It was such a pleasure to be a part of Mashelle and Danny's wedding day.
We met the couple when we worked the annual Holiday Ball for the employees at Stewart Airforce Base. Danny "volunteered" to be a human Christmas tree and was decorated by the ladies with tinsel, ornaments, and ladies undergarments. As if that weren't enough, he did a runway walk, strutting his stuff for the crowd.
Yep, that's Danny.
With three children each, Mashelle and Danny are forming a regular Brady bunch.
On their wedding day, Danny and Mashelle made their grand entrance, rising up the elevator in the Imperial Ballroom, lights flashing, the theme from 2001 Space Odyssey blaring. We kicked in with Rob Base's "It Takes Two" and the guests went wild.
Danny really stretched my vocal talents with the Love Letter he wrote for Mashelle, inspired by the Jack Black comedy Nacho Libre. I assumed my best Mexican accent to deliver lines like, "Let's get down to the nitty gritty," (except it sounded more like, "neeety greeety") and "I was wondering if you would join me in my quarters this night...for some toast."
How many times did you see that movie, Danny?
Mashelle and her young son Barrington, who had also walked her down the aisle, shared a special dance together. He held her tight, head pressed into his mother the whole time. It was the sweetest parent dance I've seen in ages.
Let me tell you--the bouquet toss later on was FULL CONTACT. Those single ladies were dangerous! They actually tackled each other and wrestled for the bouquet. Stray flowers were flying everywhere.
We tapped into some salsa, merengue, old school hip hop and freestyle for this party, interspersed with some of Danny and Mashelle's Christian favorites.
My favorite moment: seeing the looks of love exchanged by Danny and Mashelle as their six children surrounded them on the dance floor. These are the moments you remember.
Thanks, guys!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
7.26.08 Candlewood Inn Diana & Shaun
If you've never been to the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, Connecticut, you're missing something special.
Diana and Shaun were married on the shores of Candlewood Lake, with pink and purple flowers dotting the landscaped gardens. The Reverend David James http://www.wedrev.com/ conducted a simple, lovely ceremony with his characteristic charm, earning laughs and smiles from everyone. A warm wind gave relief from the summer heat as the early evening sun cast long shadows over those gathered.
Inside, the ballroom's elegant decor and view of the lake required little enhancement. The couple adorned each table with seven long-stemmed cala lilies in a vase. Simple and elegant. The Bridesmaids wore black (a popular choice this year--classic and reusable) and carried bouquets of yellow cala lilies.
The newlyweds impressed all their guests with their First Dance choice: a tune by Gloria Estefan called "You" that showed off their salsa lessons.
Diana and Shaun snuck off for a private photo at sunset, just as the brilliant, red sun was sinking behind the mountains on the far side of the lake. What a view!
This partying group taught us something new: they did a conga line to "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones.
The punk movement would have been proud.
Diana and Shaun were married on the shores of Candlewood Lake, with pink and purple flowers dotting the landscaped gardens. The Reverend David James http://www.wedrev.com/ conducted a simple, lovely ceremony with his characteristic charm, earning laughs and smiles from everyone. A warm wind gave relief from the summer heat as the early evening sun cast long shadows over those gathered.
Inside, the ballroom's elegant decor and view of the lake required little enhancement. The couple adorned each table with seven long-stemmed cala lilies in a vase. Simple and elegant. The Bridesmaids wore black (a popular choice this year--classic and reusable) and carried bouquets of yellow cala lilies.
The newlyweds impressed all their guests with their First Dance choice: a tune by Gloria Estefan called "You" that showed off their salsa lessons.
Diana and Shaun snuck off for a private photo at sunset, just as the brilliant, red sun was sinking behind the mountains on the far side of the lake. What a view!
This partying group taught us something new: they did a conga line to "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones.
The punk movement would have been proud.
Friday, July 25, 2008
7.18.08 Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel Kimberly & Aaron
The Terrace Ballroom at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel was a princess' paradise in pink. Pale pink linens adorned the tables, hot pink napkins were folded at each setting, and pink roses filled the floral centerpieces. Even the ice sculpture behind the sweetheart table had pink roses frozen inside.
Kimberly and Aaron danced to one of my favorites by David Gray, "This Year's Love." The newlyweds couldn't help smooching on the dance floor to that one. Ah. I love that song.
At the cake cutting, the guests finally noticed the custom cake topper of a bride with Marine groom in a uniform exactly matching Aaron's bars and stripes. Nice detail!
Our friends Lou and Lea Bedinotti http://www.bedinottiphoto.com/ worked with us for the second night in a row. Except with Lou and Lea, it's more like play than work. Lou can make the most uptight groomsman laugh! "He's a good guy, but I wouldn't take his check." You're a special one, all right, Lou. We love you guys!
