#Hudson Valley Wedding

[koffiphotography]

[churchofsatannews]

Halloween 2024: A Haunted Landscape

We Satanists consider Halloween to be a holiday that celebrates the outsider, the other, those who are not like most. It is on this night that individuals who keep it to but once a year tend to explore their own quirks and inner-darknesses by wearing costumes that often reveal aspects of themselves typically hidden during the rest of their life journey. I suggest that, whatever your path of…

[hendrickbmoyphotography]

Hire Hudson Valley Photographer For Wedding Photoshoot

Hendrick Moy Photography has been working as a professional wedding photographer for over a decade, honing her skills and developing her unique style. Our team has photographed over 12 years of numerous weddings in the Hudson Valley area and has built a reputation for its artistic approach and ability to capture candid moments. In addition to wedding photography, Hendrick Moy Photography also offers engagement shoots and pre-wedding sessions.

[meadowsopranostoriamosposter]

Almost certain I found my wedding venue … it’s an estate built by a protégée of frank lloyd wright in the Hudson valley with a disco speak easy in the basement in the Hudson valley ..obsessed

[d-criss-news]

Broadway Stars Drew Gehling and Julia Mattison Marry in Starry Camp Wedding Weekend (Exclusive)

Drew Gehling and Julia Mattison had one Wet Hot American Summer wedding!

The Broadway stars — him of Waitress and her of Godspell — used the 2001 comedy as an inspiration for their "I dos" on Sept. 16, throwing a playful, three-day adult summer camp-themed celebration at the luxurious Cedar Lakes Estate in the heart of the Hudson Valley, New York.

—

It was a starry affair, with Waitress composer Sara Bareilles and fiancé Joe Tippett as well as Darren Criss and wife Mia Swier among the 140 guests. And like any good camp, Gehling, 40, and Mattison, 35, packed the party with plenty of activities, from kayaking and ziplining to a talent show where several of the talented wedding-goers performed.

[HQ] Sara Bareilles and Joe Tippett; Mia Swier and Darren Criss. (Photo by Karen Obrist Photography)

[HQ] Drew Gehling and Julia Mattison's wedding. (Photo by Karen Obrist Photography)

[merrybrides]

Honor Heirlooms

Add something old or something borrowed to the bridal bouquet for a sentimental touch to carry you down the aisle. This bride honored her late father by wrapping his personalized shirt cuff around her bouquet. "He walked me down the aisle in that sense," she recalls of her verdant Hudson Valley nuptials.

You can do the same with passed-down jewelry, a strip of fabric from your grandmother's wedding dress, or even lockets with their photos or other meaningful mementos inside.

[beardedmrbean]

Homeless veterans have been booted from hotels in upstate New York to presumably make room for the growing influx of migrants flowing from the southern border, according to a nonprofit working with the veterans. 

CEO of the Yerik Israel Toney Foundation Sharon Toney-Finch told the New York Post she was notified by veterans that they were getting kicked out of the hotels they were being housed at as they waited for more permanent housing options. 

Although they were not told explicitly it was due to the migrant surge, she said that was evident given the timing as officials battle the border surge and spillover amid the end of Title 42. 

New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher, R., slammed the Biden administration and New York officials for allowing them to be kicked out of their hotels during "Fox & Friends First."

"So the Biden administration, Governor Hochul, and the city of New York, they all have a part in this, and it's a total embarrassment," Maher told co-host Joey Jones Monday. "It's a slap in the face to veterans, to citizens of New York in this country, who are really being cast aside to allow for asylum seekers to come here."

"At the end of the day, when it comes to this particular situation, you had combat veterans who were homeless, who were told to get out of their hotel," he continued. "After one day, Sharon and her team scrambled to find them locations, and right now, what we've tried to do is let those veterans know we appreciate them. We're embarrassed by what's happened to them, but we have their backs."

There were reportedly 20 veterans who were told they would no longer receive temporary housing at the hotels – 15 of those former service members were at the Crossroads Hotel in Newburgh. 

