A Black-and-White Whimsical Wedding in Saratoga Springs, New York

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Biz and Micah

Jessica Antola

For pretty much her entire life, Biz Zast has been immersed in the world of horse racing. Every summer, her father, a former racetrack president who used to own and breed horses, took his family on vacation to Saratoga Springs, New York, to be close to the action. So when Micah proposed to her after five years of dating, there was no question that they'd tie the knot in Saratoga Springs. They wanted an out-of-the-box venue, so they settled on Fasig-Tipton, a thoroughbred sales and auction house. “The grounds are beautiful and simple,” says Biz, “yet so chic and different."

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The Stationery

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Stationer Cheree Berry, a friend of the bride’s, designed the invites. “I knew she would get my style and be a blast to work with,” says Biz. One fun flourish: A Dark & Stormy drink ticket for the reception. 

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The Bouquet

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Biz’s vibrant bouquet included ‘Romantic Antike’ roses, begonias, zinnias, carnations, and gartenmeister fuchsias bound with a wide striped ribbon.

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The Bridesmaids

Jessica Antola
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A beaming Biz posed with her sister (left) and sister-in-law, who (along with Micah’s brother and his best friend) stood up with the couple at the ceremony.

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The Cuff Links

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Micah’s horseshoe cuff links by Robin Rotenier made a fitting gift.

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The Boutonnieres

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Carnation boutonnieres were knotted with graphic ribbons.

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The Welcome Bags

To get guests into the sporting spirit, each “track bag” welcome tote held a booklet of betting tips, a newsletter outlining the best local spots, racing-form pencils, tickets to the races, and Saratoga chips and spring water.

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The Venue

Guests caught the sport of kings at Saratoga Race Course, a short walk from the venue, before the wedding and again at the next-day brunch. As two friends were leaving, they handed the bride and groom a ticket for the next race as an impromptu wedding gift. “They had made a $3 bet on two long shots,” says Biz. “We won $3,100!”

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The Ring Bearer

The bride’s nephew (quite literally) held his horses in one hand and the ring pillow—personalized with needlepoint by Biz’s mother—in the other.

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Shady Ceremony

Jessica Antola

The leaves of an enormous sugar maple acted as a canopy over the couple’s I do’s. Before trading vows, Biz and Micah asked three couples in various stages of matrimony—eight months, eight years, and 34 years—to speak at the service. “This was my favorite part,” Biz says. “Each had an incredibly unique take on marriage.”

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Graphic Grouping

Matt Gillis Photography
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Mini striped envelopes sealed with red “Toss Me” stickers held oversize confetti. Wedding programs came in a matching cherry shade.

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Family Affair

The bride’s relatives, including her dad (left), brother Jon, and flower-girl niece Vivian, were all smiles at the ceremony.

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Black Tie Affair

Jessica Antola

Preceremony drinks were served from one of Fasig-Tipton’s stalls, each of which is named after a famous horse; the couple posed inside Black Tie Affair. “It felt fitting,” says the bride, who accessorized her Peter Langner gown with a J.Crew birdcage veil.

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The Cocktails

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Cocktails were served in keepsake glasses with “Dark & Stormy” written on the front and the recipe on the back.

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Call to the Post

Jessica Antola

“Sam the Bugler,” who works at the nearby racetrack, marked the occasion by playing his horn as the newlyweds made their way to the cocktail tent.

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The Escort Cards

Paper rounds attached to pleated ribbons acted as clever escort cards.

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The Table Numbers

For centerpieces, Eugenia topiaries were set in gleaming pots tied with grosgrain ribbons and small Z charms. Huge white balloons anchored by horseshoes that Biz’s dad sourced from a local supplier made the table numbers easy to spot. Menus were folded and slipped into cheery linen napkins sewn by Biz’s mom.

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Taste-Bud Tempter

Guests were served a first course of tricolor tomato and burrata salad. The accompanying coral napkins were hand-made by the bride’s mom.

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The Toasts

The bride’s dad and sister led a toast to the newlyweds.

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The Party-Goers

Jessica Antola

Revelers included Micah's former roommates, who playfully pinned their escort cards onto their lapels.

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Dancing Duo

Jessica Antola

Biz and Micah had a laugh while twirling around the dance floor at the reception venue: a large barn. Though the band was scheduled to stop playing at 11 P.M., “We asked them to play another hour to keep the party going!” says Biz.

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Daddy's Girl

Jessica Antola

Biz and her father, Vic, chose “It’s All in the Game,” by Tommy Edwards, for their father–daughter dance. “My dad hasn’t missed a racing season at Saratoga in 40 years,” says Biz. “Getting married here held a lot of sentimental value for me.”

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The Favors

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Black cotton favor bags printed with a gold horseshoe held a pair of Dark & Stormy glasses, a bottle of Gosling’s Rum, a can of Barritts ginger beer, and custom coasters.

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Sources

Jessica Antola

Location: Fasig-Tipton

Event Coordination: Katie O’ Weddings & Events

Catering: Mazzone Hospitality Events

Flowers: Ariella Chezar

Wedding Photography: Matt Gillis

Stationery: Cheree Berry Paper

Calligraphy: Feast Fine Art & Calligraphy

Music: Creations featuring Kim Sozzi

Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Co.

Hair and Makeup: Angela Wakefield and Emily Potter of Make Me Fabulous

Confetti: Artistry in Motion

Balloons: Balloon Salon

Cocktail Napkins: For Your Party

Welcome Bags: Bagmasters

Chips: Moon Brand

Shoe Bag and Coasters: Branders

Rum: Gosling’s

Highball Glasses: Discount Mugs

Ginger Beer: Barritts

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