-wife team Jess and Tim Luby will work closely with you to plan and oversee every aspect of your mountaintop wedding, from officiating and catering to photography and flowers. With their extensive knowledge of the Catskill Mountains, they will help you find the perfect vista for your ceremony. If you would rather hike up a mountain than walk down an aisle, contact Forever Wild Weddings today.
Winner of The Knot’s “Best of Wedding 2016,” Gina Maloney Events is where creative design and detailed organization meet. From the initial planning stages of your event until the last guest departs, Gina and her crew are dedicated to making your event the most memorable, stress-free, beautiful affair that truly reflects your specific dreams and desires. For a consultation, e-mail info@ginamaloneyevents.com, you can also see her work in The Knot. 59
THE HIVE EVENT COLLECTIVE Hudson Valley, 917-741-2125 hiveevent.com The Hive Event Collective is made up of multiple creative minds who conceptualize unique, boutique-sized celebrations with local, environmentally conscious, artisanal styles. Members are hand-picked based on talent, professionalism, social consciousness, and desire to work joyously in a creative environment. They believe in community kindness and integrity, and they offer flexible services stripped of formality to bring out clients’ own expressions.
60
HOOPLA! EVENTS Hudson Valley, NY and beyond, 845-706-3064, hoopla-events.com Hoopla! Events is a Hudson Valley-based, full-service event planning company for proud individuals who like to dance on tables and live outside the status quo. Their goal is to create hip, heartfelt, and unique events that stay true to clients’ images, offering month/day-of coordination, full planning, partial planning, and all things in between.
HUDSON VALLEY CEREMONIES Rhinebeck, 845-244-1482, hudsonvalleyceremonies.com This large group of wedding planners will assist you in designing the event of a lifetime. With over 24 years of experience and a vast network of professionals, Hudson Valley Ceremonies will help you and your families enjoy the wedding planning process. They have a package to fit every wedding and budget, specializing in rustic, chic, and elegant weddings. Services include day-of coordination, partial and full planning, and virtual wedding planning as well.
LYDIA BAILEY CHARMED PLACES New Paltz, 845-255-2475, charmedplaces.com
MAIN COURSE New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.com
Lydia works with creative and dynamic clients searching for unique event locations and a planning partner who reflects their personal styles and visions. With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, Lydia’s meticulous approach to planning and her ability to see the big picture results in memorable events that are as fun as they are beautiful. Cultivating ideas into reality is what keeps Lydia excited about her work, and her commitment to clients always shines through.
Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day, and Main Course event planners are there to help bring that vision to life. Whether it takes deciding on the perfect venue or choosing the right china pattern, Main Course staff will be by your side to ensure that every detail is addressed. Expect highly personalized service from their professional staff whose only goal is to make the planning process as easy for you as walking down the aisle.
Audio, Video, Lighting Custom Fabrication Live Events
Simple, stunning weddings in the mountains. Let us plan and officiate your very own hiking wedding.
BEACON, NY 845.219.8442 LNJtech.com Owners Tim and Jess Luby on Giant Ledge
INFO@LNJTECH.COM
845-688-3143
facebook.com/foreverwildweddings
www.APerfectPlan.biz
61
YOU’RE GOING TO NEED ICE. Let Binnewater Ice Co. provide all of your ice and water needs.
25 S Pine Street, Kingston, NY 845-331-0504 binnewater.com
62
real local wedding
ADRIAN + SCUBA Friends and family traveled from all over the country to this garden estate wedding in Armonk. After seven years together, the happy couple—and all their excited guests—eagerly anticipated the emotional ceremony and the laughter-filled reception that followed.
PHOTOS: Joshua Brown VENUE: Amy & Wally Sroka’s Estate CATERING: Thomas Fox Catering FLORAL DESIGN: Brewster Flower Garden RENTALS: Cartwright & Daughters DESIGNER/PLANNER: Adrian Sanchez 63
Vintage Mismatched Place Settings
Rustic & Vintage Props/Accent Furnishings
hudsonvalleyvintagerentals.com
917.804.9874
Vintage Rentals. Timeless Design 723 Columbia Street, Hudson northcountryvintage@gmail.com NorthCountryVintage.com 347.615.5528
photo by Jean Kallina
Perfect Location for Your Dream WeDDing ChoiCe of 80 Beautiful Rooms oR suites, many with in-Room fiReplaCes the taveRn at the Beekman aRms
6387 m ill s tReet , R hineBeCk 845-876 -7077 66
BeekmandelamateRinn . Com
North Country Vintage Rentals. Styled shoot by Spanglish Studios at The Katterskill .
rentals ONCE YOU’VE CHOSEN YOUR WEDDING VENUE, IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN. Collect photos, articles, fabrics, and other things that inspire you, and keep them organized in a binder. Or, create a Pinterest board or Instagram account dedicated to your wedding. Bring your binder or tablet on your hunt for a rental company to make sure the one you choose can meet all your needs and wants. Don’t forget to bring along those venue dimensions! Rental companies are experts in helping you design a perfect setting, delivering the components on time and whisking them away afterwards. Even if your venue provides all the basics like chairs, tables, and dinnerware, rental companies can offer special touches to make your venue more fun, more memorable, and more you. From the perfect ceremonial arch to a photo booth equipped with quirky accessories, the range of items our Hudson Valley rental companies offer will amaze you.
67
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
wedding rentals
BROADWAY PHOTO BOOTH
Kingston, 845-514-3998, broadwayphotobooth.com Make your wedding an experience you and your guests will never forget. Your guests can go back as many times as they want for unlimited photos to keep and cherish forever. Not only that, all packages include props, custom graphics, party favors, personalized CDs of booth photos, scrap-booking supplies, green-screen technology, and personalized background options.
HUDSON VALLEY VINTAGE RENTALS
NORTH COUNTRY VINTAGE RENTALS
Accord, 917-804-9874, hudsonvalleyvintagerentals.com
Hudson, 347-615-5528, northcountryvintage.com
This is a full-service vintage rentals and styling firm located in the Hudson Valley. They exclusively offer a handpicked collection of stylish and authentic vintage and rustic decor pieces for weddings and events, including furnishings, mismatched place settings, props, and accessories. Visit their showroom to experiment with their decor and be inspired.
North Country Vintage Rentals is a Hudson Valley vintage rental boutique offering mismatched table settings, furnishings, and vintage and rustic props. Their ever-evolving collection of handpicked, one-of-a-kind pieces will add charming touches to truly transform your wedding, party, or photo shoot. Visit their showroom to learn more about their custom rentals and timeless designs.
SAV-ON PARTY CENTER
Kingston, 845-336-5800, savonparty.com Sav-On has been a local, family-owned business for over 50 years. Their 5,000-square-foot location in Kingston Plaza is a retail store and rental equipment warehouse all-in-one, allowing you to combine your party-goods purchase with party equipment rental in one convenient stop. They carry tents, tables, chairs, china, flatware, glassware, linens, and more in their rental division and have paper and party goods for just about any event.
68
Hudson Valley’s largest selection of rental supplies!
Wedding Flowers That Make You Smile
Tents • Tables • Chairs • Bars • China • Glassware • Flatware • Linens • Stages • Dance Floors • Tent heaters • Patio Heaters • Fans • Cooking and Catering Equipment • Concession Equipment • Serving Equipment • Sound Systems • So Much More!
www.savonparty.com 845-336-5800 316 Plaza Road, in the Kingston Plaza next to Plaza Pizza 69
Photo by Love Me Do Photography
photos by Cappy Hotchkiss
Extraordinary Flowers, Beautiful Jewelry and Unique Gifts.
Bridal Bouquets • Boutonnieres • Swags • Corsages • Sashes And More
Arrangements created from 100% foraged and locally grown flowers.
Molly J Marquand Flowers Hudson Valley
70
MollyJMarquand.com
1204 Rt. 213, High Falls, NY 12440 TheGreenCottage.com 845-687-4810
YO U R WAY f you are doing flowers your way, you’re doing them right—just like everything else in your Hudson Valley wedding. That said, tradition can be beautiful too. Since there are plenty of opportunities to work flowers into your decor, why not mix it up? Something old, something new— something lush, lovely, and chosen by you.
Photo by Matt Petricone. Flowers by Green Cottage.
71
Jarita’s Florist; photo by Magic Flute Photo & Video
2
Flowers by Dark + Diamond. Photo by Paul O’Reilly. Flowers by Elissa. Photo by Ben Lau.
3
Viridescent Floral Design. Photos by Diana Vidal.
4 Viridescent Floral
1
5
6
7
9 FLORAL DIRECTIONS TO PONDER 1. CEREMONY BACKDROP
6. TINY VASES
2. EFFORTLESS
7. NOT JUST FOR THE EYES
Try a wall of vines or grasses accented with blooms or dried berries as the background for your wedding vows.
Have your bouquet or centerpieces arranged to look as though they were just gathered on a walk through the woods. Request a loose design with earthy flowers. Photo by Caitlynn Mahar Daniels. Flowers by Hops Petunia. Photo by Kelli Galloway.
Flowers and photo by Dark + Diamond. Flowers by Molly Marquand.
3. CONTAINERS
Boost your style with sleek geometric vases that contrast with the softness of flowers.
4. BRING IN THE GREEN Greens add boldness, with or without a few artfully placed blooms.
5. CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY Not every centerpiece has to be identical! Variety can be fun, so switch it up.
8
9
Mixing and matching different small vases and placing one or two blooms in each creates a really sweet yet dynamic look.
Blend in sprigs of aromatic herbs, such as basil or mint, to really bring your arrangement to life.
8. GO BOLD
Don’t be afraid to mix huge bold-colored blooms with softer, smaller flowers. The right floral designer can bring drama to any color palette or style you’re going for.
9. FRESH AND LOCAL
It’s not just about food anymore! Talk to your florist about what fruit is in season and locally grown. Fortunately for Hudson Valley couples, there are many options that save both money and the planet.
73
DARK + DIAMOND Beacon, 301-503-3543, darkanddiamond.com
FLOWER NEST Kingston, 845-331-4440, flowernest.us
Create your own bouquet or let one of their florists design an arrangement for you from their lovely array of fresh-cut flowers: roses, snapdragons, orchids, lilies, alstroemeria—selections from far and wide that change from day to day and season to season. They also specialize in creating arrangements for every kind of gathering or event, and they deliver locally. Stop by and see what’s blooming at the Adams Flower Shop.
