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Our Story

Our Story (38)

Friday, 15 January 2021 15:45

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.

Monday, 28 December 2020 16:14

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.

Monday, 28 December 2020 15:50

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.

Monday, 07 December 2020 18:42

Tess & Brandon King

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Our Story:

Brandon and I grew up in New Jersey and met in high school through a mutual friend. We instantly connected through a shared love for outdoor adventures, and animals, especially horses. We stayed together long distance through college, while I was at Boston University and Brandon at University of Connecticut. After years traveling to visit each other, we finally both lived in Boston, where I went to medical school at BU and Brandon went to veterinary school at Tufts. Even though our schedules were busy over the years, we spent every bit of free time we had together exploring outside, backpacking in the mountains, cycling and running with our triathlon and cycling teams.

We share a love for National Parks, and during a trip through the Pacific Northwest, Brandon proposed on top of a mountain in Olympic National Park. It was a magical moment surrounded by mountain views, deciding to spend the rest of our lives together.

When we found The Wedding Barn at Lakota’s Farm, with its beautiful open space, stunning draft horses, and perfectly restored barn, we immediately knew it was the perfect fit for us. Kimberly is also an incredible wedding planner and venue manager, making sure every detail flowed seamlessly, so we could focus on enjoying the best party of our lives.

We got married two weeks after Brandon graduated from veterinary school and I graduated from medical school. We now live in Seattle, where Brandon works as a horse vet, and I’m a resident doctor in Internal Medicine.

The Details:

wedding date:  May 27, 2018

ceremony & reception location: Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm

photographer: Heather Bohm-Tallman

event decorator: Kimberly Finney

wedding gown: BHLDN Wedding Dresses

bridesmaids' dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

tuxedo: Indochino 

groomsmen clothing:  Blue suit with bowtie matching bridesmaids

rings: Kay Jewelers

wedding planner: Kimberly Finney

flowers: Ten West Events

hair& makeup: Lipstick and Lashes

caterer: Hudson Valley BBQ

music: Stolen Moments

first dance: Cowboy Take Me Away

special touches: Brandon hand made a wooden archway for our ceremony that we were able to get married under at the farm! It was such a sweet touch and it looked beautiful with the flowers draped across it too.

advice to pass along: Try not to get lost in the little details, and soak in every moment of the wedding day! 

Monday, 07 December 2020 17:48

Brittany & Daniel Furman

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Our Story:

The day after Traver’s Day 2014, there was a message in my FACEBOOK inbox from this random guy named Dan Furman: ”Were you at the track yesterday?”

You know that feeling when you do or say something you wish you could dig a hole and hide from…yup, that was my exact feeling!  I thought of every embarrassing scenario that could have unfolded in front of this handsome stranger.

Sure enough, he did notice me and wanted to approach, but chickened out (HA!) lo and behold Facebook has a "people you may know" feature that brought my husband and I together.

After our first date, it was off to the races! I gained a best friend and “my other half.” There is no other human who will ever make me feel as special and strong as does Dan.

When Dan proposed, he caught me totally off guard—which is super hard to do! I had spray tan running down my cheeks from happy tears.

Our starting gate as husband and wife was held on Travers Day 2019. It was a picture-perfect day with Lake George as our backdrop. My most cherished memory is walking up the fairytale, castle stairs to see my groom for the first time; the emotions I felt was everything you want love to feel like.

Every wedding guest left with a customized lottery ticket that read, “Wishing you riches from the new Mr and Mrs.” We wish everyone luck finding their “other half.” and maybe give that person in your inbox a chance!

The Details:

wedding date:  August 24, 2019- Travers Day

reception location: Top of the World Golf Resort -Lake George

1st look location: Highlands Castle, Bolton Landing

photographer: Matt Ramos Photography

videographer: Eunoia Visuals- Shane Hawthorne

stationery suite: Carol Jo Dufort

event decorator: Whimsical White Fox- Ballston Spa

wedding gown: Lily's Bridal; second dress bought from Something Bleu (customized by Beth Whitbeck)

bridesmaids' dresses: Saratoga Elegance

groom and groomsmen clothing:  Men's Warehouse 

rings: Northeastern Fine Jewelry

flowers: Felthousen Florist 

hair: Juliet Smith

makeup:  Cassandra McKenna D’Alberto and Amanda Pierce

cake: Villa Italia

caterer: Longfellows

music: New York Players

transportation: Royale Transportation

first dance: It was supposed to be "Dirt" by Florida Georgia Line -instead they played "Dirt on my Boots" haha

