​"I’ve been so remiss! OK, I said it." 
 
This year, priorities shifted and there simply was not enough time to hold that diligent edge of keeping up to date on brand promotion. I started to feel the internal pressure as week after week and month after month passed and I did not return to writing my  blog. The anxiety spiked further when Instagram posts and social screen time halted.

​Somewhere during all of this, I allowed myself the space to just let go
of the expectations and rules I had set for myself.

I decided instead to abandon the cause and focus on clients and events at hand, new business inquiries, our family, my father’s failing health, my rest and taking time to enjoy our property and furry friends.

I realized that, float time at the pool (which occasionally presented itself on a sunny weekend when I was not working an event) was far more gratifying then focusing on any blog or post or letting followers know what I was up to. The ones in my inner circles, knew exactly what I was up to and were ​a source of constant support through another very challenging personal year. It took a lot of willpower to say “no” to getting up even earlier than I already was to see to these social and digital duties. But it became very apparent to me that it was time to reset priorities for my peace of mind. This mindful shift allowed me to relax and be present in each moment when the people in my orbit needed me most (be it at work or at home) and to create enough stillness to reset myself and get back  to the work at hand each morning ​with all of our clients (both event and graphic) and many of you.

Another confession...email fatigue in the red zone, so overdone. You?
If you got mine and it lead you to this blog, well, I am beyond impressed and grateful that you clicked through. As we approached each event day and the emails finally settle and ceased, and we began interacting directly for set up...
THE BEST had arrived. I was at my happiest. I LOVE walking onto a property and just working it to a finish "together"
​be it talking, laughing, working silently or even cursing at times.

​We are equally grateful for our couples and our families!
Beyond trusting us, they worked so hard alongside us to hold onto their dreams while at times, needing to bend
and flex to meet safety requirements as well as to process additional level of stressors in their planning.
In the end, each wedding and celebration was a gift to all!  

After we caught our breath and rested after the marathon, we got busy tidying up files, folders, and photo galleries from last year. Not until this past week, did we have time to reflect on all we were able to create.
 ​It has been incredibly rejuvenating and energizing.  As we now work with our 2022 and 2023 event clients,
 we are reminded of why we love what we do and how meaningful it is to bring this joy to others.

I have endless memories of time spent with our 2021 clients. I miss them! For postponement couples, many of us spent close to three years planning together so we got “really” comfortable. For all of our clients, there came a closeness in just being there to support each other in the challenges on any given day between isolation,
illnesses, losses and the daily challenges and impatience of continued limitations of life in the midst of the pandemic.
Despite it all, my moments with clients be it virtual or masked, were such bright spots in my year.

Sarah + Matthew | 6.12.21
Braving that frigidly cold site visit day when we stepped into your ceremony circle in the pine grove. 
Was it the chattering of your teeth or the whisper of I do's that I heard? Regardless is felt sacred and yours and 
THE most perfect spot for the two of you, who love to forge your own path and are always up for an adventure.

Elizabeth + Andy | 9.18.21
​You at your sacred ceremony adorned with endless jeweled blossoms. Flower discussions permeated most every meeting and phone call. I loved that our mutual passion for gorgeous gardens and florals always took priority.
​When you walked down your blossomed aisle and stood at the alter surrounded by dahlias and September blooms, the vision was complete. I could see how you settled instantly in the setting and the knowing
that it was perfect and perfectly you. 

Kiersten + Andrew | 7.23.21
Remembering our first walk to the upper field to contemplate a sail cloth tent surrounded by corn stalks.
​Your wheels were turning as your smiles grew. Through the months and years that followed, I loved witnessing your partnership in creating this day in your own way with your own hands-on approach. From raking out a level area for the dance floor, to making gifts for your wedding party to stringing lights along the endless fence rails.
Nothing ever got in your way! 

Simone + Gabe | 7.10.21
Walking your new property while thinking about the millions of things we needed to get done (in less than 5 months!)
before we even got to wedding planning. You were fearlessly decisive in each moment and never lost sight
of the deadlines and what it would take to get 200 guests on the hilltop, on time. Work and focus got us up that
steep driveway. I loved that your land was blessed with your union and that your family and friends were there
​to witness the start of your lives as husband and wife. I am so glad I have you in my sights
​from my kitchen window and can now call you a neighbor. 