Kimberly and Aaron danced to one of my favorites by David Gray, "This Year's Love." The newlyweds couldn't help smooching on the dance floor to that one. Ah. I love that song.
At the cake cutting, the guests finally noticed the custom cake topper of a bride with Marine groom in a uniform exactly matching Aaron's bars and stripes. Nice detail!
Our friends Lou and Lea Bedinotti http://www.bedinottiphoto.com/ worked with us for the second night in a row. Except with Lou and Lea, it's more like play than work. Lou can make the most uptight groomsman laugh! "He's a good guy, but I wouldn't take his check." You're a special one, all right, Lou. We love you guys!
7.17.08 Round Hill House Bessie & Josh
What a day!
This wedding was a prime example of how a mid-week wedding can be a GREAT way to save money and still have your Dream Wedding. We had dancing until the very end (when the "Drunk Bus" arrived) on a Thursday night. It was such a high-energy party I completely forgot it was a week night!
The weather was touch and go for a while, but Bessie got her outdoor wedding in the gorgeous gardens of Round Hill House. Jeff nestled under the vine-covered trellis and performed acoustic guitar for the ceremony. Guests sipped lemonade and iced teas as they took their seats. The bridesmaids in black dresses made their way across the lawn, the blue flowers in their hair matching the flower girls' dresses.
Thanks to Jennifer of Metro Party Planners http://www.metropartyplanners.com/, everything went smoothly from start to finish. Outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour at the bar and side deck, reception in the dining hall and dancing in the atrium room.
Dancing started with the Horah. I'm not sure if it was delight or fear on Bessie and Josh's faces as they were hoisted onto chairs and paraded around the atrium room. A head just may have grazed a chandelier, but I assure you that no one was injured in the making of this wedding.
Not even the candy buffet was tempting enough to keep this crowd off the dance floor. Our photographer friends Lou and Lea Bedinotti http://www.bedinottiphoto.com/ were there to capture it all--and keep us entertained, too.
What a way to start the weekend early!
This wedding was a prime example of how a mid-week wedding can be a GREAT way to save money and still have your Dream Wedding. We had dancing until the very end (when the "Drunk Bus" arrived) on a Thursday night. It was such a high-energy party I completely forgot it was a week night!
The weather was touch and go for a while, but Bessie got her outdoor wedding in the gorgeous gardens of Round Hill House. Jeff nestled under the vine-covered trellis and performed acoustic guitar for the ceremony. Guests sipped lemonade and iced teas as they took their seats. The bridesmaids in black dresses made their way across the lawn, the blue flowers in their hair matching the flower girls' dresses.
Thanks to Jennifer of Metro Party Planners http://www.metropartyplanners.com/, everything went smoothly from start to finish. Outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour at the bar and side deck, reception in the dining hall and dancing in the atrium room.
Dancing started with the Horah. I'm not sure if it was delight or fear on Bessie and Josh's faces as they were hoisted onto chairs and paraded around the atrium room. A head just may have grazed a chandelier, but I assure you that no one was injured in the making of this wedding.
Not even the candy buffet was tempting enough to keep this crowd off the dance floor. Our photographer friends Lou and Lea Bedinotti http://www.bedinottiphoto.com/ were there to capture it all--and keep us entertained, too.
What a way to start the weekend early!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
7.12.08 The Grandview Alicia & Kyle
Return to The Grandview for Alicia and Kyle's big day...
As Kyle's brother, the Best Man, said in his toast, "Kyle likes to do everything to the EXTREME."
So it came as no surprise that Alicia and Kyle worked their personalities into their reception. Alicia was beautiful, her long hair woven with flowers like a Medieval princess as she and Kyle made their grand entrance to the triumphant 80's synth sounds of "The Final Countdown." When the cheering guests settled down, they danced to Breaking Benjamin's cover of "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen.
(Jeff LOVES those 80's classic rock moments! That's when I tell him that his rock roots are showing.)
Alicia showcased her sense of humor, asking us to play "The Godfather Theme" as she and her VERY Italian father approached for their special dance. Then she kissed his ring in a show of Godfather-ly devotion.
Toward the end of the night, Alicia's Sisterhood held hands in a circle and serenaded her on the dance floor, raising their voices in harmony in accordance with their tradition.
Of course, Kyle's single guy friends would not be out done, and they followed with a dedication of "Another One Bites the Dust" for the groom.
Alicia and Kyle were a brilliant example of how to express your personality through your entertainment. It doesn't have to be complicated or totally unexpected or even non-traditional--it just has to be YOU.
Rock on, guys.
As Kyle's brother, the Best Man, said in his toast, "Kyle likes to do everything to the EXTREME."
So it came as no surprise that Alicia and Kyle worked their personalities into their reception. Alicia was beautiful, her long hair woven with flowers like a Medieval princess as she and Kyle made their grand entrance to the triumphant 80's synth sounds of "The Final Countdown." When the cheering guests settled down, they danced to Breaking Benjamin's cover of "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen.
