Joe Elario Photography sent this gorgeous Saratoga wedding our way and I must say, I’ve always been a huge fan of that lace Monique Lhuillier number. It is practically a classic now and the Bride completely rocks its socks off. It also happens to pair nicely with all of the lovely, vintage details and romantic blooms fashioned by Fleurtacious Designs. But the kicker? That would be the centerpieces, a.k.a the most creative use of cake stands to date. We are definitely storing that genius detail in our arsenal of entertaining ideas. Grab a comfy seat and head into the gallery for loads more. You won’t want to miss a second of this beauty.
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From the Bride…We were engaged on a Monday night. Joe and I drove north after work from Albany to Saratoga where my mother had invited us up to barbecue. Everything about the night was ordinary. I became a little anxious as Joe kept slowing down and making stops, since I had told my mother we would be at the house by 6. Little did I know what was in store. Joe missed the left to my parent’s house and then missed a second possible left. I became even more anxious when instead he made a right and parked in downtown Saratoga Springs. Since we were late, my stubbornness had me refusing to get out of the car when Joe said he wanted to show me something. After going back and forth, he decided this was the perfect place to propose, and asked me to marry him right there in the parking lot. I was completely surprised and ecstatic! The night ended with a champagne toast and dinner with our parents and my great-aunt at our favorite restaurant in Saratoga (they’d been in on the plan all along, alas the barbecue was not to be). The drive home was consumed by phone calls to friends and family and sharing my wedding ideas with Joe.
With Joe’s support and input along the way, we went for a classic vintage feel with inspiration from Saratoga, NY (the horse racing capital), from the dress to the table settings and decor. We chose a neutral palate with soft pink and yellow color integrated throughout. One inspiration found us at a local junkyard where we found two old doors. My father cleaned them up and assembled rows of nails to hang escort table cards. Hung by an ivory ribbon, small good horseshoes dangled with a tag featuring each guests’ name and table number. Our hotel welcome bags were brown burlap with an ivory horseshoe painted on, filled with all local goodies (Saratoga water, Saratoga potato chips, handmade soap in the shape of a horseshoe). To go with the vintage and Saratoga theme, the invitations were ivory cardstock with a gold edge and a gold painted horse and carriage carrying a bride and groom at the center. We sent the save the dates in the shape of a paper airplane saying “Hold your Horses, and the Date.”
I knew we would have a large wedding, but wanted to ensure that all felt like it was a small intimate affair. The ceremony was conducted by a Cantor who we know very well and was religious, yet beautifully personal and featured participation by several guests. The aisle was lined with small gardenia trees and the Chuppah was made from birch wood. Although we were in a tent for the ceremony, I wanted it to feel like our backyard. The celebration continued in a gorgeous tent where tables were decorated with cake plates for the flowers to rest and beautiful, colorful china. Our family and friends barely left the dance floor. The perfect day ended with a trolley ride back to the hotel to continue the celebration with family and friends.
Wedding Photography: Joe Elario Photography / Wedding Cinematography: Al Woodard Films / Event + Floral Design: Fleurtacious Designs / Ceremony + Reception Location: Saratoga National Golf Club / Invitations: PaperDolls of Saratoga / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Kleinfeld Bridal