Our Story

Written by Lauren Drottar on 28 October 2020. Posted in Our Story.

Lauren & Kurt Drottar

Our Story:

Kurt and I met while we were undergraduates at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We played music together in our college orchestra, and as a result, we met a great group of mutual friends who brought us together. We enjoyed spending time together, talking and playing games after our classes and rehearsals had finished for the day. Aside from a shared appreciation for music performance, we had very different interests, but this is what made us a great team. Our friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship, and we took turns visiting each other over the summers.

In 2016, we moved to Upstate New York together to be close to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where Kurt decided to pursue his graduate course of study. In September 2017, Kurt proposed to me during a weekend getaway to Stowe, Vermont. When we checked into our hotel that afternoon, our room was covered in rose petals, which set the stage for a lovely proposal. We knew that we wanted to get married in Upstate New York, close to our new home.

Not long after our engagement, we were on a day cruise on Lake George when we saw the majestic Sagamore Resort from the boat. We exchanged glances and knew that this would be our venue for our October 2018 wedding. Shortly thereafter, we attended a beautiful luncheon at the Sagamore, which further confirmed our decision.

With our excellent team of vendors and the Sagamore Resort as an elegant backdrop, our vision for our wedding day became reality. Kurt and I feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing wedding day, and we are looking forward to reliving the memories for years to come.

The Details:

wedding date: October 20, 2018

location: The Bayview at the Sagamore Resort

photographer: Susan Blackburn Photography

videographer: Dale Himelrick (Memories in the Making Video Productions)

stationery suite: PaperDolls of Saratoga

wedding gown: Simone's Unlimited

bridesmaids' dresses: Lily Saratoga

groom & groomsmens' clothing: Mark Thomas Men's Apparel

rings: Mayfair Jewelers

hair & makeup: The Sagamore Salon (part of the Sagamore Resort)

flowers: Fleurtacious Designs

Cake / caterer: The Sagamore Resort

band/ DJ: Lark Strings (string trio) & DJ Andy Pratt (Stephanie)

first dance: 'Can't Take My Eyes off of You' by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

honeymoon destination: We chose not to take a traditional honeymoon immediately following our wedding, but we would like to take a celebratory vacation later this year to Bologna and Florence, Italy.

officiant: Reverend Joy Burke

special touches: Although it is an honored tradition and an important aspect of the wedding reception for many brides, I opted not to do a bouquet toss, but instead to present the bouquet to my grandmother in honor of her 62 years of marriage. Rather than drawing attention to my friends and family who have not yet had the good fortune to find their partner in life, I wanted to celebrate a lifelong partnership by recognizing my grandparents' marital longevity.

advice to pass along... Do whatever brings you peace and relaxation the day before your wedding to ensure you wake up feeling re-energized and renewed the next day. Go to bed early, stay hydrated, and eat well. Take a bubble bath, get a massage, or meditate. Read a book or go for a walk. Your wedding day is a marathon event, and your body and mind will thank you if you make taking care of yourself the first priority the day before.

Saratoga Springs, NY, Reverend Joy Burke, real bride, Saratoga Bride, Lily Saratoga , Susan Blackburn Photography, The Bayview at the Sagamore Resort, Dale Himelrick, PaperDolls of Saratoga, Mayfair Jewelers, The Sagamore Salon, Fleurtacious Designs, Lauren & Kurt Drottar

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Written by Lauren Drottar on 28 October 2020. Posted in Our Story.

Griffan & Jay Dulka

Our Story:

In June of 2015, I had just moved to Saratoga Springs for a new job. Within two short weeks. Jay and I met for the first time at Druthers which would quickly become a part of our weekly routine. . Some drinks, pretzels, beer cheese, and good conversation, it was off to a good start. I was able to sneak off to the bathroom and send a text to my mom explaining I did not want to date anyone else. My mom replied "that's great, but does he like you too!?" Fortunately, Jay felt the same way and our relationship continued to grow for the next two years in Saratoga, before a job opportunity, too good to pass up, opened up for Jay in in Boston.

