Saratoga has its share of fabulous boutiques, packed full of colorful ready-to-wear separates, dresses, shoes and accessories. And yet, so many women end up ordering clothes online, to ensure they don’t show up at a fancy event wearing the same frock as another guest. That’s why the new concept that fashion designer Caroline Haladjian is bringing to town is an especially welcome one: The Beekman Atelier is part high-end boutique, part designer’s studio—where dreaming up a unique fashion look can become a reality.
The atelier—located, yes, on Beekman Street, near Washington Street—is an exciting European concept combining a shop full of unique finds with the energy of a design studio. “I still remember an experience from nearly 20 years ago of walking into a little clothing store in Copenhagen and seeing not just beautiful garments but also a team of designers actively engaged in making more items,” Haladjian says. “The atmosphere of focus, beauty and harmony in that design shop struck me and has stayed with me. The feeling it gave me is what I strive to recreate in my atelier.”
In this spirit, Beekman Atelier—at press time scheduled to open March 23—will offer a curated collection of goods for sale, including vintage items, local ceramics, jewelry, accessories, stationery, artwork and provisions, plus one-of-a-kind items that Haladjian designs and makes at the atelier with her associate, Sandra Catricala, who’s known for her meticulous technical sewing. “There will also be sewing lessons, and we will have guest instructors to offer small classes for other skills like knitting, embroidery and crochet,” Haladjian says. “Down the road, we would love to offer student portfolio prep for fashion school candidates. We want to bring services to the community that are not currently offered.” The shop will have normal business hours, with sewing lessons and personal shopping arranged by appointment.
(Photography by Konrad Odhiambo)
On the design side of the coin, Haladjian has been using her studio prior to opening to the public to create a full collection of her own designs that will be sold in her store. “We make clothing with classic silhouettes but from unique materials,” she says. “I cater to women who want to wear one-of-a-kind items tailored to their style. We will also do custom orders but in a different way—for example, clients can bring in a special garment that they would like to have custom fit for them to wear. I love the idea of sustainable fashion, and wearing pieces that are sentimental to the client is a bonus. We also have vintage items to shop in the store that can then be tailored.”
Haladjian has had a long career in fashion to prepare her for this high-concept design studio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, and was a designer for major retail brands for more than 15 years in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City. “I left the corporate world to focus on my health and raising my children,” she says. “Part of my journey to Saratoga Springs included a stressful, unsatisfying career in the world of corporate fashion. The empty-yet-exhausting years of working for major fashion labels made me yearn for the simpler and deeper things that drew me to fashion and clothing design to begin with—the craftsmanship, the artistry, working with one’s hands, sketching, and using fabrics to create one’s vision.”
She credits her mom, Georgette, for sparking her interest in the art of fashion. “I inherited this passion from my mom, who grew up in Syria sewing all of her own clothing along with her sisters,” Haladjian says. “Their clothing was made from Syrian fabrics and were high-quality, wearable pieces of art. This is why my label is called ‘Medyati,’ which is my mom and her sisters’ family name.”
(Photography by Konrad Odhiambo)
The way Haladjian shops for the items she’ll sell in her store and the fabrics she’ll design from more than reveals the artsy ethos she inherited from her mother and aunts. “I look for items that are unique and have an artisanal craftsmanship to them,” she says. “I like to build a story, so all the items complement each other although they are created by a variety of artists from all over the region. Fashion is an amazing type of art to me, as one can wear it, feel a certain way wearing an item, and express themselves to others. Finding a special fabric to me is inspiring and essential for coming up with my next design. I recently found a Turkish fabric on an ottoman in Manchester that inspired me to make a jacket out of the same fabric. Sandra, my design associate, is almost done sewing it as we speak!”
Becoming a mother herself helped push Haladjian to want to pass along these passions to others in the form of Beekman Atelier’s classes and potential future mentorship. “The freedom to be empowered by learning to make something with your own hands is priceless,” she says. “Once you become comfortable with sewing, the possibilities are endless on what you can create. We have a returning student who’s working on a special blanket for her upcoming baby’s arrival. And my two young daughters just took a class and each made a pillow! It is important to me as a woman and a mother to show them how capable they are to achieve great things.”
