Melanie & Michael | Falkirk Estate & CC | Central Valley, NY

“Chic, Authentic, Remarkable”

Melanie: Mike and I have known each other since middle school, and became best friends in high school and college in different states. We traveled Europe together, always as friends. Mike sent flowers, spa days, and dinner dates, which was a clear sign in hindsight. One evening he called and said he’s been in love with me. Nervously, I hung up. A few days later, I explained our friendship was too much to risk. Mike replied, “Minor details.”

Mike: I’ve known her parents awhile, because their business works closely with mine, VitaCare Technologies. I asked their permission, then set my plans. I custom designed her ring, rented a penthouse in NYC, and coordinated with colleagues for Melanie, a real estate broker with Compass, to do “a showing.” Her “client” was actually our photographer! I spent months decorating, gathering birch branches, rose petals, and Christmas decor. When the day came, Melanie walked onto the private roof deck with the violinist playing our song. She saw me, and I proposed.

Melanie: At Falkirk Estate and Country Club we met Tommy Spinelli, general manager and director of catering, with Karen Corson, event coordinator. We knew we found “the one.” Being business owners ourselves, hospitality and attention to detail are essential and Falkirk over delivered. Karen and Tommy were personable, straightforward, led us through decisions, and helped coordinate all vendors. They have a chic barn, waterfalls, ponds, gardens, an authentic pub, equestrian farm, and a stunning golf course overlooking the mountains, all providing unique backdrops for our creative photographers. The staff felt like family, going above and beyond. Especially Michael and Michelle, our bridal attendants. The exclusiveness, remarkable food, flow, and design of Falkirk gave us the wedding of our dreams.

Mike: The staff is second to none. Fireworks at midnight were a must for our New Year’s Eve wedding, but a town ordinance disagreed. Determined, Karen negotiated fireworks at the stroke of midnight. We relied on Falkirk’s recommendations, used their decor to save money, and all guests felt comfortable with the handicapped-friendly venue. Falkirk enthusiastically incorporated Mel’s love of NYC with an Empire State Building ice sculpture and a food cart at midnight filled with knishes, pretzels, and, of course, hot dogs.

Melanie: Finding a church willing to perform our ceremony on New Year’s Eve was difficult, since it’s a holy week. Finally, we found a priest who would bless our marriage, the same priest who married Mike’s uncle and late aunt! It was special to us and our entire family.

Mike: Karen suggested cocktail hour be an hour and a half, which gave us plenty of time to mingle with our guests after our photos. We chose 10 passed hors d’oeuvres and picked custom stations of crudités, Italian Sunday Dinner, two carvings, seafood, and an oyster and shrimp bar with our ice sculpture. We had a guarded door to the bridal suite, thanks to Karen, where we were able to relish our day, alone.

Melanie: Our guests dressed in 1920’s-inspired outfits and Mike matched in coattails. Everyone looked glamorous. Falkirk, inside and out, is stunning. Our black and gold color scheme complemented our red-rose florals. Falkirk provided high-end silk linens and decorated our tables. The patios, covered and warmed by space heaters, were the perfect places to gather, enjoy a cigar, and watch the fireworks! Dinner featured a duet first course of buffalo mozzarella and beefsteak tomato followed by an intermezzo of lemon sorbet. Entrée options were filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, French cut chicken, and a vegetarian plate. Dessert was family-style Italian pastry towers with our delicious cake.

Mike: Being a musician, I was very particular in choosing our band. Music was a top priority and we needed something distinctive. After researching and seeing them locally, we found the perfect band for us. Everyone was on the dance floor all night; our M.C. made sure of that! They’re truly talented musicians able to play any and every genre and era of music.Melanie: To surprise Mike, I worked with our band to do a riff-off from the movie Pitch Perfect. The band, Tommy, and Karen all helped keep the secret, putting in serious time to make it happen. We pulled it off — pitch perfect!

Melanie & Mike: To Melanie’s parents, thank you for making our dream wedding possible. To Mike’s parents, we appreciate all you did for us. To Karen, Tommy and the Falkirk staff, you are phenomenal! To our vendors, your effort was remarkable and we appreciate all your genuine creativity. To our guests, thank you for coming and making this the best day of our lives.

Falkirk Estate & Country Club, Hudson Valley, NY845.928.8060, www.falkirkestate.com