This is the same hotel migrants arrived at last week in New York City Mayor Eric Adams' attempt to alleviate the impact of the southern border surge on the Big Apple's already-strained resources. 

The other five veterans were at either the Super 8 or the Hampton Inn & Suites in Middletown. Since the calls, the veterans were re-housed at a Hudson Valley hotel about 20 minutes away. 

The surge is even derailing weddings, with one Florida couple reporting the hotel canceled rooms previously booked for her out-of-town guests. 

"We just know about 20 veterans, and we know about weddings whose parties have been canceled," Maher said. "We don't know how far-reaching this is, and what Sharon has been hearing is throughout the country, other veterans organizations and other organizations that really help at-risk Americans are coming forward and letting her know, hey, it's happened to us, but they're afraid to speak out."

Toney-Finch, a disabled veteran who began the nonprofit to raise awareness on veteran issues, said the individuals were only at the hotels for a couple of weeks when they were told they had to leave. 

They were originally supposed to stay there for up to four weeks until the group was able to secure more permanent housing options. 

"Sharon spoke out, and now she's getting hate messages. She asked me to handle this interview today because she wants to focus on the veterans," Maher said. "And by the way, one of these veterans, 30 years old, he was there for the Afghanistan pullout. For me, one of the most embarrassing moments for our country in our history. And after getting home, he was kicked out of this hotel trying to reintegrate back into our society."

Adams previously said the city will weigh "all options" to house asylum seekers as it grapples with housing potentially hundreds of migrants arriving each day, coinciding with the end of Title 42. 

He has bussed the city's overflow of migrants into upstate New York against the wishes of city officials, as the fallout from the ending of the COVID-era policy continues. 

[vampireninjabunnies-blog]

WIP Wednesday (I'm not late. You guys were just early lol)

Tagged by @socially-awkward-skeleton,@direwombat and@inafieldofdaisies

Bearer of Bad News

Joey Hudson

This was the worst part of the job. And she shouldn't be the one doing it. Damn it Whitehorse should be here walking up the steps to John's front door. The autumn breeze sent a chill down her spine. It was eerie for the ranch to be this quiet. The Peggies standing nearby eyed her suspiciously. Normally the ones in Holland Valley were quite a bit friendlier than the rest elsewhere. It made her nervous.

"Relax Joey." Danny squeezed her shoulder lightly and gave her a small smile. "You being tense won't make this any better. Let's get it over with."

She knocked sharply on the door when they finally reached it, waiting patiently as the sound of footsteps grew louder. When the door opened it was Joseph who greeted them.

"Deputy Hudson, Deputy Trevor. How can we help you?"

They had very few interactions with Joseph in the past. Only occasionally seeing him with Jerome or his brothers. Whitehorse usually handled Joseph. In many ways he intimidated Joey the most, though she couldn't quite figure out why.

"May we come in? We need to speak to John." Danny thankfully didn't sound nearly as hesitant as she felt.

Joseph motioned for them to come in, watching them closely. His gaze unsettling and hard to read behind the yellow tint of his glasses.

"Who is it? Has someone heard something?!"

The sound of their voices must have carried because John came rushing in from the other room. Joey had never seen him like this. Normally so well put together, John's hair was disheveled and clothes were in disarray. He was visibly sleep deprived and from what she could tell had likely been drinking.

"Hudson,Trevor? Why are you here? Did you find her?" His voice was strained, pleading. It broke her heart.

Danny looked at her, both of them trying to find the words.

She pulled a small chain from her pocket, a dainty gold wedding band hanging from it. The glimmer of hope that had been shining in his eyes died when she handed it to him.

"I'm sorry John. This is all we found. And it's already been several weeks and-"

His eyes widened staring at her. "No no...you have to keep looking. You have to..."

Danny put a tentative hand on his shoulder "She couldn't swim John, the odds that we'll find anything now. Look we're sorry but"

John fell to his knees begging them to keep looking. His words muddled behind incoherent sobbing. Joey took note of the vague look of disdain behind the veil of sympathy on Joseph's face as he stared at his baby brother. Danny led her out when he motioned for them to leave. Muttering another apology as they left.