If you’ve walked down Caroline Street in the last few weeks, you may have heard a peculiar sound. No, we’re not talking about the usual din of late-night revelers clinking glasses and singing karaoke—we’re talking about the noise made by a table saw, hammer drill or belt sander emanating from the former home of the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
The source of such a racket would have been Saratoga Joinery, a nonprofit community woodworking studio that officially opened its doors at 69 Caroline Street on March 5. “Woodworking has been reserved primarily for folks who can afford to have a shop in their basement or in their garage,” says Tori Colarusso, Saratoga Joinery’s executive director. “We’re hoping to bring in people that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have any touch points to it. We are a really inclusive space, and we want to fill this place with people who look different than the typical woodworking guild spaces—women, BIPOC, queer communities.”
Saratoga Joinery is the brainchild of software engineer and serial entrepreneur John Haller, who in 2017 purchased a historic home in the Spa City. At the time a self-proclaimed “woodwork tinkerer,” Haller was able to understand and appreciate the handiwork his renovation crew was putting into his home. So much so that it ended up inspiring him to take his own hobby to the next level.
Saratoga Joinery Executive Director Tori Colarusso and founder John Haller. (Photography by Francesco D’Amico)
“I’ve always had a little workshop, but I bought the cheapest tools you could buy and had very little success with them,” he says. “As a hobbyist—just doing it for fun—there’s no way you can rationalize buying nice tools. So I looked around to see if there was a workshop that I could use. And there wasn’t.”
Haller’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and after researching different makerspaces in the area, he began looking for a building in Saratoga that could house a community woodworking shop—an organization that could justify buying an $8,000 jointer, because there would be hundreds of people making use of it. When he came across the real estate listing for the old Children’s Museum, he felt it was meant to be. There was only one problem.
“After we bought the building and realized that this was going to happen,” Haller says, “my wife was like, ‘You know, you don’t really know anything about woodworking.’”
But to Haller, that fact was but a small bump in the road to making his community workshop concept a reality. He serendipitously landed a coveted spot in an intensive program at Maine’s Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, moving up there for the duration of the three-month course. And while the program taught him the skills necessary to run a woodworking studio, he also learned something else.
“The neat thing about the class was the effect of people working together,” Haller says. “Everyone would get excited about each other’s work. You’re trying harder, because the guy behind you is still working on his dovetails and they’re coming out really nice, so you make yours nicer. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
(Photography by Francesco D’Amico)
For more advanced woodworkers, Saratoga Joinery offers memberships that cost $85 a month for unlimited access to the shop’s large machine room (with the aforementioned table saw and jointer), bench room (with hand tools and finishing equipment), gathering space (with couches and coffee), and lockers (so you don’t have to lug your project home and back again). There will always be two expert woodworkers on hand supervising the shop, answering questions and providing advice. Members will also have access to an annual bazaar at which they can sell their wares, as well as a summer picnic.
For everyone else, there are classes in which members and nonmembers alike can learn how to make a cutting board, carve a spoon, or fashion a pepper mill on a lathe. (More advanced classes like cabinet-making will also be offered.) “The hope is that someone will take an intro class, fall in love, and then become a member,” Colarusso says. Down the road, the Saratoga Joinery team hopes to provide workforce development and free community programs, and has already begun soliciting service project proposals from other nonprofits that might need a woodworking project done but don’t have the resources to pay for it.
“We’re big believers in woodworking being transformational,” Colarusso says. “Just having that tactile outlet—feeling the wood, smelling the wood, being with a group of like-minded folks working on a project—can be really beneficial.”
So, the next time you’re walking down Caroline Street and hear the whir of a ban saw, poke your head into Saratoga Joinery. You may just find yourself a lifelong hobby.
There are passionaterestaurant owners, and then there’s Sara Ali. Born to Egyptian parents and raised in Abu Dhabi, Ali got her master’s in engineering in Cairo before her then-husband got a job at GlobalFoundries. The couple moved to the Capital Region about eight years ago and worked at their respective jobs while raising two kids. But massive change was on the horizon.
“I was known to invite strangers—people from daycare—to my home just to feed them,” Ali says. “Cooking is my passion. It’s the way I communicate and relate to people.” After trying her food, friends encouraged Ali to open a business, since there wasn’t any authentic Middle Eastern food available in the Saratoga area.
Ali entered the farmers’ market scene with her brand Sara’s Kitchen in 2022. Eventually, a cult following grew around her shawarma (beef, chicken or falafel), sambosak (deep-fried pastries with a savory filling), hummus (made with spices from Saratoga Spicery) and baklawa (not to be confused with Greek baklava). But between the markets, catering, her engineering job and her kids, Ali felt she was being spread too thin. “I started thinking about leaving my job, and felt it was worth a shot,” she says. “I’m trying to break free from the Middle Eastern culture where you are going to be an engineer or a doctor. I’ve always caved to my parents’ needs and wants. I’ve never made a decision in my life. I loved being an engineer, but it was not my passion.”