Lindsey + Jake | 7.31.21
From our very first conversation to the many that followed through one postponement and to your wedding day,
it was always about the details, details, details. I cherished your perfectly crafted response emails with correct punctuation, no typos, paragraph breaks, tabs, bullets and always sprinkled with politeness and courtesies. Your timeline document was timed to the second with nothing left to the slightest bit of chance. On day-of, I witnessed you let go and let be. Seeing you both so relaxed and going with the flow was validation to me that you not only trusted us ​and your team, but truly that nothing else was as important as your joy together in this day. 

Rachel + Mitch | 8.22.21
​Your ability to let go of the sunny dream day wedding but not let go of the most important aspect of your day
— your love, each other and being surrounded by those people who adore you so much that they
braved a hurricane, tent mud slides and continual torrents of rain and wind to celebrate "you".
The Carvel ice cream truck headlights beaming through the storm,  the roar of the crowd AND your ear to ear smiles when you held that soft serve cone with rainbow sprinkles and took a lick...was my icing-on-your-cake moment.

Niketa + Arib | 8.28.21
From your adornment, Baraat horse and procession, to ice cream cups to all the wonderful warm tones of your wardrobes, florals and table setting AND the choreographed dance party, your wedding was the best birthday gift
I could have imagined. Your ceremony and vows, so very heartfelt and genuine. Throughout the wedding day,
the warmth continued to present itself not only in the wood fires but in the hearts and eyes of everyone present.
The day truly glowed and was only outshined by your love light.

Kayleigh + Julian | 9.9.21
​From our first call, the only thing that was not negotiable was the garden ceremony. You flexed and
compromised in so many ways while maintaining  your good spirits and optimism. That day brought rain.
When we had the dreaded conversation of shifting to Plan B, I love that you chose umbrellas and staying
​the course to see your dream come true. You smiled away the clouds and focused on each other.  
Seeing you in the garden together, rain and all, ​was the sunshine of the day!

Jamie + Ethan | 9.25.21
​Dreaming about your fairytale wedding on our site visits was like stepping into a storybook.
It was THE best to be on property together to begin to visualize all of the moving parts on this vast and ever so special property. On your day, seeing your fav "RED" hues (Estee Lauder lipstick and Ferrari) inspire a color palette that burst
from the lush greens and stone silvers of the landscape, was truly this artist's delight. 

Katie + Nikos | 12.31.21
Quite a sparkling end of year! Working together to tie in a wedding and new year celebration was such fun.
I loved how focused you were on "wishes" for your guests and the personal touches you added to honor your cultures and your loved ones. The confetti blast off was incredible and it ignited the party all over again. 
So thrilled to have had our last 2021 hoorah with you both!

Robin’s Bar Mitzvah | 5.31.21
​I love the day you proudly modeled your Bat Mitzvah outfit for me. You were excited to share your flower patterned cotton shirt (which of course I loved), asked me about buttoning the vest or not AND flashed your new orange Vans
(which of course, matched your color story). You looked so fabulous and beyond cool! 
Never phased by the rain and going with the flow on this important day, made you that much cooler!

​In order to truly appreciate what it took this year to succeed and shine, I’d like to touch on the many extras that each of you stepped up to face that went above and beyond the norm of getting the job done:
 
1. The demands of Covid protocols...vaccinations, tracing, testing, vac cards, waivers,
​documentation submissions, and simply taking responsibility to do the right thing. 
 
2. The many last minute adjustment of guest counts that impacted catering, rentals,
floor plans, signage, personalized guest cards, gifts and so much more. 
 
3.  Adjusting and modifying to endless supply shortages and delivery delays.
 
4. Labor shortages that impacted every owner and became not only a scheduling nightmare
but impacted the already very long workdays to even longer ones.
 
5. The ongoing uncertainty of Covid variants added so much more to the communication focus,
client management and your own health risks.
 
6. The #*! weather!!! Sideways rain, mud, inside out umbrellas, need I say more?
 
7.  etc….I could go on and on, but you lived it and know it as well as I.

All of this took so much grit, blood, sweat and tears
(maybe you didn’t cry, but I did once!) and it took so much more. 

Beyond looking back, when I “feel” back to each event, my heart swells again and again because of the compassion, the patience, the generosity, the extra effort that was in each conversation and interaction with all of you. Even though you were exhausted, stretched to your limits and working so very hard to juggle the immense and complex schedules and demands, I always felt that each of you put your struggles aside to be there for me, my team and our clients . In many moments it felt like survival, but in reflection,
it is truly a most heartening way to look back to the challenge and see
the greatest parts of humanity show up with sincerity and grace. 
 