photobooth: Matt Ramos

honeymoon: Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, Greece and Malta

bridesmaids jewelry: Wits End --Kendall Scott earrings

tent rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Rentals

wedding concierge for furbaby: Canine to Five 

ice cream station: Stewarts

special touches: We didn't want to trouble family or friends with our furbaby sharing our special day so we hired Canine to Five. They were fantastic, they created an amazing video that showcased our dog's perspective of the wedding. He literally had a gopro on him! Right before the party ended, we had a lantern release ceremony. And if the cake wasn't enough, we had a sundae bar with our favorite Stewart's ice cream flavor--Crumbs along the Mohawk.  Whimsical White Fox created hilarious drink signs to go along with our signature drinks. These drinks were inspired by our alter egos and our beloved dog, Cesar. "Tipsy Mermaid" "Pick Six" and "All Hail Cesar" Instead of the traditional father daughter dance, my Dad and I surprised our guests with a performance inspired by the Little Mermaid's ending scene when King Triton gives Ariel her legs to be with her prince. My bridesmaids and groom were a part of the routine!

advice to pass along:  I recommend first look, it was the most authentic experience in our entire relationship, such RAW emotion. I get teared up thinking about it. The details of your bridesmaids go far! I am so happy I didn't buy my bridesmaids gifts that weren't featured in the wedding. The Kendall Scott earrings will always remind my girls how much I appreciate them, and the earrings were a perfect accent piece! Please get the wedding videographer! You will want to look back on this day. And video captures the candids, the jokes and smiles. I can't wait to look back on our wedding for years to come.

Monday, 07 December 2020 17:07

Cameron & Brandyn Peters

Our Story:

Cameron and Brandyn’s love story began during the summer of 2015 in Syracuse, New York. They spent their first date at a local Syracuse restaurant. The date lasted over four hours and they knew right away that they shared a special connection.

By the end of the year Cameron’s work took her to Connecticut. The following two years were spent driving between states to spend weekends together. After many miles put on both of their cars, Brandyn made the decision to join Cameron in Connecticut where they still live today.

Brandyn proposed to Cameron while apple picking with friends. Not only did he surprise her with a ring and a promise to share a lifetime together that day, but he also coordinated schedules with her and his family members to surprise her at their apartment upon their return. They celebrated the occasion with dinner and drinks and began planning their wedding the days following their engagement.

They tied the knot in October 2019 at Saratoga National Golf Club as they were surrounded by family and friends. They have always loved Saratoga as Cameron grew up in the area and Brandyn grew to love it after spending Christmas with her family there. They knew Saratoga would be the perfect destination for guests to enjoy as well.  They could not have asked for a more perfect wedding and appreciate all the amazing vendors who helped make it happen.

The Details:

wedding date:  October 11, 2019

ceremony & reception location: Saratoga National Golf Course

photographer: Bridget Photography (Bridget Bellucci)

stationery suite: Minted

event decorator: Oculus Theory (Martin Dodge)

wedding gown: Bridal Gallery by Yvonne (Designer: Martin Thornburg)

bridesmaids' dresses: Bridal Gallery by Yvonne (Designer: Bill Levkoff)

tuxedo and groomsmen clothing:  Black Tux

rings: Furnari Jewelry

flowers: Oculus Theory (Martin Dodge)

hair & makeup: Make Me Fabulous

cake & caterer: : Mazzone Hospitality

music: NonStop Music

transportation: Premiere Transportation

first dance: "You Are the Reason" by Callum Scott

honeymoon: Barbados

Favors: Outhouse Orchards

Hotels: The Pavilion Grand, Hampton Inn & Suites, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn

advice to pass along:  Take a moment during your wedding day to take everything in!

Monday, 07 December 2020 16:35

Gabrielle & Edward Ladd II

Our Story:

Much like a motocross race, the gates dropped and our hearts were racing. The first words in a Facebook message "Aren't you the girl from the motocross track?", "Haha, yes that's me!" lead to long nights staying up past midnight on Snapchat, like we were kids in high school again. It was like an instant adrenaline rush... maybe because our first date was to Six Flags, New Jersey. My heart skipped beats but I'm not sure if it was from the rollercoasters, or from him!

Hearts were stolen away in one weekend and that's when we both truly believed we were meant to be. Our eyes were both opened to how much different, and better, our lives could be together. He moved in that month, we bought a house 6 month later, adopted our first fur baby, and continued to tackle every twist, turn, rut, and kicker life has thrown at us. (dirt bike puns, wink wink) Together!

