Real Wedding at Onteora Mountain House: The Refined Outdoors September 5, 2009 Michele & Matt
The Location - Onteora Mountain House in Boiceville, NY
I really felt strongly about not getting married in a banquet hall. That really limited our choices in the Hudson Valley. When we went to the Mountain House, we loooved the views. It is set high up, overlooking the Catskill Mountains. The reception was in a large, open pavilion. It was outdoorsy yet refined and I just loved it!
The Photos – Ulysses Photography *All photos in this blog post are courtesy of the amazing Jenni and Ulysses.
My favorite vendor was my photographers, Jenni & Ulysses of Ulysses Photography. They we sooo easy to work with and helpful from the first second.
My husband, Matt, was hesitant to be photographed, but they made us feel comfortable and confident. I love the less posed style of their work. Jenni was such a huge help throughout the wedding process. I asked her a million questions about everything and anything wedding related and she always got back to me right away. I can not sing their praises enough!
The Music – Enriquez Entertainment
I also loooved our djs, Andrew Enriquez Entertainment. My husband and I love music. We had been to many weddings where the djs just didn't get the crowd motivated. We wanted to be really hands on with our entertainment.
Andrew was the perfect fit. He will let you plan everything or nothing--depending on what you want. I wanted no gimmicks, giveaways, cheesy dance songs and he delivered. We gave him song lists and no-play lists and he stuck to them.
Many of our friends have told us he was the best dj they've heard! Dancing with Matt for our first dance and throughout the night was the highlight of my night!
The Flowers – Green Cottage Florist 
My florist, Dennis at Green Cottage Florist, in High Falls was amazing as well. He created really cool nest and candle arrangements that were woodsy yet elegant.
The Style – True Grace Makeup
I looooved my hair & makeup girl too! Jen from True Grace Makeup.
The Colors – Choose Your Own Purple
Our colors were shades of purple. I had been in many weddings where I was put in a dress I didn't love because it didn't suit me because of style or color. My bridesmaids chose their style & color dress. They were able to choose from over 30 Enzoani dresses in 3 different shades (plum, lavender, and blush.) Each of my 8 girls chose a different dress!
For the guys, they wore their own black suits. We bought a bunch of purple ties and they chose their favorite. I loooved the way our bridal party looked all together. They were confident in their dresses and ties because they chose them!
Do It Yourself Touches
My mom and I spent many COUNTLESS hours crafting the wedding together.
It was so special to spend that time together. We made at least 100 trips to AC Moore and Michaels!
We made the ceremony pamphlets, place cards, reserved seating tags, hotel bags and tags, cookie favors, flip flop bucket, etc. We had a blast. We got so many compliments on our unique, hand crafted touches. We've since helped two of my friends craft their weddings!
The Sweets
Our ice cream wedding cake from Jane's Ice Cream - DELISH!
Michele's Advice
Make a written list for the venue of things, special details that you want done during the wedding. They forgot my cake topper.
Research your caterer. Do your own research besides what your venue says!
Want to see more REAL Hudson Valley weddings like this one?
Comments (52)
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We could not have asked for a better couple to photograph than Michele & Matt. We wanted them to feel like the only rock stars on the planet that day, and they truly gave us plenty of time and opportunity to make that happen. Just amazing people, their wedding day fully reflected their own joyful closeness with their friends, their love for elegance, and their devotion to one another. Jenni and I are so glad to know them. Great article! Me like!
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|67.87.240.xxx |2010-04-10 03:00:43 Nicole
I loved and agree with everything Michelle said, from the DJ to the Venue, to the personalized touches... A+ wedding!
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|69.205.32.xxx |2010-04-10 22:23:37 michele - the bride
thanks for the sweet comments, guys!! And thanks to blog creators for asking me to contribute!
looved the day to pieces!
ps- the venue forgot our cake topper - not us! so frustrating! It was adorable & i spent a lot of $$ on it! oh, well!
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|71.221.52.xxx |2010-04-13 08:48:34 catherinewow...michele, you & matt are famous! it was a lovely day. so glad we could all be a part of it. love, cmn&r
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|69.2.120.xxx |2010-04-26 11:03:42 Dana
Hi Michele,
We are thinking of having our wedding at Onteora Mountain House, could I ask you about your experience with them overall? Were they pleasant to deal with? Any bad surprises, other than the cake topper going missing?
Beautiful pics by the way, and congrats!
my email is danakravis@hotmail.com, if you want to contact me directly.
