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Displaying items by tag: Saratoga Bride

We’ve compiled a cheat sheet on everything you need to know to get perfect wedding day skin!

1. See a professional 10 to 12 months before your big day to figure out exactly what your skin needs. If you don’t routinely get facials, then find a licensed esthetician with a lot of experience and a great reputation to evaluate your skin and discuss options. Good skin therapy takes knowledge and expertise. There are definitely things you can (and should) do for maintenance at home, but ask for a little guidance because doing the wrong things can cause redness, irritation, or worse ... scarring.

2. Eat Super Foods. All skin types- oily, dry, normal or a combo— crave water and oil. Yes, healthy fats are essential for glowing skin. Avocado, almonds and oily fish are a great place to start. Snack on naturally hydrating foods like
watermelon and cucumber.

3. Avoid foods that are known to cause irritation or allergies. Dairy has been shown to cause tummy issues and breakouts as well. Spicy foods can turn skin that tends to be red into a blotchy mess that can take weeks to calm.

4. Start taking baths. Most brides forget about taking baths vs showers. Add a bath to your weekly routine and throw in bath salts with sodium bicarbonate. This will break down dry, dead skin and leave your skin glowing and supple.

5. Wear SPF on your lips too! It's easier to prevent your lips from getting chapped than it is to repair them if they're already dry and cracked from too much sun and wind or from sitting in a dry, climate-controlled office all day. Make sure you exfoliate at least once a week. You can mix raw coco butter with a little sugar to form a paste and gently scrub away dead, flaky skin. Follow up with a natural lip balm and you’ll have supple lips all year long.

6. Use product… Peels, microdermabrasion and melanin restricting home products to help greatly reduce or eliminate sun damaged spots on your face, neck, chest, arms and hands. Peels are designed to slough off dead skin and bring new, fresh skin to the surface. To make the most of these treatments, you need to book a series of peels at least six months in advance.

7. Ladies – no tan lines please. Tan lines do not photograph well, and they are a nightmare for your makeup artist to cover. Enough said.

8. Try out specialized services months in advance. Lash extensions? 3 months in advance. Dermal filler? 6 months in advance. Botox or other neuro toxins? 3 to 9 months in advance so those expression lines have time to soften.

9. Keep your hands away from your skin and don’t pick. Most people pick. I see it every day. I get at least one phone call a week from someone going into compulsive pick mode and now their skin is a wreak. Please leave it to us...we will help you and won’t cause scars in the process.

10. Find a professional that listens to your wants and needs. We are out here and truly wanting to help you achieve your best skin ever!

Published in Bride

Our Story:

Attending a small school in Boston, both as science majors, it was no surprise that their paths crossed. James and Logan slowly started spending more time together studying for classes and getting their daily coffee fix. After many casual ‘dates,’ James asked Logan on their first official date to his favorite place in the city, the Boston Public Library.

That stroll through the Public Library turned into a few moves, the addition of a yellow lab puppy, Bode, and growing together. Six years after that first date, they were packing up for their 3rd annual Labor Day celebration in Saratoga with family and friends, when James hooked a ring onto Bode’s leash and convinced Logan to take a walk with him before hopping in the car. 

Although they never left Boston after graduating, Saratoga always held a special place in their hearts. They thought choosing a venue in Saratoga would be a bit more difficult, until they met Danielle and the team at Saratoga National. The planning began for October 19, 2018. 

10.19.18 was the perfect theme of rustic elegance; they were able to tie in family heirlooms and special touches that made the day feel personal. Logan and James are so grateful to their vendors, family and friends that traveled near and far to celebrate their special day.

wedding date  October 19, 2018 

location Saratoga National

photographer The Harris Company

event decorator  Danielle Robinson at Saratoga National

stationery suite Paper Dolls

wedding gown Lily of Saratoga

bridesmaids' dresses Nordstrom

groom & groomsmens' clothing Jos A Bank

rings Martoni & James, Ltd

hair & makeup Make Me Fabulous

flowers Posie Peddler

cake / caterer Saratoga National

band Soul Session

first dance 'You Are The Best Thing ' by Ray LaMontagne

honeymoon destination Italy and Ireland

officiant Liz D'Agostino,Logan's best childhood friend

table and wine barrel rentals Rustic Robin

special touches... For our table runners we sewed together old lace tablecloths that were Logan's grandmother and great grandmother's. A family friend welded old horseshoes together for our table numbers. Logan's sister, Tyler, designed the
wedding programs, menus, etc. We  had a generation table with loved ones who have passed, and those in our family who have strong relationships we look up to.

