A Pastel Vintage Formal Wedding Outdoors in New York

July 27, 2011

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Jolene and Brad

Belathée Photography

For Jolene and Brad, two schoolteachers from Glen Falls, New York, it was fitting to hold their wedding on their favorite day of the week, Sunday -- the day they reserve for spending time together and relaxing.

On a sunny summer Sunday (July 11, 2010, to be precise), the duo -- well versed in the lessons of love -- became husband and wife near their home in Saratoga Springs.

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Jolene and Brad

Belathée Photography

Prior to the ceremony, Jolene and Brad took portraits with Belathee Photography at the Yaddo Gardens.

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The Location

Belathée Photography

Their outdoor wedding was held at the Mansion Of Saratoga. Its beautiful interiors and picturesque grounds won over Jolene and Brad when they first saw it.

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Vintage Wheels

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The father of the bride borrowed a vintage car from a friend to transport the couple on their wedding day.

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The Fashions

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Jolene found her Melissa Sweet "Fern" dress at Sewly Yours and accessorized it with chalcedony jewelry. The ring was a Jamie Joseph design, and the Becky Kelso earrings were given to her by Brad on the morning of the wedding. Brad wore a Calvin Klein suit and tie.

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The Hair

Belathée Photography

Jolene accented her updo (courtesy of Make Me Fabulous Hair and Makeup Salon) with a feathered headpiece.

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A Pair to Remember

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Jolene wore J. Crew peep-toe shoes.

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The Bouquet

Belathée Photography

Florist Ariella Chezar created a bouquet of garden roses, fuchsias, hydrangea, phalaenopsis orchids, and foxglove. Its mix of blooms and various cascading ribbons brought together the Marie Antoinette-inspired pastel palette and feminine vibe. Jolene knew that she needed to involve the florist in order to pull off her dream wedding: "I kept telling everyone at the wedding that I believed Ariella knows what heaven looks like, and she brought it down to Earth just for our special occasion," said Jolene.

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The Bridesmaids

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Jolene's bridesmaid and maid of honor wore silk chiffon dresses from J. Crew.

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The Bridesmaids' Bouquets

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The attendants carried small bouquets of hydrangea, garden roses, and smoke bush.

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A Shared Necklace

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Because all three girls owned the same necklace, "The Secret" design by Shana Lee, the bridal party wore it on the wedding day. (Jolene found it first, then Linda loved it and bought her own, and finally Erin was given it as a bridesmaid gift).

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The Boutonnieres

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Brad and his groomsmen donned boutonnieres of rosebuds with beige rose hips.

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A Sweet Note

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Jolene gave handkerchiefs embroidered by Etsy.com vendor EmbroideryByLinda to her parents.

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The Programs

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Etsy vendor Baumbirdy backed the programs with a floral paper and added a wooden handle so they could double as fans.

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The Bride's Entrance

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Jolene's father, Neil, walked her down the aisle to "At Last" by Etta James. The bridal party preceded her, accompanied by Billie Holiday's "How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky)."

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The Ceremony Location

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With a nod to their engagement day -- Brad proposed in front of the Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, Georgia -- the couple chose the area in front of the mansion's fountain for their ceremony.

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Love Notes

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The poem "Looking for Your Face" by Rumi was read during the ceremony. A friend read a series of Rainer Maria Rilke quotes.

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The Ceremony

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The early evening wedding included just 32 guests. Bishop Mark Stewart, a friend of the bride's family, officiated.

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Scented Sentiment

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Jolene and her mother assembled small sachets of lavender -- one of the bride's favorite scents -- for guests to toss as the newlyweds walked back up the aisle at the ceremony's conclusion.

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Cocktail Hour

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During cocktail hour, guests nibbled on the following: spring rolls two ways; house-made Saratoga chips topped with seared beef, caramelized shallots, and horseradish cream; spring pea guacamole on crostini with Parmesan cheese; and strawberry and goat cheese bruschetta.

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The Guest Book

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The bride made the guest book using supplies from her local crafts store and set it out with a feather pen.

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Dinner

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Everyone sat at one long table on the deck of the mansion. Strings of clear bistro lighting hung overhead.

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Seats of Honor

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The bride's and groom's chairs were decorated with simple bundles of ribbon.

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Centerpieces

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For the dinner reception, Ariella Chezar covered the long tables with ornate cloth from La Tavola Linen. The floral arrangements were all different, and were placed in assorted silver vessels with milk glass, porcelain, and gilded glass votives.

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Table Decor

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Potted plants were scattered down the table.

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Table Decor

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Peaches were used in the centerpieces as well.

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The Menu

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The Mansion Inn prepared a dinner that began with a classic caprese salad and fresh gazpacho. A trio of entree options followed: steak tagliata with garlic potatoes and seasonal vegetables; stuffed chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella topped with garlic sauce and served with wild rice; and braised sea bass with spicy tomato chorizo broth served over wilted spinach and Israeli couscous.

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The Favors

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French macarons from MadMac were given as favors.

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Lounging Around

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Lounge furniture on one side of the deck invited guests to relax for a cocktail following dinner.

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The First Dance

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Jolene and Brad danced to Etta James's "Sunday Kind of Love." DJ Greg Frasier played classic jazz throughout the reception.

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The Cake

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The couple chose a vanilla bean cake adorned with buttercream piped on in a basketweave pattern. Made by the bride's aunts, it was served with chocolate-covered strawberries and fruit-shaped ice cream and sorbet from St. Clair Ice Cream.

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Sources

Belathée Photography

Photography: Belathee Photography
Hair and makeup: Make Me Fabulous
Engagement ring and wedding bands: Frank Adams Jewelers
Rentals: Clifton Park Rental Center
Wedding planning: Shannon Whitney of Wedding Planning Plus
Stationery: Paper + Cup Design

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