Can't say enough about Michele & Matt's day! It was such a pleasure to be a part of!
Real Wedding at Onteora Mountain House: The Refined Outdoors
Written by Michele Bresnahan Wednesday, 07 April 2010 16:44
Real Wedding at Onteora Mountain House: The Refined Outdoors September 5, 2009 Michele & Matt
The Location - Onteora Mountain House in Boiceville, NY
I really felt strongly about not getting married in a banquet hall. That really limited our choices in the Hudson Valley. When we went to the Mountain House, we loooved the views. It is set high up, overlooking the Catskill Mountains. The reception was in a large, open pavilion. It was outdoorsy yet refined and I just loved it!
The Photos – Ulysses Photography *All photos in this blog post are courtesy of the amazing Jenni and Ulysses.
My favorite vendor was my photographers, Jenni & Ulysses of Ulysses Photography. They we sooo easy to work with and helpful from the first second.
My husband, Matt, was hesitant to be photographed, but they made us feel comfortable and confident. I love the less posed style of their work. Jenni was such a huge help throughout the wedding process. I asked her a million questions about everything and anything wedding related and she always got back to me right away. I can not sing their praises enough!
The Music – Enriquez Entertainment
I also loooved our djs, Andrew Enriquez Entertainment. My husband and I love music. We had been to many weddings where the djs just didn't get the crowd motivated. We wanted to be really hands on with our entertainment.
Andrew was the perfect fit. He will let you plan everything or nothing--depending on what you want. I wanted no gimmicks, giveaways, cheesy dance songs and he delivered. We gave him song lists and no-play lists and he stuck to them.
Many of our friends have told us he was the best dj they've heard! Dancing with Matt for our first dance and throughout the night was the highlight of my night!
The Flowers – Green Cottage Florist 
My florist, Dennis at Green Cottage Florist, in High Falls was amazing as well. He created really cool nest and candle arrangements that were woodsy yet elegant.
The Style – True Grace Makeup
I looooved my hair & makeup girl too! Jen from True Grace Makeup.
The Colors – Choose Your Own Purple
Our colors were shades of purple. I had been in many weddings where I was put in a dress I didn't love because it didn't suit me because of style or color. My bridesmaids chose their style & color dress. They were able to choose from over 30 Enzoani dresses in 3 different shades (plum, lavender, and blush.) Each of my 8 girls chose a different dress!
For the guys, they wore their own black suits. We bought a bunch of purple ties and they chose their favorite. I loooved the way our bridal party looked all together. They were confident in their dresses and ties because they chose them!
Do It Yourself Touches
My mom and I spent many COUNTLESS hours crafting the wedding together.
It was so special to spend that time together. We made at least 100 trips to AC Moore and Michaels!
We made the ceremony pamphlets, place cards, reserved seating tags, hotel bags and tags, cookie favors, flip flop bucket, etc. We had a blast. We got so many compliments on our unique, hand crafted touches. We've since helped two of my friends craft their weddings!
The Sweets
Our ice cream wedding cake from Jane's Ice Cream - DELISH!
Michele's Advice
Make a written list for the venue of things, special details that you want done during the wedding. They forgot my cake topper.
Research your caterer. Do your own research besides what your venue says!
Want to see more REAL Hudson Valley weddings like this one?
Comments (24)
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We could not have asked for a better couple to photograph than Michele & Matt. We wanted them to feel like the only rock stars on the planet that day, and they truly gave us plenty of time and opportunity to make that happen. Just amazing people, their wedding day fully reflected their own joyful closeness with their friends, their love for elegance, and their devotion to one another. Jenni and I are so glad to know them. Great article! Me like!
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|67.87.240.xxx |2010-04-10 03:00:43 Nicole
I loved and agree with everything Michelle said, from the DJ to the Venue, to the personalized touches... A+ wedding!
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|69.205.32.xxx |2010-04-10 22:23:37 michele - the bride
thanks for the sweet comments, guys!! And thanks to blog creators for asking me to contribute!
looved the day to pieces!
ps- the venue forgot our cake topper - not us! so frustrating! It was adorable & i spent a lot of $$ on it! oh, well!
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|71.221.52.xxx |2010-04-13 08:48:34 catherinewow...michele, you & matt are famous! it was a lovely day. so glad we could all be a part of it. love, cmn&r
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|69.2.120.xxx |2010-04-26 11:03:42 Dana
Hi Michele,
We are thinking of having our wedding at Onteora Mountain House, could I ask you about your experience with them overall? Were they pleasant to deal with? Any bad surprises, other than the cake topper going missing?