Ali’s marriage didn’t survive her break from tradition, and she plowed forward alone, opening a permanent Sara’s Kitchen in the Wilton Mall last August. Since then, she’s been on the fast track to Saratoga restaurant stardom.
At press time, Ali was in the process of moving Sara’s Kitchen from the mall to Broadway, where she’s taking over the space previously occupied by Whole Harvest. (Whole Harvest will serendipitously take over her spot in the mall.) The restaurant will open with a walk-up counter like Whole Harvest had—“with cozy seating,” Ali adds—and eventually may expand to include sit-down and late-night services.
“I know 100 percent I can do it,” Ali says. “I know my parents will be proud one day. Even if they aren’t, I owe it to myself to do what I want to do in this life—finally.”
If you’ve ever been in downtown Saratoga and craved a snack—not a full-on meal, but just something to tide you over—listen up. Mittler’s, a convenience store and appetizer bar owned by former banker Steve Mittler, is coming soon to the corner of Phila and Putnam streets.
“There used to be a market up on Broadway when I was in college, and that went away,” says Mittler, who plans to open his new venture in April. “I’ve been spending a lot of time in that part of the city, and I’m often like, ‘God, I wish there was somewhere I could just grab something to eat.’ And then I’m like, ‘You idiot—that’s what you’re building.’”
What exactly does a convenience store/bar hybrid look like? Mittler’s will take over the former home of Tailgate and Party, which spanned two levels separated by a few steps. The convenience store will be on the lower level looking out onto Putnam Street, and the bar will be on the upper level with an entrance on Phila Street.
In the convenience store, Mittler’s vision is to offer grab-and-go cooler items such as fruit cups, salads and yogurt parfaits, plus a small selection of grocery items such as milk, eggs and dry goods, as well as breakfast sandwiches all day (and possibly night, for the Caroline Street crowd). In the bar, which will have 15 two-top tables and 14 seats at the bar, he’ll serve appetizers such as hummus, dips, salads, soups, charcuterie, deviled eggs and sliders—small dishes to tide you over until your dinner reservation—plus specialty cocktails and mocktails at the full bar.
Even before opening, Mittler had a couple of dedicated employees working hard behind the scenes: his kids, high-schoolers Julia and Max. “Julia is leading my marketing campaign and Max is working on the culinary side,” Mittler says. “Even at their young ages, they’re the best at what they do.”
What’s it like working for one’s father on his first foray into the food service industry? “It’s good so far,” says Julia, who plans to study marketing in college next year. “It’s super convenient, and we all have similar personalities so it works well.”
Junior Alvarado took his turn on the big stage in 2023 and thrived in the starring role. As the regular jockey for Horse of the Year contender and national sensation Cody’s Wish, Alvarado found himself in the brightest of spotlights—and he couldn’t have looked more at ease.
Alvarado astutely piloted Cody’s Wish to four graded stakes victories last year, including his second consecutive score in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in November at Santa Anita. A 37-year-old native of Venezuela, Alvarado took over as the regular rider for Cody’s Wish in May 2022 for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and was aboard the bay son of Curlin for each of the horse’s eight career stakes victories. The inspirational Cody’s Wish story garnered widespread attention, as the horse was named for Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager who was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and formed a special bond with the horse. Dorman died November 5, the day after he was in attendance for Cody’s Wish’s final career victory.
“It’s been a teaching experience for my kids—teaching them to be humble, to be grateful for what we have,” Alvarado said about the Cody’s Wish/Cody Dorman story in an interview with the website Horse Racing Nation back in June. “We really have everything. We probably want more stuff, but we have everything we need. It’s given me a chance to teach my kids about life, and it’s just been an unbelievable ride.”
Partnering with Cody’s Wish has been one of many recent highlights for Alvarado, a mainstay on the New York circuit since 2010. He also won the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies aboard the Mott-trained Just F Y I and earned his milestone 2,000th career win when he rode Broadway Force to a victory earlier in the year at Gulfstream Park. Alvarado began his career in his native Venezuela and won his first North American race in 2007 at Gulfstream. He then rode for a while in the Midwest at Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course before settling in New York.