(Jeff LOVES those 80's classic rock moments! That's when I tell him that his rock roots are showing.)
Alicia showcased her sense of humor, asking us to play "The Godfather Theme" as she and her VERY Italian father approached for their special dance. Then she kissed his ring in a show of Godfather-ly devotion.
Toward the end of the night, Alicia's Sisterhood held hands in a circle and serenaded her on the dance floor, raising their voices in harmony in accordance with their tradition.
Of course, Kyle's single guy friends would not be out done, and they followed with a dedication of "Another One Bites the Dust" for the groom.
Alicia and Kyle were a brilliant example of how to express your personality through your entertainment. It doesn't have to be complicated or totally unexpected or even non-traditional--it just has to be YOU.
Rock on, guys.
Friday, July 11, 2008
7.6.08 The Grandview April & Mike
We closed our weekend with our friends under the tent of the Grandview, our home away from home.
April and Mike had a lovely ceremony officiated by Father Rich Haselbach http://www.fatherrich.com/ on the patio overlooking the Hudson River. The bridesmaids were gorgeous in rich, red dresses that matched the roses in the pedestal arrangements on each table.
Mike's father gave a surprise toast. He unwrapped a huge bottle of Johnny Walker Red and told a story.
When Mike was only five years old, his father brought that bottle back from a trip to St. Thomas. Mike was fascinated with the bottle and asked his father when it would be opened. "I'll open it at your wedding," Mike's father had told him.
Little Mike replied, "Dad, you'll be waiting an awfully long time."
All those years later, Mike's father opened that bottle and raised his glass in a toast to his son on his wedding day.
I'm happy to note that the guests had a great time (with some helpful assistance from that scotch, I'm sure) kickin' it to a mix of salsa, hip hop and good old rock n' roll.
Blending Mike's Latin heritage with April's love for country music reminded me of the beauty in the way a couple's differences compliment each other.
(Now if only I could get Jeff to like Shakespeare...)
April and Mike had a lovely ceremony officiated by Father Rich Haselbach http://www.fatherrich.com/ on the patio overlooking the Hudson River. The bridesmaids were gorgeous in rich, red dresses that matched the roses in the pedestal arrangements on each table.
Mike's father gave a surprise toast. He unwrapped a huge bottle of Johnny Walker Red and told a story.
When Mike was only five years old, his father brought that bottle back from a trip to St. Thomas. Mike was fascinated with the bottle and asked his father when it would be opened. "I'll open it at your wedding," Mike's father had told him.
Little Mike replied, "Dad, you'll be waiting an awfully long time."
All those years later, Mike's father opened that bottle and raised his glass in a toast to his son on his wedding day.
I'm happy to note that the guests had a great time (with some helpful assistance from that scotch, I'm sure) kickin' it to a mix of salsa, hip hop and good old rock n' roll.
Blending Mike's Latin heritage with April's love for country music reminded me of the beauty in the way a couple's differences compliment each other.
(Now if only I could get Jeff to like Shakespeare...)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
7.5.08 Onteora Mountain House Lily & Brennan
It's always a beautiful day for a wedding at Onteora Mountain House. Chatting with Bonnie, the maitre'd, I learned that they haven't had a ceremony rained out the entire season, even with record rain fall. They always have that perfect two hour window between passing showers, just enough time for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the breathtaking view of the valley.Onteora Mountain House transports you to the hills of California, right here in the Hudson Valley.
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Lily & Brennan were SO sweet and fun. The simple, elegant touches of their decor accented Onteora's beauty without overshadowing it. Yellow cala lilies and purple irises set into a few river stones in glass vases adorned each table beside red and gold bags containing Chinese candy favors. The groomsmen wore light beige suits while the groom was dressed in gray--a perfect choice for summer weather. The bridemaids were beautiful; all three had long, dark hair cascading over their shoulders and each wore a uniquely cut deep jazz blue dress.And Lily! She was the show-stopper.
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In a fitted dressed with asymettrical buttons down the back and a yellow tiger lily in her hair, she was stunning.The party really took off after dinner. We delved into old school and new hip hop, motown favorites, even Daft Punk and the Gorillaz for Brennan. Lily changed into a striking yellow dress with a high Asian neckline that matched the yellow flower in her hair. The better to dance the night away with, my dear.
It was non-traditional, elegant, laid back, and SO much fun. Lily and Brennan, you rock!
Our thanks to our new friend Henry Chan http://www.henryshoots.com/ for providing these awesome photographs. Look at that view!
P.S. I'm so excited about this that I HAVE to post this. Henry Chan sent us a link to a photo montage he made for Lily and Brennan. It's absolutely AWESOME! Check it out, http://www.henryshoots.com/movie/2008/lilyandbrennan.
