Ashley and Mike - September 1, 2012

Ashley and Mike were married in Albany, NY on September 1, 2012.  They held their ceremony at St. Mary's Church with their reception at the New York State Museum.  This was my first NYS Museum wedding and I am now in love with this space!  You will easily be able to see from the pictures posted below.

 I have known Ashley for the last few years as she is a friend of a friend (our mutual friend is one of her lovely bridesmaids!).  I was honored when Ashley reached out to me during her planning process saying that she wanted me to be there to coordinate her big day!  This wedding was simply gorgeous, from the uber pretty bride and groom to their dog Puck (look for his cameo below!) to the grandeur of their church and the stunning views from their reception.  For a couple who has spent their adult lives living in Albany these venue choices couldn't have been more perfect!

There were a few details from this wedding that I was totally in love with, outside of the obvious Empire State Plaza views.  I loved that Ashley and Mike positioned their head table right in front of the stairs leading up to the museum so that behind them there was nothing but open air and beautiful architecture.  I also loved that Ashley chose tones of taupes and whites to give her girls the look of coordinating neutrals.  Also girls, when you are working with a reception venue where the room or the space are amazing there is no need to spend top dollar on centerpieces because honestly no one will notice them.  Ashley kept it smart and simple and let the view do all the talking.  J'adore!

One more thing to note!  First looks have become so super popular and I fully support the idea of seeing each other ahead of time for so many reasons!  But these guys decided to do an alternative first look by having a few moments where they were in the same space together without actually seeing each other.  You will notice this in the photos below where she is in her gown and he is in the forefront,  and where they are alongside two corners of a building holding each other's outstretched hands but not turning forward to see one another.  These are such great ideas for that something extra without actually doing the full blown first look!

Joining me on this wedding was an all star cast of vendors.  First I have to thank their photographer Rob Spring who took these amazing photos.  You are totally bringing me back to this warm late summer day with these images!  Remember how perfectly incredible the weather was at this wedding??  Garland Nelson and his band Soul Session killed it on the party side of this event.  If you are looking for A-Class music talent these guys are it!  Nicole's Catering provided the food and beverage, Albert at the NYS Museum was a great friend in the coordination of this event, Gretchen at Central Market Florist in East Greenbush provided the flowers, Krista Garcia did the girls' hair and makeup, Today's Limo provided the sweet rides, The Cookie Factory made the cake and the cupcakes, and Melinda's Dipped Chocolates wowed the guests with some delicious chocolate fountain goodness at the end of the night.

Thank you to all the vendors who rocked this wedding with me!  And an even bigger thank you to Ashley and Mike who were kind enough to bring me on board.  This is a wedding I will not soon forget!!

Shannon