Country Inns

The following Inns are a few of my favorites:

• The Gregory House in Averill Park, NY is a great local place for more intimate gatherings and receptions. The food is spectacular and accommodations are warm and cozy. Innkeepers are Alfonso and Anna Maria at 518.674.3774. Visit them on-line at www.gregoryhouse.com

• The Barrows House in Dorset, VT is simply gorgeous. The gardens are stunning, with a gazebo and grounds for a great wedding reception. The food is outstanding. Plenty of local attractions in town and surrounding areas. You will find the innkeepers, Linda and Jim McGinnis a delight! Their number is 802.867.4455. Find them at www.barrowshouse.com

Exquisite Flowers

Just one in this category---their work is superb, unusual, fresh and affordable. Twenty years in the floral business!

• Yankee Floral in in Waterford. Owner Diane Steele serves the Capital District and will work with you to make your wedding day spectacular from the church, to the bouquets, to the reception. Call her at 518.237.1607.

Invitations, Rings, Favors, Gifts

Again, just one in this category. In business for over 50 years and serving over 50,000 brides, their reputation for excellence speaks for itself.

• AV Costa in Troy, NY. Speak with Vic or Shirley. Reach them at 518.274.7075 or visit them on line at www.avcosta.com

Travel Services

I haven't taken a real vacation in years, but here are some folks I would plan a trip with!

• Bob and Kathy are the owners of The Travel Company of Troy. Give them a call at 518.273.2119, or visit online at www.cruisinginstyle.com

• Denise at Liberty Travel in Latham is just great. Her number is 518.783.6525 and the company's web page is at www.libertytravel.com. Denise's email is doyled@libertytravel.com.

Wedding Dresses & Formal Wear

Brides that come to me rave about the following places:

• The Bridal Gallery by Yvonne. In Latham, NY, Yvonne has opened her newest shop. She carries a large selection of the most current bridal fashions and accessories for the bride and her attendants. Excellent staff. Reach them at 518.782.9333 or at www.bridalgallerybyyvonne.com.

For tuxedos, the professional I enjoy and hear great things about is:

• Anthony at Tuxego in Latham. Super styles, great customer service. 518.783.0260. Shop on line at www.tuxego.com.

Limousines

Great people and big new cars…some of the largest in the area.

Make every occasion special....Call All Occasions Limo, Inc. Call Dan Plumley at 518.479.5466 or visit us online at www.allocclimo.com.

Larry and Laurie Macera own Royale Limousine in Rensselaer. Their son Justin is the GM. Check out their 1937 Rolls Royce! Give them a call at 518.286.4444, or go online at www.royalelimousineservice.com.

Photographers

A crowded field in the Capital District, but I've listed here my three favorites for style and quality.

Thomas F. Rocco. The quality of the film he uses delivers the most gorgeous pictures. Thomas is a kind, quiet man that produces terrific work, works so well with people and has very competitive packages. Visit him at www.thomasfrocco.com or call him at 518.274.0576.

Carol Bluestein Photography. Superb workmanship, years of experience...pre-event "training" to get that perfect smile on your perfect day! Call Carol at 518.489.9922 or visit her at www.carolbluestein.com.

Imagine! Portrait Studio is owned by Bruce and Wanda Curtis. Outstanding quality in their packages and just a pleasure to work with. Their number is 518.899.7292 and their web page is at www.imagineportraitstudio.com.

Videographers

You might just get a tear in your eye when you view his work…highly recommended by brides that have worked with him. Al Woodard of Vantage Video Services is somewhat of a legend. He films from your home to the end of the reception, capturing intimate moments and the celebration, setting it all to beautiful, thoughtful music. Call at least a year ahead to reserve your date. His number is 518.435.1863 and you can view some of his work at www.vantagevideo.com.

Another recommended videographer in the Albany, NY area is Dennis Dugan at Pillar Video. A critical eye to capture essential moments and memories. Contact Dennis at 518.885.5134 or visit at www.pillarvideo.com.

Carved Ice

It takes a seasoned artisan to carve ice in this spectacular way.

Marshall Ice Company in Cohoes, NY. Reach them at 518.233.1103, and visit them online at www.marshallsicesculptures.com