Joseph held John whispering in his ear. "I'm sorry John. I'm sorry they gave up."

John looked up at him, his eyes red. For just a moment Joseph saw nothing of the grown man he'd found in Atlanta. Instead the little toddler wailing in the corner after their father had beat him. He ignored the twisting gnawing feeling of remorse in his gut. An opportunity had presented itself and intended to take it. Touching his forehead to John's.

"You put too much faith in these sinners John. They don't care. Of course they would give up on one of ours. Have faith brother. Atonement will come."

Danny paused, drumming his fingers on the open car door looking back at the ranch.

Joey leaned on the roof "What's the matter?"

"You see the look on Joseph's face? Not so sure that wreck was an accident."

They climbed into the car. She looked at him with doubt. " I don't know Danny. You might be reaching there. I mean his own brother?"

He started the engine and pulled out of the drive toward Fall's End.

"Maybe but something don't feel right here. Somehow we're gonna get the blame for this. Whole lot trouble coming our way Joey."

She sighed staring out the window at the glaring Peggie faces as they drove by, wishing again that Whitehorse had come instead of them. Maybe Danny was right. Damn it this really was the worst part of the job. Being the bearer of bad news.

[46ten]

The Hamiltons and their Dutch Reformed wedding

[Text from Religions of the United States in Practice, Volume 1]. 

Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler were married on Thursday, December 14, 1780, in the largest parlor of her parents’ Albany mansion, by a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, as is recorded in the church registry of the Reformed Dutch Church of Albany (now First Church in Albany). Domine Eilardus Westerlo,* the second husband of Catharina Livingston Van Rensselaer (mother of Stephen Van Rensselaer III) had presided at Angelica and John Church’s wedding at the Van Rensselaer Manor house north of Albany three years prior, but it’s unknown to me if he also was the minister for the Hamilton wedding.

It’s easy to speculate that AH, at least, thought that he and Eliza would be married at Morristown that spring 1780 - it was not common to have an engagement lasting several months, and it would have made sense to get married before the campaign. Morristown had both Anglican and Presbyterian ministers. But Philip Schuyler poured cold water on that, stating in a letter that it would not be proper for them to be married at Morristown (and certainly, not to elope). In one of his letters to his fiancee AH complains that their engagement has lasted “an age,” and in another asks if she would still like to elope - it’s easy to see that he was going along with this delay to make her family happy. 

If AH, who stated in 1771 that he was a member of the English Reformed Church, and then had ties through Rev. Knox to the Scotch Presbyterian Church, had mixed feelings about marrying in the Dutch Reformed tradition, it is unrecorded, although he is quoting from the Anglican marriage rite in his Oct 1780 letter to Eliza and his reference to “nuptial benediction” is from Anglicanism (I wonder if he grimaced when he read this totally non-poetic marriage rite below, compared to this one). He and Eliza’s first child, Philip, was baptized at the Reformed Dutch Church of Albany on Feb 11, 1782, with Philip’s grandparents as witnesses. And maybe AH really took the marital admonitions from this Liturgy (quoting Matthew 19) to heart [see page 3 below], as he supported folks only being allowed to divorce in the case of adultery (not for cruelty, not for abandonment), which remained NY state law until 1967. 

So let’s talk cool facts about the Dutch Reformed tradition in America: 

One book that every (Dutch American) colonial family was certain to possess was a kerkboekje (church book) - containing the Dutch metrical Psalter (with the Genevan tunes), the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Netherlands Liturgy - which they carried with them to church every Sunday. In more well-to-do families, every person had a kerboekje of his or her own. Because of their high birth rate, Dutch Americans were able to maintain their language and culture under the English regime for another century. Their culture was so tenacious that the French and German immigrants who later settled in the Hudson Valley adopted Dutch as their language rather than English. [Here I interject that Sojourner Truth, born into slavery in 1797 in Swartekill, NY, was a native Dutch speaker who likely never lost that accent - her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech was translated to a Southern dialect.]

