Katie O Weddings & Events

The Music: Grand Central Station

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Katie O

So what does a DJ do for music on their wedding day? I was really interested to find out what Brian was thinking when it came to music. When we initially met, he wasn’t completely certain on what the plan was. On one hand he had plenty of people who were willing to DJ for the wedding, but on the other hand he and Sarah liked the idea of a live band.

Music is certainly a huge part of any wedding day or celebration. If having a live band is a priority for your and you fiancé then you should definitely check out some of the options in the Captial Region. Brian and Sarah looked at various websites and also were able to go see their wedding band, Grand Central Station, live at a public gig. As a wedding planner, I always try to keep up to date on when local bands have public shows and always encourage my clients to go and check them out to get a feel for how they sound and perform live.

Brian and Sarah knew they wanted a fun party, talented musicians and a band that could keep the dance floor packed all night. When they saw Grand Central Station at Katie O’Byrne’s they instantly knew it was a perfect fit. In addition to being a group full of talented musicians, they are complete professionals and have been working alongside throughout the planning process to make certain that they are completely happy with all the music selections. Paul, Jenry and Mia have been consulting with them to make certain that they are happy with the ceremony music selections, have learned new songs at their request and overall have been committed to making this a great party for the couple.

We are really excited to get the party started on Saturday and can’t wait to see what Grand Central Station has in store for the big day!

For more information please check out: http://www.gcsband.com/

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The Venue: Franklin Plaza

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Katie O

The Franklin Plaza is one of the most unique and historic venues in the Capital Region. I have always loved the look of this venue, even before I was a wedding professional. When Sarah, Brian and I first met they weren’t 100% certain on where their wedding was going to take place and had a couple of options they were thinking of. When you are selecting a venue for your wedding day there are a lot of factors to consider; budget is usually at the top of the list, as well as location and overall feel. Once we talked through all the pros and cons of the other venues as well as the Franklin Plaza, we knew that this was the spot for them.

The venue has special meaning to them as they have celebrated New Year’s there, they liked that it was close for family and friends to get to and they also knew that the staff was professional and food was delicious. Sarah has a background in culinary arts so the menu was really important to her. Joe and Greg at the Franklin Plaza were willing to work directly with her to create a delicious entrée, with a unique presentation that their guests are sure to enjoy.

One of the best parts about the Franklin Plaza is that you are able to host the ceremony and reception right on site which is so nice for guests, especially in the winter time! Keeping everything in one location is really a nice option as it means more quality time spent with family and friends. The ceremony will take place in the main ballroom and once it concludes guests will be able to head right into cocktail hour upstairs and Sarah and Brian will be able to join them after a few quick photos.

We are looking forward to a truly beautiful day and working with the fantastic team at the Franklin Plaza to help make their wedding day dreams come true.

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Sarah & Brian’s Big Day!

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Katie O

This week we are going to highlight and share with you the venue and vendors who will be helping to make Sarah & Brian’s wedding day a truly magical day!

photo by Julia Zave

It has been an amazing experience working with this couple for over a year now. They are fun, patient, adorable, kind, appreciative and overall we are proud to have them as a “Katie O’ Couple!” This will be our first wedding to kick off the 2012 wedding season and we couldn’t think of a better way to do it.

Follow us on twitter at @katieoevents and “like” us on Facebook for up to date photos and posts throughout their entire wedding weekend.

Keep sparkling!

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Sparkling…or stressing?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Katie O

It is officially “ring season!” This is the time in the “biz” when the phone doesn’t stop ringing with new inquiries as most engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day. It really is the “most wonderful time of the year” for the wedding professionals. Sometimes it is as exciting for brides but for those newly engaged couples it can also be stressful! Below are some tips on how to enjoy the process.

When you get engaged it is certainly one of the most exciting moments in your life and it should be celebrated and the time surrounding it should be treasured! Take in all of the messages via text, phone, cards (yes people still mail things, in the US mail with stamps…well at least I do) Facebook and enjoy it!

The transition….

Getting engaged can also be a stressful “life changing moment” as I have seen women go from “Sally” to “Sally just got engaged” and she instantly turned into a person who easily attracts everyone’s opinion and all they want to talk about is the “big day!”

Over the years I have seen so many friends, clients and family members deal with this in different ways and one of my all time favorites has been adopting the “we are just going to enjoy this time” philosophy. In this case you take 2-3 weeks and put any decision making on hold…tell Aunt Millie that while you are excited to be engaged you are waiting to dive into wedding planning so that you and your fiancé can really experience this moment!

You know what they say about opinions….