Through November, Alvarado had earned more than $12.7 million in purses in 2023 and was on pace to establish a career high in earnings with a month remaining on the calendar. His 15 graded stakes wins in 2023 include eight Grade 1s, a personal best for a single year. Alvarado enjoyed a strong summer at Saratoga with 14 wins, including the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes.
Universally respected by his peers, Alvarado was named the recipient of the 2023 Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which is presented annually to a jockey who displays the extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Venezia, who died as a result of injuries suffered in a riding accident in 1988. The ceremony took place in the winner’s circle at Saratoga.
After winning his 2,000th race early last year, Alvarado reflected on the journey his career had taken him on to that point.
“It hasn’t come easy for me—I’ve had a lot of injuries—but that’s what makes every win worth it,” he told the media. “A Grade 1 or a claiming race, I’m grateful for each win. I don’t take anything for granted.”
Ahead of a busy winter events schedule, the producers of CulinaryArts@SPAC—Kim Klopstock an Pam Abrams—sit down with SPAC President Elizabeth Sobol.
Saratoga Living: SPAC’s CulinaryArts has become a regular series in record time, with tickets to every event selling out fast. When did this happen—and why?
Elizabeth Sobol: We started CulinaryArts@SPAC at our 2019 Wine and Food Festival. It was a chance to work with Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose, who brought along her farm-to-table ethos. I loved that she produced a dinner that featured the talents of both local and visiting chefs.
Kim Klopstock: I was heartened that SPAC recognized culinary creativity as an artistic pursuit.
ES: We did! And it got us thinking that our audience was hungry for food and drink experiences where they could gather in a beautiful space to learn and taste. Pam Abrams, a food writer in Saratoga, joined our team and we began programming year-round events.
Pam Abrams: Great timing—we ran right into Covid! We did our first two dinners outside under the open-sided pavilion on the SPAC grounds. People were so happy to be able to gather at all that it made us really think about the series as a community service.
ES: As soon as it was safe to open back up, we kicked CulinaryArts@SPAC into high gear and now produce 8-10 events a year.
SL: I heard your Mushroom Experience dinner last November sold out quickly.
PA: It did—we knew mushrooms were hot, but it surprised us just how much that event resonated. It’s now one of the models we love: giving the “stage” to local creatives who can bring their expertise to SPAC.
ES: We’re going into our fourth year now and we’ve established a few formats that work well. Like Pam said, one is where we showcase local culinary talent at SPAC. We’ve had Mike and Shelley Spain from Seneca, Mark Graham from Hattie’s, Hayley Stevens from Saratoga Tea and Honey, and others.
KK: Those are usually sit-down, multi-course meals, where the chefs get the chance to create a pop-up and shine.
PA:The other popular format is a book talk where the author of a new cookbook or culinary deep-dive sits down for a conversation about their work while Kim and her team cook a handful of dishes from the book.
SL: What’s coming next?
ES: This spring we’ll be featuring pintxos—tapas from Spain’s Basque region. We’re so heartened by the enthusiasm our community has shown for the culinary arts.
From youthful skin and stress relief to pain management and even weight loss, Complexions Spa is ready to take you on a holistic journey to wellness this winter.
It’s not luck that has kept Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness in business for 37 years. It’s the Albany- and Saratoga-based spa’s ability to pivot as its owner’s knowledge of wellness has changed and grown.
“Since 1987, Complexions has consistently evolved, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to remaining at the forefront of wellness knowledge,” says Complexions owner Denise Dubois. “We believe that our professional obligation to our valued guests goes beyond merely providing treatments. It’s about understanding their unique needs and expectations. This understanding forms the basis of a partnership—a collaboration between our team and our guests.”
The latest evolution of Complexions features targeted programs for beauty and wellness, pain, and weight loss that span three months, six months or even a year. “In an era where quick fixes abound, our approach stands out by recognizing that lasting transformations are rooted in everyday lifestyle choices—not fleeting remedies,” Dubois says. “Unlike spas focused solely on pampering, we seamlessly integrate the organic benefits of relaxation with a purposeful environment, inviting guests to destress and embark on a journey of self-discovery.”