Dark + Diamond Floral Design is a husband-and-wife team. Katie Burley and Michael Patton are both multidisciplinary artists living in and working throughout the Hudson Valley. A love of art and the natural world inspires their design aesthetic. They customize each event by drawing from the undeniable magic in nature and paying special attention to architecture, environment, and season. With 14 years of experience, they specialize in custom wedding florals.
From country simplicity to classic elegance, the Flower Nest can create that magical wedding you have imagined. Julie and her staff have been making brides smile since 1995. With their love of flowers, creative style, and dedication to their clients, they can create a wedding day that moves your spirit and plays with your senses.
FLOWERS BY ELISSA Gardiner, 845-255-8343, flowersbyelissa.com
GREEN COTTAGE High Falls, 845-687-4810, thegreencottage.com
HOPS PETUNIA Kingston, 845-481-5817, hopspetunia.com
Elissa combines her visual arts background with her horticultural education, her passion for gardening, and all of nature’s gifts to create the perfect floral environment for your special day. Elissa will guide you in realizing your vision while providing her knowledge and extensive background. Whenever possible, she will also help you to make your floral palette seasonal and local.
As a sentimentalist, Dennis Nutley understands the importance of special occasions to everyday life. He creates expressive arrangements that evoke nature with a mix of ordinary and extraordinary flowers. His designs are truly dazzling, and his enjoyment of working with clients to reflect and refine their vision is paramount to him.
Hops Petunia Floral is a nontraditional floral boutique, inspired by nature’s tangled, beautiful mess. With sweeping gestures and sweet, delicate scents, their designs are wild and textured. They want you to have the most epic day you can dream of and will do their very best to make it that way. Plus, they make great effort to use as many American and locally grown flowers from Hudson Valley farms as they can.
Caitlinn Mahar Daniels
Alicia King Photography
ADAMS FAIRACRE FARMS Kingston, 845-336-6300, adamsfarms.com
74
MEADOWSCENT Gardiner and New Paltz, 845-255-3866, meadowscent.com
MOLLY J. MARQUAND FLOWERS Hudson Valley, mollyjmarquand.com
Overseen by noted floral designer Rita Sands and husband Jay Sadowitz, Jarita’s is committed to offering the most exceptional floral arrangements with exquisite attention to detail that comes with nearly 40 years in the event business. They understand that the best gift for any couple is complete peace of mind on their wedding day. Working with Jarita’s on special floral arrangements guarantees a gorgeous day for all and beautiful memories that last forever.
Wedding flowers should be as unique as the couple getting married! From rustic romance to sleek contemporary, Meadowscent’s designers are the professionals keeping up on current styles and trends. Let them take your pictures and inspirations and create stunning florals just for you. Meadowscent carries flowers from sustainable farms and features local products seasonally, providing you with the most beautiful blooms available in a responsible manner.
Hailing from England and growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley, Molly has been inspired by some of the most beautiful gardens and landscapes in the world. With an MS in botany and a professional background in plant conservation, all her work is conducted with careful consideration of nature. She creates arrangements from 100-percent foraged and locally grown flowers to reflect the wild abundance of Catskills plant life.
TWILIGHT ACRES’ HOMEGROWN Stone Ridge, 845-901-1988, twilightacreshomegrown.com
VIRIDESCENT FLORAL DESIGN Beacon, 845-264-3039, virifloraldesign.com
WILDFLOWERS Margaretville, 845-586-2444, wildflowers-design.com
Homegrown provides bouquets and arrangements for weddings throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. Their services include all phases of floral design and installation, event planning and styling, and bulk or bucket pricing on their cut products for the DIY bride. Currently, they have 20-30 varieties of field-grown fresh flowers when in season. They also import fresh flowers from around the world.
Viridescent Floral Design specializes in weddings and events. The word “viridescent” means “becoming green,” a perfect term for their visual aesthetic and connection to environmental consciousness. Utilizing only the freshest flowers and composting all excess materials is their mission. From consultation to installation, they work closely with clients to develop the perfect design and style for each event.
An amazing floral design company located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, Wildflowers specializes in weddings and events here and destination weddings anywhere. They create unique floral designs specifically for your wedding, whether in country, garden, or contemporary style. Call for an appointment and consultation for your dream wedding.
LOCAL FLORAL DESIGNERS
Alicia King Photography
JARITA’S FLORIST Woodstock, 845-679-6161, weddingsbyjaritasflorist.com
75
Bouquet by Meadowscent.
Flowers by Dark + Diamond. Photo by Kimberly Coccacnia.
Bouquet by Viridescent Floral. Photo by Fabrice Tranzer.
SYMBOLISM OF
bridal bouquets
ASIDE FROM YOUR GLOWINGLY BEAUTIFUL FACE AND YOUR STUNNING WEDDING DRESS, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS GUESTS WILL TAKE NOTE OF AS YOU WALK DOWN THE AISLE IS YOUR BOUQUET. SO, MAKE SURE IT’S STUNNING. 76
Bouquet by Wildflowers. Photo by Keith Ferris.
Bouquet by Flower Nest. Photo by Erin Viana.
Flowers by Elissa. Photo by Keira Lemonis Photography.
Bouquet by Molly J. Marquand. Photo by Love Me Do Photography.
Bouquet by Hops Petunia. Photo by Brooke Courtney Photography.
There are over 600 blooming flower species that each symbolize individual virtues. For instance, everyone knows that roses symbolize love. Did you know that gardenia flowers symbolize joy and purity? These ideas may help you in your decision-making process as you go about constructing the perfect bouquet. Think of your bouquet as the centerpiece to your wedding outfit. Consider your dress’s style and your wedding theme as you design the bouquet, but also think about the aspects of your personality that best define you. These aspects should come across through the bouquet you hold as you walk down the aisle. Do you feel elegant? Perhaps try cream-colored roses. Do you feel whimsical? If so, try wildflowers. You have many options. 77
BOUTONNIERES Don’t forget the boutonnieres! The male
78
Boutonniere by Dark + Diamond. Photo by Documentary Associates.
flower accessory tradition evolved over time from a symbol for—you guessed it—fertility to a fashion trend. By the later end of the 19th century, American men wore flowers on their lapels as finishing touches to their gentlemanly outfits. These accessories are reserved for special occasions nowadays, so indulge on the big day with a little lapel love that matches the bride’s bouquet.
Green Cottage Floral. Photo by Jean Kallina.
Flowers by Elissa. Duetimage Photography.
Floral Fantasies by Sara. Photo by Arius.
Jarita’s Florist. Photo by Magic Flute. Flowers by Molly Marquand.
Hops Petunia.
Brewster Flower Garden. Photo by Joshua Brown.
Jarita’s Florist.
79
Crown by Green Cottage. Photo by Caitlinn Mahar Daniels.
Crown by Jessie Lynne Snyder. Photo by Caitlinn Mahar Daniels. Flowers By Elissa. Photo by Duetimage.
Tracey Reynolds Floral Design. Photo by Alicia King.
flower maidens FLOWERS FIT FOR A CROWN
80
This and Cover Crown by Jarita’s Florist. Photo by Magic Flute.
Flowers by Sedona Rose Ward. Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss. Crown by Dark and Diamond. Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss.
Flowers By Elissa. Photo by Lemonis.
What better way to adorn your beautiful tresses than with a crown made of gorgeous flowers? Floral crowns have been popular for centuries, and it’s no surprise why—The delicate and elegant halo they form around a bride’s head resembles that of a Greek goddess, angel, or woodland fairy. They’re also easy to personalize.
81
Crown by Jannie Baltzer.
THE BRIDAL CROWN
What bride doesn’t want to feel like a queen on her special day? The bridal crown was originally worn to symbolize purity and family status, and its appearance has varied by region. Today’s crowns vary by taste and can be made of anything from gold and diamonds to stained glass. Whatever your style, endless options await your choosing. 82
Crown by Elemental Child.
Crown by Elemental Child.
Custom Crown by Dark + Diamond.
Crown by Urbangipsy.
Photo by Alekz Pacheco. Dress by Juda Leah. Rose Crown by Katie Burley Millinery.
Fascinator by Juda Leah.
Flowers by Dark + Diamond. Pwhoto by Matching Hats Photography. Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss.
FASCINATOR OR BIRDCAGE VEILS are great and simple ways to accessorize your hairstyle while elevating your look. They don’t call them fascinators for no reason! A birdcage veil or floral/feather fascinator instantly adds a wow factor to your wedding day couture. Plus, they’re incredibly classy in appearance and can fit a variety of wedding styles including classic, vintage, rustic, and more. Here are a few examples of fascinators and birdcage veils that we absolutely adore.
83
845.255.8343 Gardiner, NY flowersbyelissa.com info@flowersbyelissa.com
Offering Our Own field-grOwn fresh flOwers in seasOn wedding bouquets and arrangements
Growing 20-30 varieties of heirloom, old fashioned and uncommon flowers.
460 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge 845-901-1988 TwilightAcresHomegrown.com
Love, Joy and Happiness for a Lifetime. A composition of White... Sings all Seasons.
Style des Rêves Style of dreams
CUSTOM DRESSMAKING • bridal & special occasion gowns • mother-of-the bride/groom • bridal alterations & restyling • restoration & copies of vintage clothing Awarded Best Floral/Event Design Co. New York, by Corporate America Boardroom Elite 2016
CREATING NEW AND EXCITING LOOKS FOR SPRING/SUMMER WEDDINGS.
Every wedding we create is specifically designed exclusively for your wedding.
746 Main Street, Margaretville 845-586-2444 wildflowers-design.com 84
• eco-friendly fabrics available
(845) 6 2 6 - 5 3 5 3 styledesreves.com • facebook.com/StyledesReves
BEAUTIFUL—INSIDE AND OUT
wedding dress The iconic wedding dress was not always white. In fact, wedding dresses have varied dramatically over time and by culPhoto by Clean Plate Pictures. Caroline + Mark Real Wedding.
ture. In the far past, women rarely purchased new gowns for their ceremonies; they simply wore the finest dresses they owned, which could be of any color. Queen Victoria became the ultimate wedding trend-setter after she wore her notorious white dress adorned with orange flowers to her 1840 wedding. White became all the rage and remains the traditional wedding dress color, but modern brides are increasingly working bolder and brighter colors into their wedding couture.