At this point everyone you come in contact with is going to have an opinion…it typically goes like this: “Omigoodness! Congratulations on your engagement, we are so happy for you. Where are you getting married? We got married at this venue and it is the BEST in the area. Who is doing your flowers? We had this florist do our flowers and they were the most beautiful. Where are you getting your dress? I got my dress here and it was so fun!” All of this is perfectly fine…for them! Graciously accept any and all opinions with a smile and thank you and remember that ultimately your wedding day will be a true reflection of the love you share.

And then there is the “ummm…wow….so this is way more overwhelming than I thought it would be” stage:

Overwhelmed? By now you have flipped through every recent wedding magazine, stayed up late stalking blogs, watched too many reruns of “Say Yes to Dress” and are ready to elope?! Don’t do it…not yet! We are actually here to help. We offer all couples a complimentary 1-hour consultation to talk through everything from vendors, budget, timing, time of year and venues. We might even figure out that eloping is the best idea but let us help you. We promise to take you from overwhelmed to overjoyed! Give us a call, we’d love to chat 518-275-6813.

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A Lover and a Fighter….

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Katie O

A little over a year ago I received a text message that read: “hey Katie it’s Brian Cody, I’m engaged…we should talk!” I was so excited to see this text and couldn’t wait to catch up with Brian to learn more. Once we connected and I had the chance to meet with Brian and his fiancé Sarah I immediately was excited to get started with this couple. We have been working together for the past year providing full-service planning for Brian & Sarah and it has been one of the most fun experiences! As we close in on their wedding date (February 25, 2012) I am going to be posting some fun blogs about the process, how they are doing and of course providing updates on “The Knot Nazi!” a fun segment that airs every Friday and Monday on Fly 92’s Morning Rush with Brian & Chrissy around the 8 o’clock hour.

Photo by Julia Zave

To kick this blog series off I wanted to share a little bit more about this couple. Full service planning allows me the ability to really connect and build relationships with the client. As you will hear on our weekly segments- I tend to be the “peacemaker” or “referee” with these two!

Sarah Kuhn is one of the most inspiring and sweetest people I have ever met and the fact that she could seriously knock my lights out has a lot to do with this. Sarah is a professional boxer…actually she is even more than that she is the WIBC Junior Welterweight world titleholder…yes she is kind of a big deal!! Now I have worked with plenty of brides and many of them have their “bridezilla” moments, so I was a little afraid of what Sarah’s would be like! Sarah is the farthest thing from a ‘bridezilla’, she is one the most patient, excited, happy and easy going brides I have worked with…a wedding planners dream! She is a girl who loves pink, Coach bags, working out, sparkly things, the NY Giants and her fiancé Brian (aka Bud).

Brian Cody is a pretty great guy too and I am not just saying this because he controls the microphone. I know it might seem hard to believe from some of his “moments” during “The Knot Nazi” segments on Fly92but I can say that he is 100% committed to being a part of the planning process and making the wedding day a true reflection on the love he and Sarah share. He has been at almost every meeting we have had, provides great input, asks some really good questions and takes almost all of my advice and Sarah’s wishes to heart! Don’t get me wrong there have been a couple of moments when Sarah and I definitely see things differently than Brian but ultimately we all agree! I will be sharing some of these moments, as we get closer to the big day. He is a guy who loves the Dallas Cowboys, good music, Crossfit, giving back to his community and his fiancé Sarah (aka Bud).

So when you take Sarah and Brian and put them together you get this amazing combination of wit, toughness, sweetness, stubbornness, kindness and it creates a perfect combination of “Buds” who are truly meant to be together and we are so excited to be a part of making on of their most special days come true!

SN: when I first met them we were at Wolf’s 1-11 and they innocently and quite cutely referred to one another as “bud,” now for some the whole nickname/pet name for your boyfriend or girlfriend might not be your thing and honestly it can be a little sappy…but I have to tell you it was SO cute when they did it and made me even more excited to work with them, since I knew they were “for real!”

Stay tuned into FLY 92 every Friday and Monday and check out this blog for more updates, photos and details of their day!

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Sharing the Sparkle: What makes me sparkle!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Katie O

Sharing the sparkle really cannot be complete until we get to the bottom of what it is that makes Katie O’ sparkle on the wedding day! Overall there are 4 major elements that go into making the big day as sparkly as can be.

First there are very few weddings that have been produced without the help of a Starbuck’s “Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte” (iced in the Summer and hot in the Winter!) Really, I am addicted to it and I am not afraid to admit this. Ok so maybe I am a little afraid when my bookkeeper complies all the expenses at the end of the year and it becomes abundantly clear that for what I spend on coffee I could buy a new company vehicle! Priorities people. The caffeine consumed is a direct correlation to the success of the wedding day= completely justified, in my mind.