After a hundred years of English rule, however, Dutch eventually lost its place as the language of New York and New Jersey.

English language preaching was introduced in 1763, and the church book was translated to English in 1767, becoming the New York Liturgy that became standard across all English-speaking Dutch Reformed Churches in the world. (Services in Albany would stay in Dutch through most of the 1780s, although I’m certainly hoping that their wedding wasn’t in Dutch, a language that I don’t believe we have any record of AH speaking.) This language certainly doesn’t have the flourishes of the Anglican liturgy - it’s pretty appalling from a literary point of view.

We know that Dutch women enjoyed stronger inheritance rights and a more elevated status than did their English peers. In cases of Dutch-English intermarriage, the couples usually ended up Dutch Reformed. 

Obviously not the Hamiltons, who after Philip would baptize their next three children in the Episcopal Church (the Anglican Church of the USA) in 1788; the Hamiltons would remain Episcopalians for generations. Angelica Schuyler Church also became Episcopalian (and is the one we actually have a contemporary record of going to church with her own and the Hamilton children, other than presumed attendance for baptisms and at the 1st inauguration of GW), which makes total sense since she married an Englishman. It also makes sense that AH would return to the religious liturgies of his youth [See my lengthy post about the Hamiltons’ religious preferences.]

Getting back to the wedding stuff - although this researcher states that marriages were usually in church, I suspect that was for the plebs. Other books cite wealthy Dutch-Americans marrying at their homes, and then the bride wearing her finest outfit to church on the Sunday following her wedding. I have never found a reference to the Schuylers as a particularly pious family, nor have I found a reference to Philip Schuyler maintaining a pew for his family at the church in Albany. His youngest daughter does not cite him as an attendant, but as someone who kept private devotions and would sometimes recite a prayer service for the household (this was not at all uncommon). 

Dutch American weddings were big, community, raucous affairs, almost everyone agrees. “Complaints about carousing and excessive drunkenness were not uncommon.” Philip and Catharine likely wanted to throw such a party! 

Although they clearly wanted to witness and then throw a crazy party afterwards, Elizabeth’s parents would have played no role in the wedding itself. There was no giving away of the bride as there is in the Anglican rite, where the father (usually) affirms that he is giving “this woman to be married to this man.” Instead, this was a ceremony for two grown sober adults, choosing to live in the Married State, the Institution of God [see below].  

Anyway, getting to the real point: below are my not-good photos of the form of marriage of the New York Liturgy. Considering the dates of this liturgy, this is likely what was read to and said by the Hamiltons at their wedding. This has some typical Reformed catechesis - “God will...judge and punish Whoremongers and Adulterers,” “Resist all Wickedness,” “Believe these Words of Christ, and be certain and assured, that our Lord God had joined you together in this holy State. You are therefore to receive, whatever befalls you therein with Patience and Thanksgiving, as from the Hand of God, and thus all Things will turn to your Advantage and Salvation.” It even starts off with such a great tone: “Whereas Married Persons are generally, by Reason of Sin, subject to many Troubles and Afflictions...”

A line that is unfamiliar to me from other Christian marriage rites: “[to the husband]..you are to labor diligently and faithfully, in the calling wherein God hath set you, that you may maintain your Household honestly, and likewise have something to give to the poor” [my emphasis]. And I am unaware of any other major Christian marriage rite that so blatantly states St. Paul’s admonition to get married to avoid fornication. Calvinism can be so grim (my apologies to any Calvinists reading this, but not really). 

If you’ve made it this far, perhaps you’d also like to read about Dutch epithalamia. Epithalamia were wedding poems/songs - more specifically, for the marital bed/consummation - that were popular all the way from the classical period (they likely arose from the very elaborate wedding rituals of the past ancient Greeks/Balkan peoples) but largely disappeared in the late 19th century and have now been forgotten. There was quite a lot of literature/pamphlets/instruction manuals(?) about how to approach one’s wedding night; epithalamia was the far more naughty/raucous cousin to this literature. But I don’t think anyone really took some of this literature seriously: 

...The chapter titled ‘Bruyt’ (Bride) highlights how respectable Protestants wished newly-weds the joys of a chaste Christian marriage and advocated the creation of a devotional atmosphere before becoming one flesh. Cats’s instructions about the wedding day cover various topics, such as the behaviour of the wedding guests, the bride and groom’s mental preparation, orchestrating the mood of the wedding banquet, the symbolic meaning of the bride’s crown, conduct at the nuptial bed, and pious conversation between bride and groom.

