i love any excuse to go back home to beautiful upstate NY, but this past weekend’s excuse was an exceptionally amazing one: my good friend and former roommate Christine married the love of her life, Chad, in picturesque Saratoga Springs.
we started the weekend off with a day at Saratoga Racetrack, which was a blast.
anyone ever gone to any live horse races? i’ve only been to the track once before despite having grown up in the area, and although i didn’t bet on any horses, it was so much fun to be up there. there were SO many people picnicking and hanging out and having a grand ole time, and they had a great group of friends and family members present.
their wedding was on Sunday, August 17, which was a bright and beautiful, picture-perfect day. everything about this wedding was absolutely perfect and lovely in every way, from start to finish.
the bride looked absolutely stunning:
and we took these adorable old-fashioned trolley buses from the hotel to the reception:
the reception was at the Canfield Casino in historic Congress Park in Saratoga, which i’d heard was absolutely breathtaking. it’s known as one of the most sought-after and gorgeous wedding venues in upstate NY, so i couldn’t wait to see it. and let me tell you — it did not disappoint, and was spectacular:
check out that ceiling — those are all panels of stained glass. my photo doesn’t quite do it justice, so here’s another from photographer J.P. Elario:
it was outstanding and perfect and definitely a place i’d consider having my wedding (if that ever becomes a thing).
oh, and did i mention i had a wonderfully charming and handsome date? he definitely made this event even more fabulous for me, and i was lucky he was free to accompany me that night. 😉
the groom looked like he was having the time of his life the whole night, and stopped (with his bowtie and suspenders — how adorable?!) to pose for a pic with me and my friend Melissa:
this definitely has to be one of the liveliest and most fun weddings i’ve attended, and i think that says volumes about Christine and Chad and their close circles of friends and family. these two have such amazing personalities and hearts, and everyone there was absolutely bubbling over with love and joy for them. it was truly a joyful, exciting event, and i felt so blessed to be a part of such a beautiful day in their lives. thanks, friends. i love you so.
since it was a Sunday night wedding, i took Monday off work and spent it doing this:
life is just so, so good. weekends like this past one remind me exactly how beautiful life, love, and lakes can be. 🙂
hope you had wonderful weekends, friends!
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Love that I know exactly what you are talking about! Canfield casino is gorg! One of my fav wedding venues up here! And I was just at Saratoga raceway in July! I’m hoping to make it there one last time…
i agree — it’s so nice to read blogs about places you know well. 🙂 enjoy it if you make it back up!
Gorgeous!! How beautiful!! You look absolutely amaaaazing!!
thanks, girl! 🙂
YAY BOY! What a fantastic event! You and the boyfriend look smashing, of course, and so obviously happy. I love the hall for the reception, and all the details. I also have to say YES to the hat and dress at the racetrack. Or should I say “fascinator”?
How’s the leg?
thanks, toots! i totally dug her fascinator and dress combo as well. she’s ever the stylish friend. leg is mehhhh but the resting and ice has been helping…ran 6 miles Tues and 5 today and i’m not crying. yet. thanks for the concern. xo
I can see why they wanted to have their reception there, absolutely gorgeous! I love the bride’s fascinator. I’m going to Melbourne Cup in November, which is the biggest race here. I’ve never been to a horse race before and I’m so excited. My dress should be here next week and then time to look for a hat or fascinator or something!