advice to pass along... Planning a wedding is a fun, exciting time, but it can be overwhelming too! - Always stay true to your relationship, wedding vision and remember the reason you are doing all this planning.

Published in Our Story

Our Story:

In June of 2015, I had just moved to Saratoga Springs for a new job. Within two short weeks. Jay and I met for the first time at Druthers which would quickly become a part of our weekly routine. . Some drinks, pretzels, beer cheese, and good conversation, it was off to a good start. I was able to sneak off to the bathroom and send a text to my mom explaining I did not want to date anyone else. My mom replied "that's great, but does he like you too!?" Fortunately, Jay felt the same way and our relationship continued to grow for the next two years in Saratoga, before a job opportunity, too good to pass up, opened up for Jay in in Boston.

It was bittersweet leaving Saratoga in the Summer of 2017. After 3 years of dating, Jay proposed at my parents house in July 2018.  As if I couldn't be surprised enough with our engagement, Jay, along with a little help from my mom, had already booked my dream venue, Hall of the Springs for March!  Queue the tears of joy again!

Even though we lived in Boston, Saratoga has always had a special place in our hearts and it also happens to be the half way point for most of our family and friends.

Our wedding day exceeded all of our expectations, it couldn't have gone better! All of our vendors were wonderful and helped us make it the most special occasion to share with family and friends.

The Details:

wedding date:  March 30, 2019

location:  Hall of Springs

photographer: Rob Spring Photography

event decorator: Total Events

wedding gown & bridesmaids' dresses: Dress Your Fancy, Binghamton

Men's Warehouse: Blue Nile

hair: Lisa Bernunizo-Thirolle

makeup: Erin Muller

flowers: Surroundings Floral

cake / caterer: Mazzone Hospitality

DJ: DJ Vinny Vin, Nonstop Music

first dance: 'In case you didn't know' by Brett Young

honeymoon destination: Maui and Oahu

advice to pass along...Finish your to-do list early so you can enjoy your wedding weekend.

Published in Our Story

Our Story:

Kurt and I met while we were undergraduates at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We played music together in our college orchestra, and as a result, we met a great group of mutual friends who brought us together. We enjoyed spending time together, talking and playing games after our classes and rehearsals had finished for the day. Aside from a shared appreciation for music performance, we had very different interests, but this is what made us a great team. Our friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship, and we took turns visiting each other over the summers.

In 2016, we moved to Upstate New York together to be close to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where Kurt decided to pursue his graduate course of study. In September 2017, Kurt proposed to me during a weekend getaway to Stowe, Vermont. When we checked into our hotel that afternoon, our room was covered in rose petals, which set the stage for a lovely proposal. We knew that we wanted to get married in Upstate New York, close to our new home.

Not long after our engagement, we were on a day cruise on Lake George when we saw the majestic Sagamore Resort from the boat. We exchanged glances and knew that this would be our venue for our October 2018 wedding. Shortly thereafter, we attended a beautiful luncheon  at the Sagamore, which further confirmed our decision.

With our excellent team of vendors and the Sagamore Resort as an elegant backdrop, our vision for our wedding day became reality. Kurt and I feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing wedding day, and we are looking forward to reliving the memories for years to come.