* h/t to Dr. Tom Cutterham for this, who is also working on a biography (and working to get a publisher for said biography) on Angelica Schuyler Church “which explores the processes of bourgeois class-formation in this period through the lens of her ideas, exploits, and transatlantic voyages.” He’s already released some of his research/early thoughts on “The Labor of Bourgeois Sexuality” during this period, or listen to the podcast, in which he reads from a section of his biography on ASC’s social climbing to get her husband into Parliament, including a ‘risque’ section of a letter from Baron von Steuben to Church. 

[koffiphotography]

[churchofsatannews]

Halloween 2023: Danse Macabre

We Satanists find Halloween to be a holiday that celebrates the outsider, the other, those who are not like most. It is on this night that the “normals” tend to explore their own quirks and inner-darknesses by wearing costumes that often reveal aspects of themselves typically hidden during the rest of the year. We’ve seen that there has recently been a plethora of party-poopers publishing lists…

[hendrickbmoyphotography]

Best Wedding Photographer in New Jersey - Hendrick Moy Photography

The goal of Hendrick Moy Photography is to capture the love and joy of the couple on their special day in a way that will be cherished for years to come. Hendrick Moy Photography has able to build rapport with their clients; putting them at ease and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. We organized and able to manage producing high-quality images. In addition, we have understanding of the technical aspects of photography, including exposure, composition, and post-processing techniques. Book now photography appointment today! For more details visit the site and contact us via mail and toll free number.

[missrayeofsunshine]

a gorgeous wedding weekend upstate 💫 the details! they served warm apple cider and provided blankets during the outdoor ceremony and the grounds were an apple orchard overlooking the Hudson valley 🍎

[better2getherr]

Planning a Destination Wedding in New York? Here's What Your Officiant Can Do

New York is one of the most iconic wedding destinations in the world. From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, the bustling streets of Manhattan to the tranquil Hudson Valley, it offers a diverse range of picturesque venues. If you're planning a destination wedding in New York, you’ll want an officiant who can do more than just perform your ceremony. A skilled officiant can help you navigate the logistical, legal, and emotional aspects of planning a wedding from afar, ensuring your special day is seamless and unforgettable.

Here’s how a New York officiant can support you throughout the process.

1. Navigating New York’s Marriage Laws

Planning a wedding in another state can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the legal requirements. In New York, couples must obtain a marriage license from any city or town clerk’s office, and there’s a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can get married.

NY Wedding Officiants will guide you through this process and help you understand the timeline for applying for your license. They can also advise you on:

Which documents you need (e.g., ID, divorce decrees if applicable).

Where to obtain your license, depending on your wedding location.

Deadlines for filing the signed marriage license after the ceremony.

Having an officiant familiar with New York’s marriage laws ensures there are no last-minute legal surprises.

2. Customizing Your Ceremony

Every couple dreams of a wedding ceremony that reflects their unique love story, and a destination wedding is no exception. A professional officiant will work with you to design a personalized ceremony that aligns with your vision, whether it’s traditional, modern, spiritual, or completely unique.

They’ll collaborate with you via video calls, emails, or phone meetings to discuss:

Your preferred tone and style (formal, relaxed, romantic, etc.).

Cultural or religious traditions you want to include.

Custom vows or special readings.

This ensures that your ceremony feels personal and meaningful, even if you’ve planned it from miles away.

3. Venue Expertise and Recommendations

New York’s wide range of wedding venues can be overwhelming to navigate, especially for couples unfamiliar with the area. Your officiant can offer valuable insights into the best locations for your ceremony, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

Many officiants have experience performing ceremonies in popular spots like:

Central Park’s Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace.

