​LOVE is truly at the core of our efforts! We literally LOVE all that it takes to guide a client through the planning process to arrive on their celebratory day focused on each other, their families, their guests and not all the logistical to-dos swirling in their orbits. We also LOVE our couples and their families. When we meet, we literally know nothing about them until “their” love story starts to unfold in our conversations and as we begin to understand their vision in creating their perfect day. In this getting-to-know warmup and the adventure that we are now contracted in together, we soon have a snapshot of their bigger story…their families who have supported them to this day, their best friends who will toast (and perhaps roast) them and often that special person in their lives that will be honored to marry them. All the loves in their lives come to the surface to complete their story. It’s “their” circle of love that truly becomes our focus as it not only defines who they are as individuals and as a family but also so much of their decision making as they create a day with their loved ones in mind. It’s not always about them (although it is) but more often than not, their concerns lie in making it feel special for each and every one of their guests. This extension and expressions of love are yet another testament to how incredible it is to work when LOVE is at the core of it all. 

We received many personal thank you notes that we cherish and keep in a special place in a studio bin. Lovely emails also popped up in our inbox with heart emojis the week after. Our couples also took time to share their experience with Your Event and to write a multitude of reviews that earned us both The Knot "The Best of Wedding 2023 Award" and Wedding Wire "Couples’ Choice 2023 Award" last month. We are forever grateful to them for completing our love stories with 5 stars reviews and so many personal notations describing their happiness and how they were able to enjoy their day to the fullest because of our caring efforts, attention, and hard work. 

​Nicole + Kwame | 5.21.22

​At our first meeting, our walk through the property at Gather Greene focused keenly on deciding where you would say your vows. That was more important to you than floor plans and a million other details. And so I understood you both from that moment forward. Watching you as you imagined that moment...priceless! “Will it be the woods or will it be on the ridge?” We walked back and forth. You took your time on this decision (your answer came weeks/months later). Yet it did not truly seem to matter where you stood and pondered this moment to be, you never stopped beaming at each other ​as if you were already there, saying “I do!”

Brittany + Kyle | 7.17.22

​We were all together for the first time for your rehearsal ceremony. It was immediate when I witnessed your connection that you balanced each other perfectly. 24 hours later, it was even clearer. Your energy, Brittany, whirled you throughout the rooms with your guests, dancing and celebrating, with such spontaneity and in each joy-filled moment. Kyle,  your calm and easy breezy energy, stood steady but a smile never left your face, even when you stood alone for that moment that Brittany was footloose and fancy free. At one point you said to me, “Where is my wife, I can’t find her, AGAIN?” And you smiled even wider. Then in a flash, off you both went to jump into the pool for your personal big splash, full dressed. ​Your fun and folly were contagious…what a life ahead you will have! 

Mackenzie + Will | 8.20.22

Being at Fairfield Farm was truly where you shined so brightly. I could see that this special place was an extension
of your lives and homes, representing not only natural beauty and but sheer comfort. You fit like a puzzle piece on that land, and it was very apparent that your loving and supportive family, and community completed your landscape puzzle in the most perfect way as they surrounded and celebrated you in a place that held such special meaning to all.
Beautiful day, beautiful couple, beautiful love story of two families meant to be one!

 Noa + Noah | 9.9.22

Standing in the wild field imaging your day was literally like starting a landscape painting on a canvas that had a light wash of sage green laid in waiting for the next strokes to be added. There was a creative energy from the first uttering of “What do you think about this…., Paula?” You felt it long before we could see it and then you blossomed there. Dancing in celebration, and as comfortable throughout your day as if you were on an afternoon hike in the wilderness. It was so evident how deeply ​in love you were with the company that shared this day of creation with you.

Ran + Jon | 9.10.22

Your quiet nature and fierce determination to make decisions was delightful to work alongside. But you sparkled and lightened the minute you walked onto the property at Hancock Shaker Village (and when you talked about hiking!).
We entered the Round Barn on that very frigid winter day greeted by two braying mini donkeys, a small calf and several sheep, all looking up at us to say “Party, what party?”. And you said, “I hope they will be at the wedding!” We were equally charmed by their antics and not bothered at all by their smell. I knew from that moment that you both would make the most of your wedding day embracing all the wonders that this treasured place held and that
​we were meant to make it happen together.