The Details:

wedding date:  October 20, 2018 

location: The Bayview at the Sagamore Resort

photographer: Susan Blackburn Photography

videographer: Dale Himelrick (Memories in the Making Video Productions)

stationery suite: PaperDolls of Saratoga

wedding gown:  Simone's Unlimited

bridesmaids' dresses: Lily Saratoga

groom & groomsmens' clothing: Mark Thomas Men's Apparel

rings: Mayfair Jewelers

hair & makeup: The Sagamore Salon (part of the Sagamore Resort)

flowers: Fleurtacious Designs

Cake / caterer: The Sagamore Resort

band/ DJ: Lark Strings (string trio) & DJ Andy Pratt (Stephanie)

first dance: 'Can't Take My Eyes off of You' by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

honeymoon destination: We chose not to take a traditional honeymoon immediately following our wedding, but we would like to take a celebratory vacation later this year to Bologna and Florence, Italy.

officiant: Reverend Joy Burke

special touches: Although it is an honored tradition and an important aspect of the wedding reception for many brides, I opted not to do a bouquet toss, but instead to present the bouquet to my grandmother in honor of her 62 years of marriage. Rather than drawing attention to my friends and family who have not yet had the good fortune to find their partner in life, I wanted to celebrate a lifelong partnership by recognizing my grandparents' marital longevity.

advice to pass along... Do whatever brings you peace and relaxation the day before your wedding to ensure you wake up feeling re-energized and renewed the next day. Go to bed early, stay hydrated, and eat well. Take a bubble bath, get a massage, or meditate. Read a book or go for a walk. Your wedding day is a marathon event, and your body and mind will thank you if you make taking care of yourself the first priority the day before.

Published in Our Story

Gathering family and friends, getting ready, getting married, and relaxing at your reception… all in one place? …Yes, at the Saratoga Hilton!

Feel the freedom of customizable wedding packages at a flexible venue that offers amenity-rich accommodations and a bounty of banquet options.

“We are a full-service property in the heart of downtown Saratoga. We have everything onsite that a guest would need,” said The Saratoga Hilton’s Director of Sales & Marketing Joanna Fairs.

Simply Seamless: From the Site Visit to the Cake Cutting

Nothing gets lost in translation when all the event communications go to the same person in the same place.

“Our team walks them through the entire event to make it really seamless for them,” said Joanna Fairs, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Saratoga Hilton.

Whatever question arises, brides have one point of contact, said Joanna.

A personalized URL gives brides the ability to freely monitor guest bookings, as well.

The hotel has six light-filled luxury corner suites with ample in-room parlors where the bride and her glam squad can comfortably get ready. Put the groom and his party on another floor, and you’ll save yourself the worry of pre-wedding peeking being a possibility.

Optimal Areas and Special Spaces

Located in a separate wing of the hotel, booking a ceremony and reception for up to 350 guests in the Saratoga Ballroom offers both privacy and easy accessibility. Section off a special area for your ceremony, meet in the foyer for cocktails after, then return to the transformed ballroom for dinner and dancing.

“To make it unique to each bride and groom, we work closely with Total Events party planners and can suggest a number of other vendors. There are definitely a lot of different options to make the room the way they want it,” said Joanna.

The Broadway Ballroom is also available if you want a completely separate ceremony space or are planning on a smaller wedding of no more than 75 guests.

Customizable catering menus and drink services let you enjoy mouthwatering, artfully-crafted appetizers, and your choice of plated, buffet, or stationed dining before the cake cutting.

Keep the Party Going

Arriving early or staying late is never a problem when everyone is in the same place.

Why not enjoy coffee in the café or some leisure time in the hotel lounge? Fit in a workout in the fitness room. An indoor pool lets you rest easy that the weather will not keep you, or the kids, from getting in a swim.

534 Bistro, the onsite restaurant, has a welcoming bar and American cuisine served in a relaxed contemporary setting with a large double-sided indoor fireplace and an outdoor patio.

The Saratoga Hilton’s divine downtown location means that within walking distance you and your guests can easily add-in some shopping, a picnic in the park, unforgettable entertainment and awesome attractions.

The Details:

Venue: Saratoga Hilton

Clothing: Danielle’s Bridal Boutique (and Tux Shop!)