85
Dress by Betsy Wise. Photo by Lisa Vollmer.
Dress by Styles Des Reves. Photo by Duetimage Photography.
Dress by Juda Leah. Photo by Alekz Pacheco.
Whether you choose to have your dress custom-made by a local designer or decide to purchase one from a bridal shop, the only thing that matters is that you love the way it looks and feels. Luckily, if you’re looking to go custom-made, the Hudson Valley is brimming with talented designers who are waiting to craft a perfect dress that exceeds your expectations. 86
Dress by Rafael Perez. Photo by Kelly Merchant.
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
Photo by Duetimage Photography.
Photo by Lisa Vollmer.
wedding dressmakers and shops
BETSY WISE BRIDAL Beacon, 413-329-0642, Betsywisebridal.com
BLUSH BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Kingston, 845-338-3135, blushbridalbtq.com
JUDA LEAH ATELIER & BOUTIQUE Saugerties, 845-417-6937, judaleah.com
Betsy handcrafts custom-made gowns for free-spirited, non-traditional brides. She specializes in vintage reconstruction, transforming family heirloom gowns into flawless modern creations. Every bride has a vibrant story, and Betsy wants to celebrate their individual identities with gowns as unique and beautiful as they are. Brides will be involved in the creative process at every step while Betsy materializes their dreams.
Luxe fabrics, dreamy details, and lots of sparkle fill the racks at Blush. This cozy little bridal boutique, located in the heart of Uptown Kingston, offers a fresh approach to gown shopping that feels more like playing dress up than a task on your to-do list. Whether for a rustic wedding in the rolling Catskills or a lavish black tie reception, Blush offers a diverse selection of gowns for the trendy, traditional, or modern bride. Blush is open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment.
Juda Leah is a fashion designer from the Catskills with a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Her specialties include couture bridal, eveningwear, and millinery as well as fashion illustration and art. She designs and creates custom, oneof-a-kind wedding gowns, dresses for the whole bridal party, and bridal accessories. From simple and chic to glamorous, vintage, and over-the-top couture, Juda Leah can create a custom piece just for you and your special day. Customization and alteration services are offered. Visit judaleah.com to make an appointment.
STYLE DES RÊVES CUSTOM DRESSMAKING Accord, 845-626-5353, styledesreves.com Award-winning Style des Rêves (Style of Dreams) brings years of fashion-industry experience to custom dressmaking. Designer Barbara Kerner specializes in bridal wear and carefully crafts each piece to express the bride’s unique nature and that of her wedding celebration. Or, brides can choose to have their gowns sustainably restyled from vintage or store-bought gowns. Style de Rêves also serves the bridal party and mothers of the bride and groom. Accessories and alterations are available. Expect fine fabrics, beautiful craftsmanship, and expert attention to fit. Free consultation. Rainbow weddings are welcome. Like them on Facebook. 87
BRIDES BY BENEDETTI Wedding Hair Stylist
Complete beauty solutions and spa packages for the bride, groom and wedding party. Pamper yourself for your big day, at Giannetta Salon & Spa.
New York City & Hudson Valley
www.bridesbybenedetti.com
Schneiders Vortex ad 4_14.pdf
4/3/14
9:29:37 PM
Beacon, NY 845-831-2421 giannettasalonandspa.com
Because She’s A Keeper
Through the Generations Brides Have Trusted Us
• Simon G. • Art Carved • Coast • Waterford • Bridal Registry Available
290 Wall St. Uptown Kingston • 845-331-1888 • schneidersjewelers.com 88
Let LaV create your Wedding Day Beauty with on-location Makeup Artistry or combined Makeup & Hair.
845-339-3368 laVbeauty.com
Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
BEAUTY Q&A with Courtney Benedetti from Brides by Benedetti
The biggest day of your life is approaching, so naturally you want to look your absolute best. In order to do so, it’s essential that you communicate well with your chosen beautician and ask them any important questions you may have. Here are a few questions we asked Courtney from Brides by Benedetti.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HAIRSTYLE ON A BRIDE?
A: MY FAVORITE TYPE OF LOOK RIGHT NOW IS EFFORTLESSLY ROMANTIC.
That means hair can be down and softly curled or in a swept back updo. I love when the hair doesn’t look too stiff or too sprayed.
89
Q: BRAIDS ARE A BIG THING RIGHT NOW. Do you worry that
La Tua Bella Beauty Bar. Magic Flute Photo & Video.
Arius Photography.
brides are going to look back at photos in ten years and wish they hadn’t gone so trendy?
A: I LOVE THE LOOK OF BRAIDS— I wear my hair in a braid all the time—but, unless a bride is really going with an ethereal look, I would try to avoid them. While a hairstyle should reflect however the bride feels most beautiful, it also needs to match the overall wedding style. For instance, a braid looks incredible for an outdoor garden wedding paired with a romantic lace dress but wouldn’t be the right look for a big ballroom affair and a structured satin dress. My recommendation is to have fun with the style the night before if you want to be a little trendy and stay classic for the wedding day.
Q: DO YOU USUALLY
RECOMMEND EXTENSIONS?
A: I TEND TO PREFER AN EFFORT-
LESS LOOK, but I do love to use clip-in extensions to help enhance. Extensions are great to use in updos, as they allow people with short or fine hair to have much more volume—and no one will ever even know. Clip-in extensions are also great when you wear your hair down, as they add volume and thickness that will last all night.
Q: VEIL, OR NO VEIL? A: I DIDN’T WEAR ONE WHEN I
GOT MARRIED, AND I REGRET IT! I am a sucker for the timeless veil-flowing-inthe-wind photo, so I always encourage brides to wear one. I will say that veils tend to be pretty rough on hair, so you should try to limit the amount of time with the veil in. Here’s an insider tip: Always spray your veil with static guard before wearing it!
Q: DO ANY OTHER IMPORTANT
WEDDING DAY TIPS COME TO MIND?
A: YES, LOTS...
opinions. I’ve found it best to just stay surrounded by your bridal party and see everyone else at cocktail hour!
• PHOTOS BEFORE THE CEREMONY ARE BECOMING THE NORM NOW. Make sure to pick a special spot for the first look and consider saving your veil for the ceremony. The veil is the final bridal touch, and it’s nice to save that for your walk down the aisle and a few special photo ops.
• IF YOUR HAIR IS OMBRE’D AND YOU PLAN TO WEAR IT UP, you should really consider blending some highlights to your roots. Your bun could look like a clip-on if it’s a lot blonder than the rest of your hair!
• MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR USUAL PRODUCTS, like shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer, if you are staying at a hotel the night before. I’ve had to deal with some tangly and staticy emergencies due to hotel shampoo!
Photo by Alicia King Photography.
• LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE STOPPING BY DURING HAIR AND MAKEUP PREPARATIONS—too many bodies and too many
makeup When it comes to bridal makeup and hair, there is a fine line between too little and too much. It can be tricky. Your style should make you stand out and look your best, but it should also seem effortless. A beautician can help you figure it all out. Be sure to review beautician portfolios before you book an appointment, keeping your eye open for ones filled with styles similar to what you want for your big day. Once you’ve chosen one or two stylists, take them for test-runs. This will
help you make sure they can deliver, and it will also help you make certain whether you actually like the way your chosen style looks on you. Arrive to your trial appointment with pictures so the artist can do his or her best to recreate your chosen look. Also bring any hair accessories or specific makeup you are considering wearing on your wedding day, and wear a shirt similar in color to your dress so you can see what the final result will look like. 91
Arius Photography
BRIDES BY BENEDETTI Hudson Valley, bridesbybenedetti.com
GIANNETTA SALON & SPA Beacon, 845-831-2421, giannettasalonandspa.com
Bloom Salon & Makeup Bar is an eco-friendly business focused on creating the perfect look for your wedding day. Bloom has worked on a wide variety of bridal looks, ranging from natural and glowing to glamorous and dramatic. They believe in creating individual looks as unique as each bride while keeping styles timeless and flawless. For more information and inspiration, check out their Instagram @bloommakeupbar.
Courtney Benedetti brings her classic romantic styles from Manhattan’s cityscape to upstate New York’s lush scenery. From extravagant affairs on the Italian Riviera to simple backyard gatherings, Courtney has been making brides beautiful for over a decade in all types of settings. She currently hones her craft as the head of the hair department on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, adding to her diverse experience in both television and print.
Giannetta Salon & Spa offers complete beauty solutions for the bride, groom, and wedding party. Services range from high-definition airbrush and traditional makeup to manicures, pedicures, waxing, and flawless bridal updos and blowouts. They also offer spa packages including massages, facials, body wraps, scrubs, and muds. All services include a signature homemade apple banana bread, fresh fruit, and orange juice.
LA TUA BELLA BEAUTY BAR Rhinebeck, 845-876-2826, latuabella.com
LAV BEAUTY Ulster Park, 845-339-3368, lavbeauty.com
RAGE HAIR SALON Kingston, 845-331-2211
La Tua Bella is thrilled to be part of your big day, offering in-store services and on-site packages to meet your every need in addition to a top bridal makeup and hair stylist for the day of your wedding. Relax, unwind, grab a bottle of Champagne, and let them take care of you. They also offer pre-wedding prep packages including facials, massages, oxygen-infusion treatments, and eyelash extensions.
LaV Beauty offers on-site makeup application featuring LaV products and can also provide you with a full team on-location for makeup artistry and hair design. A lifelong artist and designer, Karen’s experience working with photographers and stylists will put your mind at ease. Whether you desire a natural glow or a more glamorous touch, LaV will give you a perfect look for your wedding day.
Mike and Joe are the two fashion-forward geniuses behind Rage Salon. These long-time pros have a professional, sophisticated style complimented by their fun and witty personalities. Rage is a guaranteed spot to achieve your dream hair style for the big day. Not just a service, visiting Rage is a friendly, chic experience that leaves you feeling confident and excited to walk down the aisle.
Magic Flute Photo & Video
LOCAL WEDDING BEAUTICIANS
BLOOM SALON & MAKEUP BAR Voorheesville, 518- 655-0043, bloomsalonandmakeupbar.com
92
the Perfect Match
Let our goldsmiths & master jewelers create your new family heirloom Fine custom jewelry made in front of you in our open studio
CUSTOM DESIGN • ENGAGEMENT RINGS • WEDDING BANDS CONFLICT FREE DIAMONDS • RECYCLED PRECIOUS METALS
Smokes 4 Less
www.smokes
4
less.com
12 HUDSON VALLEY LOCATIONS Let Smokes 4 Less provide you with premium cigars for your bachelor party, wedding reception, or any other grand life event! Special wedding packages available.