The proposal was as shocking and unexpected as could be. For me anyway! Apparently, everyone else knew about it for months! Just before our 1-year anniversary, on my favorite holiday, July 4th, he got down on one knee and proposed. His speech was perfect I'm sure, but I honestly can't remember it because I was in pure shock!

I cannot recommend Greenwich Elks lodge enough for everything they do! Linens, bar service, backdrops, the place is so convenient and enjoyable to work with, not to mention beautiful and spacious! My 200+ guest wedding fit very comfortably! The wedding day was flawless, thanks to them, my amazing vendors, and family for making it possible!

The Details:

wedding date:  October 19, 2019

ceremony & reception location: Greenwich Elks Lodge

photographer: Oh Darling Photography- Saratoga

event decorator: XOver Creations

wedding gown & bridesmaids' dresses: : David's Bridal

tuxedo and groomsmen clothing:  Jonathan Reid

rings: Kay Jewelers

flowers: Dehn's Flowers, Saratoga

hair & makeup: Tease Salon and Beauty Bar

caterer: Ginny Rae's

cake: Family Friend

music: All Around Sound

first dance: "From this Moment/You're Still the One," Kaleb & Kelsey

honeymoon: Daytona, FL

miscellaneous:  My best friend's husband Jeremy Dickinson was so kind to get ordained specifically for my wedding! I cannot thank him enough! It put a very nice, personal touch on our special day! My grandmother Lynn is the manager at Dehn's flowers, so it made my day that much more special that she helped create my bouquets and centerpieces!

special touches:  Dehn's Flowers was amazing at helping me choose flowers, as I do not know the first thing about them! I just showed Deb a picture, and she was able to make an even better replica of it, with flowers she knew would be better quality! Oh Darling Photography, also took the time to look over specific shots I requested, and did a beautiful job! Her night time, backlit photos are STUNNING!

advice to pass along:  DIY! I own my own crafting business, so I found doing my own decor was relaxing, and I got exactly what I wanted out of it! It also saved me quite a bit of money!

Monday, 07 December 2020 15:22

Ashly & Shane Hathaway

Our Story:

Before Shane and I started dating, we attended the same school together for 10 years! My senior year of high school, we became connected through mutual friends. A year later, at a Memorial Day Party, Shane made the first move and asked me for my number. There were the typical party games, and the not-so-typical- staring contests. We had friends on either side, cheering us on. And I lost EVERY TIME. The next day, I received a text from an unknown number that read, "You'll never beat me in a staring contest ;)” …and to this day, I never have.

Our romance was straight from a fairytale, enthralled with so much truth and passion. That passion only intensified as the years passed, prevailing us through college, internships, the start of our careers, and moving into our first place together where we adopted our cats, Finnegan and Penelope.

After six years of dating, Shane proposed at sunrise overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in West Palm Beach, FL, while the waves crashed to our feet. It was absolutely perfect.

The Inn at Erlowest was the first venue we visited, and all other venues just did not follow suit. We fell in love with the gorgeous mountain views and the natural beauty of its surroundings instantly.

Our wedding day was incredible. We felt so much love from not only our guests, but each one of our amazing vendors. We are forever grateful to each and every person who helped make our day so special!

The Details:

wedding date: November 16, 2019

ceremony & reception location: The Inn at Erlowest

photographer: Erin Covey Photography

videographer: Bear in Motion Films

event decorator: Elizabeth Tonn - Event Coordinator (The Inn at Erlowest)

wedding gown: Jocelynn's Bridal - Clifton Park

bridesmaids' dresses: Azazie - Sage Green, Long Length; Bridemaids chose individual style

tuxedo and groomsmen clothing:  Mr. Formal Wear, Saratoga - Navy Blue with Navy Blue Vests & Sage Green Bowties

rings: Lily and David Fine Jewelers, Saratoga Springs

flowers: Dehn's Flowers, Saratoga

hair: Amanda Dugan Egbert - The Blue Peregrine Salon, Saratoga

makeup: Jennifer McCarthy Norton - True Grace Makeup, Albany

caterer: The Inn at Erlowest

wedding cake & cupcakes: The Healthy Living Market & Cafe

music: Adin Kovacik, The Piano Man DJ Productions, Albany

first dance: "Never Stop" by Safety Suit {Wedding Version}

honeymoon: New Zealand

officiant: Juan Carlos Posada 

special touches:  Our wedding arch was crafted by my father and decorated by Dehn's Flowers. Our wedding theme was nature-forward, romance-inspired. Our colors were earth tones and our seating chart was made from Eucalyptus leaves. Many menu items were plant-based including our wedding cake and cupcakes. We also had a memory table, which held pictures of loved ones who have passed away.

advice to pass along:  Our wedding arch was crafted by my father and decorated by Dehn's Flowers. Our wedding theme was nature-forward, romance-inspired. Our colors were earth tones and our seating chart was made from Eucalyptus leaves. Many menu items were plant-based including our wedding cake and cupcakes. We also had a memory table, which held pictures of loved ones who have passed away.