It was bittersweet leaving Saratoga in the Summer of 2017. After 3 years of dating, Jay proposed at my parents house in July 2018. As if I couldn't be surprised enough with our engagement, Jay, along with a little help from my mom, had already booked my dream venue, Hall of the Springs for March! Queue the tears of joy again!

Even though we lived in Boston, Saratoga has always had a special place in our hearts and it also happens to be the half way point for most of our family and friends.

Our wedding day exceeded all of our expectations, it couldn't have gone better! All of our vendors were wonderful and helped us make it the most special occasion to share with family and friends.

The Details:

wedding date: March 30, 2019

location: Hall of Springs

photographer: Rob Spring Photography

event decorator: Total Events

wedding gown & bridesmaids' dresses: Dress Your Fancy, Binghamton

Men's Warehouse: Blue Nile

hair: Lisa Bernunizo-Thirolle

makeup: Erin Muller

flowers: Surroundings Floral

cake / caterer: Mazzone Hospitality

DJ: DJ Vinny Vin, Nonstop Music

first dance: 'In case you didn't know' by Brett Young

honeymoon destination: Maui and Oahu

advice to pass along...Finish your to-do list early so you can enjoy your wedding weekend.

Saratoga Springs, NY, real bride, Hall Of Springs, Saratoga Bride, Rob Spring Photography, Mazzone Hospitality, Total Events, Dress Your Fancy, Binghamton, Blue Nile, DJ Vinny Vin, Nonstop Music

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Written by Lauren Drottar on 28 October 2020. Posted in Our Story.

Logan & James Finegan

Our Story:

Attending a small school in Boston, both as science majors, it was no surprise that their paths crossed. James and Logan slowly started spending more time together studying for classes and getting their daily coffee fix. After many casual ‘dates,’ James asked Logan on their first official date to his favorite place in the city, the Boston Public Library.

That stroll through the Public Library turned into a few moves, the addition of a yellow lab puppy, Bode, and growing together. Six years after that first date, they were packing up for their 3rd annual Labor Day celebration in Saratoga with family and friends, when James hooked a ring onto Bode’s leash and convinced Logan to take a walk with him before hopping in the car.

Although they never left Boston after graduating, Saratoga always held a special place in their hearts. They thought choosing a venue in Saratoga would be a bit more difficult, until they met Danielle and the team at Saratoga National. The planning began for October 19, 2018.

10.19.18 was the perfect theme of rustic elegance; they were able to tie in family heirlooms and special touches that made the day feel personal. Logan and James are so grateful to their vendors, family and friends that traveled near and far to celebrate their special day.

wedding date October 19, 2018

location Saratoga National

photographer The Harris Company

event decorator Danielle Robinson at Saratoga National

stationery suite Paper Dolls

wedding gown Lily of Saratoga

bridesmaids' dresses Nordstrom

groom & groomsmens' clothing Jos A Bank

rings Martoni & James, Ltd

hair & makeup Make Me Fabulous

flowers Posie Peddler

cake / caterer Saratoga National

band Soul Session

first dance 'You Are The Best Thing ' by Ray LaMontagne

honeymoon destination Italy and Ireland

officiant Liz D'Agostino,Logan's best childhood friend

table and wine barrel rentals Rustic Robin

special touches... For our table runners we sewed together old lace tablecloths that were Logan's grandmother and great grandmother's. A family friend welded old horseshoes together for our table numbers. Logan's sister, Tyler, designed the
wedding programs, menus, etc. We had a generation table with loved ones who have passed, and those in our family who have strong relationships we look up to.

advice to pass along... Planning a wedding is a fun, exciting time, but it can be overwhelming too! - Always stay true to your relationship, wedding vision and remember the reason you are doing all this planning.