Hudson Valley GoldsmitH New Location: 71 Main St. New Paltz 845-255-5872
HudsonValleyGoldsmith.com 93
Honor’s Haven RESORT & SPA
Happily ever after starts here. receptions | rehearsal dinners | lakeside weddings | lodging
Let us inspire you, we will make your dreams come true.
845.210.1600
www.honorshaven.com
1195 Arrowhead Road Ellenville, NY 12428 94
248 Plaza Road, Kingston Plaza, Kingston, NY www.f lowernest.us 845-331-4440
jewelry
THE NEWEST IN RINGS
Photo by Kelly Merchant. Jewelry by David Urso.
The mythical vena amoris, or vein of love, was once believed to run through the left hand’s fourth finger, connecting it to the heart.
FOR THIS REASON, LEGEND SAID, THE WEDDING RING, WHOSE SHAPE SYMBOLIZED ENDLESS LOVE, BELONGED ON THIS FINGER. We still wear wedding rings on our “ring fingers” and believe their shape signifies an eternity of devotion, but wedding jewelry has evolved over the years, transforming from simple iron adornments to the beautiful pieces we admire today. David Walton, master goldsmith and owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz, says that vintage inspired designs are big this year, with rose and other colored golds being the new hot trend.
95
“Alternative cut diamonds are also in, like rose cut and rough cut,” he says. “They’re not traditional, like princess cut, but are very vintage-looking.” Clients who shop at David’s store usually search for more unique and eclectic pieces of jewelry. Using resilient stones like sapphires, which come in almost every color, is one of the many ways David creates distinctive pieces.
OTHER WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RINGS SPECIAL: Did you and your fiancé wear promise rings before you were engaged? Ask your jeweler to melt down the metal from your first rings to use in your wedding bands. Consider posie rings, which were popular during the 15th and 17th centuries. These rings include inscriptions on their surface. Family heirloom rings are special to begin with, and vintage rings are stunning too. You can refurbish and personalize them by resetting or adding your own inscription inside.
96
You could also opt for gimmel rings, which consist of separate bands that interlock. In the 16th and 17th centuries, two engaged people would each wear one hoop and join them to create a wedding ring. A final and most unique option to make your rings special is to ignore anything you’ve ever heard about what a wedding ring should be. Just pick something out that you love, and use your wedding ceremony as a way to dedicate it as your wedding ring.
Custom wedding bands by Hudson Valley Goldsmith.
Photo by Samantha Lauren Photographie. Harriet Forman Barrett Jewelry. Duetimage Photography.
WEDDING PARTY GIFTS It’s common practice to present gifts to members of your wedding party on the big day, expressing gratitude for their support and friendship. Jewelry ideas for women include bracelets, anklets, rings, necklaces, earrings, or brooches. For men, consider watches, money clips, cufflinks, tie clips, or key chains.
Rough cut diamond from Etsy byAngeline. Gimmel ring from Etsy by therajahpress.
Diamond stackable rings by David Urso.
LOCAL WEDDING JEWELERS
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
jewelers
Schneiders Vortex ad 4_14.pdf
4/3/14
Bec C
M
Y
Throu Brid
CM
MY
DAVE URSO JEWELRY High Falls, 845-687-0899, ursojewelry.com
HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH CY New Paltz, 845-255-5872, hudsonvalleygoldsmith.com
SCHNEIDER’S JEWELERS Kingston, 845-331-1888, schneidersjewelers.com
David Urso’s highly sophisticated handcrafted jewelry is a visual feast of color, form, and surface. Sensual, organic shapes and a painterly use of hand-tinted resins, which are applied in solids and in patterns, characterize this jewelry. Six of Urso’s brooches are in the permanent collection at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art in New Paltz, NY. As always, each unique piece is entirely handmade in his studio in Ulster County.
CMY Hudson Valley Goldsmith creates custom, one-of-a-kind fine jewelry, including engagement and wedding rings, using recycled precious metals, conflict-free diamonds,K and unique gemstones. All jewelry is made in front of you in their open studio, and they are also a full-service jewelry store offering repairs, resizings, and gold buying, all done on-premises. They also feature many fine jewelry artists from across the US.
This Kingston landmark has displayed everything you might want in jewelry, watches, bridal jewelry, and unique gifts since 1928. They also offer a wide variety of services • Simon G. •and Artbridal Carved • Coast including repairs, appraisals, registries. Schnei• Waterford • Bridal Registry Available der’s prides itself on its business ethics, management, and professional and knowledgeable service.
290 Wall St. Uptown Kingston • 845-331-1888
97
FOR YOUR UNIQUE, INTIMATE WEDDING CHOOSE
Four Corners Country Inn Bed & Breakfast • Restaurant • Catering • Bar Mt. Tremper, NY 845-688-3054
The Homestead at Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a beautifully renovated pre-Civil War residence located on the grounds and available for intimate weddings and events. Saugerties, NY | 845-336-8447 ext. 206 | casanctuary.org/weddingvv 98
FourCornersCountryInn.com
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
officiant remember in your decision-making process, though, is that YOUR OFFICIANT SHOULD BE SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU WHO CAN DIRECT YOUR CEREMONY ELOQUENTLY.
Samantha Lauren Photographie.
You can choose just about anybody to be your wedding officiant. Many people choose their childhood priests, public officials, or even close friends. The most important thing to
99
Meet with your chosen officiant to ask questions and share your wishes. Bring material you would like to be included in the speech and describe any spiritual aspects that are important to you. Also explain ways you would like family and friends to contribute.
Your officiant should be able to grant your wishes while upholding your beliefs and creating an enjoyable experience. The Hudson Valley is home to a number of talented individuals who will gladly devote their skills and time to making your ceremony special.
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
wedding officiants
100
HUDSON VALLEY CEREMONIES Rhinebeck, 845-244-1482, hudsonvalleyceremonies.com
PETER SONNENBERG Hudson Valley/New York City, 914-522-9118
REVEREND LYNDA ELAINE CARRÉ Hudson Valley, 845-684-5941, wellspringceremonies@gmail.com
Preparing for your wedding needs to be an enjoyable time. Hudson Valley Ceremonies works with you to design your ceremony with minimal stress, guaranteed laughs, and tears of joy. Their officiants personalize each ceremony to make it “you.” Your desired rituals can be incorporated, such as the unity candle, breaking of the glass, the Celtic tartan wrap, or jumping the broom, and the ceremony can be of many different faiths or none at all. They have both male and female officiants, which also include officiants that speak Spanish and Hebrew.
Peter is a non-denominational, interfaith officiant who provides customized wedding ceremonies that reflect couples’ personalities, beliefs, and passions. His specialties are in combining cultural and faith traditions as well as incorporating unique and distinctive ritual elements to create a truly personalized and meaningful ceremony. As a spiritual director of a Westchester holistic healing center, Peter has been in the healing arts field for over 25 years.
Unique, creative, and personalized wedding ceremonies are crafted through relationship exploration, deepening every couple’s understanding of their most cherished desires. Engaging in this process with celebrant Reverend Lynda Elaine Carré roots the ceremony in authenticity, personality, meaning, and memorability. Through 20 years of experience as a spiritual care counselor, healing arts practitioner, and artist, she brings heart-sourced wisdom and creative suggestions drawn from ancient to modern wedding traditions from around the world. From this fertile collaboration, she delivers empowering and celebratory intentional ceremonies.
Byrdcliffe has several great venues for wedding rentals: Byrdcliffe Barn; White Pines’ grounds and Loom Room;
and Byrdcliffe Theater, historic in America’s oldest continuing Arts and Crafts Colony Te l : 8 4 5 . 6 7 9 . 2 0 7 9
101
Ƭ
Ǧ ǡ Ǩ Ǩ
102
ͷ ǡ ͳʹͶͷͷ ȁ ͺͲͲǦͷʹǦͶͻͶ • Ǧ ȁ ̷ Ǥ ȁ Ǥ Ǥ
Making Your Home Safe & Cozy
THE MAD HATTER CHIMNEY SWEEP CO. Wood, Coal, Gas & Oil Flues Cleaned Masonry Repairs & Water Sealing Pre-Fab Chimney Installations Stainless Steel Relining Specialists Fireplaces Cleaned and Repaired SERVING ULSTER COUNTY SINCE 1978
Stone Ridge, NY
845-687-4745
Laura Andrea Harris Photography. North Country Vintage Rentals. Mary Elisa Reese Event Design.
Call Us For Your: • Private Charter • Dinner Cruises • Sight-Seeing Cruises • Weddings • Business Functions • Any Special Event
•
Call Us For Your: • Private Charter • Dinner Cruises
Sail Away With Us... • Sight-Seeing Cruises • Weddings
• Business Functions
HUDSON CRUISES, INC. 518.822.1014
hudsoncruises.com
• Any Special Event Weddings • Special Events • Dinner Cruises • Private Charter
518.822.1014
With Us...
• HUDSON CRUISES HUDSON INC.
HudsonCruises.com
CRUISES, INC. 518.822.1014
hudsoncruises.com
STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS
The Wedding Drink Experts
Over 1000 Wines • Boutique Tequilas • Single Malt Scotches Small Batch Bourbons • Monthly Tastings • Wine Dinners Stone Ridge Towne Centre, 2853 Main Street Route 209, Stone Ridge 845-687-7125 StoneRidgeWineAndSpirits.com
a moment to reflect In many ancient cultures, the order of events at a wedding would usually be: ceremony, consummation, then celebration; however, traditions change with the times. Nowadays, we do it in a slightly different order. It’s still a lovely and special idea to set aside a space after the ceremony and before the reception where the two of you can be alone together—even for just a few moments—to
connect and reflect. You’re officially married! The first thing to do after the vows is to share your thoughts with your new spouse. Take a moment to express your love for one another, whether through the sharing of romantic poetry, a champagne toast, or just a few kisses; this moment will serve to remind you both of the reason behind this celebratory day. 103
LOVE. IT’S WHAT MAKES A SUBARU, A SUBARU.
SUBARU, THE SAFEST AND MOST FUEL EFFICIENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE LINE-UP IN AMERICA!
