Classic and traditional are anything but staid, as our effervescent bride Carol and her new husband, Jonathan, prove. These two planned a timeless country club wedding with pops of color and tons (tons!) of fun.

Their wedding story started with one awesome wedding proposal at Saratoga Race Course (click here to see Jonathan on one knee in the Winner’s Circle) and bloomed into a day bubbling over with smiles and laughter.

As you peruse their pictures, catch the scoop from Carol on Jonathan’s playful proposal, how she found her Lea-Ann Belter gown (her sister is wearing one, too, together with Carol’s LABB veil!), and the rest of their wonderful day!

How did your sweetie propose?

“I made the mistake of telling him that he could never surprise me-and boy did he! He convinced me we had to go to a work party at the Saratoga Race Track. He had my sister get my nails done earlier that day. We arrived at the track and a public relations representative approached us and proclaimed that we were the lucky “Fan of the Day.” The representative explained that they were given the honor of presenting the winning jockey with a trophy in the Winner’s Circle after the third race of the day. Jonathan had also pre-arranged for the third race to be officially named the “The Coco Steele My Heart” race (Coco is my nickname and Steele is Jonathan’s middle name).

As we entered the Winner’s Circle to watch the third race begin, I began to get suspicious as familiar faces lined the fence around us. After the race’s conclusion and Jonathan’s winning exacta came in, the couple posed for an awkward picture with the jockey. As we turned around for another photo, a television announcer anxiously said, “Jonathan did you have something else you wanted to ask?” With the crowd cheering, Jonathan got down on one knee, presented me with the ring and asked for my hand in marriage. I happily accepted. Afterwards, we were interviewed by news media and had a flurry of photographs taken.”

wedding dress + veil: Lea-Ann Belter Carmen via Something Bleu Bridal | photographer: Bailly Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

How did you choose your gown?

“I had searched so many places for the right dress and I kept getting discouraged as none of the samples we giving me a good vision of my day. I called Something Bleu Bridal in Saratoga, NY and had a long conversation with the owner, Denise, about my prior struggles. I went to the fitting with my grandmother, who has a great sense of style—both classic and fun.  When I got to my fitting, we were immediately drawn to the Lea-Ann Belter dresses. I narrowed it down to two, and Denise told me to come back a few weeks later when Lea-Ann herself would be there. Lea-Ann helped me narrow down my dress, and helped me slightly customize the Carmen dress to my liking. I also selected a gorgeous veil from her collection, the veil my sister (who also chose a LABB gown!) is wearing June 17th! My hope is that all three of my sisters will also wear the veil as their something borrowed (or old, haha).”

Tell me a little about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?

“I wanted the wedding to be modern and elegant. We are a traditional couple in a lot of ways, but really wanted it to be a big party. We told our band, Soul Session, that we wanted a party, and boy did they get a party started. I truly think Jon and I laughed all day, which is evident in the photos and video. I used red for the bridesmaids, which really popped, then navy and white as accents for the remainder. Our invitations were dark navy writing with red on the sides of the thick paper.  Clean and simple, but with a pop!”

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:

“Laughter all day!”

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

“Try to have fun! I had the best time at my wedding, and I am so thankful for that. You put so much time, energy and money into the day that you really should enjoy it! Also, I would really recommend getting a videographer!  My videos are incredible, and it is so much fun to relive the day all the time. There are people on the videos dancing or speaking that I won’t have in my life forever, and it is so nice to relive the memory that way.”

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

“Napa, California and Maui, Hawaii. Incredible!!”

Carol + Jonathan’s Country Club Wedding Vendors

wedding dress + veil: Lea-Ann Belter Carmen via Something Bleu Bridal | photographer: Bailly Photography | day of coordinator: Christine Wheat | florals: Renaissance Floral Design | makeup: JL Beauty Inc. | hair: Heather Flansburg, Executive Cuts Full Service Salon | band: Soul Session | venue: Schuyler Meadows Country Club | ceremony venue: Historic St. Mary’s Church | invitations: Thornwillow | bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff | wedding cake: Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery | videography: Full Frame Cinema

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].