Congratulations to all of our October couples!

A big Congratulations to all of our October couples!

Sara and Jonah 10/1 at Oak Hill
Crystal and Thomas 10/1 at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Carla and Robert 10/1 at New World Home Cooking
Suzie and Tony 10/1 at Belvedere Mansion
Lauren and Rick 10/1 at The Inn at Stone Ridge
Laryssa and Sharyn 10/2 in Elizaville, NY
Rosanna and Carl 10/2 St. Mary’s Church and The Rhinecliff Hotel
Amanda and Brent 10/2 in Hopewell Junction, NY
Nina and Miguel 10/7 at The V.I.P. Country Club
Andrea and Evan 10/8 at Bowdoin Park and Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Sasha and Matthew 10/8 at Schultz Hill
Katie and Anthony 10/8 at Emerson Resport & Spa
Melinda and Marcello 10/8 at Renaissance Westchester Hotel
Julianne and Tim 10/9 at The Chapel of Our Lady Restoration
Moira and Robert 10/9 at Blue Restaurant
Alicia and Robert 10/9 at Glen Sanders Mansion
Jillian and Jamie 10/10 at Locust Grove
Georgia and Christopher 10/14 at The Dutchess Golf & Country Club
Shanna and Michael 10/15 in Jewett, NY
Meredith and Nicholas 10/15 at West Park Winery
Eileen and Kurt 10/15 at The Meadowbrook
Jennifer and Robert 10/15 at Brookside Manor
Amanda and Wesley 10/16 at The Candlewood Inn
Wendy and Duane 10/16 at The Garrison
Alexandra and Brian 10/16 at Mohonk Mountain House
Kristen and Jonathan 10/19 in Saugerties, NY
Indy and Keyuan 10/22 at Castle on the Hudson
Jennifer and Paul 10/23 at Villa Borghese
Nicole and Shanee 10/23 at Round Hill House
Jamie and Raul 10/29 at St. Patrick´s Cathedral and Apawamis Club
Kathleen and Brendan 10/29 at Church of the Holy Spirit and Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown

Should You Elope?

Planning a wedding can be full of different stresses. Right from the beginning the bride and groom are pulled in many different directions. Where to have the wedding, who to invite and, even more stressing, who not to invite can be the most difficult decision of all. Decisions can be difficult and feelings can be hurt. On top of all of this is the cost: how much will we need to spend to have the wedding that we want? Where do we cut back? Where can we cut back? More and more of today’s couples are paying for their own wedding. The cost of a wedding is just something a great deal of bride’s parents can no longer afford to pay for. Even if they want to! The cost of housing alone puts an added strain on paying for a wedding. Many couples today even buy their house before they get married with the goal of having a wedding ceremony later that may never happen.

There are, of course, many ways to deal with these potential problems. Some will be easy and some may step on some toes. Thousand of couples get married every weekend across the country and enjoy the experience of a wonderful wedding day. One thing for sure, there will be a lot of decisions to make.

One way some couples deal with all of this is to, actually, not deal with any of it. They elope! Eloping answers or avoids having to answer many of the questions mentioned above. There are, however, other questions that will need to be answered.

What are some of the pros and cons of eloping? The main drawback is that you may hurt the feelings of your close family members if they are not invited. There is something to be said for all the planning, the ceremony, getting dressed up, and being the center of attention on your special day–you may appreciate the memories when you are older.

Once you decide that you want to elope, your choices of where to elope are almost endless. I googled ‘elope’ and got 802,000 hits. Everything from locations, hotels, photographers to Officiants were listed. This leads to more decisions. You may want to start with deciding what kind of surroundings you want to get married in: beach, mountains, tropical settings, what fits you best? If you travel out of the country you may want to have a simple ceremony before you go so you won’t have to worry about getting a copy of the marriage license from another country. Some countries make this easy and some not so much. Also, some countries don’t let you get legally married in their country so it may be a necessity. The basic things you need to take care of are; marriage license, travel plans, lodging, location of ceremony, officiant and a witness or two. Every state and every country will have different requirements regarding the marriage license. Making a few inquiries on the state or country websites regarding marriage would be a good idea.

Without going into detail, there are a couple of other options available to couples who are getting married. One would be the micro wedding. This can happen by traveling to a destination where you can invite up to 15 of your family and friends to meet you at a designated location for an intimate ceremony. The next option would be a destination wedding. This could be a location arranged ahead of time to host your wedding; a cruise ship would be another great option. In this case you can invite more people and they not only attend your wedding, but enjoy a nice vacation as well. (In both of these cases your guests pay their own way.)