Second, comfort is key and I quickly learned after my first wedding season that function trumps fashion when it comes to keeping me a sparkly coordinator! I tried (with no success really) to find that perfect pair of cute shoes that I would be able to wear for 15+ hour days without wanting to cry by the time toasts come around on the itinerary. Well, I guess what I came up with was a bit of a compromise…they aren’t super cute but they are super comfortable and black patent leather…so kind of fancy. I’d truly rather be wearing these..

Ultimately, my Dansko’s are my saving grace on wedding day and I can’t say enough good things about how I went from wanting to never get out of bed the next day due to my aching soles to actually feeling normal after a wedding day. They are by far one of the best investments I have made in myself for getting through all the way until the last shuttle bus departs!

Third having a kind, patient, fun and respectful bridal party can really make or break a wedding day. There is something to be said when the bride and groom select family members/friends who are truly excited to share this day with them and make certain they are there to have a good time. As a coordinator, at times it can be a bit of a challenge to get everyone on the same page and working with us to get from “point A” to “point B.” When we have a team in place that is there to bring the fun it is definitely going to be a very fun and very sparkly wedding day. With their help it makes the favorite Katie O’ “moment” (you know the one I post a picture of almost every wedding towards the end of the night) that much more special.

And finally there is a moment in the wedding day (on average it occurs at about hour 10.5). It is my Diet Coke moment. Once all of formal introductions are complete and any other formalities prior to dinner being served it is time to celebrate at the bar with a big ice cold Diet Coke (hold the Rum!) It really has become kind of an OCD thing for me, as if something is just not right if I don’t get the Diet Coke. I don’t really feel the need for one now but know that on Saturday, February 25^th, 2012 at about 9:45pm I will be enjoying a nice cold one at the Franklin Plaza bar.

So many people ask me how I do what I do with such sparkle and not only is it because I truly love what I do but because these little helpers get me through any hiccup that might occur!

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Sharing the Sparkle: Putnam Market

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Katie O

All Katie O’ clients will enjoy a delicious meal on their wedding day and if you are getting married in Saratoga you most likely will enjoy two!

Your wedding meal will be one of these delicious meals, as I do not believe or allow my clients to say “Oh we probably won’t even eat at the wedding.” Why wouldn’t you eat? You picked the menu, you helped plan the day, you have earned the yummy meal prepared especially for you!

With KOW&E on the scene that day we schedule the time for you to eat so don’t worry about that. The other delicious meal almost always will arrive to you from one of our favorite spots, the yummy and delicious Putnam Market.

We suggest that clients pre-order lunch for their bridesmaids and groomsmen for “getting ready” time in the hotel room. This way you can all stay in one spot, getting pampered and not have to be sending someone out to get lunch or run around taking orders!

Putnam Market offers some of the most creative, delicious and fresh sandwiches and wraps in downtown Saratoga. My personal favorite is the High Rock. It’s kind of like Thanksgiving all wrapped up in one sandwich. A wonderful mixture of turkey, cheddar, and cranberry mayo sandwiched between fresh wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. It really could be considered the official sandwich of KOW&E as I’ve now turned Jill and Megan on to it too, with extra pickles on the side of course.

They will create a platter of wraps or sandwiches, mixed green or pasta salads on the side, chips and a sweet dessert tray for your bridal party.

It may seem like something small and insignificant or the last thing you want to think about on your wedding day but making time for meals really is essential and Putnam Market makes it that much more enjoyable… if only they delivered to Troy!

You can scope out their menu on their website and see fun new items in their market on Facebook!

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Sharing the Sparkle: Bliss Salon & Boutique

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Katie O

“I don’t trust anyone who does their own hair” -Steel Magnolias

Bliss Salon and Boutique is definitely one of my “happy places.” It is a place where I can go and leave my troubles at the door. I think only women can truly understand what it means to connect with and really love your hair salon. It is like one of my favorite movies of all time, Steel Magnolias. I walk into Bliss and it’s like I’m at Truvy’s with all my girls, chatting , laughing and feeling beautiful.

My “Bliss girls” as I affectionately call them are some of the most talented, kind and generous ladies I know! Owned and operated by Meghan & Emily with a team of stylists including Lauren my own personal hair stylist who I have been “seeing now” for over 8 years. Rounding out this amazing team is Kaitlin Marion Bray, the Bliss in house esthetician and “eyebrow whisperer.” Seriously ladies, Kaitlin has an amazing gift when it comes to waxing, shaping and plucking the brows!

Lauren and I have been able to form a great friendship over the years between all the cutting, trimming, styling, and coloring of my hair. She also has been known to take my signature curls and create a stunning straight look to change it up every now and then, as I like to say….the BEST blow out in the entire Capital Region!

In addition to eyebrows Kaitlin also provides make-up services on site for your wedding day and is an extremely talented artist and perfectionist when it comes to your wedding day look. Check out some of her amazing work below…including a fun photo shoot for yours truly.

