Beginnings
- Jennifer
- Jan 11, 2017
- 3 min read
The holidays are over, the new year has arrived, and I have had time to evaluate, adjust, and begin again. I begin again, saying goodbye to the past year, with a refreshed vision of what I hope to achieve in this new year. I begin January continuing to love my husband and care for my daughters, growing in faith and transforming in Spirit, as well as forging ahead with business goals and personal dreams.
Alongside beginning again so many things I have begun before, I get to begin something new too. I announced last month the engagement of my first daughter and this is the month we set in motion events that will transform that engagement into a marriage. One of the first tasks on the long list of things to accomplish is finding that perfect reception venue and that is what we endeavored to do yesterday. After compiling a list of sites ranging in price and style we began with two, one on each end of the spectrum.
It was a bitter cold day with snow patches scattered here and there. We needed our imaginations to come to life so that we might envision what a warm, summer day in July would be like. Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont, NY was one of the stops on our short list for the day. It was chosen as a dream for a simple, country wedding.
Their apple barn, dripping with twinkle lights, would serve as our gathering place. Dressing it up with flowers and linens would create the perfect ambiance to celebrate a marriage and mingle with guests. Cecelia was a down to earth woman whose encouraging words were refreshing as she made us feel at home with some of the non-traditional ideas we had in mind for Ariana's wedding. With the Helderberg Escarpment as a backdrop, orchards, gardens, and a rustic 150 year old barn all dressed up, guests would feel comfortable and enchanted all at the same time. With barn weddings still in fashion, Indian Ladder Farms was a contender for our special event.
Photo by www.ytkphotography.com
In extreme contrast to Indian Ladder Farms, we also visited Altamont Manor. Our purpose in looking at two venues that couldn't be more different was so that Ariana might get a clearer picture of exactly what it was that she wanted for her reception. Up until yesterday she hadn't been able to truly picture it in her head and by going from casual to elegant we were able to find that picture.
Altamont Manor, only 8 minutes from Indian Ladder Farms, is situated off the road and boasts of stunning flower gardens and a lovely view. Trying to imagine the gardens and setting on a summer day was a challenge due to the season but as we sat at the formal dining room table with a fire crackling in the hearth, Harvey took us through many photos helping to paint a picture of a variety of different wedding styles that could be achieved. We “walked” through weddings with harpists and string quartets, as well as weddings with CD players and modest table settings. From the lawn, to the wrap around porch, to their indoor, glass enclosed banquet room Ariana was able to see her wedding come to life. Built at the end of the 19th century, the manor offers a vintage background that provides an elegance that translates from the simple to the extravagant.
When the visiting was finished and we began our drive home it was easy for Ariana to know what she wanted. She had seen her wedding. It was the same for me when I chose my reception venue. I just knew and so did Ariana.
Can you guess which location she chose?
While the rustic setting of Indian Ladder Farms was enchanting and would have been a beautiful choice, Ariana new she desired a vintage inspired wedding. For months we had talked about the dresses and styles of the early 19th century, and she would comment that if she could, she would love to have her reception in the same place we had ours (the Overlook Mansion in Little Falls, NY). We could look at more I told her, but her mind was set and just like that the choice had been made.
Altamont Manor was the place.
This story doesn't end here.
We have much more to do before July 15th.
Join us as we walk through this journey.
Don't miss a beat ~ Sign Up Today
Commenti