Our jobs and love for sports brought us together. What started as some simple acts of kindness from Chris as co-workers at News Channel 13 turned into a first date in Saratoga Springs. Despite demanding work schedules, often at odd hours including holidays, we only grew closer with each day passing day. Much of our time together was spent at work and yet we still couldn’t spend enough time together away from the TV station. It sounds corny, but every day, month and year got better and better. When we started dating, I introduced Chris to the current country music genre and five years later, he proposed in Nashville with some of our closest family members there to celebrate with us. That tie to country music would lead us to our first dance song choice.
Engaged in June of 2019 and all set for a summer wedding one year later. Then, like so many other couples, we put life plans on hold. Albeit temporarily. We delayed our wedding until May of 2021 - and there were still many moments of holding our breath and questioning the new timeline. Would we have to wear masks? Would we be allowed to dance? Pandemic restrictions remained in place, people sought out vaccines and rapid tests and despite the many curve-balls thrown our way, starting our lives together could not be paused any longer.
With an initial guest list of more than 230 people, we searched for the largest indoor venues in the area. Our focus centered on Saratoga Springs, where we had our first date. The ballroom (and dance floor) at The Gideon Putnam along with the picturesque park setting fit our every need and more as we would soon find out. Large gatherings were limited to 150 people in the lead up to our new date of May 7, 2021, and with new guidelines seemingly every day, formal invitations at the outset turned into phone calls and text messages. The long-rumored difficult task of putting together a seating chart now required vaccination status for each guest. Like a ticket to a sporting event, people showed vaccination cards or negative test results at the door.
With the planning and hoop jumping behind us, we never could have imagined our wedding day to be as perfect as it was. After more than a year cooped up at home, our family and friends let loose to celebrate us - and life overall - on a beautiful sun splashed Early Spring Day.
We can’t say enough about the lengths to which The Gideon Putnam went to pull off our wedding reception just two days after reopening. We had our own little bubble where people felt safe to hit the dance floor – the same black and white checkerboard floor we were drawn to initially for its size. Our band and photographer faced the same vaccine and testing requirements and all our vendors remained flexible through all the changes; from the date itself to the number of guests.
The steps and stresses that go into planning a wedding felt immeasurably magnified in a pandemic. However, the people who supported us, made it a day beyond our expectations and one we will truly never forget.
DETAILS:
Wedding Date May 7
Ceremony St. Pius X Loudonville
Reception The Gideon Putnam
Photographer Denis J Nally Photography
Wedding Gown Bridal Gallery by Yvonne
Bridesmaids' Dresses Azazie
Hair & Makeup Ambiance Salon
Groom's Attire Mr. Formal Wear
Rings Frank Adams Jewelers
Flowers Market 32 by Price Chopper
Stationery Suite Pine & Park
Wedding Planner The Gideon Putnam Team
Event Decorator The Gideon Putnam & Total Events
Caterer The Gideon Putnam
Cake Cake by Alissa
Transportation All Occasions Limo
DJ or Band Ten Most Wanted
First Dance “Love You Like I Used To” by Russell Dickerson
Honeymoon Destination Hawaii - Maui & Oahu
Special Touches... NOVUS Clothing Company provided personalized masks for all guests as wedding favors.