Eloping is not for every couple, but it can be a great option for others. The vast majority of couples getting married have a full wedding. However, thousands of couples elope every year. It can be a great way to avoid some of the pressures and financial obligations associated with it. Which ever way you go, make sure you think it through because this is your special day and you will want to make sure it’s done right.

Winter Wedding Ideas

Very few things tend to be as beautiful and magical as a winter wedding. The summer season is filled with stereotypical “dream weddings”, but it’s all to easy to overlook the options and individuality of a winter wedding. Let’s look at how a winter wedding will make your big day a day to remember.

Why a winter wedding?

There are several reasons you may opt to have your special day during the winter weather. The most simple explanations? Perhaps you or your sweetie don’t like the heat. Or maybe winter is your favorite time year. Perhaps you just want to stand right out in the crowd. Or maybe you want to fully appreciate a honeymoon in a very warm climate.

Many times winter weddings are more cost-effective because it’s the off-season. Some venues reduce their prices during the off-season to bring in more business. Remember too that a number of places routinely decorate for the holidays; this allows you to definitely spend less on flowers and rentals. And with that snow – just think of the photo opportunities! You will have the ability to be so creative with your photographer, from cuddly fur stoles and cozy boots under your custom made wedding dress to a smooch under the mistletoe.

You won’t have to concern yourself with poor weather ruining your outdoor event. However, a lot of people travel during the wintry weather holidays or head to the south for vacations, so you’ll have to share your wedding date with your guests a lot earlier for them to reserve the date.

How can winter elements make your wedding magical?

There are several ways you can use winter to your advantage. Here are a few ways to get you started:

1. Numerous reception halls, churches, as well as venues decorate for the winter months and holidays. These decorations add flavor in your wedding. For a heat, as well as an intimate feel at your reception, look for a setting with a fireplace, a historic estate, or a private clubhouse. Other winter-themed decorations to take into account: an all-white cake covered in silver snowflakes; ice sculptures; and centerpieces made from sprigs of cranberries encircling pillar candles.

2. The best photographer will have a great deal of ideas for poses not to mention props that will insert that important dash of winter into your photos. In particular, for outdoor photos you will need to wear a wrap or shrug. You can coordinate this with the groom’s attire and huddle with him under a snow-covered pine tree for a unique, everlasting portrait. Skilled photographers are able to capture the sparkling light on the snow while portraying you your groom at your best. Other possible props comprise of snowmen, ice sculptures, holiday decor, poinsettias, and cute boots protruding from under your dress.

3. Guests can be enveloped in winter warmth while they are at your wedding reception with gourmet hot dark chocolate or spiced wine and by dining on warm pumpkin soups, among other winter plates. Possible party favors include spiced hot chocolate mix, snow globes, or dressed-up christmas cookie cutters.

Winter weddings supply the best of both worlds: tons of options to select from and lower pricing for it all.

Congratulations to all of our September couples!

A big Congratulations to all of our September couples!

Elizabeth and Ron 9/3 at Poets Walk
Elizabeth and Dana 9/3 at New York Country Club
Melissa and Jeremy 9/4 at The Links at Unionvale
Nicole and Nick 9/4 at Twin Lakes
Jill and John 9/4 at Millbrook Winery
Kellie and Mark 9/4 at The Falkirk Estate and Country Club
Gabrielle and Dean 9/10 at West Park Winery
Laurie and Rick 9/10 at The River Grill
Kaitlyn and Brian 9/10 at The Onteora Mountain House
Luciana and Eduardo 9/11 at The Ashokan Reservoir
April and Jill 9/16 in Central Park, NYC
Kaeleigh and Cory 9/16 in Gardiner, NY
Nichole and Peter 9/16 at The New York Country Club
Michelle and David 9/16 at The Glen Island Harbour Club
Jennifer and Marcelo 9/17 at The Stony Ford Golf Course
Stacy and Craig 9/17 in Yorktown Heights, NY
Veronika and Brainerd 9/17 at Oak Hill
April and Heath 9/17 in Kinderhook, NY
Sarah and Justin 9/17 at West Settlement
Beth and Hermann 9/17 at Del Posto Ristorante, NYC
Melissa and Kyle 9/18 at The Grandview
Nicole and Derek 9/23 at Arbor Ridge Catering & Banquet
Adam and Erin 9/24 at Mary’s Parish in Greenwich, CT and Westchester Country Club
Jessica and Kyle 9/24 at All Souls Church
Peter and Nicole 9/24 at The Historical Harness Track
Daria and Lukasz 9/24 at Mohonk Mountain House
Nicole and Ryan 9/24 at Overlook Lodge
Aimee and Michael 9/24 at Highlands Country Club
Katie and Rick 9/25 at Mohonk Mountain House
Jessica and Todd 9/30 at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Congratulations to all our August couples!