Such programs include rejuvenation and prejuvenation packages that encompass a range of treatments such as fillers, IV infusions, microneedling, IPL and more; stress relief and pain management packages that incorporate a variety of therapeutic elements such as aromatherapy, Reiki healing, acupuncture, CBD treatments, LED therapy and chakra balancing; and a weight loss package that takes clients on a comprehensive journey towards wellness and features personalized coaching, far infrared detox treatments, MICC shots and monthly support and group workout sessions to keep you motivated. Dubois is also proud to have introduced neuromodulators, dermal fillers, biostimulators to stimulate your own collagen, and additional laser therapies to treat stubborn melasma to Complexions’ ever-growing arsenal of beauty and wellness services.
But Complexions’ offerings don’t stop at the spa. “We prioritize a comprehensive approach, ensuring that our guests not only experience the benefits of our professional treatments but also receive guidance on what they can do at home,” Dubois says. “In essence, Complexions transcends the conventional spa experience by championing a holistic philosophy where education, tailored treatments and mindful choices come together to foster overall wellbeing.”
Inspired by boxing and self-defense techniques, 30 Minute Hit provides a strength and conditioning workout for women in—yep—a half hour.
Do you ever just feel like hitting something? Thanks to women-only kickboxing gym 30 Minute Hit, now you can…in a socially acceptable way.
“30 Minute Hit is a circuit-style HIIT workout inspired by boxing, kickboxing and self-defense techniques,” says Steve Kissinger, who opened the gym at 3 Hampstead Place with his wife, Katie, in the summer of 2023. “It consists of 13 stations, two minutes each. That means the whole thing takes only 30 minutes. Because we break each two-minute round into 15-second intervals, our intense workout becomes very achievable. You can do anything for 15 seconds!” The end result is a workout that combines both strength and conditioning (and stress relief!) that can boost your energy levels long after you finish a class.
The first step to joining 30 Minute Hit is to sign up for a completely free trial class to make sure you love the format. Once you sign up for an unlimited membership, you’ll be given free gloves and hand wraps, and then can dive into your kickboxing journey. “The best part is you don’t have to sign up for a class in advance once you’re a member,” Kissinger says. “You can come in any time during our open hours and hop on the circuit. There is always a trainer on the floor to motivate you and help you level up your technique.”
Not sure if 30 Minute Hit is for you? Current members span all fitness levels and range in age from 16-82. Have little ones in tow? “We have a free kids area with toys and coloring to make it easy for busy moms to get a workout in,” Kissinger says. Hear that, moms? No excuses!
And while the Kissingers saw opening 30 Minute Hit as a smart business decision—approachable, affordable 30-minute classes for busy women were something Saratoga was missing—they’ve come to find that the best part of running the gym is their members. “It’s been great to be able to provide a service that is improving the health of our community, both mentally and physically,” Kissinger says. “It’s extremely rewarding to see everyone grow and progress.”
Bellatas Medical Aesthetics is transforming the Saratoga skincare scene thanks to exclusive treatments and personalized care.
A nurse practitioner with prior experience in rheumatology and emergency medicine, Laura Newey, FNP-C opened Bellatas Medical Aesthetics in 2019 because of her own personal experience. “My involvement in aesthetics spans many years dealing with my own skincare issues and the desire for a smoother complexion and a more radiant, youthful appearance,” she says. “So I can appreciate what my patients are looking for.”
That firsthand knowledge makes Newey uniquely suited to provide professional, patient-focused care at Bellatas, a boutique medspa located on Clinton Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. “We take time with each patient to understand the full picture of what they are looking for and understand exactly where they are in their journey,” Newey says. “It might sound cliché, but the way I approach each patient comes from a desire to provide treatment and care in a way I would want to see as a patient myself.” And it’s working—take one look at Bellatas’ Google reviews and you’ll see that Newey goes above and beyond to make her clients comfortable and do what’s best for them.
As for treatments themselves, Newey says many of her customers come to her for the wrinkle control treatment commonly referred to as Botox, though Botox is a brand name and there are other brands she prefers to use. She also carries a medical-grade skincare product line called Neocutis that tackles concerns like dark circles, redness, wrinkles and dryness that is available only through providers such as Bellatas and is much more effective than over-the-counter products. She’s recently added a three-step SaltFacial treatment that can rejuvenate skin anywhere on the body, and now offers 30-minute IV infusion therapy treatments for recovery after a night out, athletic recovery, or to support clients’ anti-aging skincare regimen. And Newey is proud that her medspa is an exclusive local provider of the Optimus Morpheus8 microneedling and Lumecca IPL treatment platforms, both of which work in conjunction with other treatments to achieve a more youthful appearance.
But while Newey loves the medical side of her job, that’s not why she’s in the industry. “I simply love helping people,” she says. “It’s my passion and why I went into this field to begin with. Bellatas allows me to help people feel good about themselves.”