COLONIAL SUBARU… No gimmicks, no distractions, just the facts, super good cars and our helpful team! 761 East Chester Street, Kingston, NY colonialsubaru.com 845-339-3333 104
invitations
SEVEN WAYS TO MAKE YOUR INVITATIONS UNIQUE by Markus Hartel
Society today is all about individuality and branding, and why should a wedding be any different? Long before walking down the aisle, save-the-dates and invitations are first steps in designing a wedding theme. It’s important to make sure yours represents your relationship. Styles are more extreme now, and couples are gravitating toward either rustic, earthy trends or something more bold and modern. Here are some ways to make your invites original.
1 GRAPHIC COLORS AND GEOMETRIC SHAPES Large, eye-catching figures, such as thick triangles or delicate, hand-drawn boxes, can create a striking backdrop for your most important announcement. The same goes for color. Using bright jewel or neon tones transforms a traditional ritual into a contemporary correspondence.
105
2 USE ELEMENTS IN NATURE With sustainable options like seeded paper that can be planted, you don’t have to feel guilty about putting more paper out into the world. Whether using botanical prints or burlap backing, make Mother Nature a part of the announcement.
3 DIE OR LASER-CUT INVITATIONS These techniques can add detailed cutouts and overlays to your inInvites by Raghaus.
vitation to create stunning precision. Imagine lattice-style envelopes
106
for RSVP card inserts or popups in the shape of a mountainside.
5 CUSTOM ENVELOPE LINERS Try personalizing your wedding invitation envelopes using anything from customized printed paper to Invites by Raghaus.
hometown maps. It adds another layer to personalizing and setting the stage for your wedding day.
4 LETTERPRESS Printing your wedding correspondences with 100-year-old technology might seem strange, but letterpress gives you invitees will have a tactile experience that goes way beyond embossing or engraving.
Invites by Raghaus.
the opportunity to make your invitation truly special. Your
107
6 WEDDING LOGOS Couples are taking their branding way beyond the old fashioned Samantha Lauren Photographie
monogram or the typical tabloid-style name mash-up to create logos that merge their values and interests in meaningful ways. These logos can be transposed onto anything from invitations or place cards to gift tags or thank-you notes. Work with a designer who will customize one that can last a lifetime.
7 TYPOGRAPHY AND HAND LETTERING Designers are playing with fonts and hand lettering these days Photo by Lev Kupperman.
to create stunning visuals that feel modern and personal.
108
Markus Hartel is a stationery designer and letterpress man from Germany who works with couples and corporations out of his Newburgh shop, Raghaus.
MEMORIES are made here
INDOOR & OUTDOOR SPACES COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB THE GREENS RESTAURANT THE BARN
|
BERKSHIRE AND CATSKILL MOUNTAIN VIEWS www.copakecountryclub.com www.thegreensatcopake www.thebarnatcopakelake.com
|
CHIC, RUSTIC DECOR
518.325.0019 109
Discover the Benefits of Absolutely FREE*Checking Together! FREE^ Gift FREE from Minimum Balance Requirements FREE from Monthly Service Charges FREE Online Banking and Statements FREE Online Bill Pay FREE Mobile App and Mobile Banking FREE** Debit MasterCard® FREE Financial Management Tools SURCHARGE-FREE^^ ATMs - Access your cash at ® ATMs world-wide over 55,000 ®
Banking • Loans • Investments • Tax & Payroll • Insurance
Locations throughout the Hudson Valley 866-440-0391 • ulstersavings.com Investment, Tax, Payroll and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.
MEMBER FDIC
*Customer purchases checks. Other fees such as NSF, overdraft, sustained overdraft, etc. may apply. See fee schedule for details. Bank rules and regulations apply. Minimum opening deposit for Absolutely Free Checking is only $25. All other personal checking accounts require $50. Ask for details. ^Value of free gift may be reportable as interest on 1099-INT form. We reserve the right to substitute a gift of similar value. Free gift provided at the time of account opening. ** Usage fee may apply. ^^No surcharge fees at Ulster Savings Bank and Allpoint ATMs applies to Ulster Savings Bank cardholders only. Fees may apply at other ATM locations.
110
Left photo Samantha Lauren Photography.
wedding programs
Wedding ceremonies are like romance novels, and so providing your guests with programs to guide them through the story is a must. Programs also offer ing of them, inspire some comic relief, or tell your love story. So, make sure you include this little addition on your list of things to get ready for the big day—It’ll make a difference.
Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
you opportunities to let your guests know you’re think-
111
NYC, Hudson Valley
aliciakingphotography.com
Photo by Duetimage
Arius Photography. Artistic. Candid. Non-cheesy. www.ariusphoto.com
The Inn aT KeTTleboro
Hudson Valley | New York, NY 112
917-741-2730 | cappyhotchkiss.com
Celebrate in Intimate Surroundings and Magnificent Views A Bed and Breakfast Overlooking the Shawangunks 914-213-2487 321 State Route 208, New Paltz www.kettleboro.com
your photographer A GUIDE TO CHOOSING
T
he memory of your wedding rests in your photographer’s hands, so choose one carefully. The right person should be able to capture every special moment: conversations with your wedding party while getting ready, your walk down the aisle and first kiss as a married couple, the last dance at your reception, and all that happens in between.
Choosing a professional wedding photographer alleviates this burden from your friends and family members so they can enjoy themselves. Plus, seasoned wedding photographers use their experience to work with your energy and emotions, producing stunning images.
113
ONCE YOUR WEDDING IS OVER, YOU WILL BE LEFT WITH MEMORIES AND MOMENTS CAPTURED IN THESE PHOTOGRAPHS, SO DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
NARROW DOWN YOUR OPTIONS BY SELECTING A HANDFUL OF PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO:
1. FIT WITHIN YOUR ALLOTTED BUDGET. There’s just no getting around this one.
2. HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF IMAGES THAT MOVE YOU IN SOME WAY.
Pictures should capture emotions while also conveying a wedding story from beginning to end.
3. HAVE GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS.
Remember, anyone can select good reviews for their website. Instead, contact people who hired these photographers for their own weddings and ask them to describe their experiences.
ONCE YOU’VE SELECTED A FEW, MEET WITH THEM AND ASK: Do you have my date available, and how far in advance would I need to book for that date? What are your prices? Do you offer payment plans? Is there a travel fee? If so, what exactly does it cover? What are your refund and cancellation policies? What would be your backup plan if you had an emergency and could not shoot my wedding? When would you arrive at my wedding location, and for how long would you stay? Would you stay if my event ran longer than expected? Would there be an extra fee? Have you photographed any weddings similar in style to mine? If so, can I see pictures? How would you describe your working style? Is it more candid or constructed? Have you shot at my venue or worked with any of my other vendors before? If not, how would you prepare before my wedding day? When would we go over my must-remember moments?
114
ASK ABOUT WHAT THEY OFFER: What types of packages do you offer, and are they customizable? Do you offer albums? If so, would we get to choose which photos are included in ours? How long after the wedding date would you provide us with proofs? Would you edit the photos beforehand? What would the ordering process be for the final photos?
MOST IMPORTANTLY, ASK YOURSELF: Do I feel comfortable with this person? Would my friends and family feel comfortable as well? -It’s important to click with your photographer so your photos are relaxed and true to your experience.
After you’ve signed a contract, submitted a deposit, and set up a date to meet closer to the wedding, it’s time to celebrate. You’ve just completed a major task toward finalizing your wedding. WHAT’S THE HURT IN POPPING SOME CHAMPAGNE NOW?
wedding photographers
ALICIA KING PHOTOGRAPHY New York City, Hudson Valley, aliciakingphotography.com
ARIUS PHOTO New Paltz, 845-532-6337, ariusphoto.com
CAPPY HOTCHKISS New York City, Hudson Valley, 917-741-2730, cappyhotchkiss.com
Alicia King has a very candid and natural shooting style and loves unique couples who are willing to go the extra mile to get a good shot. Happy to travel anywhere, this film and digital hybrid photographer looks at everything with a unique perspective because she knows that nobody wants cookie cutter wedding photos. What’s the icing on the cake? Each wedding booked receives a complimentary engagement shoot! Alicia cannot wait to meet you and hear more about the details of your special day.
Artistic. Candid. Non-cheesy. Sam and Dave are a husbandand-wife photography team who believe that marriage is a big deal. For them, being surrounded by love and having the opportunity to be a part of your wedding day is a privilege. They take pride in their creative photography and distinct style that combines artistic portraiture with the ability to photo-journalistically capture intimate moments. They love light and use it strongly, and they invite you to take a look through their website and blog.
Cappy Hotchkiss is a photographer who has had the privilege of shooting weddings all over the world. Based in New York City and the Hudson Valley, she aims to capture the styles and moods that couples work so hard to create for their weddings. Her goal is more than simply creating beautiful images; it is to capture the emotions behind them. She achieves this using a variety of techniques from classic to modern, and she shoots with both film and digital cameras.
LOCAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
115
116
CLEAN PLATE PICTURES New Paltz, 718-622-3632, cleanplatepictures.com
DEAR ALEX AND JANE Hudson Valley, 646-240-3745, 845-417-5451, dearalexandjane.com
DUETIMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY New Paltz, 845-905-6323, duetimage.com
Clean Plate Pictures is all about capturing the energy of a celebration, recording the big events as well as the unexpected candid moments. They appreciate the uniqueness of a couple’s story, and they love weddings: everyone dressing fancy for a day, the nerves, the excitement, and the palpable joy after the vows. They make being photographed easygoing and fun, so you look and feel happy and relaxed. Though the day may fly by for you, they capture the entire thing so you have visual memories that make you laugh, and maybe even tear up.
With 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industries in New York and a BFA from The Rietveld Academie in Holland, artist-photographer Rachel Brennecke brings her background to her new company Dear Alex & Jane, founded with assistant photographer Alex Liguori. Press for her 2014 Stone Fox Bride X Honor campaign was featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, VOGUE, Elle, InStyle, The New York Times, and Harpers Bazaar.
Duetimage is a collaboration between two photographers, Doug Madden and Regina Gloor, who live and work in New York’s historic Hudson Valley. Based in New Paltz, Duetimage Photography specializes in weddings, portraits, and events. They pride themselves on offering a wide range of finished photo products, from luxurious handcrafted albums and museum-quality prints to canvases, metal prints, and ceramic heirlooms. They focus on completing the process from beginning to end with a truly unique product.