Best,
Dana
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|38.107.107.xxx |2010-05-12 13:19:18 margotHi Michelle,
I have the exact same questions as Dana, so if there's any way you could email me (even if you just forward me what you wrote Dana), I would be so appreciative!
margotn@gmail.com
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|67.83.3.xxx |2010-05-01 11:34:03 Erika
Hi Michele,
I absolutely love your pictures and your style. Your wedding just looked so beautiful! Ulysses and Jenni are our photographers, and we couldn’t be happier . We are also getting married at Onteora. I actually have a few questions about the venue. I would love to chat with you if you don’t mind. My email is erika_rusnak@hotmail.com if that would be a better way to communicate. Thanks! And congratulations!!!
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|24.103.44.xxx |2010-05-18 16:00:11 katie
what a beautiful wedding, michele! i would also love to hear your thoughts on onteora! we have been searching everywhere, and from the looks of your pictures, this could be the place for us!
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|68.174.59.xxx |2010-05-22 10:40:47 micheleHi, ladies! Just emailed you what I had written to dana and another bride, amanda. Let me know if u have any other questions! I'm happy to help
katie - whats your email?
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|75.238.253.xxx |2010-05-24 10:11:27 katiehi michele! it's akjohnson.katie@gmail.com - thank you SO much!!
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|134.174.110.xxx |2010-09-22 13:50:52 joyce
Hi Michele,
I love the photos of your wedding at Onteora! I am considering it as a potential wedding venue, and I was wondering if you could also give me some insight on what it was like to work with this vendor. I've read some pretty mixed reviews about it online... You can e-mail me at angelomoon@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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Michele & Matt - you know how we feel about you. You two are the BEST. Can we do it all over again?
Anonymous - whoever you are, thank you for saying that.
To the brides: We've photographed many weddings at Onteora, and I can honestly say it's one of our very favorite venues. The views are unsurpassed, the food from their caterer is always fabulous, and there is nothing "wedding hall" about it. It makes your day feel like a dream day in the mountains. And for us, the photographic opportunities are incredible. Love it!
Erika: We can't wait for your wedding!!
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|205.203.128.xxx |2010-06-15 10:38:46 Kaitlyn - Onteora
Hi Michele,
I would love to hear more about the venue and your overall wedding. I am getting married there next September, 2011.
My email is kaitlyn_flesher@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Kaitlyn
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|24.189.31.xxx |2010-07-06 10:25:45 Jennifer - In House Caterer
I am considering onteora, but was curious about if they allow outside caterers, or if they are willing to make a unique menu. I have found some off site caterers that can provide a unique local seasonal menu for much less than the price listed on the website..
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|74.72.11.xxx |2010-08-01 17:07:43 Jacqueline - OMH
Absolutely beautiful! I just went to the Ontearo this weekend and fell in love! I was hoping to get some feedback from some other brides who have worked and will work with them! Thank you! My email is ajax1800@hotmail.com
Oh and does anyone know if they allow outside caterers? Any suggestions as well would be helpful!!
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|24.168.35.xxx |2010-08-16 12:22:08 Michelewhen i got married there, almost a year ago in september, we were VERY disappointed in the food. It was awful and they did not have enough!!! Can you image - running out at a wedding?!!?? It really is the one thing that still puts a knot in my stomach when i think about the day. they do not allow outside caterers. Onteora has fired the caterer that did our wedding and has someone else - not sure who.... i know they had Blue Mountain as an option when we got married. I sooo wish I had gone with them - I've heard nothing but good things, they were professional, and their food was great at the tasting.
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Jacqueline, Onteora is absolutely amazing! They do not allow outside caterers. However, we've photographed several weddings there, and the food has always been outstanding.
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|98.15.253.xxx |2010-08-21 15:27:34 elizabeth - dress
Michele,
What designer made your gown and where did you purchase it from? It is stunning!
Thank oyu!
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|74.64.87.xxx |2010-09-11 16:45:52 michele - DressAww thanks! My dress was tara keely by edric wu. I got it from angela's bridal in albany. i loved it too!
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|74.66.236.xxx |2010-08-30 13:16:23 Jenn - possible site
Hi Michele,
The pictures of your wedding are amazing- it looks like you had a wonderful day!!!
I have never written on one of these boards before; but just looked at Onteora yesterday as a possible site for my wedding next Summer. Do you have any inside tips or advice? I am having a really hard time deciding on a location as budget is a big issue as well as location itself. Most guests would be coming from the Long Island/New York City Area, while a handful would be coming from the MidWest. Did you have many out of state guests and if so, what kind of accomidations did they have? If you wouldn't mind emailing me, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you so much
Best,
Jenn
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|67.247.17.xxx |2010-10-22 07:51:03 Nicole Heck - Same as other brides
Hi Michele- It looks like you guys had a great time! I am also trying to decide between this venue and Locusts on Hudson for our wedding and would love some information about your experience at this venue, as well as who your caterer was! The food is one of the most important aspects to me!! Would love to have whatever you have already sent forwarded to me as well at nicoleheck (at) gmail.com
Many huge thanks and congratulations again.