Rooftop venues with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.

Intimate spaces in the Hudson Valley or Long Island.

They may also recommend venues that align with your theme, guest count, and budget. This expertise can save you hours of research and help you choose the perfect backdrop for your special day.

4. Handling Logistical Challenges

Destination weddings come with unique logistical challenges, from coordinating travel arrangements to managing timelines. Your NY Wedding Officiants can provide crucial support in streamlining these details.

For example, they can:

Coordinate with your wedding planner or venue staff to ensure a smooth ceremony flow.

Help you organize a rehearsal, even if it’s virtual.

Provide tips for managing unpredictable weather, especially for outdoor ceremonies.

By acting as a point of contact for ceremony-related logistics, your officiant helps reduce stress and ensures everything runs smoothly.

5. Incorporating New York’s Charm

A destination wedding in New York offers countless opportunities to incorporate the city’s character into your ceremony. A knowledgeable officiant can suggest creative ways to highlight the charm of your chosen location.

For example:

For a ceremony in Central Park, your officiant might include a nod to NYC’s natural beauty through a reading or blessing.

At a rooftop venue, they might weave the iconic skyline into the symbolism of your vows.

For couples tying the knot near historical landmarks, they can add meaningful anecdotes or quotes that celebrate the city’s rich history.

These touches make your destination wedding feel truly connected to New York’s unique identity.

6. Providing Vendor Referrals

Planning a destination wedding often means relying on local vendors for flowers, photography, music, and more. Your officiant likely has a network of trusted professionals they’ve worked with and can recommend vendors who align with your style and budget.

This saves you time and effort while ensuring you’re working with experienced vendors who understand the local wedding scene.

7. Guiding Elopements and Intimate Ceremonies

New York is a popular destination for elopements and micro-weddings, thanks to its picturesque spots and romantic ambiance. If you’re planning an elopement, your officiant can help simplify the process.

They might:

Suggest scenic locations that don’t require extensive permits or planning.

Create a short yet meaningful ceremony script tailored to your intimate celebration.

Offer advice on incorporating small rituals like handfasting or a unity candle.

For couples choosing to keep their ceremony small, an officiant experienced in elopements ensures your day feels intimate and special.

8. Handling Cultural and Legal Nuances for International Couples

If you’re traveling to New York from another country, your officiant can help you navigate cultural or legal nuances. This includes advising on:

Obtaining an Apostille if your marriage needs to be recognized in another country.

Including bilingual elements in your ceremony if guests speak different languages.

Incorporating cultural traditions or rituals specific to your heritage.

Their experience with international weddings ensures your ceremony feels inclusive and legally compliant, no matter where you’re from.

9. Support on the Big Day

On your wedding day, your NY Wedding Officiants will do more than just recite the ceremony. They’ll provide calm, reassuring support to help you stay present and enjoy the moment. From double-checking the marriage license to guiding you through your vows, their expertise ensures your ceremony is seamless and stress-free.

Conclusion

Planning a destination wedding in New York is an exciting adventure, but it comes with unique challenges. By choosing an experienced officiant, you’ll gain a partner who can handle the legalities, logistics, and personalization of your ceremony. With their guidance, you can focus on celebrating your love in one of the world’s most iconic wedding destinations. Whether you’re envisioning a grand event or an intimate elopement, your officiant will play a key role in making your New York wedding unforgettable.

[mitsymimi]

Couple Photoshoot Ideas

Here are some poses that Stories by Victoria can bring to life for you!

In this blog, I’m sharing a few of my favorite couple photoshoot ideas to help inspire you for your own session. These ideas work great for outdoor sessions in the dazzling landscapes of the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, or even in your home. Let’s explore these magical moments together! 

You can read the whole blog here https://victoriaboustani.com/2024/10/03/couple-photoshoot-ideas/

Visit our website for more wedding tips!

[lilbukatnews]

High-A Hudson Valley's mascots tie the knot between innings

Yankees’ High-A affiliate sees raccoon, skunk exchange baseballs as wedding pact