CLERESTORY PICTURES Hudson Valley, clerestorypictures.com
EMILY CURRAN PHOTOGRAPHY High Falls, 845-532-7956, emilycurran.com
ETHAN HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY Hudson Valley, ethanphoto.com
Clerestory Pictures is a group of seasoned professionals whose work has been shown on an international stage, and they can bring this experience to your wedding at an affordable price. With an expertise in documentary-style and television special production, they have over 30 years of experience and can shoot in a cinematic or documentary style.
Emily Curran is a wedding photographer with over eight years of professional experience. She graduated from the International Center for Photography in Manhattan and later moved to the Hudson Valley. Her photojournalistic style is simple, modern, fresh, and inspired by light and laughter. Emily gains trust from her clients and creates an environment where real emotion and spontaneity can occur, and she is happy to travel for weddings.
Ethan is a photographer who was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, and he currently lives in Beacon. His photography style is a clean documentary type: staying out of your hair and letting the day unfold naturally. His specialty is in finding those special in-between moments, which is key to capturing your day exactly the way you remember it.
JEAN KALLINA PHOTOGRAPHY Kingston, 917-757-9692, hudsonvalleyphoto.com
Catharina Christiana has been taking pictures since she was a child and has always wanted to be an artist. She loves photographing people, whether it be doing something creative in a styled photoshoot or taking live action shots of a band at a concert. She can photograph just about anything from modeling portfolios, portrait sessions, and concerts to weddings, engagements, maternity, and infant and newborn portraits. She’ll capture the soul of each moment.
Jean’s images will tell your wedding story scene by scene, with a romantic realism that sets the standard for the most stylish and natural wedding photography. Her work has been featured on numerous blogs and magazines, and she has been awarded The Knot’s “Top Pick” for five years in a row and “The Bride’s Choice Award” six years in a row.
Jenn Morse’s background is in fine art photography and art history. She has a deep understanding of photo history and a great passion for portraiture and storytelling. Jenn has worked extensively over the years with a wide variety of cameras, but she personally favors her large format field camera and printing with a combination of contemporary and past processes. Jennifer offers large format portrait sessions for both weddings and engagements, along with full wedding coverage shot in both digital and film.
KEITH FERRIS PHOTO High Falls, 845-532-0125, keithferrisphoto.com
KELLY MERCHANT PHOTOGRAPHY High Falls, 917-741-2125, hiveevent.com/kelly-merchant-photography
You deserve the very best for your wedding day. Countless couples have been choosing Keith Ferris Photo for over a decade. Unobtrusive and easygoing, he captures the day as it unfolds so you can focus on you. He spent his early career honing his skills as a photojournalist, so he works fast and accurately, never compromising quality.
Kelly is deeply committed to capturing the essence of joyous memories that emerge from a mindful dance between her clients, light, and the natural world. Whether photographing you with digital or film cameras, she captures timeless photographs with a dream-like style that reveals each couple’s unique nature.
JOSHUA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY Hudson Valley, NYC, 646-374-8688, joshuabrownphotography.com Joshua is a photographer and videographer based in the Hudson Valley with over 18 years of wedding experience. His unobtrusive style and natural light approach yields images and moments that are both timeless and modern. His ability to offer both photography and videography in the same package enables him to tell the full story of the day. In addition to videography, typical packages might include albums, photo booths, or engagement photo shoots.
LOCAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JLM PHOTOGRAPHY Kingston, 585-944-9220, jennmorseweddings.com
C3 PHOTOGRAPHY Hudson Valley, catharinachristiana.com
117
LEV KUPERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY NYC, 917-828-4430, levkuperman.com
MATT PETRICONE PHOTOGRAPHY Catskills, Hudson Valley, NYC, 973-868-9043, mpeventphoto.com
SAMANTHA LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHIE Hudson Valley, 646-320-6945, samanthalaurenphotographie.com
Lev strives to create sincere, stylish images that capture couples’ personalities and raw emotion on one of the most important days of their lives. He looks for the way you light up when you see your soul mate for the first time on your wedding day, the way you squeeze each other’s hands when you get nervous, and the way your parents tear up as you recite your vows to each other. He confesses that it gives him goose bumps, and he hopes that it gives you goose bumps when you look back at your wedding album and relive the day.
Matt Petricone shoots in a very relaxed style and it is seen in each of his photographs. He’s very unobtrusive and puts everyone at ease to capture those true candid moments. Coming from a background in journalism and fashion, Matt mixes the two to create iconic images from getting ready to the last dance. Matt and his team can shoot both still and video to give you everything you need in a cohesive style and package. Matt is based out of both Upstate and New York City and works worldwide for a multitude of clients and publications.
Samantha is an editorial and intuitively artistic wedding photographer. She splits her time between New York City and the Hudson Valley, and she loves local, creative, and emotional weddings. She has been in the business for eight years, and her philosophy—that love is the greatest story—is the driving force behind her work. She is invested in the true documentation of your love story to be shared with generations to come. What are your stories? How can Samantha help you tell them?
VIVIAN PHOTOGRAPHY Milton, 845-795-6189, vivianphotography.com
YOUR DAY PHOTOGRAPHY New Paltz, 845-594-3130, yourdayphoto.com
To Vivian, each wedding is a special individual experience. She is grateful to be a part of such a personal affair, and it truly shows through the genuine shots she takes. She feels that everyday is a blessing, and taking photographs is the ideal way to remember it. Her camera is an extension of her hands, eyes, and most importantly, her heart. From weddings and events to families and babies, Vivian is a perfect photographer for it all.
Denise Edkins loves what she does, and it shows in her work. Your Day Photography offers top-notch wedding and event photography with a personal touch. Her style is unobtrusive photojournalism combined with romantic portraiture, focusing on the unfolding story and emotions of your day. She loves the unique opportunity of each individual wedding and the joy of meeting and working with her clients.
TERESA HORGAN PHOTO New Paltz, 917-612-2963, teresahorgan.com
118
Striving to capture all that makes your day distinct and memorable, Teresa will photograph the emotion, the mood, and the spirit of your day as well as the beautiful instants you may miss while you are present in your own moment. Teresa shoots in a distinct editorial style, with lots of fun candids sprinkled throughout. Every couple’s story and wedding is unique, and Teresa Horgan Photo captures each individual wedding in the most beautiful way possible, with over ten years of wedding experience.
GR AP H IC DE S IG N & LE T T E RP RE S S S T U DIO
223 Broadway 路 Newburgh, NY 路 888-859-3688 路 42@raghaus.com HOURS BY APPOINTMENT OR CHANCE
119
GOURMET CATERING FULL COCKTAIL BAR WEDDINGS INDOOR AND OUT 120
845.688.9800 10 MAIN ST. PHOENICIA THEPHOENICIANSTEAKHOUSE.COM
real local wedding
CHRIS + TINA As you’ve probably heard, a little rain is good luck on a wedding day. Chris and Tina were sure to capture the beautiful showers in their wedding photos. They chose the 100-acre estate lands at Oak Hill for their ceremony and reception, and the rustically decorated barn became an intimate haven from the showers.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Arius Photo VENUE : Livingston Oak Hill, Hudson FLORIST: Floral Fantasies by Sara CATERER: Creative Foods Catering EVENT COORDINATOR: Wedding Planning Plus HAIR AND MAKEUP: Bloom Salon + Makeup Bar
124
the music
SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LOVE STORY MUSIC IS A HUGE PART OF ANY GREAT PARTY,
and your wedding is no different. The songs played on your big day will become the soundtrack to your love story, so make sure they’re romantic and fun. The first step in doing so is deciding whether you would like a DJ or live performers. Both can make a party pop, so it’s all about your style and musical preferences.
HERE’S THE RUN-DOWN FOR BOTH: Can be less expensive than most live bands. Can play virtually any song you’d like in any version. Can take up less room than a live band. Can play a diverse set of songs for a diverse guest list. Can bring the party to the level of a grand night out.
LIVE PERFORMERS: Can be friends and family to make it special. Solo performers can take up less room than a DJ. Can give your party an intimate, classy feel. Can make certain genres, like jazz or swing music, come alive.
Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
Photo by Samantha Lauren Photographie.
DJ’S:
125
Once you’ve figured out whether you’d like a DJ, live performers, or both, search for some by asking friends and browsing the web. A simple post on your favorite social media site could provide you with many recommendations from people you trust. Or, just give our recommended vendors a ring.
Hudson Valley Live Bands. 126
In choosing your DJ or live performers, consider whether they seem trustworthy and whether they are flexible enough to meet all of your needs. Also look for someone with personality who loves music and will bring life to the party; it will make a huge difference at your reception.
Photo by Samantha Lauren Photographie.
After you’ve chosen your musical consultant, have a conversation about your must-play list. Be sure to include special songs that remind you and your sweetie of one another, and also play songs you know your guests will enjoy.
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss.
music picks OUR STAFF CONTRIBUTED SOME OF THEIR MUST-PLAYS TO HELP YOU GET YOUR OWN LIST STARTED
jessica brush BACKGROUND: The melody of “In My Life” by The Beatles doesn’t feel too serious, and the lyrics are simple and perfectly explanatory. DANCE: “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé is a favorite girl-power throwback for most ladies, and after all, the party is about celebrating love. BACKGROUND: Live band! Some live jazz could change the vibe from dance party to classy for the eating and mingling portions of a wedding.
anne pyburn craig LOVE: “I’ll Follow You” by Shinedown is a glorious love poem with soaring vocals and instrumentals. DANCE: The pulsating rhythm lines in “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads are infectious and fun to play with on the dance floor. BACKGROUND: Chamber music! Mozart rocks!
melissa hewitt LOVE: Tracy Chapman’s “The Promise” is my alltime favorite love song. It’s about love that never ends and always finding a way to be together, even across time and space. DANCE: It’s all about Michael Jackson for me, and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” takes the cake. When it comes to dancing, I really can’t get enough. BACKGROUND: “All of Me” by Louis Armstrong: Jazz standards are perfect for cocktail hour or dinner music, and this is a great one.
charlene v. martoni LOVE: There’s something timeless and beautiful about Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” It reminds me of the way my parents couldn’t help falling in love with one another after years of friendship. They met when they were nine and ten years old!
