Brandy and Paul Zaccari: May 7, 2011
Location: Catlin Gardens, Slate Hill, NY
Getting engaged was one of the most exciting moments of my life, exciting and nerve-wracking. Trying to decide on so many ideas and details was a bit overwhelming at times. I did have a vision in my heart like most brides-to-be do; I just needed to execute it.
We started searching the Hudson Valley area for a venue and went to some really beautiful places. However, when we saw Catlin Gardens, it was the most breathtaking place for a wedding. The architecture, the gardens and the staff were just what we wanted, and we knew this was our wedding spot.
It was the most beautiful venue and the only venue we looked at that made me cry.
Jamie, the maitre d’, is wonderful. Not only did he organize the whole event, but he also decorated the tables, put everything in its place, and was at our beck and call, all with a smile—we loved him.
Photographer: Ulysses Photography
While looking for venues, I kept seeing the same photographer’s name mentioned: Ulysses Photography. I logged on to their site and I was blown away. OMG they are amazing photographers. They seem to capture what most people don’t even see. I knew I had to have them.
Flowers: Flowers on the Porch
I noticed amazing bouquets and centerpieces in many of the photos taken by Ulysses Photography and when I read the blog on those weddings I saw the name Flowers on the Porch. Right away I looked up their info and made an appointment with Maryann—another very wise choice.
We have had numerous compliments on our flowers. Maryann is so sweet and was so helpful—she really pulled it all together. I gave her my vision for my bouquet and she gave me the idea of adding some ruffled tulips in with the roses and peonies. It created the most beautiful bouquet I have ever seen.
Entertainment: DJ Joey C
With the three major decisions out of the way, we met with the DJ—which wasn’t a decision I had to make at all because my fiancé would have no other and was he right. DJ Joey C was crazy good.
He was a blast from day one. He had so many ideas (thank goodness). He was perfect in timing and he was hilarious. He couldn’t have been any better.
When I told my Mom I did not want a traditional bridal march song, she was disappointed—“it’s a mother thing.” I found the piano version of the bridal march song by Jonathan Cain “Journey” and it was perfect. Joey agreed and that’s what I chose.
I think “Journey” would be really useful to future brides that aren’t so traditional but don’t want to go too far out of the lines. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Theme: Garden
Next it was time to start researching ideas, designs, etc. I saw some great ideas for flower girl basket and ring bearers. I just wanted to make them more “me.”
Since I was getting married in a beautiful garden full of springtime flowers, I kind of adopted a garden theme. My mom, who is very creative, made a unique moss-covered flower girl basket and ring bearer box just from the ideas in my head.
After she went back home (800 miles away!), my sister called me with another great idea: cones that Maryann could fill with flowers to be thrown after the ceremony. I followed my mother’s cue and made the cones (with double-sided pattern paper) and basket decorated with jewels and ribbons. Maryann filled them with hyacinth petals that not only looked great, but smelled great!
Wedding finds
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I surprised my fiancé with a cigar bar—a big hit during our cocktail hour.
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We also both wanted a candy table instead of traditional favors, which was so much fun for all ages. My sister Kalyn, who was also my only bridesmaid, created signs for the entire table in pretty frames (they truly made the tables complete).
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We also had a “best wishes tree” instead of a guest book. I have all of the little tags (which I also made) sitting in a vase in my living room, so from time to time we can pull them out and read them—unlike having a guest book that you would probably never look at again. We used a live tree that we can plant in our yard to symbolize the first living thing we had in our marriage.
Additional info:
Hair and makeup: My cousins Staci Taylor and Logan Browning flew up all the way from Florida to make sure my hair and make-up were perfect for my special day.
Tux: Men's Wearhouse (Calvin Klein)
Earrings: Nyjole Jewellery
Shoes: Nina
Bridesmaid dress: David's Bridal
Brandy's advice for future brides
The only advice I could give which was also given to me is to, take a moment with your groom and look around at what you just put together and how beautiful it is and then...have the time of your life <3
We are still receiving emails and phone calls telling us it was the best wedding they have ever been to; it was an amazing time, absolutely perfect to the vision in my heart...
All photos courtesy of Ulysses Photography via Two Bright Lights
