“I cannot emphasize enough how incredible our experience with Falkirk Estate and Country Club was! On our first visit, we were warmly welcomed by the general manager. The pride each staff member felt in their position was evident in the quality of the service and the immaculate grounds. We knew we’d found our venue.
“Moving forward, the staff at Falkirk was amazing. Most of our planning was spent with me at medical school in North Carolina and Ryan deployed in Afghanistan. It meant so much to us that everyone accommodated my schedule and readily answered questions at any time. We could enjoy our wedding and be present in the moment because we knew every detail was attended to. We were truly stress free!”
Their Vendors
Ceremony: Cadet Chapel
Reception: Falkirk Estate & Country Club, 845.928.8060, www.falkirkestate.com
Gown: Pnina Tornai, at Kleinfeld, NYC
Bridesmaids: Sorella Vita
Tux: Caravelli
Photographer: Constance Schiano Photography
Makeup: Laura Rinaldi, Captiva Salon
Hair: Marrianne Parks, Six Twenty Five Beauty Bar
Florist: Roma Florist
Cake: Palermo Custom Cakes & Bakery
Cinematographer: Julian Focareta
Band: Hank Lane Music
Ryan and I met as freshman in high school. There weren’t immediate fireworks, but over time he and I became really close, building a strong connection. On Valentine’s Day, Ryan surprised me with flowers and asked me to be his girlfriend. We loved each other, but as silly kids that was a lot to handle. We broke up and took what we now jokingly call our “hiatus.” Years later, he was attending the US Military Academy at West Point and I was attending the University of Tampa.We kept in touch over the years and after one of our annual catch-up dates, this time at my family’s restaurant, Ryan sent his gentlemanly follow-up text to tell me he had a great time. I responded telling him I’d never stopped loving him. He responded that he’d never stopped loving me either, and my heart almost burst with joy.
A few years later we visited New York for an Army vs. Air Force football game with our friends. Ryan was on the team for four years, so it was already an exciting weekend. When we arrived on base he took me to our favorite spot called Trophy Point, a beautiful overlook that showcases the Hudson River and spectacular mountains. Little did I know, Ryan invited our families and all our closest friends to surprise me. I saw their familiar faces, then turned to see Ryan on one knee!
I cannot emphasize enough how incredible our experience with Falkirk Estate and Country Club was! On our first visit, we were warmly welcomed by Tommy Spinelli, the general manager, who was friendly, enthusiastic, and direct. He told us what to expect, provided checklists for planning, and gave multiple fantastic referrals. The pride each staff member felt in their position was evident in the quality of the service and the immaculate grounds. We knew we’d found our venue. Moving forward, the staff at Falkirk was amazing. Most of our planning was spent with me at medical school in North Carolina and Ryan deployed in Afghanistan. It meant so much to us that Tommy accommodated my schedule and readily answered questions at any time. We could enjoy our wedding and be present in the moment because we knew every detail was attended to.We were truly stress-free!
Our ceremony was held in Cadet Chapel at West Point. The architecture and intricate stained glass created an enchanted setting for a simple, meaningful ceremony, which ended with a traditional military saber arch! Our cocktail hour and a half was out of this world! Located in Falkirk’s beautiful, classy cocktail room, which opens up to the gorgeous patio, our guests enjoyed the lovely scenery. A tiered glass stand at the center of the room showcased international cheeses, Italian meats, fresh fruit, crudités, and a variety of salads. Along the walls were captain stations, including hot seafood, shrimp cocktail, and a Peter Luger carving station. A favorite was the NY style deli cart on the patio! Hot and cold passed hors d’oeuvres ensured absolutely everyone tried something delicious. The kitchen staff went above and beyond our expectations, and our guests are still complimenting their work!
The ballroom at Falkirk is straight from a real-life fairy tale. The large room has a beautiful, spacious dance floor, and opens to an outdoor patio overlooking the mountains surrounding the estate. Our florist made our vision come to life with tall centerpieces filled with deep red roses, lilies, and white hydrangeas, perfectly accenting the high ceilings. We used gold tablecloths, ivory napkins, and votive candles to keep the rest of the palette simple. Our sweetheart table was lined with hydrangeas, roses, and pillar candles of varying heights. Tommy and the entire staff made sure the ballroom was kept pristine throughout the night.
The first course for dinner was penne alla vodka, followed by a salad of mixed field greens. Our guests then received their choice of prime aged rib eye, baked Atlantic salmon, or Falkirk chicken. Our wedding cake, family-style dessert towers, a gelato bar, and a zeppole station made sure our guests ended with a sweet treat before continuing the night dancing it all off!
Hands down, Falkirk Estate is the most amazing venue we’ve ever been to. The staff went above and beyond for us at every step. They helped make sure our dream wedding reflecting our life together came true. Tommy, the staff at Falkirk, and all our vendors were exceptional. We cannot explain how grateful we are! Thank you to our families, bridal party, and friends who came to celebrate our day with us! To our parents, thank you for supporting us, encouraging us, and giving us the best day imaginable! We are eternally grateful.
Falkirk Estate & Country Club, Hudson Valley, NY, 845.928.8060, www.falkirkestate.com