DANCE: Whenever “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO comes on, I’m flooded with memories of going out with my college friends in New Paltz. BACKGROUND: “Girl Inform Me” by The Shins is really mellow but not boring—perfect for background music while chatting over some delicious wedding food.
melissa orozco LOVE: “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie is my and my husband’s song, but that’s not the only reason why I love it! What I truly love about this song is how pure and honest it is. DANCE: “Dance Yrself Clean” by LCD Soundsystem has been my party anthem for the last six years; I simply can’t get enough of it! BACKGROUND: “Hold you in my Arms” by Ray LaMontagne is perfect background music; this particular song is romantic, positive, and slightly upbeat—perfect for dining at a wedding.
127
HUDSON VALLEY AND CATSKILLS
wedding music
128
CLASSICAL PIANIST HAROLD BRIGGS Hudson Valley, 615-497-0769, haroldbriggs.com
DJ ALI GRUBER 845-658-9689, djalispinsvinyl.com
DJ BRI SWATEK, Wappingers Falls, 845- 235-0080, djbriswatek.com
Walk down the aisle to the timeless “Canon in D,” “Bridal Chorus,” or something a bit out of the ordinary—you make the call. Woodstock resident Harold Briggs is a master pianist with a doctorate in music who has spent decades performing, and he is happy to collaborate to make your ceremony music exactly as you wish it to be. He can play organ in a church or keyboard in the woods and is available to play piano during your cocktail hour as well.
DJ Ali specializes in beautiful, homegrown, DIY, and alternative weddings. If you’re looking for a loud MC, smoke machines, and line dances, look elsewhere. Her job is to showcase the simple and elemental joy that music invokes in us all. She provides an eclectic soundtrack to accompany your big day, including cocktail hour music, dinner music, and her true forte: a bumpin’ dance party that spans generations.
Share your unique style with your friends and family on your wedding day! DJ Bri Swatek will work with you to plan a wedding to remember. Listening to you before your wedding and reading the crowd during your event, DJ Bri will make sure that your guests are up, dancing, and having fun to all the music you love (and none that you don’t). Ready to celebrate?
LOCAL MUSIC JTD PRODUCTIONS Hudson Valley, 845-853-8912, jtdproductions.com
HUDSON VALLEY LIVE BANDS Hudson Valley, 845-926-6652
SOUL PURPOSE Hudson Valley, 914-489-8391, soulpurposehudsonvalley.com
JTD Productions delivers peace of mind artistically, logistically, and financially. Their DJ’s have the experience and taste to play music that’s hip and accessible without being esoteric or cheesy. They know the ins and outs of virtually every venue: where to set up, where to plug in, and where the back-up help is, if needed. JTD Productions has a DJ for almost every budget and back-up DJs, back-up systems, and a million dollars worth of insurance for every job. Their artistry, know-how, and people are the reasons that JTD delivers peace of mind.
The Hudson Valley is bountiful with incredibly talented local musicians in all genres. A professional live band is just the right touch for any wedding. Whether it’s a three or four-piece jazz ensemble for cocktail hour or a rockin’ dance party during the reception, Hudson Valley Live Bands can help. Contact Lee Falco for assistance in curating perfect music for your wedding.
Soul Purpose is a well-established and versatile seven-piece band that has been entertaining audiences for nearly 20 years. From jazz and swing to soul, New Orleans funk, Motown, and R&B, The Huguenot Herald says to “dance your heart out with Soul Purpose, a smokin’ band who will lift your heart…absolutely love what they do, gathering the boisterous energy of a dancing crowd and channeling it into a melodic explosion.” If you don’t want your great Aunt Sue to dance the electric slide, you need Soul Purpose.
SUPERIOR SOUNDS, LLC Hudson Valley, 845-790-5472, superiorsoundsdj.com Superior Sounds is a company to call when you want to make your event unique, memorable, and a total blast. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment business, they are much more than just a mobile DJ company. Services range from equipment rental and live sounds for bands and DJs to uplighing that will completely transform the dance floor into the ultimate bash. With offices in New York and South Florida, they produce amazing events up and down the East Coast.
129
130
a home wedding
Photo by Documentary Associates.; flowers by Dark + Diamond
WHERE THE HEART IS
Here are some tips to help make your at-home wedding the delightful experience it should be:
131
Have a theme in mind, and use it to guide your decisions. You want everything to flow. Choose where each part of the wedding will take place. Is there a picturesque location on your property that is perfect for the ceremony? Does your land have levels that can separate dining from dancing? Think about whether it would be worth it to do some renovations. You may want to put some of your wedding budget to good use by painting your home or landscaping your yard. Regardless, have your lawn freshly mowed, your hedges trimmed, and your stonework cleaned and repaired. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to clean before and after the wedding so you can enjoy the days leading up to it as well as the days that follow. Arrange to board pets and store excess furniture out of the way.
132
Photo by Kelly Merchant Photography.
Have a backup plan for the possibility of weather complications, or consider renting a tent that can be cancelled a few days in advance. Don’t forget to factor in electric for a sound system and extra bathroom facilities. Decide which items you can borrow or DIY, then rent the rest. You may need tables, chairs, or a dance floor. Also consider what services you will require, like catering and photography. Find out in advance what kind of permits you may
need for things like amplified music or a bonfire. If you want to use your indoor fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean. Check for parking permits too, and make sure no construction is planned that may affect access. Delegate ahead of time. Since you will be busy the day of the wedding, ask family or bridal party members to help out by picking up supplies or collecting out-oftown guests from the airport. Use a Facebook group or online task organizer to keep everyone on the same page, and host a gathering to go over everything during the week prior to the wedding. Be sure to provide food! Appoint a relative or close friend as your assistant coordinator. This person can help you keep track of details and serve as the go-to person for any questions that arise on the big day. Consider the neighbors. If you are not planning to invite them, advance warning (and perhaps a little gift) will help avoid fuss. If families are bringing children to your wedding, consider setting up a kids’ area stocked with coloring books, bubbles, and other play supplies. Rehearse your ceremony, even if you think you don’t need to. Have a timeline. Aim for having all of your preparations complete at least one week in advance so you will be relaxed and happy on the big day.
We have everything you need!
Give the gift you know they’ll both need!
Lumber • Hardware • Paint • Electrical • Windows & Door Building Materials • Plumbing • Heating • Power Tools • Hand Tools Lawn & Garden • Kitchen & Bath • Housewares • and More!
845.876.WOOD
www.williamslumber.com
Lawn & Garden • Housewares • Kitchen & Bath Hand Tools • Power Tools • Building Materials Paint • Hardware •Windows & Doors • and More!
84 5. 87 6. WO OD ww w.w illiamslumber .c om 845.876.WOOD www.williamslumber.com RHINEBECK • PLEASANT VALLEY • HUDSON • HOPEWELL JUNCTION • TANNERSVILLE • RED HOOK • HIGH FALLS • HYDE PARK 133
favorite favors
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER YOUR BIG DAY
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss. Isis + Austen wedding.
Photo by Samantha Lauren Photographie.
Photo Arius Photography.
We’ve all received Jordan almonds as wedding or baby shower favors. It’s time to switch it up. Favors can be anything from personalized miniature bottles of maple syrup to artisanal candles. If you’re having your wedding in the Hudson Valley, help to boost its economy by finding your unique wedding favors locally. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Hudson Valley Seed Library Art Packs.
Photo by Matt Petricone. Scones and script by Main Course. Joshua Brown Photography. Adrian + Scuba wedding.
Photo by Arius Photography.
135
Our GIFT BOuTIQuE HAS Unique Items Great For Bridal Showers • Cutting Boards • Platters
• Serving Pieces • “Mr./Mrs.” Gifts
We’re here to help... and have been for over 104 years. Family owned and operated.
FREE GIFT WRAPPING!
Gift Savings Offer
20% OFF
Any single fully priced gift item with this coupon. One time offer. Ends 12/31/16.
www.herzogs.com
No other discounts apply. Valid at Kingston location only.
Kingston • 151 Plaza Road • 845-338-6300 136
Discover Wonderfully Unique Gifts for All Occasions
real local wedding
ISIS + AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY: Cappy Hotchkiss WEDDING VENUE: Family Farm RENTALS: Hudson Valley Vintage Rentals FLOWERS: Grown at Sanctuary Farm by the bride’s sister
Isis and Austin held a family-oriented, bohemian-style wedding on the farm where Isis grew up—the beautiful Sanctuary Farm in Cooperstown. Married by their family pastor at “the family tree,” a huge, solitary oak tree overlooking fields of wheat and sunflowers, their ceremony was nothing short of magical. 137
HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING
details
DECOR
INVITES
LIGHTING
NIXIE SPARROW Beacon, 845-202-7011, nixiesparrow.com
RAGHAUS Newburgh, 888-859-3688, raghaus.com
LNJ TECH SERVICES Beacon, 845-219-8442, lnjtech.com
Nixie Sparrow specializes in designing custom decor for weddings and other events. Each event space is personalized to the couple and their desired esthetic. The goal is to create unique spaces using various elements, from small intricate handmade items to large-scale installations. Visit their website for past wedding examples and design inspiration.
You’ve finally discovered the person who shares your perspective, and you’ve decided to spend your lives together. Your wedding should communicate your amazing discovery and reflect your shared senses of style, humor, and distinction. Let Raghaus put your personality on paper. Old world letterpress machines mingle with newer technologies to give birth to artisanal printed materials, all delivered by the hands of a skilled artisan with a modern aesthetic.
The right lighting can change everything. With industrious creativity, Luc and Jason render stunning lighting designs that enhance the natural beauty of your event and set the perfect mood. Each installation is custom and as unique as the hosts themselves. With LNJ Tech, you’ll begin to see your wedding in a whole new light.
ZERO WASTE ZERO TO GO Hudson Valley, 845-337-0375, zerotogo.org Zero to Go provides an education-based approach to waste management at events large and small throughout the region. They set up “zero waste stations” staffed with educators to guide guests through the process of sorting their waste. Zero to Go works with event organizers, vendors, and caterers to direct as much waste as possible to compost and recycling facilities, diverting a significant percentage away from landfills. They’ve diverted over 50 tons in three years! 140
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss. Isis + Austin wedding. Photo by Clean Plate Pictures. Caroline + Mark wedding.
extend your wedding Having wedding guests from out-of-town? Make a weekend of it!
A wedding celebration that lasts all weekend can be a total blast and offers even more opportunities to make memories. Just a few additions to your plans can add layers of bonding that will truly make your wedding weekend one to remember.
