See all the classic style happening in Sarah and Rich’s wedding pictures? These two danced to Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” for their first dance. They also had a Star Wars groom’s cake, custom craft beer, and Sarah’s bridesmaids wore jean jackets paired with their lovely pastel wedding gowns.
When planning, Sarah and Rich envisioned an intimate, elegant, natural celebration, one at which guests would feel comfortable. The Otesaga Resort, with its gracious interior, gorgeous grounds, and sweeping views of Otsego Lake and the surrounding mountains, was a dream come true! Together, this duo brought their day to life through the work of carefully chosen, independently owned local businesses, including Something Bleu Bridal from whom Sarah got her Lea-Ann Belter Astrid gown! The result was everything. When summing up their wedding, Sarah described it as “peaceful, joyful, romantic, organic, and perfection.”
From Sarah:
How did your sweetie propose?
“Rich proposed to me on July 14, 2017 at the Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa on a hill overlooking the Hudson River. Surprisingly, we were alone in that spot so it was perfect. He surprised me with a weekend there in 2015 and thought it would be fitting to surprise me there again—which he did successfully.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Astrid via Something Bleu Bridal | photographer: Thompson Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“Well, I tried on a few before heading to Something Bleu! After my visit there I knew I’d end up getting THE dress there. No doubt. At that time, I narrowed it down to three that I loved. I took my mom and a few of my bridesmaids there to help me decide. While there, we spotted a Lea-Ann dress on a mannequin and fell in LOVE with it and the fabric!!! Everyone loved it even more than the three I had picked and so did I. I ended up ordering that dress! When I went back a few weeks later to show it to my matron of honor, I decided I wanted something with a higher neckline but could not bear to not have a dress in that fabric…… Denise to the rescue! She said Lea-Ann just came out with a new dress in the same fabric with the most perfect neckline for me. She grabbed her iPad to show it to me. I ordered it on the spot and couldn’t have been more excited. The silk is unbelievable and there are no words to really describe how beautiful this dress is.”
Tell us about your day!
“Rich and I wanted to have a romantic, intimate day where everyone could be comfortable and relaxed. We envisioned a celebration with soft, flowing, natural and elegant style, and chose a terrific group of local vendors to help us bring it all together.
Rich and I consider ourselves spiritual and the setting—being in nature, by the water, surrounded by mountains, and those we love spoke to that.
Describe your wedding day in five words or fewer:
“Peaceful, joyful, romantic, organic, perfection.”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?
“I didn’t really stick to this tradition or many others, actually! I did carry a good friend’s blue and white garter in my purse which covered old, borrowed AND blue! I also wore a new bracelet and new earrings.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We are planning a trip in the Fall. Location TBD! We decided it was more important to us to throw an amazing party than to take a trip right now. If anyone has asked me about a honeymoon, I’ve replied that our wedding is our honeymoon for now—and it sure didn’t disappoint.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Yes! Be in the moment. Be present on your wedding day. Take the time to pay attention to all that is unfolding around you. Take the time to stop and look and listen. Take the time to enjoy the amazing food. Take the time to truly enjoy the people around you. Talk to everyone—even if just for a moment. Bask in the love and support around you. Create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Be present. Make every minute last.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Astrid via Something Bleu Bridal | photographer: Thompson Photography | coordinator: Megan Chase | venue: The Otesaga | stationery + printed items: Paperlove | beer: Dowley Brewing | ceremony + cocktail music: Marcus Ruggiero | reception music: PM Productions DJ Service | sweets: Buckingham Confectionery | florals: Mohican Flowers | hair: Head Games | officiant: Kate Manning-Hilton | film: Mountain Mint Films | woodwork: Ironwood