I do believe that when life feels most challenging, the gifts are the greatest.
You have been that for me. ​I will always cherish these memories, the highs and lows, the “oh-my-God’s”, the “holy sh_ts”, the “really’s?” and many other expressive and spontaneous utterings
that erupted ​in my moments of stretching to new limits.

​Despite it all, look what we did!
​21 in 21

For blog followers and onlookers seeking talented party makers…
SO VERY HONORED TO HIGHLIGHT OUR 2021 PROS
...listed below categorically and alphabetically 
​ [ WEBSITE LINKS + INSTAGRAM HANDLES ]
 
Please take a moment to explore the offerings and talents of these incredible venues, vendors and artisans. If I had the time, I would write a sidebar shouting kudos to each and every one of them.
Trust me, support them, spread the word!

BABYSITTING
Hudson Valley Ceremonies @hvceremonies
 
BARAAT HORSE
Loon Meadow Farms
 
BARTENDING | LIQUOR 
Domaney's Liquor @domaneysliquors

CAKES
Nine Cakes @ninecakes
 
CALLIGRAPHY
Marjorie’s Letters @marjoriesletters
 
CATERING
Farmer’s Wife @farmerswifeancramdale
Foremost Caterers @foremostcaterers
Harvest Real Food @harvestrealfoodcatering
Mazzone Hospitality @mazzonehospitality
Simply Divine @simplydivinenyc
Suburban Kitchen @suburbankitchenny
The Breakroom @thebreakroomgw
The Kitchen Sink @kitchensinkny
Wood Fire Food @wood_fire_food
 
DRAPING
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Drape Kings @drapekings
Stortz Lighting @stortzlighting
 
FLORALS
Arbor & Flora @arbor.and.flora
Athabold @athabold
Boston & Burke @bostonandburke
Country Gardeners @countrygardenersflorist
Croaked Oak Farms @crookedoakct
Flower Blossom Design @flowerblossomdesign_
Flowers by Felicity @flowersbyfelicity
Fleurtacious Designs @fleurtaciousdesigns
Hedge Floral @hedge_floral
Kamilla’s Floral Design @kamillas
Putnam Valley Florist
Sprig & Social @sprigandsocial

FOOD TRUCKS
It’s a Pizza Truck @itsapizzatruck
 
GAMES
Upstate Jamboree @upstatejamboree
 
GLAMPING
Glamp Star @glampstars
 
GOLF CARTS
W&B Golf Carts @wbgolfcarts
 
HAIR
Allure Traveling Beauty @alluretravelingbeauty
Artisan Beauty Bar @artisan_beautybar
Artist House Salon @theartisthouseny
Hello Lovely @hellolovelykc.com
Kanwal Batool @iamkanwalbatool
Kindred Beauty Co. @kindredbeautyco
Lauren Germain Pratt @laurenb0105
Le Shag @leshagbeauty
Renee Russo @reneemrusso
SB Beauty @sbbeautynyc
Willow House Beauty @willowhouse.beauty
 
ICE CREAM CARTS + TRUCKS
Bona Bona Ice Cream @bonabonaicecream
Fortunes @fortunesicecream
New York Food Truck Association @nyfta
 
LANDSCAPING
AB Landscaping @ablandscaping
Gillooly & Co Design @gillooly.design
Old Farm Nursery @judymurphy5452
Salisbury Garden Center @salisbury_garden_center
 
LIFEGUARDS
Hudson Valley Ceremonies @hvceremonies
 
LIGHTING
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Gillooly & Co Design @gillooly.design
Handy Boys Event Services @handyboysllc
Sprig & Social @sprigandsocial
Stortz Lighting @stortzlighting
 
MAKEUP
Alexandra Angelone Bridal @alexandraangelonebridal
Allure Traveling Beauty @alluretravelingbeauty
Artisan Beauty Bar @artisan_beautybar
Hello Lovely @hellolovelykc.com
Kanwal Batool @iamkanwalbatool
Kindred Beauty Co. @kindredbeautyco
Lauren Germain Pratt @laurenb0105
MBD Beauty, LLC @mbdbeauty
SB Beauty @sbbeautynyc
Willow House Beauty @willowhouse.beauty
 
