Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Michele + Leland: A Beautiful Fall Wedding at St. James Church and the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Michele and Leland were married at St. James Church, a gorgeous old stone church in the city of Kingston.  Though the day started off with a bit of rain, by the end of their vows, the sun came out and the clouds parted to reveal a beautiful blue sky.


Their ceremony was so personal and sweet.  I absolutely love it when couples recite their own vows!  It really makes a ceremony your own.  There were few dry eyes in the church during their vows and those that were had to have been fighting it back with all their might.  Their words to each other were so precious and genuine!  They're so sweet together!  You can see the love in their eyes every time they look at each other!


After the ceremony, we were excited to head off to the City of Poughkeepsie for some urban wedding photos with one of our favorite photographers, Cheryl Bolton-Reuter.  I love filming a bride and groom all dressed up and gorgeous with the historic buildings, traffic, lights and the urban backdrop of the city.  There are so many options for creative and fun shots and a ton of different textures and locations to play with.  Just wish we had a bit more time.  Maybe I can convince Michele and Lee to get all dressed up again for some more fun!  Here are some stills from the film of their photo session.

 

Just as we were finishing up the photo session, the storm clouds began to roll back in.  I love it when the sky changes like that!  We end up with the best footage because you get billowy clouds, brilliant blue skies and gray dramatic stormy clouds all in one shoot.  It makes for some great footage! 



For more from Michele and Lee's wedding, you can check out some photos on the Facebook album from Bolton-Reuter Photography.



Their reception was held in the Regency Ballroom at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel.  It was all decked out for the Fall Themed Black and White Wedding and had many personal details.  One of my favorites was the display for the escort cards.  They were placed on lanterns (their favors) which were hung on large tree branches in tall vases filled with amber marbles.  I heard several of their guests comment on how unique and eye catching this idea was.


Another favorite were the centerpieces, which were designed by Michele and created by Lucille's Florist.  They were fall colored floral centerpieces with a beautiful iron candle lantern coming up out of the center.  Such a unique detail!  They set the mood and gave the room a lovely amber glow.


Michele and Lee had a signature martini they called a "Leechele" which consisted of Stoli Vanilla and Creme de cocoa garnished with black licorice.  Perfect for the fall theme!  To serve their signature drink, they set up a martini bar.  Another hit with their guests!


Rock n' Roll!  That basically sums up Michele and Lee's rockin' reception!  Dr. Mudd, a band that is very special to the couple, provided the entertainment for the evening and kept the guests on the floor all night long.  Everyone sang along with the band as they danced and Michele and Lee each took a turn at the mic.  Lots of memorable moments and a lot of fun had by all.  It was quite a party!


One last set of details that can't go unmentioned, Michele's dress and shoes (links below).  LOVED THEM and they were the perfect choice for her!! Her dress was by Essence of Australia and her shoes, Paris Hilton.  Check out the details on both of these lovelies.





Here is a highlight clip from their wedding film to show you all the fun!

If you enjoyed this clip, please leave us a comment here on the blog and/or on our Facebook wall - don't forget to like us while you're there! :)




Production Team:
Ceremony Location: St. James Church, Kingston, NY
Reception Location: Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie, NY
Photographer:  Cheryl Bolton-Reuter, Bolton-Reuter Photography
Reception Entertainment: Dr. Mudd
Flowers and Centerpieces: Lucille's Florist (designed by Michele)
Dress Designer: Essence of Australia, Michele's dress is style D1154
Bride's Shoes: Paris Hilton (sorry, couldn't find a direct link, but they sell her line at Macy's)