N
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|68.167.69.xxx |2010-11-01 23:10:16 Amy - The real scoop on Onteora
Would love to get the real scoop o Onteora. What should I watch our for for a wedding next fall?
Thank you!
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|74.66.1.xxx |2011-01-04 18:13:34 SweetMelon - Onteora Reviews
I got married at Onteora recently. General feedback: Pros, beautiful, stunning location. Cons, unpleasant management. I would caution anyone getting married here to hire their own wedding planner and minimize time spent depending on the owner. He totally flaked out on us, didn't do what he said, and left us scrambling days before our wedding to arrange details he said he would cover.
I loved my wedding but dealing with him was a thorn in our side. If you talk to locals in the business (small community) you'll find he has a reputation. He was nice in the beginning, horrible at the end. I respect tough businessmen but he was unreasonable.
In short I didn't feel that the execution of my wedding day was really cared about and it left a bad memory for us. It caused me and my entire family a lot of stress.
We also had problems with the caterer (New World) - food was platted cold and was so slow that some guests wondered if they were eating at all. Cake was awesome though....
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|24.168.35.xxx |2011-03-19 14:13:29 Michele - the brideI completely agree with you. Ive been in a gazillion friends weddings. Many other places are A LOT more accomdating and helpful with planning and the flow of your day... that said - i loooved the look of onteora - it was exactly what i wanted & if i did it over again, id still have it there without a doubt!
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|69.86.145.xxx |2011-01-05 12:08:10 Jessica - Onteora
I'm jumping on the bandwagon! I would love if you wouldn't mind emailing your thoughts on working with Onteora as well! Looking to possibly get married there in August of this year, but have heard a lot of mixed things about it. Any insight you have would be so helpful!
Thanks!
Jessica
cummingsjessica@yahoo.com
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Hi, everyone!
I'm so glad you've found a way to connect about Onteora here in these comments.
I was wondering if you'd like to post a review from your wedding over in the reviews section of this website? This way brides can find it there, too.
You can do that here: http://www.besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com/wedding-locations/onteor...
Thanks!
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|173.54.255.xxx |2011-01-06 16:11:55 ErikaHi all,
I got married at Onteora this past October and had an AMAZING experience. I am happy to provide more details if anyone is interested in contacting me. My email is erika_rusnak@hotmail.com
And Stephanie, I will be sure to write a review.
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|96.233.195.xxx |2011-03-20 07:48:07 Michele - the brideyay, erika! maybe your day was so well planned bc of a terrific prior onteora brides helpful feedback? haha jk! checked out your photos - stunning!!
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Erika,
I'm so glad to hear you say that! Jeff and I have worked at hundreds of Hudson Valley wedding locations, and we always say that if we were doing it again, Onteora would be at the top of our list.
I know some couples have had issues there. That's a reality. But it's so beautiful and the vibe is perfect of a laid back non-traditional party! In our DJ experience, it really lends itself to an amazing dance party, too.
From the brides who've had a wedding at Onteora, I'd love to hear advice about what to do and NOT do if you want to plan a successful wedding there. Just in case they fall in love with the location as much as I have.
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|96.233.195.xxx |2011-03-20 07:50:19 Michele - the brideheres my list.. i have A LOT of tips... most of which i emailed the other girls. Again, I loved my day but here are a few things that would have made it run smoother.
DO:
1. make a written list before the wedding to of what you want and where things will be stored (ie drawing of your place card table, location of cake topper, drawing of table placements - where favors go, etc.)
2. ask for speciality liquors and beers way in advance for bob to order. we had to buy bud light and flavored vodkas bc i didnt tell him in advance.
3. if you have a huge wedding - we had 200- whihc is onteoras limit, ask your guests sleeping in the main house if theyd mind putting their stuff in someone elses room in the other house so wedding guests can use their bathrooms on the night of the wedding. we had people waiting to use br for over 30 min bc theres only 2 designated bathrooms! boys ended up wandering into the woods and it still had big lines! bathrooms in the guest rooms right down the ha...
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|108.46.135.xxx |2012-02-12 20:36:40 Jaclyn
Hi Michele-
If you wouldn't mind can you send me some feedback about Onteora. I am not able to read your whole post above. I would really appreciate it! My email is jaclyn.ball@yahoo.com
Thanks!!
