Grace+Anthony : Saratoga National Wedding Photos

Editor’s Note: We’re so fortunate to co-host this feature with Kelly Strong Events, who is kind enough to narrate this feature. Not only is Kelly one of the best planners we know, but a former bride of ours! Naturally when her sister Grace was getting married, we teamed up on this wedding and we made the cover of Saratoga Bride Magazine. Kelly will take it from here…

After getting engaged in Congress Park, Grace and Anthony knew they wanted to host their family and friends for a full wedding weekend in Saratoga Springs. When they were looking at wedding venues, they didn’t have to look beyond Saratoga National Golf Club. Grace and Anthony chose Saratoga National for the incredible food, extraordinary staff and service, and the most beautiful setting.

On the Inspiration: Grace and Anthony wanted their guests to enjoy great food, drinks, and have fun dancing the night away. A priority was having everything in one location, so it was seamless to move guests from the ceremony, to cocktail hour, and finally to the reception. The settings for each at Saratoga National are beautiful and there is no wasted time traveling in between locations which maximizes enjoyment for guests. For the remainder of the weekend, guests enjoyed a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, and a farewell afternoon throughout Downtown Saratoga.

On the Design: With an October date, the focus was to create a warm, romantic feel in the Bluestone Patio Tent. Working with Rain or Shine and the Saratoga National Events Team, we created something that hadn’t been done in this tent before. Covering the patio floor completely with a black flooring warmed up the space on a chilly Fall night. We extended the draping from the ceiling to continue down the tent walls which gave the space a romantic and intimate feel. Clear chivari chairs were paired with a grey textured linen to create a modern feel in the romantic space. The star of the tent design was the black and white checkered dance floor with an eight-foot ring of greenery centered above the dance floor, around the chandelier.

On the Day: Grace and her bridesmaids got ready in one of the two story, sun-soaked suites at the Pavilion Grand Hotel. Wanting to have a private First Look, Anthony met Grace on the second- floor outdoor terrace, overlooking downtown Saratoga. After the First Look, the entire wedding party was on their way to Yaddo Gardens for portraits. There was the most magical golden light, streaming through the pine trees, that made for some of the best images of the day. After the thoughtful and intimate ceremony in the Ballroom, Grace and Anthony set out for golden hour portraits on the golf course. Another perk of Saratoga National are the incredible backdrops you can find throughout the course.

Venue and Catering: Saratoga National Golf Club
Planning, Design, and Greenery Installation: Kelly Strong Events
Photography: Walker Wedding Group
Entertainment: New York Players
Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Company
Florals: Central Market Florist
Gown: Lily Saratoga
Hair: Molly Tremante
Makeup: True Beauty Company
Invitations and Seating Board: Grace Niu Designs
Getting Ready Location: Pavilion Grand Hotel