Sarah and Brandon met in high school and started out as friends. Their relationship quickly shifted to more than that after Sarah’s senior year of high school and Brandon’s freshman year of college. They continued a long-distance relationship through college and celebrated 12 years together just after their wedding. Their beautiful day was captured by Unique Lapin Photography and planned by Jeanne Stark of Hudson Valley Ceremonies.
Sarah read about their stunning venue Hudson Basilica in The New York Times, when it was first being renovated. There was a great picture of the mismatched chairs in the ceremony room in the perfect rainbow configuration and it stuck with her all those years. When it came time to find a venue, they only looked at Hudson Basilica and it was thankfully just as Sarah had imagined. Their Chuppah and flowers looked absolutely stunning and were by FLWR Studio.
Both Sarah and Brandon had a little outfit drama, but it all came together in the end. Sarah found her dress on Instagram (of course!). The Monte Carlo dress by Alexia Maria was the exact mix of elegant with a dramatic flair that Sarah was looking for. The detachable train made it more formal for the ceremony. She then changed into sequin cocktail dress by Rachel Zoe for the party. Brandon wore a classic tuxedo by Giorgio Armani with Grateful Dead slippers by Del Toro.
Sarah and Brandon both take music very seriously and it played a key role in their wedding. They knew their wedding band had to have the right balance of crowd pleasers and unexpected jams to keep their guests on the dance floor and 45 Riots did exactly that. Sarah and Brandon wrote their own ceremony with the help of their friend who is a seasoned officiant. The couple wanted everything to feel totally suited to their personalities and relationship.
What advice do they have for couples getting married? Have the tough conversations upfront is always best, so there are no surprises later!
Photographer - Unique Lapin Photography; Ceremony and Reception location - Hudson Basilica
Videographer - Alex Cherney; Celebrant -Friend of Bride and Groom; Entertainment - 45 Riots; Planner -Jeanne Stark | Hudson Valley Ceremonies; Stationery - Sarah Ratinetz; Flowers and Chuppah - FLWR Studio; Catering - Lola’s Catering; Cake - O’Heavenly Cake; HMUA - La Tua Bella Salon; Bride's Ceremony Dress - Alexia Maria; Bride's Reception Dress - Rachel Zoe; Bride's Shoes - Karte Spade NY; Veil - Etsy; Grooms Suit - Armani; Grooms Shoes - Del Toro; Rings- J. Birnbach Jewelers