A big Congratulations to all of our August couples!

Shelly and Frank 8/4 at Belvedere Mansion
Sierra and Bryan 8/5 at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Victoria and Isaac 8/5 at Brookside Manor
Damian and Shawn 8/6 in Rhinebeck, NY
Nicole and Rina 8/6 in Rhinebeck, NY
Tista and Prashant 8/6 in Jewett, NY
Crystal and Pedro 8/6 at Hunter Mountain
Lauren and Corey 8/6 at Windham Mountain
Ashley and Ismael 8/7 at Catlin Gardens
Jeremy and Sonya 8/7 at The Marist College Gazebo
Kristine and Vincent 8/14 at Full Moon Resort
Russell and Meiling 8/14 at Kefi Restaurant in New York, NY
Lance and Folami 8/18 at Riverfront Park
Kimia and Terrance 8/18 at The Grandview
Melissa and Ted 8/19 at The Grandview
Andrew and Ashley 8/20 at FEAST Round Hill
Vicky and Holly 8/20 at The Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery
Sherry and Eric 8/20 at The Grandview
Robin and Michelle 8/21 at The Rhinecliff
Michelle and Matt 8/26 at Trump Hudson Valley
Tina and Rami 8/27 at The Grandview
Priscila and Ed 8/27 at The Grandview
Michael and Melissa 8/27 at Mohonk Mountain House
Melissa and Luke 8/27 at Rolling Greens at Dutchess Golf and Country Club
Heather and Blake 8/27 in Salt Point, NY

Your Outdoor Wedding

Intimate Garden, Beach or Backyard Outdoor Wedding Ceremony?

It’s not just nature lovers who are taking part in outdoor wedding ceremonies any longer. Every year, thousands of couples break from tradition and run to the “altars” of lush gardens, sandy beaches and even the comfort of their own backyards.

So, if you’ve chosen to forgo the family church to say your “I do’s,” then the location of your outdoor wedding ceremony is going to be one of the most important decisions you make during the wedding planning process. A great location will set the mood for the whole day and may even play a big part in the theme and colors that you choose. And remember, there is no reason to believe that an outdoor wedding can’t be just as formal and elegant as one held in the grand ballroom of a swanky country club. So, to get you thinking, here are a few outdoor wedding options that are sure to satisfy your wedding day fantasies:

Many state and county-owned parks offer incredibly beautiful garden areas designed specifically with brides and grooms in mind. These “wedding gardens” can offer lush, well-groomed landscaping that will provide the perfect natural backdrop for amazing formal portraits, and other wedding pictures. And there’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on on flowers for the wedding ceremony. Catch a flower garden during the right season and your wedding ceremony will literally flourish with colorful blossoms.

Beach weddings set the stage for incredibly romantic ambiance and offer a unique opportunity to play up ocean-inspired themes. Picture yourself walking down a sandy aisle lined with conch shells, lit with the warm glow of tiki torches, to the sounds of a steel drum band. The setting sun is your backdrop and, just as it dips below the horizon, you kiss for the first time as husband and wife. This may sound too good to be true but for many couples, this was their wedding day… and it can be yours too.

You don’t have to be a homebody to fall in love with the idea of tying the knot in your own backyard. Many couples are opting for a more laid back approach to their big day by hosting intimate weddings in the privacy of their home. These weddings tend to be smaller, but fewer guests mean you can splurge on other things…like an amazing menu designed to satisfy even the most experienced palate.

As with any outdoor event, weather is a factor. When planning your wedding be sure to avoid seasons known for excessive rain. Keep the comfort of your guests in mind. If you want your friends and family to bless you with good wishes, it’s best to avoid months with excessive hot or cold temperatures. They’ll be so glad you did. With a little luck, your day will go off without a hitch no matter if you select to hold your wedding ceremony on a beach, in a garden or in your own backyard, and you’ll be on your honeymoon before you can say “newlyweds.”