Monday, 07 December 2020 14:49

Rochelle and Christopher Belfi

Our Story:

I met Christopher at The University at Albany in 2008. We wouldn't go on our first date until 2010- he took me to a small Italian restaurant called Barcelona. If you haven't been - you need to go!

Six years later, we had dinner at Barcelona again. I thought he wasn't feeling well because he wasn't really touching his food. I ate most of the potatoes on his plate and finished my plate. At one point, the spotlight on the wall had gone out and a waitress immediately ran over and fiddled with it. I told her it was fine, but she insisted. I looked around and realized that people were looking at us. I looked back at Chris laughing only to notice that he was holding a box that he had taken out of his pocket. I realized what was happening and exclaimed, "oh my gosh, is that for me?" He laughed and said, "No, it's for the waitress" 

Our wedding day was perfect, all our vendors were amazing and thought of everything!

The Details:

wedding date: November 3, 2018

ceremony location: St. Mary's (Ballston Spa, NY)

reception location: Mansion Inn

photographer: Brayton Photography

 wedding gown & bridesmaids' dresses: : David's Bridal

tuxedo and groomsmen clothing: Men's Warehouse

flowers: Trader Joe's (Colonie,NY

wedding planner: Family

hair & makeup : Blended Hair Studio (Saratoga Springs, NY)

cake & caterer: Chef Rick at The Mansion Inn

transportation: Exclusive Chauffeur

music & photobooth: DJ Mike Melice (Ithaca, NY)

honeymoon: Sandals Ocho Rios, Jamaica

wedding favors: Saratoga Tea & Honey  

Tuesday, 01 December 2020 15:27

Emily & Matt Karlitz

Our Story:

Matt and I started dating about 2 years ago. Given that we both had children from previous relationships we were very cautious and intentional from the beginning. What started out as a solid friendship bloomed into love as we both realized we had common goals and priorities.

I grew up in Saratoga and Matt relocated here after college, but it has become one of our favorite places. Even though we live here, there was no question that we wanted to have a very Saratoga wedding. Matt proposed in front of The Adelphi Hotel in June 2020.

The Adelphi has always been a favorite place of ours downtown and I think we both knew we'd like to get married there. But, 2020 meant the pandemic and COVID. We decided we really wanted to start our lives together with our kids so we planned a wedding for September 12, 2020, just 12 weeks after getting engaged!

Because we could only have a ceremony and a dinner, we focused all our energy into those things. We had only 27 guests; immediate family, and a handful of close friends.

The day was about our union and our children, and it could not have been more perfect. Our vendors perfectly understood our vision and worked so carefully to keep everyone safe without compromising on the experience. We had amazing weather, the best vendors, the perfect venue and at the end of the day we were married!

What could be better?

The Details:

wedding date: September 12, 2020

ceremony: Adephi Hotel

reception location: The Blue Hen, Adephi Hotel

photographer: Rob Spring Photography

stationery suite: Paperdolls

wedding gown: Lily Saratoga

groom/groomsmen clothing: Simon's Menswear (Mike), Greenfield

wedding bands: N. Fox, Engagement ring from a jeweler in Texas

flowers: Samantha Nass Floral Design

hair & makeup: Revive Hair and Skin (Juliet Smith)

cake/caterer: The Blue Hen

dj: Anthony & Tyler from Non-Stop Music

first dance: "Love Like This" by Ben Rectort

officiant: Dianne Patterson - From The Heart Ceremonies.

"Guest Book" print of the Adelph: Impressions of Saratoga

special touches: It was important to us to keep our vendors local. As someone who works in the wedding industry, I know how much business our fellow vendors have given up. We wanted to support our local wedding industry. We also wanted to make sure our guests felt as comfortable as possible during a pandemic. Everyone was socially distanced during our ceremony and we had mostly two tops for dinner, spaced out.

Advice to pass along... Keep the focus on what the day is really about which is getting married to your best friend. Yes, we would have loved to have more friends and family present with us and danced the night away, but at the end of the day that's not what the day is really about.

 

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