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|173.62.5.xxx |2011-01-09 19:02:03 Dana - Help please
Hey everyone,
I also have been seeing lots of mixed reviews and would love some feedback! First has anyone had a wedding with blue mountain bistro as the caterer? This is there new contracted caterer and they seem to have good reviews?
Also what time does the wedding have to end? Some people have said 10pm, I have heard you can get later?
Any help would be great!
danabright@hotmail.com
We are getting married in June of 2012 and would love to decide on a venue!
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|96.233.195.xxx |2011-03-20 07:48:49 Michele - the bridealso - i did a tasting and blue mountain and LOVED the apps. I ended up going with new world bc the tasting was good too but mostly bc they had a steak option for dinner while blue mtn only did brisket. I completely regret that! i so wish i went with blue mtn. ive heard nothin but awesome things about them.
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I agree with Stephanie ... We have photographed many weddings at Onteora, and it is on the very short list of places we would want to have our own wedding if we did it again.
The beauty of the environment, the views of the trees and mountains, and the atmosphere are just perfect for a dreamy, romantic wedding. We have always really enjoyed the food there. And we have always found the staff warm and friendly. I know some have had issues, so it sounds like it would be wise to take extra care in planning a wedding at Onteora, but in my opinion it would be worth every minute.
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|24.168.35.xxx |2011-03-19 14:10:28 Michele - the bridehey - havent checked this blo out in a while... do you still want feedback?
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|70.134.229.xxx |2011-07-17 01:58:32 Mary Hamilton - re: mother of the bride
Mary Hamilton wrote:Hi Michele,
What a gorgeous bride you were!! My daughter will have her wedding at Onteora this coming August, August 20th, 2011. I'm worried about some of the reviews, Michele. I'm really concerned about the amounts and the quality of the food, the service, the weather(hope we won't all die of heat exhaustion), organization on their end, the cocktail hour and if the ordouvres are abundant as well as the actual dinner. I would be so very grateful if you would contact me. Would really love your feedback. Hope you are happy and doing well. I wish you the very best. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks in advance. All the best to you. Mary
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|71.139.143.xxx |2011-07-02 03:32:43 Mary Hamilton - mother of the brideHi Michele,
What a gorgeous bride you were!! My daughter will have her wedding at Onteora this coming August, August 20th, 2011. I'm worried about some of the reviews, Michele. I'm really concerned about the amounts and the quality of the food, the service, the weather(hope we won't all die of heat exhaustion), organization on their end, the cocktail hour and if the ordouvres are abundant as well as the actual dinner. I would be so very grateful if you would contact me. Would really love your feedback. Hope you are happy and doing well. I wish you the very best. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks in advance. All the best to you. Mary
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|70.134.229.xxx |2011-07-17 02:02:05 Mary HamiltonHi Michelle. I never gave you my email. Mhamilton310@gmail.com August 20, 2011 is almost here. Would love some feedback on questions and concerns i expressed the first time i contacted you. Thank you sooo much. What a beautiful bride you were. Hope you're well and happy!!
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|146.127.253.xxx |2011-07-21 13:53:46 Stephanie - Onteora Reviews
I would love if you wouldn't mind emailing your thoughts on working with Onteora as well! I am going to see the venue on Sunday and have read the reviews and would appreciate some additional feedback. We are looking for Fall 2012.
Thanks!
Stephanie
sgcharles@ymail.com
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|68.174.125.xxx |2011-07-24 21:33:05 Steph d
Hi there!
I'd also love to get any advice/info about Onteora. My fiancé and I are looking for an Upstate Venue and liked the looks of Onteora, but we'd love to hear about what people have really experienced there. thank you. My email is stephanie_dervan@hotmail.com.
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|68.174.125.xxx |2011-07-24 21:36:41 Steph dalso, can anyone recommend a wedding planner that they have used at the venue? Thanks! Stephanie_dervan@hotmail.com
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|71.249.255.xxx |2011-09-09 15:11:53 Tessa - OMH Wedding Info!!
Hi Michele,
Amazing photos! I'm not sure if you've been checking this blog roll lately, but I have a few questions I'd like to ask you about the Onteora Mountain house! Particularly about the dance floor size and area accommodations. If you could email me at tlfleck@gmail.com...
THANK YOU!
-Tessa
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|72.225.184.xxx |2011-10-03 15:16:11 Lia - Quick Question
Hi Michele,
I'm another bride-to-be who has some concerns about the Onteora, but who fell in love with it anyway. Most specifically, where did your guests stay and was the room extremely crowded with 200 guests? (mainly the dance floor?).
You can reach me at lia.stone@gmail.com
Thanks so much!
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