Beautiful pics by the way, and congrats!
my email is danakravis@hotmail.com, if you want to contact me directly.
Best,
Dana
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|38.107.107.xxx |2010-05-12 13:19:18 margotHi Michelle,
I have the exact same questions as Dana, so if there's any way you could email me (even if you just forward me what you wrote Dana), I would be so appreciative!
margotn@gmail.com
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|67.83.3.xxx |2010-05-01 11:34:03 Erika
Hi Michele,
I absolutely love your pictures and your style. Your wedding just looked so beautiful! Ulysses and Jenni are our photographers, and we couldn’t be happier . We are also getting married at Onteora. I actually have a few questions about the venue. I would love to chat with you if you don’t mind. My email is erika_rusnak@hotmail.com if that would be a better way to communicate. Thanks! And congratulations!!!
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|24.103.44.xxx |2010-05-18 16:00:11 katie
what a beautiful wedding, michele! i would also love to hear your thoughts on onteora! we have been searching everywhere, and from the looks of your pictures, this could be the place for us!
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|68.174.59.xxx |2010-05-22 10:40:47 micheleHi, ladies! Just emailed you what I had written to dana and another bride, amanda. Let me know if u have any other questions! I'm happy to help
katie - whats your email?
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|75.238.253.xxx |2010-05-24 10:11:27 katiehi michele! it's akjohnson.katie@gmail.com - thank you SO much!!
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Michele & Matt - you know how we feel about you. You two are the BEST. Can we do it all over again?
Anonymous - whoever you are, thank you for saying that.
To the brides: We've photographed many weddings at Onteora, and I can honestly say it's one of our very favorite venues. The views are unsurpassed, the food from their caterer is always fabulous, and there is nothing "wedding hall" about it. It makes your day feel like a dream day in the mountains. And for us, the photographic opportunities are incredible. Love it!
Erika: We can't wait for your wedding!!
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|205.203.128.xxx |2010-06-15 10:38:46 Kaitlyn - Onteora
Hi Michele,
I would love to hear more about the venue and your overall wedding. I am getting married there next September, 2011.
My email is kaitlyn_flesher@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Kaitlyn
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|24.189.31.xxx |2010-07-06 10:25:45 Jennifer - In House Caterer
I am considering onteora, but was curious about if they allow outside caterers, or if they are willing to make a unique menu. I have found some off site caterers that can provide a unique local seasonal menu for much less than the price listed on the website..
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|74.72.11.xxx |2010-08-01 17:07:43 Jacqueline - OMH
Absolutely beautiful! I just went to the Ontearo this weekend and fell in love! I was hoping to get some feedback from some other brides who have worked and will work with them! Thank you! My email is ajax1800@hotmail.com
Oh and does anyone know if they allow outside caterers? Any suggestions as well would be helpful!!
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|24.168.35.xxx |2010-08-16 12:22:08 Michelewhen i got married there, almost a year ago in september, we were VERY disappointed in the food. It was awful and they did not have enough!!! Can you image - running out at a wedding?!!?? It really is the one thing that still puts a knot in my stomach when i think about the day. they do not allow outside caterers. Onteora has fired the caterer that did our wedding and has someone else - not sure who.... i know they had Blue Mountain as an option when we got married. I sooo wish I had gone with them - I've heard nothing but good things, they were professional, and their food was great at the tasting.
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Jacqueline, Onteora is absolutely amazing! They do not allow outside caterers. However, we've photographed several weddings there, and the food has always been outstanding.
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|98.15.253.xxx |2010-08-21 15:27:34 elizabeth - dress
Michele,
What designer made your gown and where did you purchase it from? It is stunning!
Thank oyu!
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|74.66.236.xxx |2010-08-30 13:16:23 Jenn - possible site
Hi Michele,
The pictures of your wedding are amazing- it looks like you had a wonderful day!!!
I have never written on one of these boards before; but just looked at Onteora yesterday as a possible site for my wedding next Summer. Do you have any inside tips or advice? I am having a really hard time deciding on a location as budget is a big issue as well as location itself. Most guests would be coming from the Long Island/New York City Area, while a handful would be coming from the MidWest. Did you have many out of state guests and if so, what kind of accomidations did they have? If you wouldn't mind emailing me, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you so much
Best,
Jenn
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