Meet our Team
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Jeanne Stark, Owner and Wedding Planner
Jeanne started Hudson Valley Ceremonies over 25 years ago. With a Bachelor’s degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation Business Administration, Jeanne had always planned on being the CEO of an airline. But instead the wedding industry landed in front of her, so she took flight with it. Building a business from herself to now over 100 employees.
She is creative, passonate, smart and a multi tasker. She puts 200% into every event.
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Sandra O'Connell, Wedding Planner and Office Manager
Sandra has always had a passion for event planning and coordination. Born and raised in New York City, she spent many years at the Jacob Javit’s Convention Center installing local and international trade shows, coordinating small and large corporate events, from logistics, menus, decor, entertainment and more. Although loving the excitement and challenge of the job, Sandra relocated to the Hudson Valley, returning to school and earning a B. A. in International Public Relations and Cultural Diversity. After a few years of “traditional office jobs” Sandra decided to return to her true passion, and ten years ago, joined Hudson Valley Ceremonies as a Wedding Planner/Coordinator. Sandra is often described as having a calm and dedicated nature to her coordination.
“I work hard to make the ideas, day dreams and visions come to life for my clients. I am here to be their friend, adviser and sounding board. Each couple is unique, and each event just as unique. It is my job, and my pleasure, to help find that perfect formula.”
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Sage Newkirk, Wedding Planner
Sage has planned countless weddings in the 15 years she has been with Hudson Valley Ceremonies. She works very closely with her couples to coordinate contracts, meetings, supplies and more. She is always more than willing to speak with couples to assist them with their wedding planning questions. Sage has the knowledge and experience that are necessary to plan a flawless event. She understands the importance of pre-wedding planning and organization. There is no idea too large and no detail too meticulous. She also believes nothing is impossible. She will assure a stress-free event, allowing you to be a guest at your own wedding and can turn any vision into a reality.
Sage currently resides in Kingston, NY with her husband, Joe and their four children, Austin, Nate, Garrett and Mackenzie.
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Amanda O'Leary, Wedding Planner
Amanda has been with Hudson Valley Ceremonies for over 8 years. Starting as waitstaff and bartender and working her way up to Captain, Wedding Planner Assistant and finally to a full wedding planner.
Amanda has a clear understanding of logistics and design, while having a calming affect on the couple, wedding party and family.
She has learned in her 8 years how to problem solve, delegate, and multi task. Recently taking the Hudson Valley Ceremonies advanced wedding planning course she has excelled in her ability to create full events.
Amanda is also a licensed NYS Real Estate Agent.
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Lauren Dellolio, Wedding Planner
With a passion for delivering a personal and truly joyful experience for her couples from start to finish, Lauren has been working in events in the Hudson Valley for 15 years. She strives not to be just your guide in this process, but your advisor, your advocate, and of course, your friend (yes, you will be able to text her at all hours... it’s part of the deal!). With a wealth of knowledge in weddings and event execution within the region, Lauren is a pro at creating beautiful and unique wedding experiences specific to each clients taste and budget. Through years of partnering with wonderful local vendors and couples on each event, Lauren has honed her skills at bringing each wedding to it’s own beautiful and unique life. Through attention to detail, consistent communication, and careful planning in partnership with each couple she will provide a seamless and stress free experience for all parties from start to finish.
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Victoria Lowe, Wedding Planner
Victoria has always been an event planner. Starting out with her own family and friends, many years of choosing venues, music, photography and décor, she decided that her passion needed a bigger stage.
With a Master’s Degree in Human Services and Counseling, and sprinkled in-between, a long career in social work and advocacy, she chose to blend those talents, with creating memorable events with Hudson Valley Ceremonies
After mentoring for two years with our amazing team of Wedding Coordinators, Victoria is now taking a lead role as the newest member of our team.
Victoria embraces the individual nature of every event. No two celebrations are the same and she loves helping our couples discover new and exciting ways to express their vision.
After many months of emails, phone calls, and planning, on the Day of the event , Victoria will be there from morning until evening, directing the many wonderful professionals in celebrating this most important day.
We are so excited that she will be sharing her many talents with us, and with you.
