The Day Is Finally Here | Canfield Casino | Saratoga Springs, New York Wedding Film | Emily + Chris

What is your story?

When we began officially dating we were long distance and splitting time between Boston and New York City, but it was pretty clear pretty quick that this was a forever thing. I transferred to my company’s New York office and we moved in together in Brooklyn Heights in 2017. We added a roommate to our cozy one bedroom on Sidney Place a year later – Hudson! Hudson is the sweetest and largest cavalier king Charles spaniel. We had a wonderful three years in the city, before the madness of March 2020 motivated us to move upstate to my hometown. On our original wedding weekend in 2020 we ended up buying a lot in Ballston Spa (just 10 minutes from where we would say I do in 2021!) and started building our home. The rest of our story is yet to be written! 

How did the two of you meet?

We met at a fraternity party at Bentley University in September of 2011. The theme was “jerseys” but as a New Yorker I opted to not wear one since I didn’t want to engage in the whole Giants versus Patriots or worse, Yankees versus Red Sox debate! Chris called me out on this fashion decision to not follow the theme and asked if I wanted to play Words with Friends. We didn’t actually start dating though til we reconnected at a Mumford and Sons concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in June 2016!

What was your favorite memory of your wedding day?

The entire day was an absolute dream, but for me, in the morning, it was my Grandma B who helped raise me coming over to help me get into my gown. I grew up idolizing her wedding day through her photos and albums. Having recently lost my grandfather I felt extremely grateful and emotional to have her with me to enjoy this time together. Beyond the getting ready stage in the morning, my favorite part has to be our ceremony. Everything about our ceremony, officiated by my first cousin, was absolutely perfect. Hearing Chris read his vows aloud and sharing our love and respect for each other with all of our families and friends was so amazing. 

What were the main influences behind the style of your wedding, it’s location and your venue choice for your big day?

I’d say the inspiration was a little bit Southern and a little bit Saratoga. We chose an iconic Saratoga venue – the timeless Canfield Casino. This was a non-negotiable for me and the place I dreamed of getting married at when I was growing up! There was plenty of Southern touches, influenced by the months we spent in Charleston during the pandemic at my family’s house. We included a seating chart of mint juleps with straws in them including peoples names and table numbers – which was probably my favorite detail! As for Saratoga style, our stationery was a map of our favorite spots downtown and we encouraged our guests to make a long weekend of it and enjoy the last few days of the racetrack and summer weather. We hosted a welcome drinks party at a local brewery and a day after brunch at Longfellow’s where we could recap the celebration over bloody marys and strong coffee. 

What would your top tips be for somebody planning their wedding?

Identify early on what elements of a wedding are most important to you and stand your ground on them. There will be plenty of competing opinions – even if they are well-meaning! As a people-pleaser there were areas I let go on. I really wanted my cousin to officiate the wedding rather than get married offsite at a church (Sorry Dad!). I felt very strongly about photography, videography and my mint julep cups (haha!) and of course, having all of our close family and friends there. This is why we had no problem with postponing an additional year. 

What made you decide to hire a wedding videographer? Any tips for couples on the fence for a film?

I grew up idolizing my Grandma B. and Papa’s marriage and wedding. As a kid my cousin Jessica and I would play dress-up with her wedding gown and flip through photos, but what was absolutely amazing was viewing their wedding video from 1955. When watching it we’d learn from them about these people we never got to meet and the stories behind each moment. The video of this day captured in time was so unbelievable, I knew I’d want the same, so we could share that day with our own future family.