From left to right: Kristina, Erica, Fallon, Andrea, and bride-to-be Jaclyn (see you in October!). Photo courtesy of Images by Moak.

For those of you that frequent the Elario blog, you’ll recognize Kate & Alex from their engagement photos - they’re the Fenway Park couple. I saw their photos myself and was so excited when they contacted me to help document their day - and what a wonderful day it was. Blue skies, white fluffy clouds, perfect weather and everything taking place on Lake George. You couldn’t ask for a better day.

Kate got ready in Ticonderoga at a house right on the lake. As she was getting her make up done, her sister handed her a gift that Alex had sent over - gorgeous custom earrings to match her engagement ring. She immediately swapped out the pearls she was going to wear. When she was done getting ready Kate headed downstairs where her father was waiting for her.  She then grabbed her beautiful bouquet created by Kris Ann of Fleurtacious Designs and headed outside for photos by the lake with her bridesmaids.  Big Joe & JP from Joe Elario Photography were on hand to create the images that day and once again did an amazing job (check out the photos here).  The ceremony was right up the road at St. Mary’s which was followed by the reception at The Sagamore.  While the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, I hopped on a boat with JP and the bridal party to get some shots out on the lake.  If you’re getting married near a lake, I highly recommend this - so much fun.   We headed back to a cheering crowd and as Kate & Alex made their way up to the party, everyone they passed congratulated them and told them how great they looked!

Soon the reception started and DJ Paul Malo introduced the new couple/Red Sox fans to a cheering crowd as they entered the room to a fun Dropkick Murphys tune.  From there, the rest of the night just flew by. 

On a personal note, Amanda and I would like to send out special thanks to Nick and Annamae Fleming for their help that day.  Thank you! 

Here is Kate & Alex’s highlight video from their August 2010 wedding.  Feel free to leave comments for the happy couple.

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Kate & Alex - Wedding Highlights from Cheryl Lighthall on Vimeo.

The ceremony was held at the Christ the King church and was followed by the reception at the Albany Country Club (decorated by Flowers by Pesha) and pretty much filled to capacity. This was no typical reception though. Fallon & JJ entered to a cheering crowd that immediately surrounded them on the dance floor for the first song. They opened up a circle big enough for the bride and groom to share their first dance in the center of it, then settled down for the toasts. Before they could start, all the guests were given the option of toasting with the champagne at the tables, or with cans of Coors Light that the staff brought out on trays with sparklers. I think most opted for the Coors. After the toasts, things usually quiet down for dinner, but not this night. Dinner was set up as a two hour buffet so guests could go eat when they wanted too, and the party started right away. Vinny from Cool Cat provided the entertainment for the night and even had his dance team on hand to keep the crowd dancing all night long - and that they did. The night ended with sparklers on the patio and everyone singing God Bless the USA to celebrate the marriage of Fallon & JJ and the beginning of Independence Day weekend. And what a great start to both it was!

Here is Fallon & JJ’s highlight video from their July 2010 wedding. Feel free to leave comments for the happy couple!

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Fallon & Joshua - Wedding Highlights from Cheryl Lighthall on Vimeo.

So that’s how it started. The outdoor ceremony at the Hiland Park Country Club was moved indoors due to rain that day (good to have a Plan B ready), however it cleared up just enough afterwards to get some photos outside with the always fun Casey Connell Photography team. We headed back inside to get some shots of the room decked out in pink and green by Drops of Jupiter, and had enough time to stop into the cocktail hour for the yummy mashed potato bar. Mmmm - mashed potatoes!

Vinny from NonStopMusic was on hand to keep the party moving, which he did with some cool music choices - including some fun stuff I haven’t heard in a while.  He introduced the new couple, who shared their first dance and then sat down to a very funny best man’s toast. A giant frog made an appearance and there was lots of hopping, jumping and laughing for the rest of the night. I think the end of this reception was only the beginning of the party.

Here is Becky & Joe’s highlight video from their June 2010 wedding. Feel free to leave comments for the happy couple.

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After the ceremony, the bridal party photos took place on campus.  At one point Katelyn broke out a basketball and she and Anthony posed for some cool action shots.  The reception took place at Glen Sanders Mansion where the tables were decked out in black linens with photographs of Katelyn & Anthony’s dogs displaying the table numbers.  The party started as the introductions were getting underway with the bridal party - including both sets of parents - giving the guests some competition in the noise making department from out in the hallway.  From there it was the place to be that night, and I’m glad we got to be there.

Some things I learned at this wedding:
~ Katelyn loves to laugh - and when she’s with Anthony, she laughs a lot 
~ Safety pins can be a bride’s best friend
~ Anthony loves chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes
~ The best man can make half court shots when there is cash up for grabs
~ The dogs aren’t the only… (nevermind - that one stays between me and the guests at the wedding)
 
We got to work with some fabulous vendors at this wedding, including Jessie & Pat from Casey Connell, Flawless by Tina and DJ Fernando - among others listed below.

Make-up: Flawless by Tina
Flowers: Flowers by Pesha
Photography: Casey Connell Photography  (sneak peek)
DJ: Fernando of The Piano Man’s DJ Productions
Venue: Glen Sanders Mansion

Here is Katelyn & Anthony’s highlight video from their June 2010 wedding.  Feel free to leave comments for the happy couple.

P.S.  Katelyn - Congratulations on your induction into the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame!

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Katelyn & Anthony - Wedding Highlights from Cheryl Lighthall on Vimeo.