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David & Alexandra - October 9, 2010

David and Alexandra are a special couple that I got to know over the course of a year and half planning their wedding. The vision of their perfect wedding day was anything but cookie cutter which is always fun for me. The couple wished to host an intimate gathering of only family and close friends and treat them to an evening that represented who they are as a couple.

Besides it being a small wedding of only 50 guests, David and Alex’s wedding was unique because they are Vegan and thus they wanted their wedding to be Vegan too. Despite the strict dietary guidelines, they wanted the wedding meal to be the focal point of the evening. Their goal was to delight their non-vegan guests with a fine dining experience using no animal byproducts. Although, it was a challenge, we were able to pull it off. My approach in planning this special wedding meal was to make sure guests couldn’t compare it to any other meal they had ever eaten, thus preventing the question “Where’s the Beef?” So the plan was to find a caterer to create a progressive five course 100% vegan tasting menu. Classe Catering rose to the challenge and made five amazing courses that satisfied even the most finicky of guests. The food was delicious and there was nothing but rave reviews!

David and Alex were married in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at St. Sofia’s Church in Albany. Being history buffs and wanting to introduce their mostly out of town guests to the city of Albany, the Albany Institute of History and Art was the perfect venue for their reception. After the wedding ceremony, guests were invited to browse the galleries of the museum before being greeted with signature Albany-themed cocktails and a classical jazz guitarist that were the highlights of cocktail hour in the museum’s atrium. After cocktails, guests entered the historic Rice House mansion for the intimate sit down meal during which each guest offered a personal toast to the Bride and Groom.

The evening concluded with some traditional and not so traditional dances and a delicious vegan cake.

For David and Alex, the planning process was truly a journey. But in the end, all of the hard work and not settling paid off. Their wedding truly represented them as a couple and made their guests feel as special as they are!

Thanks to all the wedding professionals who helped make their dream wedding a reality: Classe Catering (food, beverage & rentals), Gio Culinary Studio (cake), Gallery9North (photography), CASL Productions (videography), Ambiance Florals & Events (flowers & décor), Premiere Transportation (Rolls Royce & limousine), Albany Institute of History & Art (reception venue).

Whoopie Pies are Good!

Those of you who know me well and, lets face it, those of you who have met me only a couple times, know that I am obsessed with all things edible. So imagine my delight when I was recently invited to an Open House and tasting event for Whoopies are Good, a Ballston Spa based Whoopie Pie company. I spent one decadent evening tasting ten of the different gourmet flavors they offer. What a wonderful way to spend a weeknight!

So now I've got whoopie pies on the brain. As a self-proclaimed "foodie", I'm always partial to wedding favors that are a little piece of deliciousness. With nostalgic and comfort foods all the rage in the wedding world, Whoopie Pies are a natural fit. They are BOTH nostalgic and comforting. With today's whoopie makers getting creative with the flavors, couples have a great opportunity to personalize this classic treat to fit their tastes, theme or even colors. A southern couple might love a red velvet whoopie with classic cream cheese icing while a pumpkin whoopie with spiced cream filling would be perfect for a fall wedding. And for fellow peanut butter lovers ... how about a chocolate whoopie with peanut butter filling. Yum! Don't forget to further personalize your whoopie. Package your creation with a personalized label and really make it your own.

Want a whoopie of your own? Check out all the flavors of Whoopies are Good at www.whoopiesaregood.com or contact them at (518) 423-5182 to schedule a tasting.

A Little Bit of Country - Find the perfect setting for your "Country Chic" wedding

Some couples just don't feel like a traditional banquet room or upscale ballroom represent who they are as a couple. Instead, they're looking for a more casual venue that will give their special day a warm and relaxed feeling; a place that they can fill with unique touches. Enters the increasingly popular "country chic" wedding! Inspired Occasions already has three of these type weddings on the books for next year.

What makes these weddings chic? The details. . . Beverages on ice served from wooden barrels or an antique canoe; a vintage pick-up truck used in place of a table for the dessert display, escort cards simply hanging by clothespins on the exterior of an old ban, centerpieces of wildflowers in collections of vintage milk glass or ball jars. These days, the measure of a great wedding is not in how fancy it is, but how meticulous and personal the details. Let the imagination run wild and be inspired by all things old, rustic and raw. Pair these things with beautiful linens and flowers and display everything in a creative and whimsical way. . . you've got Chic!

What makes them country? The location. The landscape and picturesque seasons of Upstate New York lend themselves to this genre so you don't have to go far to find the perfect setting for your country chic affair. For all you Capital Region couples who are thinking of going this route, be sure to take a peek at these spectacular locations:

Pruyn House (Newtonville, NY). Located just outside of Albany, Pruyn house offers a historic mansion with gorgeous seasonal gardens perfect for an outdoor ceremony and the large rustic Buhrmaster Barn for dinner and dancing. Plenty of room for tent events as well. (pictured LEFT)

Pat's Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park. (Troy, NY) An almost brand new venue. This fully restored barn provides the warmth and feel of a rustic barn, yet all the creature comforts one would want including heat and air conditioning. Private setting with outdoor patio for cocktail hour. (pictured BELOW)

Rensselaerville Meeting Center. (Rensseaerville, NY) Give your guests an entire weekend retreat here. It has an incredible view of the Catskill Mountains, overnight accomodates right on site and several buildings to accomodate your pre and post wedding festivities. No shortage of space for a tent event and organized group activities are onsite for all your out of town guests.

