​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, vax 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 long workdays to even longer ones.
 
5. The ongoing uncertainty of Covid variants added so much more 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 most challenges 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 shits”, 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!

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
 
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 BOOTH
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 | 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. 

As we develop the visual details of each and every theme, be it a wedding or special celebration, we look to create ways of unifying typography, imagery and appropriate methods of production. We believe that these details add both value and integrity to a vision, as well as underscore the personalities of our clients while reflecting their styles.

Our in-house graphic ability runs the gamut in customizing printed components for our clients. For weddings and special events, we offer design and printing of: Invitation Suites, Save the Date Announcements, Menus, Reception Cards, Seating Charts, Guest Hang Tags for Welcome Totes and Favors, Weekend Welcome Cards, Couple Love Letters, Signage and Guest Register Books. Truly, any way you can envision a message needing to be delivered, we are charged in finding creative solutions so that it fits perfectly into a celebration.

We start with a blank page in each and every scenario as we explore the needs and budgets of our clients. There are several ways to approach design while moving toward the end product.

From the get-go, we work from a flexible design mind set so that each client feels comfortable with options be it creating in house custom designs or partnering with fine stationary houses that provide pre-designed suites which offer just enough customization for client to move swiftly to a solution without the investment in a full design assignment. We believe that there are many paths to arriving at a beautiful and unique suite and it need not come with compromise. 
​

​We are grateful for our print vendors and artisans
​and could not get to the end without their expertise, skills, commitment to service and doing whatever it takes to make the deadline.
​
​For all the years of working together and turning the many pages,
I’d like to highlight these local Hudson Valley businesses
and thank them for being part of our team and always delivering:

Central Press, Millbrook, NY
Cordially Corinne, Millbrook, NY
Marjorie's Letters, Hudson Valley
Moore & More Printing, Millerton, NY
Mr. P's Placecards, Chatham, NY
Pro Printers, Hudson, NY
Two Sparrows Homestead Signage, Newburgh, NY
Quality Printing Company, Pittsfield, MA​

It’s the peak of engagement season so we see a spike in wedding inquiries and consultations. It’s a time where new love stories present themselves. The promise and honor of welcoming newly engaged couples to the studio and getting to work to make their vision a reality, is what makes my heart go pitter patter. For me, it’s also a time of reflection. Thinking deeply about the couples that I worked with in the prior year. It’s the stories I have recently lived through and helped write. Proud to have a hand in these happy ending with the lead characters that now feel incredible close to my heart.  
 
In a year that started out so simply in the planning of a wedding for 125 guests on a beautiful estate in Washington, Connecticut, I witnessed the unfolding of a real life novel. The many twists and turns, a cast of beloved and most interesting characters while all the while, a thread of intense love that kept this couple and family on course, even on days where we all felt intoxicated by the COVID haze.
 
Allegra and Aaron Okarmus married on August 29th, as planned! Their date never changed but the road to it had many switchbacks. Their day had none-less-love just because it ended up being a Micro Wedding, in fact exponentially more. In my mind, their story exemplified the immense strength of family and the reality that love conquers all. 
 
Like so many 2020 to-be-wedded couples, Allegra and Aaron fought daily to hold onto what they had dreamed their day would look like, adapting to change and adversity as news and personal health concerns escalated. As their guest list diminished monthly due to restrictions, by August 29th, they were surrounded by only their immediate family and their lifetime friend and officiate. On this day, this family did not have to share their VIP couple with over 100 other guests. The space opened with togetherness less the distractions of wanting to enjoy each and every guest over the course of 6 hours. It was a gift owed this family after months of isolation and worry. To witness vows, toasts, laughter, love, sparklers, and even magic tricks through my very own closeup lens was an illuminated reminder of the many joys that my work gives back to me. How can you not fall in love with a family that feels exactly like family? After so many tough-love conversations, drying tears and praying that we would get to see this timeline through to lights-off, I feel immensely blessed for the love that guided and rewarded us on their day and to this day.

Aaron and I were engaged on January 7th, 2020. It was a beautiful, snowy night atop the Empire State Building when Aaron proposed and we began our journey toward wedded bliss. Luckily, shortly thereafter we found Paula, the fairy godmother we didn't know we needed to navigate the road ahead. On March 11th (my dear father's birthday) we found out that I was pregnant and coincidentally, that my dress (which I LOVED) had arrived! Plot twist, I did not wear that dress. On March 23rd, CT and NY went into lockdown. And yet, on August 29th, Aaron, myself and our son, Atticus (in utero) formally became a family. It wasn't the wedding I planned and envisioned since I was a little girl but it was infinitely better. The twelve people we love more than anything in the world were all present and we got to spend time with each of them. Not only was it aesthetically beautiful (that part I had envisioned) but it was moving and intimate in a way that it couldn't have been if things had gone according to "plan".  Through all the frustration, our love for each other and our family carried us through and solidified my belief that everything happens for a reason!  —Allegra, 2.2021 

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” 

T.S. ELIOT: The Four Quartets

Life is just a big ol’ Circle of Time. We are all on a journey to “get back to where we once belonged.”
•
Allegra, Aaron and Atticus are now at the beginning of their journey together. 
Our hopes and dreams for their continued happiness lie in the road outstretched before them.
And our most fervent prayer is that every step they take may bring exciting new discoveries
as they “know the place for the first time.”  
 
Joseph Siravo aka ‘Nonno Joe’
February 2021 NYC

CHEERS TO THE BEGINNING OF THIS A+A+A LOVE STORY!
Can't wait for the sequel in September 2021!
​XOXO