Deborah & Brian – Nov 26, 2011

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Michael

Deborah and Brian had their wedding reception at The Springside Inn, in Auburn, NY. It was a beautiful day especially considering it was November 26th. It’s not unusual for there to be snow on the ground at this time of the year. Instead there were pleasant temperatures and that made for a great day for a wedding.

I made the formal introductions at the end of the cocktail hour and then there was a special Polish Blessing given by Sharon Anderson. Following the blessing was the Bride and Groom first dance, Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter. Deborah had a dance with her Father to Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks, then Brian and his Mother danced to Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John.

After the formal dances, toasts were given by the Maid of Honor, Karen and the Best Man, Gary.

A family style meal was served and then everyone enjoyed music and dancing for the rest of the evening.

Thanks for having me be a part of your day, Deborah and Brian. Enjoy these photos I took, from your wedding reception.

Jane & Mark – Oct 1, 2011

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Michael

Today was a good example of hoping for the best but planning for the worst. The weather forecasts the preceding few days had been in a state of flux making it difficult to plan details. First it was supposed to be party cloudy but windy, then it changed to maybe a chance of rain and windy, then it appeared that it was going to be cloudy, windy, cold with rain and on and on it went. This was not the type of weather forecast you want to hear when you are planning a lakeside wedding ceremony. As it turns out, we got all of that; cloudy, rainy, windy and chilly. The thing is, if you plan accordingly, everything works out. The Fontainebleau Inn not only had all the bases covered, but spirits were still high even though the weather was not ideal.

Ultimately, the Fontainebleau Inn shines in inclement as well as perfect weather. It was actually quite beautiful to see the muted Autumn colors, mist and wind while the ceremony was taking place underneath the tented patio. Once the ceremony ended, the chairs were cleared, tables were set up, the tent sides were rolled down, heaters turned on and a nice atmosphere for cocktail hour was created.

We had formal introductions after the cocktail hour, followed by the Bride and Groom first dance (At Last – Etta James.) A series of toasts were given and then a scrumptions meal was presented by Word of Mouth catering. Jon Reis was the photographer for the day.

It was just a bit chilly so a decision was made to move the dancing to the banquet room instead of the tented patio. It took a few minutes to quickly move the sound equipment into the new location but as soon as that was done, the dancing began and continued the remainder of the evening. There was another formal dance for Mark and his Mother and they danced to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel K. After that, open dancing continued and it was a FUN time enjoyed by all.

Jane and Mark, you were one of the most relaxed couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’m happy to have been a part of your special day and hope you enjoy the rest of the photos I took.

Sarah & Chris – Sep 24, 2011

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Michael

The colors of Autumn are just beginning to appear and The Fontainebleau Inn is one of those places that showcases that change so well. Nestled next to a small lake and surrounded by mature trees, it was where Sarah and Chris chose to have their Wedding ceremony and reception. The ceremony took place at the neighboring Lawrence Chapel. The photographer for the day was Jeffrey Foote, the videographer was Suzanne of SZF Productions and Joe’s of Ithaca was the caterer.

It was a beautiful day with pleasant temperatures and that created a good environment for all the dancing that was about to occur. I announced the wedding party on to the patio and the Bride and Groom had their first dance as they entered. The song they chose was “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Guests then moved into the dining room where toasts were given by the Mother of the Bride-Anita, The Best Man-Matthew and The Matron of Honor-Catherine.

After a great meal guests joined in on the dance floor along with Sarah and Chris and danced up quite a storm. Things were rocking until 10pm at which time the last song was played, “Time of my Life (Dirty Bit)” by the Black Eyed Peas.

Great people and a fun time. Thanks Sarah and Chris…enjoy these photos I took during your wedding reception.

Emma & Joshua – Sept 4, 2011

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Michael

This weekend was a “double-header” for me with weddings on both Saturday and Sunday. The oppressive heat of Saturday was replaced with a very pleasant day on Sunday, the day on which Joshua and Emma were married at The Fontainebleau Inn. It seemed that rain might fall, but it turned out to be a very nice day.

After the formal introductions, Joshua and Emma had their first dance to “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie. This was followed by toasts by the Best Man, Dan and Maid of Honor, Darcey.

Joshua and Emma had selected some fun music for dancing and the dance floor was busy the entire evening.

It is always fun for me to observe how every couple does something original for their wedding and Joshua and Emma had come up with something I’d never seen before. I’m not even quite sure what to call it, but in lieu of a conventional guest registry, there was a framed piece of art in the silhouette image of a tree. Next to the frame was an inkpad. Each guest was instructed to “leaf” their thumbprint on a branch of the “tree” and then put their name below their thumbprint. It was a beautiful and very unique way to have a record and great remembrance of this special day.Josh and Emma, you were such a nice couple to work with and I hope you have an amazing life together! All my best to you both. Enjoy these photos.

Catherine & Charles – Sept 3, 2011

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Michael

2011 has got to be a year that will be remembered as one for very strange weather. Today, typically a “entering into Fall” type of time of year turned out to be one of the hottest, most humid days of 2011. It was HOT. The Sherwood Inn had the AC cranking and Catherine & Charles along with all the guests didn’t seem to let the hot weather put any sort of damper on the festivities. In fact, this was one fun group of people.

The Bride and Groom had their first dance to the “Train Song” by Sim Redmond Band. Toasts by the Best Man, John and Maid of Honor, Mary followed and then a toast was given by the Groom’s Grandmother, Grace (otherwise knows as G.G.) After a wonderful meal the other formal dances took place. The Father/Daughter dance was “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart and the Mother/Groom dance was to “My Boy”, Neil Young.

It was quite a fun night of dancing that included a special Polish Toasting Song presented by the Bride’s Father and Uncles.

Just a great group of people that danced the night away and enjoyed the celebration of Catherine and Charles’ wedding day. I especially want to thank the Father of the Bride for his assistance in providing me with some energetic polka music which added a great deal to the polka dancing section of the evening.