MUSIC
Bill's Toupee Band @billstoupee
Continuo Music LLC @continuomusic
David Ross Guitarist @davidrossguitarist
DJ Dina Regine @dinaregine
DJ Lauren Murada @laurenmurado
Elan Artists @elanartists
Kaos Production @kaosproduction
Lucy Music @lucymusicny
Matthew Friedman & Stiletto @mattybfree
M4U Events @m4uevents
Silver Arrow Band @silverarrowband
Steve Gravino Guitarist
Wendy Kerner Harpist
 
OFFICIANTS
Rabbi Steven Kane
Rev. Al Zadig
Rev. Jude Smith
Rev. Sarah Henderson

OUTDOOR EXPEDITIONS + WATER SPORTS
Hudson Valley Expeditions @hudsonvalleyexpeditions
 
PARKING
Classic Valet Parking, Inc. @classicvaletparking
 
PHOTO BOOTHS
Bluebird Hill Events @bluebirdhillevents
Kaos Production @kaosproduction
 
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Okimatsu Photography @adamokimatsuphotography
A.H Pham @hieuterus
Danila Mednikov Photography @danilasphotography
Didier Gault @didiergault1
Elena Wolf Photography @elenawolfe
Golden Hour Studios @jessepafundi
Susan Stripling Photography @susanstriplingphotography
Undressed Moments @undressed_moments
Wildly Beloved Photography @wildlybelovedphotography
YM Visuals @yannismalevitisweddings
 
RENTALS
Columbia Tent Rentals @columbiatentrentals
Events Unlimited Tent & Party Rentals @events_unlimited_party_rentals
Mahaiwe Tent Inc. @mahaiwetent
NorthEast Tent Rentals @northeast_tent_productions
North Country Vintage Rentals @northcountryvintage
Total Events @totalevents
 
RESTROOMS
Premier Executive Trailers @premier_executive_trailers
 
SOUND | AUDIO + VIDEO TECH 
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Handy Boys Event Services @handyboysllc

BRIDAL STYLIST
Lizzy Polden @lizzypolden
 
TRANSPORTATION
Casanova Carriage @cassanovacarriage
Coxsackie Transport Inc. @coxsackietransport
JTR Transport @jtr_transportation
Premiere Transportation @premiere_transportation
 
VENUE
Ellsworth Manor @ellsworthmanor
Glynwood @glynwoodevents
Oak Hill @oakhill_on_hudson
Old Drovers Inn @olddroversinn
Southwood Estate @southwoodproperty
Taconic Ridge Farm @taconicridgefarm
The Pines
Troutbeck @troutbeck.ny
 
VIDEOGRAPHY
Danila Mednikov Photography @danilasphotography
Kieran Mangels Photography @kieranmangels
Margo Sees Stars @margo.sees.stars
The Candi Project @thecandiproject
Valerie Barnes Photography @valeriebarnesfilm
 
YOGA 
Ascend Center @ascendcenter

​Last year, a seed of a conversation started between me and a colleague and friend, Monika founder of Boston of Boston & Burke Florals. We both knew it was time to shoot a unique wedding in an industrial space. Both of us typically gravitate toward more natural venues and our wedding couples seem to hire us for just that reason. Yet, the time had come to show another side of our talents, but how?

​What I truly love about the next steps that led us to seeing this idea to fruition, is how during this time of challenge, we wanted so desperately to be physically together with others in our industry, to collaborate, to create with other talent. Last year left us flat without the ability to gather and work at what we love. Those of us that had clients willing to go “micro” and celebrate anyway, were few and far between. So suddenly the idea of creating a styled shoot in an industrial space became so much more poignant and significant. It gave cause and reason to seek out others that were willing to unite, who could share this vision and come together with their skills and a lot of pent-up energy and open schedules. 

The timing and our mindsets led us to the perfect space for success—the Senate Garage in Kingston, New York. From this point on, all the parts, people and bits fell into natural order. I reached out and connected with those I knew who could bring a unique quality to what we were trying to achieve and through this initial vendor team, met new talent, made new friends and finally, at the very last moment, met our two gorgeous models who happened to be exactly spot-on for what we had always intended for our lead characters. The fact that they were a real life in-love couple solidified in that moment that this all fell into the exact order that it was intended to. 

This styled shoot was indeed the perfect alignment of talent at the perfect space and time.
​It felt like our coming out party and the fuel we needed to feel renewed and ready for the season ahead. 