​Kate + Chris | 10.14.22

The “always-beginning” and never-ending love story...ours! From the first call with you Kate, I got your heart. We talked for a very long time but most of the conversation was about how excited you both were to be bringing your families together for this union and celebration. Every decision from that point on was about them, not you. When I met you Chris, I could see that you too were all heart, all giving. You waited for what felt like forever for this cherished day and as in most cases, you now know so well, the best things are worth waiting for. Our time together had a few replay buttons, but it was a great song indeed,  and one that I will always reflect on with gratitude and joy. You, my dears, will always be so dear to me. 

Tanya + Arin | 10.15.22

When you joined me in the studio for our first meeting, and we talked about the many ways that you would personalize your day, I knew you were about creating an environment that reflected not only your style but your heart.
You curated each moment of the weekend with such love and intention. Details abounded, spreadsheets filled, boxes stacked, pumpkins rolled and yet on your day, it all fell into exact order…your order. I could see throughout the process of collecting treasures from your finds here in the Hudson Valley and in the city, that you had started building your life just as you would continue to as husband and wife—a beautiful life, a treasured life, a life that brought
so much joy because you were sharing it with the people in your life that you treasured above all else.
Your sentimental ways won my heart from the first hello and your first happy tear when we hugged. 

Amy Julia Becker Book Signing Cocktail | 4.24.22

​A book brought us together and when I read it, I knew it was intended, “To Be Made Well”. Your husband reached out to talk to me about making a special moment for your book release and reading, one that was beautiful, one that would delight you and require you to do nothing at all but appear and share your story with the community. Talk about love!
We met that afternoon for the first time, moments before your fan club appeared. I listened, I paused, and I reflected. 
Forever grateful for your wisdom, spiritual reminders and for personally being present with you and your blessed family.

Mika's Bat Mitzvah Into the Wilderness

Meeting you and your family to discuss what “your” vision and theme would be for your Bat Mitzvah was beyond refreshing. We had three things in common from the get-go…our love for the wilderness, flowers and graphic design.  
Our adventure was inspiring and wonderful from Day 1. I loved that you conceptualized your logo, we had joined as creative minds and provided a final drawing that I could produce for “your” branded day. I loved that you understood color. I loved that you got what a tablescape could be with imagination and wanted yours to be magical and incorporate details that mattered to you. When Mother Nature delivered the perfect weather day to shine light on all that we created on your land, and all that your land had to offer, it was truly a gift to watch and be grateful for. You are quite the remarkable and talented person, Mika! I can only imagine the adventures you will create in your life. 

Natalie’s 1st Birthday | 8.27.22

Even beyond the Mai Tais, our love of bright color, family-focused, being moms and creating togetherness,
we had a lot in common—we worked efficiently, effectively and with intention. The focus on creating fun for little ones
was as important for the big ones. Making sure that in our exuberance of party planning, decisions were kept in check for
a day that felt real and not excessive or pretentious. Seeing Natalie in her little white grass skirt dancing in the kitchen as she grasped the cabinet handles to stand upright was “the best” last look at the close of day before I headed home. 

Karianna + Reuben Engagement Party | 9.24.22
​
I loved our time together creating a clear-as-crystal vision of your engagement. You knew “exactly” how you wanted this kick-off to your life together to feel and you picked the perfect setting for “you”. It was so easy for me to step in, guide and manage this intimate night of celebration with those closest to you. Knowing you already from our professional work together made this a special honor for me. It was so wonderful to be with you both at the very beginning of your love story. I can only imagine the how the rest of it will unfold. 

Max’s Bar Mitzvah
​
Supporting you through Max’s special day was an honor. Your vision of a more casual, intimate yet gorgeously well-appointed afternoon on your property was heavenly. I could see on that perfect sunny afternoon that welcoming guests
​to your home to enjoy all its wonders gave you as much joy as it did the kids running and playing freely,
without any orchestration, just being. 

Washington Montessori Graduation Celebration
​
Joining in this communal collaboration was so heartwarming. As a parent and former PA President and volunteer mom, I can truly appreciate the saying that “it takes a village” and your village was a delight to be a part of. You at the helm with the other parents onboard, set the stage as if laying out all the ingredients of a recipe on the counter, measured and ready for me. I simply had to step in, combine, stir, bake and plate. Such fun and so heartwarming to see the graduates and families under one tent,​ no masks and celebrating a proud and well-earned milestone together.

'Everything But Water' Corporate Retreat
​
Working with you to welcome your colleagues to the Hudson Valley was hospitality-focused at it’s best. What’s not to love about where we live, right? Sharing it, all the better! Yet your vision of packaging experiences, really made for the warmest of welcomes. It was an honor to manage the itinerary and make sure it all went according to plan so you too could enjoy the fruits of your labor and being with your team. 

​"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. 
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