A unique, patient-focused approach to dental care in the Spa City.
When you enter Dr. Alfred W. Hollis’ Saratoga Springs dental office, his caring staff greets you as the first part of a warm welcome. “What differentiates our office is that we are focused on building relationships with our patients.” says Dr. Hollis, a third-generation dentist. “Patients want to be heard. We take the time to listen to your needs and work together to develop a plan that works for you. Our experienced staff are committed to long-term dental health and predictability.”
To further build on the professional relationship, you will see the same dentist and staff at each appointment. When you walk through Dr. Hollis’ door, you will know you are in a special place.
Dr. Hollis is passionate about dentistry. He has trained with highly esteemed clinicians in restorative and preventive dentistry at The Eubank Institute and The Pankey Institute, and completed a one-year continuum for full mouth reconstruction at New York University. Born in Glens Falls, Dr. Hollis graduated from University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1999, completed his general practice residency at St. Clare’s Hospital and worked in Saratoga and Clifton Park before opening his practice in downtown Saratoga Springs. When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Hollis enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in the Adirondacks and on Lake George.
He is undoubtedly the biggest star with a bona fide Saratoga footnote in his origin story, but the audience members at Bob Dylan’s first two shows here were, by all accounts, clueless to his talents. The softspoken singer was living in the Village in Manhattan in 1961, doing local gigs but unable to score anything outside his artsy neighborhood—a matter of his folk bent working against him. A teenaged Dylan was booked at Caffè Lena as a favor to his manager, who helped fill empty nights in the coffeehouse’s schedule, according to Caffè Lena: Inside America’s Legendary Folk Music Coffeehouse. Co-owner Lena Spencer had been skeptical, but Bill, her husband at the time, was quickly impressed. When the rowdy crowd wouldn’t stop talking, he jumped up on stage and demanded, “Listen to him, dammit!” according to Bob Dylan: An Intimate Biography. He threatened that they’d all soon be sorry (“stupid” was the exact word he used) if they didn’t quiet down, (rightly) predicting Dylan’s fame. By January 14, 1962—when this photo was taken at the club—Lena (far right) had been more than won over, relaxing with Dylan; his girlfriend, Suze Rotolo; and Pasha, Lena’s cat. This second visit took place just two months before the singer’s debut album was released, kicking off Dylan’s legendary 60-plus-year career.
The 2024 wedding season is quickly approaching… Do you know what you’ll be wearing? Whether the dress code is black tie, cocktail or the ever-more-popular festive, you’re sure to slay the big day in one of these looks from the Capital Region’s most fashion-forward shops.
From makeup artists and dress shops to venues and photographers, these nine local wedding vendors are ready to help you craft the wedding of your dreams.
The Queensbury Hotel (Photography by The Pinckards)
Love in the Adirondacks
Stunning venues, charming downtowns and free wedding-planning services make the Lake George Area a no-brainer for the ultimate wedding “getaway.”
Nestled in the Southern Adirondacks of upstate New York, the Lake George Area seamlessly blends awe-inspiring landscapes with a diverse array of venues, attractions and amenities, creating an experience that combines romance, adventure and the joy of uniting with loved ones in a breathtaking setting. From timeless outdoor and waterfront sites to elegant ballrooms and rustic barns, there’s a venue to match every couple’s vision and budget. Just a short drive from New York’s Capital Region, your wedding will feel like a true getaway without breaking the budget!
UPSTATE CHARM
Discover an array of enchanting wedding venues in the Lake George Area, ranging from luxurious four-star resorts with international acclaim to historic hotels with modern flair. Each venue is distinctive, with seasoned professionals ready to accompany you on every step of your wedding journey, from the initial site visit to the unforgettable final dance. Whether you envision an intimate mountain-top elopement with panoramic views, an exquisite reception set in a historic site or lush garden, or a romantic lakeside celebration beneath the starlit sky, the Lake George Area offers something uniquely special for every couple.
A VARIETY OF VENUES
Immerse yourself in the allure of charming Adirondack villages and picturesque downtown streets scattered throughout the region. Explore local shops, soak in beautiful views, and uncover inspiring treasures as you embark on your quest for the perfect venue. Regardless of the season, the region offers unique backdrops where your wedding party and guests can forge connections and revel in the magic of your special day.