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Stefanie Hixon, Wedding Planner
Stefanie has been coordinating events throughout the Hudson Valley for the last 8 years. From backyard weddings to grand ballroom events. Starting at Hudson Valley Ceremonies as a server, and quickly progressing to other roles, her dedication and desire to make every event the best was evident. Having experience in so many positions has enhanced her understanding of the importance each role has in making your wedding day run smoothly. Her favorite part of working for HVC is building relationships.
Stefanie uses her creative superpowers to bring wedding dreams to fruition through collaboration, planning, and team execution. With almost two decades as a process technician for a large computer company, Stefanie has superior attention to detail, allowing her to anticipate potential challenges. before they arise.
Stefanie has experience with working with those with disabilities and allergies. She is sensitive to the potential needs and the necessary support and resources for the bride, groom, and guests. Every family member is an important part of the celebration. She truly embraces the passion of your special day.
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Stuart Chernoff, Officiant
The Right Reverend Stuart B. Chernoff located in Kingston, NY, (although he travels to your location) prides himself on being opened to ‘All Ways’. His philosophy for joining people is to be true and honest to their beliefs.
As an Ordained Marriage Officiant, he is dedicated to the magic and spirit of Human connectedness. It is through this inclusive attitude and respect for an individual’s chosen path in life that he can truly bless a marriage and form a protective bond around a couple.
Stuart ‘s unique approach allows him to perform an extensive array of wedding ceremonies ranging through the cultures of, Uplifting Non-Denominational, Spiritual, Pagan, Jewish and Christian. And, from his experience as an entertainer, he adds his unique Brooklyn humor, or can sing your favorite tune at any time during the ceremony.
So, whether it’s your vows or his, traditional, spiritual, musical, or spiced up a bit, Rev Stuart creates your custom ceremony from scratch, and could be ‘The Right Reverend’ for you.
Additionally, Rev Stuart speaks Spanish, Russian & Hebrew., and is specially educated in Jewish Celebratory Traditions.
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Lawrence McCauley, Officiant
Lawrence is an ordained minister located in Kingston, NY, he respects all faiths. He has been officiating weddings, handfastings, and ceremonies of love for more than ten years. At these most important life events, he encourages each and every couple to add their personal touch to the ceremony.
Lawrence also performs clearing and blessing rituals for homes and businesses. This type of service may be utilized to rid a spaced of negative energy or to attract positive energy to the area.
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Debra Romano, Officiant
Debra is located in Olivebridge, NY she is an ordained nondenominational minister and so much more. Debra is a NYS Certified Paralegal and Volunteer Family Court Advocate. Debra is a wife and mother of five children. Debra’s caring and nurturing nature will put any nervous bride and groom to rest and ease their minds to the process of developing a beautiful ceremony.
Debra was the chosen wedding officiant for the nationally broadcasted Times Square Charmin Bathroom Wedding and for the tour of Tony & Tina’s Wedding. Debra is also a registered officiant in the five boroughs of New York City.
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Michael Werner, Officiant
I truly believe that “Love is Love” and I enjoy bringing people together of all faiths and lifestyles. I take pride in adding joy to an already joyous occasion. There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating the union of two unique and wonderful individuals.
Whether your faith, or styling, is Christian, Jewish, Spiritual, or non-denominational. I will help you create a ceremony that reflects the best balance for you both.
I encourage couples to add their own touch or spin to their ceremonies and I am very happy to accommodate any request.
Traditional or one of a kind in every way, I would be honored to officiate on this most important day.
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Melodie Molinare, Officiant
Rev. Melodie was born, raised and still resides in Rhinebeck NY. She is the mother of a wonderful daughter, Katie. Melodie currently works for the USPS and loves her job because she is able to meet all kinds of people. Born and raised a Catholic, Melodie has a strong belief in God and all religions from around the world. At the same time she is open to all couples and the ceremony they want performed. She understands that their love needs to be focused on in a wedding ceremony. Rev. Melodie finds being a celebratory minister to be a very rewarding and enjoyable position. Melodie brings comfort and humor into the ceremonies she performs.
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Kristine Palmer, Wedding Assistant and Planner
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