​Monika Boston  •  Boston and Burke Florals
A styled shoot allows creatives to draw from the wide variety of their professional experiences, as well
as a bank of emerging ideas they would like to explore, to create a product that is more than the sum of its parts. Working among a team of creative professionals, we can share the support and encouragement of colleagues
in the industry. Using the common themes as a launching point, each professional contributes their specialized skills
with their interpretation of the theme. The collaborative environment allows for creative freedom,
​while providing the trusted foundation necessary for exploration.

​Cappy Hotchkiss  •  Cappy Hotchkiss Photography
Collaboration as a photographer is a must for me.  Working with other people who I respect and admire
is so motivating and invigorating.  It is often hard for a photographer to relinquish control and this forces us to do so.  Bouncing ideas around and seeing a vision from other talented peoples’ viewpoint can inspire and excite.  
Nothing gives me greater joy and inspiration than becoming a team for a day with the vendors at a wedding.  
​It makes the job go so smoothly and the results truly pay off for the couple.

​Judy Tallerman  •  The Senate Garage
When Paula Smith from Your Event contacted me during the pandemic to do a photoshoot at our venue
it was a breath of fresh air; it was a coming to life again; it was a collaboration with others in an industry
that was virtually shut down by the pandemic.  

Each professional that works in our space brings their own unique style. 
The 10' Chesterfield couch became a centerpiece of a pop-up lounge in the middle of the space—never done before.  Our fireplace mantle was covered in a gorgeous cascading flower arrangement that showed off the brick
and the beautiful steel casement windows—never done before.   

​The day brought everyone together that had never met before, to contribute their talents to make
Senate Garage come alive in ways that have never been done before. 
The beauty of a photoshoot is that you can really have fun in ways that are not possible during a wedding. 
You can have the bride sit on the bar or pose lying on the concrete floor. 
​The photographer can climb ladders to get the perfect shot from up high.
​
It really was a special time and a great way to break back to being NORMAL again.

​Bea  Rue  •  Upstate Jamboree
Something incredible happens when people work together towards a collective vision.
That is exactly what we experienced during this shoot, and that is the ultimate mission behind our games--
to bring people together in connection and celebration.
 
Paula, as always, went above and beyond with this event, curating a gorgeous shoot and catering to every vendor
​and detail along the way. We left feeling uplifted after a difficult year of cancellations,
and inspired for a fruitful and creative year ahead!

I want to thank this team of talented artisans for a great out of the starting gate effort and for coming together
to create a beautiful setting. This shoot was a labor of love, a very proud moment and in the end, the inspiration
and the spark that seemed to snap us gleefully back to our reality as event makers and celebration masters. 
•
Please take a moment to explore their websites and social media!
Support them, spread the word!
Make the time to celebrate, and please call on us when you do!

​Over the past year, time has taken on a rhythm of its own. I still grapple as I measure it against prior years.
​What we are forced "to-not-do", what we are trying "to-do", and when we are anticipating the freedom
"to-do-more", has slowed our personal and professional timelines and made us focus and measure
​each day, no longer by the minute or hour yet by the stats of the pandemic.
•
As the wedding and event season begins to pull out of the stalemate,
we are trying to recalibrate and anticipate returning to some version
of celebrating—deliberate in each step we take and
​taking the time to do it right and responsibly.

​In the current climate, all of our operations are taking more time! Communication responses between vendors and supplies, shipments and deliveries, fabrication, printing and general day-to-day operations. I think it’s safe to say that with so much of the workforce operating from home base with a steady stream of interruption in their workflow as well as with companies forced to downsize, we are challenged by a whole new set of obstacles in building out our event and remaining on schedule. 

This means building in more time as we work events not only in the planning and management stages but as we gear up during month-of, week-of and day-of.  Being realistic as we step into this season will allow us to be prepared for the unexpected.​ We are logging so much more time than in a normal start-up season in order to stay prepared and to guide our clients. It is daunting at times and certainly unsettling as longer work hours permeate the much need personal time to rest and create balance. There simply does not seem to be enough time these days. And on some level, I feel that no amount of time would make the current situation feel normal or the event folders feel in complete order. I grasp for more time each day anticipating that with time, I can make it feel like all is good in the world. 
 
The reality is that time will tell. And until it does, we can only show up daily, prepared to do the best we can in this environment, while remain flexible and open as we guide our clients through their events. Planning “further” ahead will aid in our preparedness, expanded timelines will allow us to run our events more realistically and working from our hearts will give us the drive and stamina to remain positive and see each event through to a happy and safe ending.