Kelli + Robert
• Wedding Date July 20th •
Location
Ceremony: Saint Clement's Church
Reception: Hall of Springs
Photographer Dori Fitzpatrick Photography
This Real Bride Brought to You By…
• Mazzone Hospitality •
Our Story...
A blue-eyed boy met a brown-eyed girl on July 13, 2023, and it was the sweetest thing. Like many couples in the 21st century, we met on the dating app. For a first date, we met at The Liberty Hotel and walked along the Esplanade to Owl’s Nest, which then led to us checking out 1928 Beacon Hill. It was a great first date filled with lots of chatting and espresso martinis.
Rob even wooed me by learning how to make espresso martinis from a bartender in Doonbeg, Ireland during a golf trip. We continued going on fun dates throughout the summer and quickly realized we were smitten with each other. Things with Rob were just easy and we complemented one another so well. Fast forward to September 21, 2024, Rob proposed at Oak Long Bar at the Fairmont Copley. Oak is one of Rob’s favorite spots in Boston and a place that was also special to his grandfather.
When it came time to choose a venue, we looked around Boston but ultimately decided that a wedding weekend in Saratoga would create lifelong memories for us and our guests. Saratoga has always been special to me since I grew up in Latham, and as long as I can remember, my summers included trips to Saratoga Race Track. Rob who is originally from Topsfield, MA attended Union College and had not experienced much of Saratoga while in college. He loved the idea of having golf courses nearby for the weekend, along with a vibrant downtown for guests to explore. I only made one venue appointment during our trip to NY to check out wedding bands and that was the Hall of Springs. I had always loved how romantic and unique it felt, and it turned out to be perfect for us.
Our wedding day was beyond special. As we were saying our vows at Saint Clement’s Church, it began to downpour. I truly believe it was a sign from my dad giving his blessing and shedding a few happy tears. The rest of the day was filled with sunshine and warmth. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the venue, the food, the band, and the favors. Now we have beautiful photos and a wedding video to relive it all. We were so lucky to have incredible vendors who brought our vision to life and we are beyond anything we could have imagined.
DETAILS
Location
Ceremony: Saint Clement's Church
Reception: Hall of Springs
Photographer
Videographer
Wedding Gown
Eddy K -
purchased at Allegria Bridal
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Hair
Makeup
Groom's Attire
Rings
Event Decorator
Flowers
Stationery Suite
Caterer & Cake
Party Favors
Transportation
DJ or Band
First Dance
"Everything" by Michael Buble
Honeymoon
Barbados
• Special Touches •
Friday: Day at the Races We organized a day at the track since so many guests had never experienced Saratoga before and who can't go to Saratoga without seeing a horse race! Tony, the band leader of Ten Most Wanted band, and his son, Carson, who do bugle calls at the race track came over to where we were sitting to serenade our guests with the song, "Sweet Caroline." A song that is played at Fenway Park during the 8th inning. A little over 40 guests joined us in the grandstand and their ticket was a gift from us.
Saturday: Golf & Dinner Several guys played golf at Saratoga National and then Rehearsal Dinner at The Gideon Putnam Arches Room. It was a larger rehearsal dinner where we invited all extended family on both sides and then we had Welcome Drinks after to greet more out of town guests.
Sunday: Wedding day Rob and I got ready at The Gideon Putnam. The guys played 9 holes at Saratoga Spa Golf Course. I rented the Sunroom at The Gideon for the girls to get ready and have breakfast & lunch. The room was stunning and the staff were beyond gracious.
Monday: Post Wedding Brunch at The Gideon Putnam Arches Room - great way to say goodbye to guests.
Ties that Bind My dad passed away 15 years ago and I wanted to do something special to have him be part of my special day so I took the blue ribbon and pearl heart off of my mom's garter that she wore on her wedding day and had it sewn on the underlayer of my wedding dress.
Cocktail hour I am a middle school teacher so I had my students write marriage advice and I had their advice in frames that were showcased. We also had pictures of our engagement shoot and pictures of when we were young scattered during cocktail hour. Hand fans were provided for guests to take while they were on the portico and mocktails were included in our lineup of Signature Drinks so everyone could have a fun drink.
More Fun Touches
Before dancing began Rob and I thanked all of our guests for traveling near and far to celebrate our love and then I gave my bouquet to my mom. I had On from Surroundings Floral design my cascade bouquet to be similar to the one my mom carried on her wedding day.
My mom is 100% Italian so I asked the Ten Most Wanted to play "Lazy Mary" for her.
I had copies of a QR code in frames at the wedding and post wedding brunch so guests could share the pictures they took on their own device from the weekend with us.
Rob and I wrote notes to one another and purchased a special gift that we opened when we were getting ready the day of the wedding.
Rob and I made a list of family and friends that we wanted pictures with on our wedding day. Looking back now it is so nice to have these group photos and we have printed copies to share with family.
We had a basket of flip flops for women to change into so they could still dance without their feet hurting them.
• Advice to Pass Along •
Amid all the stress of wedding planning, don't lose sight of what the day is really about! Your day will be absolutely perfect because you are marrying your person and celebrating with all the people who love you the most in the world! The day flies by so make sure to take a few minutes with your partner to take it all in.
