Lina & Ryan, 9.26.14 - Echo Lake Lodge

From SUNY Canton in 2002 to Echo Lake in 2014, Lina & Ryan were one of my most special celebrations of the year. They met on campus, living in the same dormitory building and ended up having a water balloon fight one day with several other college friends. About a month after they met they attended a college party together and shared their first kiss. It was back at the dorms where he walked her back to her room, and there they stood in the dark, watching and listening to the thunderstorm outside. He was holding her in his arms making her feel safe, and she fondly recalls, “I couldn't help but think, I love this man, and then as soon as I was thinking that, he spun me around and kissed me!”

I asked Lina about her engagement proposal which I also shared at their reception, and here’s what she said: “Ryan and I started the Elf on the shelf Christmas tradition this past year and it lead us to our exciting and romantic engagement! It was a random Sunday evening at our house and it was Ryan's turn to hide the elf. I was putting laundry away and as I turned around, I spotted the elf and to my surprise, there 'it' was, the most beautiful engagement ring EVER, placed on the elf's lap! I screamed with joy as Ryan bent down on one knee and asked me to marry him - I said YES!!!!"

Their reception was held at Echo Lake Lodge in Warrensburg, NY in the Adirondack Mountains which provided an incredible backdrop and setting not only for the special day but for the photography as well. I custom created a "Signature Wedding Reception" for them that included: Ceremony coverage, love story introduction, personalized first dance voice recording edit, personalized welcome of their parents and wedding party, border print guest sign in board, final dance alone with voice edits, sparkler send off and of course, a super fun dance party during the celebration.

I had the honor of assisting Lina & Ryan with their honeymoon planning as well, which was a gorgeous week spent at Sandals Grande St. Lucian in total paradise. Lina & Ryan had these kind words to share with me after they returned: "We had a wonderful honeymoon - the service, food, drinks, entertainment, transportation was all terrific! We loved the island itself too it was very romantic and majestic! I'd recommend the Sandals Grande St. Lucian to anyone looking to celebrate a honeymoon and anniversary, it was the best out of the three Sandals on the island for sure!

Just want to say again what an amazing job you and Paul did! We have been asked how far you travel because a few of our guests from the south loved you so much they want to hire you for their future weddings! Our entertainment is what is being raved about and remember the most about our wedding - we agree!" Thank you my friends, may your love story burn brighter each day and your lives filled with smiles and celebration forever and ever. ~ Mark

Check out this video as we began their reception with a love story and personalized first dance.