Historic Barns of Nipmoose. This place is the definition of country. Set in the heart of the agricultural landscape of Upstate NY, three full restored barns stand alone with a spectacular view of nothing but rolling hills. These historic barns are oozing character and would be an unforgetable location for a ceremony and reception. (pictured RIGHT & BELOW)

A Walk Down Memory Lane - Kevin & Erin (August 16, 2008)

I've recently been hired by a lovely couple to help them plan their 2011 nuptials to take place at The Palace Theatre in Albany. In working with them, I can't help thinking about one of my all time favorite weddings because it too was at the beautiful and historic Palace Theatre. This wedding was particularly special for me because it was the wedding of my brother and now sister-in-law, Kevin and Erin.

Kevin and Erin approached me with the pretty tall order of planning an elaborate affair in only three months time. Given that they were both extremely busy with their careers, they had no time to devote to the time consuming task of planning so I was happy to help and to this day, it is one of the most amazing events I've produced.

Since The Palace is a grand 1930's era theatre, it seemed natural to make this event a tribute to that time. Everything chosen was classic and timeless. From the brides full length lace gown and groom's simple black tuxedo to the choice of using fern and feathers as dominant elements of the floral design. The stage where guests danced the night away was designed to mimic an vintage Supperclub. Each selection was made to give guests the subtle feeling that they had entered the 1930's itself.

The evening was filled with surprising and special touches. We surprised the bride and groom by bringing in their beloved dog to act as the Ring Bearer and showering them with feathers during their recessional. The Bride and Groom surprised the guests by making their grand entrance on the stage lift. But the surprises didn't stop there. A talented singer, the bride serenaded her new husband at the reception. We provided a vintage microphone for that very special moment. At the end of the night, guests stopped by the concession stand, but not for the typical salty oil covered popcorn you might find in a theatre. Instead they filled personalized treat bags to the brim at a gourmet popcorn bar.

An amazing venue makes for an amazing event. For design inspiration, there was no need to look further than the inspirational surroundings of this iconic theatre. I look forward to creating an equally fabulous wedding for my new fab couple Tehra and Juan. Working with a completely different color scheme and spin on the grand theatre theme, I can't wait to see them make this location their own and their wedding a true representation of their style and personalities. Check out this short video with all the details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVSz8zdXk3U

Photography by Fred Ricard Photography.

Ceylane & Darren - September 25, 2010

I first met Ceylane and Darren in the summer of 2009. They had already selected 11 North Pearl Events Centre for their September 25, 2010 wedding reception. The goal in working with them was to create an uber-romantic reception as elegant as the setting in which it would take place. I think we achieved just that.

The color palette for the design would combine the bride's favorite color red with a fall inspired chocolate brown. Pops of gold and crystal bumped up the bling in the room. To give the couple the ultimate in romantic ambiance, the room was aglow with an abundance of candlelight and filled with classic red roses.

To create more visual interest in the room, the floor plan included long Tuscan style tables seating 20 guests, more traditional rounds and a long oval table for the bridal party. Instead of matching centerpieces on each table, a different but coordinating design was created for each shape of table. Long tables featured two tall centerpieces of curly willow branches, hanging candles and red rose petals. Then cubes of red roses were were added to create a floral table runner effect. Low and lush clusters of small cubes of red roses, floating and pillar candles adorned the round tables. For even more romance and bling, every surface of the room was sprinkled with red rose petals and crystals. The Chivari chairs, chargers and framed table numbers added the touches of gold to create a truly gilded feel to the room.

But a wedding is so much more than its design. This was a very special day for a special couple that has been together for a long time already. They injected their personalities and story into every detail. From the the music playlist, the menu, the custom monogram displayed on the wall to the lavender ceremony flowers selected in honor of the grooms late mother, the guests could make no mistake that it was the wedding day of Ceylane & Darren. It was an absolute pleasure working with such a wonderful couple. I know that their wedding day was just the beginning of a long and happy life together.

Thanks to my team: Sarah, Katelyn and Leah and everyone else who helped make it all happen: Brandi, Brian & Aimie at Classe Catering, Michele Peters at Ambiance Florals & Events for the amazing floral designs, DJ Greg Frasier for keeping the party energy up, J&S Watkins for the delicious wedding cake, limousines by Advantage Transportation, photos and video by Chris Pettigrosso of Galleria Designs, ceremony music by Azzaam Hameed and overnight accommodations by the Crowne Plaza City Center.

Blog photos by Lydia Zach of LZ Photography.