What I love about Bliss and what really makes them sparkle is how generous they are and supportive of the local community. Meghan, Emily and Kaitlin didn’t even hesitate when I approached them to donate hair and make-up services for the Thomas Patrick Morrison Foundation Fashion Show. They also allowed me to host a wildly successful “Spring Fling” event in support of the foundation last year and were so helpful and easy to work with.

If you are looking for a salon where you can feel well taken care of, beautiful, comfortable and leave feeling just a little more blissful and sparkly then please check out Bliss Salon & Boutique, you will love it!

Here’s their website and Facebook!

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Sharing the Sparkle: Mazzone Hospitality

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Katie O

We are very lucky to have planned and coordinated so many beautiful weddings and events this year. We traveled all over the country from Santa Barbara, California to Lake Placid, New York to Manhattan’s TriBeCa Grill.

While we love the opportunity to travel and coordinate weddings in brand new locations we also really enjoy working at some of our favorite venues right in our very own backyard!

KOW&E has had the distinct pleasure of working with Mazzone Hospitality for a number of years now and has been able to build a wonderful relationship with their management and team at each location. I want to devote this blog to the 3 locations we are lucky to enough to work at the most.

Saratoga National Golf Club is definitely one of our most popular venues to coordinate weddings. With its truly amazing, lush, manicured grounds they have a variety of romantic outdoor locations for your ceremony. Following your ceremony guests will enjoy breathtaking views from the terrace and veranda for cocktail hour. The stately Howard Room alongside the elegant ballroom is a perfect location for the couple who is looking for an upscale yet warm and comfortable spot for dinner and dancing.

Top 3 things we love about SNGC: 1) the amazing grounds for taking photographs 2) the many options for ceremony and reception spots 3) the super star team executing your dream wedding day!

Hall of Springs is a venue unlike any other in the area. As clients walk into the main entrance, cross through the doors and into the ballroom their jaws drop and they are immediately “wow-ed” by what they see. This unique historic architecture, the stunning Jazz Bar and the outdoor porticos surrounding the ballroom create a one-of-a-kind venue for ceremony and celebration.

Top 3 things we love about Hall of Springs: 1) they can seat over 250 guests so there is always room for everyone 2) the Jazz Bar provides an entirely different feel for the cocktail hour allowing guests to be “surprised” when they see the ballroom for the first time 3) the super star team executing your dream wedding day!

Glen Sanders Mansion is the perfect venue for guests looking to keep everything in one location. With their newly renovated guest rooms at the Inn and an amazing new patio for cocktail hour the Mansion is one of the most popular wedding venues in the area. We love this spot since everything can happen right here! The bridal party can get ready in a suite, take photographs on the grounds, have a beautiful ceremony inside or outside under the gazebo and then dance and party the night away in the ballroom.

Top 3 things we love about Glen Sanders Mansion: 1) you can keep it simple and have everything in one location 2) the grounds provide some amazing backdrops for photos 3) the super star team executing your dream day!

Do you see a pattern forming above? No matter what venue you choose you are in the very best hands when it comes to the big day. The management, chef and hospitality team are 100% committed to you and your wedding day. We love working on weddings at any Mazzone Hospitality property because we know we are “part of the team” and working together to make your dream come true.

Other Mazzone Hospitality options for wedding day include the unique Key Hall at Proctor’s, off-premise catering at the venue of your choice and check out their newest facility for weddings located in Clifton Park at the Hilton Garden Inn!

For many more pictures and ideas you can check out their Facebook and website!

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Sharing the Sparkle: Ginger Lash

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Katie O

“Wow! You have the most amazing eyelashes!”

I hear this exclamation almost on a daily basis ever since my first visit to see Faith at Ginger Lash just about 1 year ago. Needless to say I am hooked on my eyelash extensions.

Faith does a beautiful job with her service and it has actually been one of the more relaxing times during my crazy schedule (since I am required to sit still for about an hour!) I feel better and like to think I look more alive with my lashes. Over the past few months I have kept some crazy hours and always trust that my lashes help to make me look much less tired than I really am.

The process, at first, made me a little nervous but it doesn’t hurt and is completely safe since Faith is a licensed esthetician and is very meticulous with her application. I know girlfriends in other cities who would love to get these done but it is SO expensive elsewhere.

Ginger Lash keeps pricing reasonable and competitive so you can have fabulous lashes and not go broke doing so.

Ladies, if you are reading this and are interested in trying out some lovely lashes for yourself just in time for your New Year’s Eve celebration, holiday party or of course your wedding day, call Faith to book your appointment and tell her you saw Ginger Lash on Katie O’s blog and receive 10% off your first set! Make sure to “like” her on Facebook and visit her website too.

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