Dawn and Kevin: Pleasantdale Chateau 8/29/09

This has been the wedding that I've been waiting for all year.  I do so many weddings every year, but this one was more personal to me.   I've known Dawn since elementary school so of course I was so happy to hear she was engaged.  When I got her email asking me to perform her wedding, I was truly honored.  Meeting with her and her fiance brought back conversations of the past about our childhood days, but it also brought new conversations of the future and the new life Dawn would be starting with Kevin.  Kevin is a great guy with a great personality, and the two of them really click together. 

The Pleasantdale Chateau is a gorgeous venue and everything went off without a hitch.  The grounds are immaculate, the flowers were beautiful, the food was delicious, the music was perfect and of course, the bridal party was stunning.  The Chateau is really exquisite, and this wedding had it all... classical guitar in one room, harp in another, a cello and keyboard combination in yet another room.  No matter where you went there was great music setting the tone and fantastic food as well.

So here's to seeing old friends in the bridal party.  Great to see you Julie, Talia and Stephanie.  Here's to running into Mike and Jeff... and Andrew and Debra (and their beautiful kids Sarah and Hannah).  And of course, here's to Dawn and Kevin!  I'm so glad to have reconnected with you after all these years.

Be well.

-Ryan Kaplan.

Meredith & Rob: View on the Hudson 8/28/09

Meredith and Rob had a lovely outdoor wedding planned in Scarsdale, but the weather wasn't going to comply with that.  Thankfully their reception was at the View on the Hudson in Piermont, so though we moved the ceremony inside, they still had a great space and a beautiful view.  As the name states, The View on the Hudson has fantastic views and great service all around.

Meredith and Rob were a little rushed when they came in from taking pictures, but everything got underway and went very well after a quick touch up from their hair and make-up specialist.  Tara Colavecchio (tjqc67@aol.com) was right there to handle the whole bridal party when they arrived.

The ceremony went well, and in my opinion, you can't beat the view of the bridge.  I had my picture taken at the photobooth before leaving... oh and I picked up this quote from them...

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." -Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Great quote and it just emphasizes that love may not be seen or necessarily quantified, but it is everything.  And being a part of that in any small way on your wedding day is why I love what I do.  Thanks Meredith and Rob.

Be well,

-Ryan.

Indiana and Nelson: Monteverde 8/16/09

Back for a fourth time this summer to Monteverde, this time for Nelson and Indiana's ceremony.  This was one of my more interesting ceremonies, most definitely.  Indiana is Spanish, so I used some Spanish in the ceremony, and Nelson's background was Jewish, so we incorporated both Hebrew and Yiddish as well.  So for one ceremony we had English, Spanish, Hebrew and Yiddish going on throughout.  But it was great and everyone felt included.  Personally, I love working in different languages (even those that I don't have any background in, such as Dutch and Italian which I've previously done).  I feel bad for my wife though, as I have a tendency to practice while walking around the house for days, working on the pronunciation.  In the end, I know the couples I work with appreciate it and I know Indiana and Nelson did.

It was a beautiful day out and Nelson's brother played flute while the guests were being seated, and just as we were about to begin, in kicked the Spanish guitar music by Shan Kenner.  He kept the music going through the cocktail hour and it was definitely a great vibe.  For some reason, Monteverde seems to fit nicely with classical guitar.  I had a great time with Indiana and Nelson, and the day doesn't seem like it could have gone better.  Everyone laughed and cried and then laughed again, the weather was perfect, the music was great, and Indiana and Nelson were definitely happy and in love.

Now to Yoham, Nathan and Joshua... help Indiana and Nelson fulfill their goals by becoming highly successful and paying for them to sit around and enjoy life.  Come on, boys, is that too much to ask?

Be well,

-Ryan Kaplan.

Joseph and Elizabeth: 8/14/09

Joe and Elizabeth came to me at the last minute to be married in Bear Mountain State Park.  As she is Spanish, I managed to incorporate Spanish into my ceremony, which is always fun for me.  This was a very intimate day with just family in attendance.  Joseph is a very spiritual person and so it seems is Elizabeth.  They make a great couple and I'm glad I was able to accommodate them at the last minute.  Joseph had some impromptu words to say during the exchange of vows which I must say were very nice and very touching.

Following the ceremony I had the opportunity to spend time with them taking some pictures and talking with the family.  This just confirmed what I knew, which is that this family is a great family.  They are a really great group of people and I look forward to keeping in touch with them.  The day was really perfect, with the sun shining and the birds flying around, next to the lake with the mountain in the background.  You couldn't ask for a sweeter time.

Best of luck, guys!  Give my regards to your family!

Be well,

-Ryan Kaplan.

Jessica & Andrew: Catlin Gardens 8/9/09

Okay, I'm a little behind in my posting.  I apologize profusely!  I'm catching up now in anticipation of September's onslaught of weddings.  Additionally, I've got to find my pictures of Jessica and Andrew to add to this posting.  I know, I know.

Jessica and Andrew had a great wedding at a great venue.  Catlin Gardens in Slate Hill has such a beautiful outdoor garden.  No matter where you turn, it just keeps getting better.  It has little bridges, ponds, flowers, a beautiful covered area for weddings, water features, twists and turns, and I'm sure there's a lot I haven't seen, though I perform there often.  And Jessica was such a lovely bride with an infectious smile.  The happy couple was so sweet, and I thought it was great that they didn't get to see each other until they were face to face standing in front of me.

The ceremony went great, and though there was a little rain, everyone stayed dry.  We did the breaking of the glass and then  I believe everyone made it indoors before the rain started.  The only people left outside were the bridal party, and they got rides and umbrellas from the staff.  Me, I enjoy walks in the rain, so I was just fine.

I wish Jessica and Andrew all the best with their new life as a young newly married couple.  Congratulations and give my regards to your families, especially grandma!

Be well,

-Ryan Kaplan.