Congratulations to all our June couples!

A big Congratulations to all of our couples that were married this June!

Louise and Dan 6/3 at Anthony’s Pier Nine
Suzanne and Michael 6/4 at Minnewaska Lodge
Maya and Craig 6/4 in Hopewell Junction
Jennifer and Michael 6/4 at Lippincott Manor
Jessica and Jeff 6/4 at Le Petit Chateau
Kristin and Dennis 6/5 at The Grandview
Nicole and Hector 6/10 at Glen Island Harbour Club
John and Sarah 6/11 at The Stone House B&B
Isabelle and Richard 6/11 in Salt Point
Allison and Pat 6/11 in Hyde Park
Angela and Mario 6/12 at the Villa Borghese
Ezra and Karen 6/15 at Perkins Memorial Tower
Melanie and Dave 6/18 at Harvest on Hudson
Jacqueline and Evan 6/18 at Total Tennis
Ashley and Ammi 6/18 in Hudson NY
Sarina and Hamza 6/18 at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor
Michelle and Kevin 6/19 at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa
Lisa and Christopher 6/24 at The Villa Borghese
Simone and Brendan 6/25 at West Park Winery
Rebekah and Harry 6/26 at The Onteora Mountain House
Justine and Jeffrey 6/28 at The Walkway Over The Hudson
Natasha and Steven 6/30 at Belvedere Mansion

Congratulations to all our May couples!

A big Congratulations to all of our couples that were married this May!

Katherine and Kellan 5/1 at The Poughkeepsie Grand
Amanda and Jeremy 5/1 at Full Moon Resort
Liz and Ray 5/5 at Belvedere Mansion
Kristin and Danny 5/6 at Locust Grove & The Poughkeepsie Grand
Amy and Alen 5/6 at Villa Borghese
Laura and Steven 5/7 at Poets Walk
Kim and Clinton 5/7 at The Cadet Chapel & Eisenhower Hall
Chad and Victoria 5/10 in Central Park
James and Jennifer 5/13 at Marist College
Brenda and Al 5/15 in Stone Ridge
Bridget and Sean 5/15 at The Grandview
Kristen and Daniel 5/20 at The Grandview
Chris and Breanna 5/21 in Millbrook
Christine and Jonathan 5/22 at Colden Manor at the Spruce Lodge
Erica and Evan 5/28 at The Grandview
Amber and Kevin 5/28 at Hunter Mountain
Catherine and Bryan 5/28 at The Grandview
Jennifer and Jesse 5/28 at Four Brothers Restaurant
Helena and Dan 5/28 at The Mt. Beacon Bed & Breakfast
James and Rebecca 5/29 at The Highlands Country Club

Congratulations!

A big Congratulations to all of our couples that were married this winter!

Kimberly & Adam – Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Marisa & Erik – West Point Officers Club, West Point
Alicia & Justin – Fallkirk Estate, Central Valley
Michelle & Tim – Ceola Manor, Jefferson Valley
Nicole & Joseph – Terrapin Catering, Staatsburgh
Juliana & Michael – Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie
Daisy & Peter – The Rhinecliff Hotel, Rhinecliff
Lauren & William – HVC, Rhinebeck
Amanda & Woody – Ritz Carlton Westchester, White Plains
Filamina & Michael – The Inn at Dover Furnace, Dover Plains
Lys & Tony – Omega Institute, Rhinebeck
Keke & James – HVC, Rhinebeck
Michelle & Lance – Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Jennifer & Michael – Villa Borghese, Wappingers Falls
Megan & Brian – Opus 40, Saugerties
Jenny & Kenneth – The Grandview, Poughkeepsie
Renee & Peter – Morgan State House Inn, Albany
Rachel & Ryan – The Grandview, Poughkeepsie
Kristi & Rafael – Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie

Congratulations to Kara & John who had Baby Colin blessed at Ceola Manor in Jefferson Valley!

Congratulations to Catherine & Michael who had Baby Sean blessed at the Taconic Education Center in Cold Spring!

A Few Of Our Favorite Photographers, Amazing Weddings, Wonderful Couples & Their Photos ~ The Lovely Lens

The Lovely Lens

Brooklyn * 917-727-8305

info@thelovelylens.com * www.thelovelylens.com

Caitlin and Daniel ~ August 14th, 2010 ~ The Rhinecliff Hotel

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