FUN FOR YOUR GUESTS
Aptly dubbed the “Original Vacation” spot, the Lake George Area offers seemingly endless attractions and events, ensuring your wedding party, family and friends enjoy a multitude of experiences. Transform your wedding day into a weekend extravaganza by hosting a welcome party on a steamboat cruise, gazing at fireworks over the lake, organizing a post-wedding ski adventure on groomed mountains, or indulging your inner child at local amusement parks, horseback riding farms, or a lazy river.
COMPLIMENTARY WEDDING SERVICES
Elevate your destination wedding planning with the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LGRCVB), where you can benefit from complimentary concierge services ranging from venue and vendor referrals to assistance with securing overnight accommodations. The LGRCVB team is dedicated to ensuring your wedding-planning experience in the Lake George Area is seamless and stress-free.
Contact the LGRCVB’s Convention Services Coordinator, Lexi Carroll, for wedding venue ideas, accommodations and service referrals, and more at [email protected] or 518.668.5755.
518.668.5755 ● meetlakegeorge.com/weddings
A post-wedding boat ride on Schroon Lake
Love at The Lodge
The Lodge at Schroon Lake has everything you need to make your Adirondack wedding truly one of a kind.
One of upstate New York’s newest wedding venues is ready to welcome you and your guests to the shores of beautiful Schroon Lake.
“We find most guests who are interested in weddings here have a connection to the Adirondacks and want to introduce their friends and family to a place they have come to love themselves,” says John Canavan, general manager of The Lodge at Schroon Lake, which opened last summer following a $21 million renovation. “The Lodge is the perfect way to do that, thanks to the beauty of the lake surrounded by the beautiful mountains, and a ballroom that’s equal parts rustic and elegant. And it’s all very accessible—we’re just off Exit 27 of the Adirondack Northway, making it an easy drive from just about anywhere.”
While The Lodge has been welcoming guests since June, its two-level ballroom, which can hold anywhere from 50-250 guests, was completed in September. Couples can use the top level for cocktail hour and the bottom level for dinner and dancing, or even add tables to the top level for larger parties or for a bigger dance area. Tables, chairs, dinnerware, flatware and glassware, plus on-site catering, is provided.
And there are other options on the property for making sure your big day is as perfect as it can be. Couples are welcome to get married on the Lodge’s lawn or on the lake pier in the off season, both of which have views of the lake. The lawn can also be used as an option for an al fresco cocktail hour, complete with lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga.
If you hadn’t already guessed, what with all the available wedding options, The Lodge at Schroon Lake’s wedding packages are customizable; the chef is there to help create a specific package that aligns with your vision. You can even add on breakfast—anything from grab-and-go bagels to a full buffet—the next morning.
One (major) perk of having your wedding at The Lodge is, well, all the lodging. “That’s another box we check,” Canavan says. “Guests are able to stay right on property in a variety of accommodation types, from glamping to chalets.” And guests will have plenty to do while they’re there. The Lodge boasts an indoor pool, saunas, a game room and lounges, plus outdoor activities like on-site mini golf, pickleball, volleyball, paddleboarding and kayaking. That’s not to mention the weekly activities put on by The Lodge, such as movie nights on the lawn and s’mores by the campfire.
But perhaps the biggest perk is one that isn’t quite as tangible. “While the scene is idyllic, nothing compares to the genuine care for others that the community provides,” Canavan says. “When you step into Schroon, you become a neighbor. We’re all just as excited as the happy couple for their big day.”
210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake ● 518.987.0708 ● lodgeatschroonlake.com
The newly renovated Carriage House at Fort William Henry
“I Dos” With a View
Get married overlooking the Queen of American Lakes at Fort William Henry Hotel’s newly renovated Carriage House.
For many of us who grew up in the Capital Region, Lake George holds a special place in our hearts. From beach days and ice cream cones in the village to camping and boating, our fond memories of time on the Queen of American Lakes never really leave us. So why not rekindle that childhood wonder on the most magical day of your life—your wedding day?
Fort William Henry Hotel is located along the south end of the lake. It is steps away from a replica of an 18th century fort where British and French soldiers clashed in 1757. The resort hosts some of the area’s most beautiful and serene weddings. “The property is 18 acres, making it the largest privately held property on the southern basin,” says Fort William Henry’s Kathy Flacke Muncil. “It has so much to offer: Wedding guests can stay at the hotel, shops and restaurants are just a few steps away down the hill, and no other hotel has a fortress available for photographs of the wedding party and tours.” This winter, the fortress has been transformed into a winter dreamscape for the immersive Winter’s Dream experience, providing for even more magical wedding party photos.