Monday, July 7, 2008
7.4.08 Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel Christine & Patrick
Ah, the Fourth of July.
Christine and Patrick had the ballroom done up in red, white and blue. There were even little flags in the floral arrangements on each table and patriotic colors on the cake! 
Christine and Patrick had the ballroom done up in red, white and blue. There were even little flags in the floral arrangements on each table and patriotic colors on the cake! 
It was such fun to read their love letters to each other, especially Patrick's words about how he knew Christine was special on their very first date because, "she didn't mind that he watched the Pistons game over her shoulder" while they spoke. But, he assured us, she knows how to put him in his place. (Lots of catcalls from their guests after that one.)
Christine's father wrote a poem called "Daughter of Mine" in honor of his daughter's wedding day, the name taken from the song by John McDermott that they danced to together. The poem was funny, sweet, and touching. These are the moments that transform a wedding from memorable to unforgettable.
I mustn't forget to note the creative use of the Grand's red napkins; a few guests tied them together and began an impromtu game of Limbo on the dance floor.
Kent Miller of Kent Miller Studios http://www.kmsweddings.com/ captured some great details in these photographs. Gotta love that patriotic flair!
Christine's father wrote a poem called "Daughter of Mine" in honor of his daughter's wedding day, the name taken from the song by John McDermott that they danced to together. The poem was funny, sweet, and touching. These are the moments that transform a wedding from memorable to unforgettable.
I mustn't forget to note the creative use of the Grand's red napkins; a few guests tied them together and began an impromtu game of Limbo on the dance floor.
Kent Miller of Kent Miller Studios http://www.kmsweddings.com/ captured some great details in these photographs. Gotta love that patriotic flair!
6.28.08 The Grandview Stephanie & Matt
It was back at the Grandview for our second wedding of the weekend, this time in the ballroom. (Can I tell you how much we LOVE the Grandview? The staff is even attentive to us, so you know the newlyweds get treated like gold!) 
So, sharing your First Dance with your one, true love is about the most romantic moment imaginable. Right?
What if your new husband SANG that song to you?
That's right; Matt put all future grooms to shame. He performed, sang, and recorded "To Make You Feel My Love" for his First Dance with Stephanie.
And I seem to remember Matt doing an encore performance with a little make-shift karaoke to "Love Shack" and "Shout" later on in the evening...
Matt and Stephanie actually had trees as their table centerpieces, which can be tough to pull off, but the Grandview's elegant, spacious ballroom was just the right setting. Two trees draped in orchids, jewels and lanterns formed an enchanting arch behind the newlyweds.
Simply gorgeous!
Check out these great photos by Ulysses and Jenni http://www.ulyssesphotography.com/. Not only are they extremely talented photographers, they are incredibly cool people. Ulysses captured Jeff's "guitar face" in all its intensity. Such a serious musician!
So, sharing your First Dance with your one, true love is about the most romantic moment imaginable. Right?What if your new husband SANG that song to you?
That's right; Matt put all future grooms to shame. He performed, sang, and recorded "To Make You Feel My Love" for his First Dance with Stephanie.
And I seem to remember Matt doing an encore performance with a little make-shift karaoke to "Love Shack" and "Shout" later on in the evening...
Matt and Stephanie actually had trees as their table centerpieces, which can be tough to pull off, but the Grandview's elegant, spacious ballroom was just the right setting. Two trees draped in orchids, jewels and lanterns formed an enchanting arch behind the newlyweds.Simply gorgeous!
Check out these great photos by Ulysses and Jenni http://www.ulyssesphotography.com/. Not only are they extremely talented photographers, they are incredibly cool people. Ulysses captured Jeff's "guitar face" in all its intensity. Such a serious musician!
6.27.08 The Grandview Kait & Ryan
What a radiant bride!Kait had a smile on her face from the moment she stepped under the beautiful Grandview tent until the last song of the night. She simply lit up the whole place.
That charm must run in the family. Kait's dad pretended to be reluctant about proposing a toast, then floored us with his moving speech. Raising his glass to the newlyweds, he announced with both pride and sincerity, "Kait, you couldn't have found a better man. This is the proudest day of my life."
As if that weren't enough to start the water works, Kait's twelve year old cousin, Allie, serenaded the couple, singing Josh Groban's "When You Say You Love Me." It was a surprise dedication from Kait's mom.
It was a "joining of the clans," as Kait's dad put it. And we were privileged to be a part of it.
We worked with Kimberly Coccagnia http://www.kimberlycoccagnia.com/ for the first time. She really captured the majesty of the Grandview tent--and Kait's beauty--in these photographs. Kimberly was so unobtrusive, I almost forgot she was there. But she was clicking away, taking in most subtle details.
Nicely done!
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