HERE’S WHAT AN EXTENDED HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING CAN INCLUDE: A WELCOME GATHERING: Have a get-together on Thursday or Friday evening and welcome everyone into the circle of celebration. An open house at your home or a group dinner at a local restaurant gives people a chance to meet and mingle, forming bonds they can enjoy all weekend long.
ADVENTURES: Have your guests experience the beautiful Hudson Valley with a hike up Overlook Mountain or a stroll down the Walkway Over the Hudson. Or, try retail therapy in New Paltz, Woodstock, or Saugerties. A river cruise, art gallery visit, or even sky diving would be great too.
tips: Make welcome packets for your out-of-
tips: Break up your guests into groups, and
town guests. Include maps, tourist suggestions, and basic information, such as where to find the nearest pharmacy, where to get groceries, and where to find the cheapest gas. Make sure you give them a copy of VISITvortex as their guide to the Hudson Valley and Catskills too.
designate members of the bridal party as hosts to lead the them on different outings. Make sure you have several options for varying tastes and a couple of indoor ones in case the weather is uncooperative.
141
tips: Print copies of one or two
favorite pics—maybe a shot of the wedding party and a great candid from the reception—and autograph them with thank-you messages as final parting gifts. MORE EXTENDED WEDDING TIPS: Appoint a few members of your bridal party as liaisons to offer information and travel support to out-of-towners in case you are busy preparing for the wedding.
142
Keep your wedding website or Facebook page updated with weather and traffic information that guests may need. Don’t overschedule or make anything seem mandatory. Guests will need some downtime or time to explore on their own. Make sure your wedding preparations are finalized well in advance so they don’t interrupt your time with your guests. Get enough rest! A late night on the town may seem like an irresistible idea, but you’ll regret it when you find yourself exhausted the day of your ceremony. Instead, organize an event the evening before your wedding for your guests to enjoy while you rest up for your big day.
Rowboats at Mohonk Mountain House shot by Your Day Photography.
SUNDAY BRUNCH: A laid-back farewell gathering the day after your wedding is a wonderful way to reflect on the whole experience and say those last few important thank-yous.
dstock Marigold
HOME Marigold HOME HOME
MMarigold arigold
MOVING IN TOGETHER AGS DELIVERIES HAS YOUR NEWLYWED NEEDS COVERED.
Marigold HOME HOME
• Professional delivery of fine furnishings & antiques • Residential and commercial moving • Secure and heated warehouse • Professional floor planning and setup • Regular deliveries in NY, NJ, MA, CT, and VT
NKERHOME ST 79-2040 Join the many fine stores and designers who enjoy our “white glove” services
VISA, MC, DISC, AMEX
73 Crane Street Kingston, NY 12401
NYS DOT# T-34058 FMCSA# 694317 US DOT# 1955681
609 Warren Street Hudson, NY 12534
845-331-4004 518-828-4005 www.professionalhomedelivery.com
Kingston
747 STATE ROUTE 28 845-338-0800 INTERIOR DESIGN FURNITURE & DECOR WINDOW TREATMENTS UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS
Marigold
Kingston
Kingston
747 STATE ROUTE 28 845-338-0800 INTERIOR DESIGN FURNITURE & DECOR WINDOW TREATMENTS UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS
Kingston
747 STATE ROUTE 28 845-338-0800 INTERIOR DESIGN FURNITURE & DECOR WINDOW TREATMENTS UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS
Rhinebeck
Kingston 747 STATE ROUTE 28 6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-338-0800 INTERIOR DESIGN 845-516-4443 FURNITURE & DECOR
WINDOW TREATMENTS UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS
WINDOW TREATMENTS
747 STATE ROUTE 28 Kingston 845-338-0800 Rhinebeck 747 STATE ROUTE 28 Rhinebeck INTERIOR DESIGN
845-338-0800 FURNITURE & DECOR INTERIOR DESIGN WINDOW TREATMENTS FURNITURE UPHOLSTERY &&DECOR FABRICS WINDOW TREATMENTS UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS
INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHINGS
6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-516-4443
6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-516-4443
WINDOW TREATMENTS
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Woodstock
Woodstock 34 TINKER ST 34 TINKER ST 845-679-2040 TOILETRIES 845-679-2040 FRAGRANCES TOILETRIES FRAGRANCES
Woodstock
34 TINKER ST 845-679-2040 TOILETRIES Discover the Marigold Home Lifestyle FRAGRANCES
Rhinebeck INTERIOR Rhinebeck DESIGN 6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-516-4443 &INTERIOR FURNISHINGS DESIGN
www.marigold-home.com
6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-516-4443
WINDOW TREATMENTS WINDOW TREATMENTS
& FURNISHINGS
Rhinebeck
Discover the Marigold Home Lifestyle
6815 ALBANY POST RD 845-516-4443
Discover the Marigold Home Lifestyle www.marigold-home.com
Woodstock
www.marigold-home.com Woodstock 34 TINKER ST
WINDOW TREATMENTS
845-679-2040 34 TINKER ST TOILETRIES 845-679-2040 FRAGRANCES TOILETRIES
143
LOCAL GIFTS AND HOME 144
AGS DELIVERIES Kingston and Hudson, 845-331-4004, agsdeliveries.com
HERZOG’S HOME CENTER Kingston, 845-338-6300, herzogs.com
Whether it’s moving in together or buying a new home, AGS Deliveries has your newlywed needs covered. With locations in both Kingston and Hudson, AGS serves the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, and more. Services include delivery of fine furnishings and antiques, affordable residential and commercial moving, and business and office relocation services. If it’s “white glove” service you are looking for, call AGS Deliveries.
Herzog’s gift department is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, engagement, bridal shower, or bridesmaid party, you will be pleasantly surprised by their selection. They offer everything from fine candles to cookware, jewelry, and even gourmet foods. The best part is that they will take care of the gift-wrapping, free of charge.
SMOKES 4 LESS 12 Hudson Valley Locations, smokes4less.com
THE MAD HATTER CHIMNEY SWEEP Accord, 845-687-4745, madhatterchimney.com
Smokes 4 Less is the area’s largest premium tobacco chain with locations throughout the Hudson Valley. They carry a great selection of cigars and tobacco in every price range. Let Smokes 4 Less provide you with premium cigars for your bachelor party, wedding reception, or any other grand life event. Special wedding packages are available.
Now that you’re hitched, you may decide to purchase a new home. Make that new home warm and cozy with The Mad Hatter’s expert chimney and fireplace services. From chimney installation and ventilation to chimney cleaning and fireplace/chimney repair, they do it all. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that your home is in good hands.
MARIGOLD HOME Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, K: 845-338-0800, R: 845-516-4443, W: 845-679-2040, marigold-home.com Looking to furnish or decorate your new space together? Need the perfect wedding gift for that special couple? Along with interior design services, Marigold Home offers interior design products, furniture, home furnishings, decorative lighting, outdoor furniture, carpets, area rugs, accessories, and specialty gift items. In addition, they reupholster and provide slipcovers, throw pillows, headboards, and custom window treatments.
WILLIAMS LUMBER High Falls, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, 845-687-7676, 845-758-5615, 845-876-9663, williamslumber.com At a loss for what to give? You can never go wrong with the gift of home improvement. The Williams family and staff have been committed to providing unsurpassed excellence in service, quality, and price for 64 years. Pick up a gift card at one of their nine locations throughout the Hudson Valley.
gift-giving Gift-giving at weddings is a way to show just how much you love and care for the newly married couple, and it also helps them to begin their lives together more comfortably. When we give gifts, we think deeply about what would make the married couple happy and what could add to their marriage experience. From kitchenware, to vases, to handmade presents, gift-giving is a way for guests to show they care.
Now, guests know exactly what kinds of items couples need and in which styles. Luckily, many smaller and local businesses have also created registry options, so you can pick out something unique and personal that the couple with definitely love.
WEDDING REGISTRIES
Though wedding registries are very popular, guests sometimes choose instead to give a more personalized surprise. Don’t let the wedding registry scare you away from this option. Also don’t shy away from giving straight-up cash. In today’s world, cash is always greatly appreciated.
Wedding registries did not exist until 1924, when Macy’s entered the wedding game. The Macy’s wedding registry was the first of its kind, and other major department stores soon followed suit.
Normally, wrapped gifts are given at the shower or before the wedding, and cash is given on the wedding day. Many couples actually depend on that to help them with the cost of the wedding.
SETTING UP YOUR OWN REGISTRY When setting up your registry, consider both department stores and local businesses. You can even aggregate registries from different stores into one super-registry using myregistry.com or theknot.com. Your registry should be as unique as you are. Include items you need for your household and new life together, but also include ones that simply make you happy: that new vase you have been eying or those handmade candles and soaps that smell fantastic. If giving back to your community is what makes you most happy, a donation in your honor to a nonprofit organization is a nice thing to ask for too. Weddings, and the gifts involved, are all about the energy, emotion, and commitment of love, and as long as the gift conveys that message, that is all you need. 145
Champagne tower shot by Story & Gold Photography.
Lantern release accent by Your Day Photography.
Family photo accent pin shot by Cappy Hotchkiss .
Photo by Cappy Hotchkiss
Cake topper. Photo by Story & Gold Photography.
Blankets and bug spray. Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
Rose petals to throw at bride and groom. Photo by Clean Plate Pictures.
Bonfire. Photo by Keith Ferris Photo.
special touches Create sure-to-last memories by adding extra-special touches Hudson Valley Vintage Rentals. Kelly Merchant Photography.
Custom signage by Nixie Sparrow.
to the details of your day. Try crafting floral petals to throw on the newly married couple out of music paper or pages from romance novels. Or, add custom signage to direct your guests through your venue. From a champagne tower or bonfire to fun games or photobooths, there are many ways to personalize your big day.
Photo of fun and games by Cappy Hotchkiss.
Photo of shoes to die for by Alicia King Photography.
147
You’ll see why Ulster County, NY is the place for your special day with our Picturesque Views, B&Bs, Luxury Resorts, Farms and Wineries. Co
ur
tes
yo
fM
oho
nk M
oun t
a in H
ouse
Hudson Valley/Catskill Regions
ss
Je
...vows with a view.
ic a
Pa
in t e
r Ph
oto g
raph
togr Pho Bliss
y
lli Jean Ka
t na Pho
y ograph
y aph