Robes: Chic Underneath

Hair and Make Up: Lipstick N Lashes, Beauty Bar and Boutique

Event Decorator: Total Events

Florals: JoleneK Floral Design

Officiant: Reverend Joy Burke

Photographer: Susan Blackburn Photography

Models:
Julie TenEyck
Jeremiah TenEyck
Khloe TenEyck
Isabella Romanzo
Ryan Ross
Jordan Welch
Anna Bayle
Colleen Coleman
Bella Bokan

 

Published in Venue

“I wasn’t in Stylist mode on my wedding day. I was relaxed, trying to enjoy the morning. Then the nerves set in! When I am working on a wedding, I am always in-the-zone, ready to make everything perfect for my bride.

I will do anything to make her stress free. For me, my maid and matron of honor made that possible.

It didn't set in that I was the bride and it was my wedding day until the photographer showed up. Then it got very real - getting in the dress was when I got emotional!"

“In terms of how I am now with my brides at work, it made me so different! It made me more sensitive to my bride's needs and their anxiety levels. I will listen to her concerns and insecurities a little more carefully. I know now it is more about their jitters and not my ability as an artist. It’s the over thinking... from family drama, to wrinkles in the dress, to things not going 100% as planned.

But hopefully as an artist and recent bride, I can give my advice and care to make her look and feel perfect on her special day!

“It's the little things that I realized mattered on your wedding day. Like having a personal touch up kit with extra things you may need.

I now appreciate those special touches we provide to our brides that make the day go that much easier.

I've always been a timely person and I realized how much it matters for our team to always run a little early. It keeps the vibe of the morning so much more calm, relaxed and stress free!

“On my wedding day, we luckily were running a little early, so when my bridal party dressed me for the day, I felt so relaxed and happy! I was so excited for my first look, which every bride should do and couldn’t wait to show my mom and dad my beautiful self!”

Vendors for Angela and John’s Wedding:

Venue:  Saratoga Lake Golf Course

Church:  Christ Episcopal in Ballston Spa

Hair & Makeup Artist: True Beauty Company

Dress:  Sue Small

Desserts: Two Birds

Entertainment:  Mark Hersh

Flowers: Dehn’s Flowers

Published in Bride

Our Story:

Brandon and I grew up in New Jersey and met in high school through a mutual friend. We instantly connected through a shared love for outdoor adventures, and animals, especially horses. We stayed together long distance through college, while I was at Boston University and Brandon at University of Connecticut. After years traveling to visit each other, we finally both lived in Boston, where I went to medical school at BU and Brandon went to veterinary school at Tufts. Even though our schedules were busy over the years, we spent every bit of free time we had together exploring outside, backpacking in the mountains, cycling and running with our triathlon and cycling teams.

We share a love for National Parks, and during a trip through the Pacific Northwest, Brandon proposed on top of a mountain in Olympic National Park. It was a magical moment surrounded by mountain views, deciding to spend the rest of our lives together.

When we found The Wedding Barn at Lakota’s Farm, with its beautiful open space, stunning draft horses, and perfectly restored barn, we immediately knew it was the perfect fit for us. Kimberly is also an incredible wedding planner and venue manager, making sure every detail flowed seamlessly, so we could focus on enjoying the best party of our lives.

We got married two weeks after Brandon graduated from veterinary school and I graduated from medical school. We now live in Seattle, where Brandon works as a horse vet, and I’m a resident doctor in Internal Medicine.

The Details:

wedding date:  May 27, 2018

ceremony & reception location: Wedding Barn at Lakota's Farm

photographer: Heather Bohm-Tallman

event decorator: Kimberly Finney

wedding gown: BHLDN Wedding Dresses

bridesmaids' dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

tuxedo: Indochino 

groomsmen clothing:  Blue suit with bowtie matching bridesmaids

rings: Kay Jewelers

wedding planner: Kimberly Finney

flowers: Ten West Events

hair& makeup: Lipstick and Lashes

caterer: Hudson Valley BBQ

music: Stolen Moments

first dance: Cowboy Take Me Away

special touches: Brandon hand made a wooden archway for our ceremony that we were able to get married under at the farm! It was such a sweet touch and it looked beautiful with the flowers draped across it too.

advice to pass along: Try not to get lost in the little details, and soak in every moment of the wedding day! 

Published in Our Story
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