Meet our Team

  • 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.

  • 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 nine years at the Jacob Javit’s Convention Center installing local and international trade shows. Relocating to the Hudson Valley and earning a B. A. in International Public Relations and Cultural Diversity. Sandra combined her talents and returned to her true passion, and ten years ago, joined Hudson Valley Ceremonies. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.