For years, weddings were held in the White Lion Room, the hotel’s restaurant that was built in 1911, and in other ballrooms located in the conference center. But in 2023, hotel ownership invested $4.5 million in a beautiful old carriage house on the property, converting it into a venue for 275 to 300 guests. The space features enormous windows overlooking the lake, soaring ceilings, a wrap-around patio and deck, and large wooden doors that were in style when the building was used as an actual carriage house, sheltering horses and carriages. In the summer, most couples choose to hold their wedding ceremonies outside in view of the lake, but Fort William Henry is a four-season venue and The Carriage House can host a wintertime ceremony next to a crackling fire in the fireplace.
Why choose Fort William Henry for your big day? “The hotel has many attributes—newly refurbished rooms, both casual and formal restaurants on site, outdoor and indoor pools, and several extraordinary venues to choose from—but it’s the customer service that sets it apart,” says Flacke Muncil. “Everyone, starting with wedding planner Dawn Bennett and continuing with food service and hospitality staff, wants guests to have an unforgettable, joyous experience, one that will keep you coming back years after the celebration.”
48 Canada Street, Lake George ● 518.964.6632 ● fortwilliamhenry.com
(Photography by Sydney K Andrew)
Picture Perfect
From capturing the small details that truly tell a love story to being captain of a bride’s personal hype squad on her big day, Sydney K Andrew is much more than a wedding photographer.
If you’re looking for someone to just show up on your wedding day, snap some photos, and go home, don’t call Sydney Andrew
“A wedding photographer is not just there to press a button and take photos,” says the photographer behind Sydney K Andrew Photography. “A wedding photographer is a day-of coordinator, seamstress, florist, confidant, friend, bodyguard, hype squad and friend all wrapped up into one. I can’t think of a single wedding where I just showed up and took photos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Andrew’s dedication to her craft and the couples she works with comes from a deep-seated connection to the world of weddings. In a past life, she worked on the venue coordination and catering sides of the business, and just last year planned her very own wedding. She takes pride in knowing how much goes into putting together the perfect day, and strives to be a shoulder to lean on for couples from the beginning stages of planning to the big day and beyond. While she’s based in the Capital Region, Andrew’s happy to travel for weddings; “Love has no limits,” she says. “And neither do I.”
While she is happy to take on weddings of any size, Andrew specializes in intimate weddings—or engagement sessions!—where she can embrace a documentary, candid approach. “My favorite moments to capture are those quiet, unplanned interactions,” she says, “and the small details that really pull together the final gallery to tell the story of a wedding day beyond the formal portraits.”
And it makes sense, given Andrew’s fall into her dream job. “I started my business in probably the craziest time to do so: October of 2020,” she says. “I remember some people telling me I was crazy to launch a business in a time when the world was shutting down. But I jumped in with my whole heart and never looked back. My first wedding I ever photographed was a 10-person elopement in the heart of the Adirondacks. It was intimate, romantic, and I just remember getting in my car with goosebumps to head home when it was over. I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and finally knew that this was what I was meant to do.”
Andrew is currently booking a year out for weddings; contact her today to get your big day on the books.
sydneykandrewphotography.com
Styled by Lily Saratoga carries a wide selection of bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses and little white dresses. (Photography by Krystal Balzer)
Say Yes to the Dresses
You’ve already got your wedding gown picked out. For all the other dresses needed for your big day, Styled by Lily Saratoga has you covered.
Lily Saratoga has long been the first and last stop for Capital Region brides in search of their dream dress. But did you know that just a few blocks away lies another treasure trove of dresses that will help make your vision for your wedding day come to life? That shop is Styled by Lily Saratoga.
“It was a bit of an impulse decision on my part,” says Lily owner Laura Mullen, who purchased the original bridal shop in 2014. “I woke up one fall morning in 2021 and decided that we needed to separate bridesmaids and bridal. I had heard about an open retail space at 25 Lawrence Street from a fellow wedding vendor, Samantha Nass Floral Design, that would give me the opportunity to expand our bridesmaid collections, sizes, colors and styles, as well as bring on mother of the bride/groom collections. We always used to get phone calls and inquiries from moms of our Lily brides, and there were very few boutiques in the Capital Region that specialize in mother of the bride looks.”
Mullen acted on her impulse, and in February 2022, Styled by Lily Saratoga opened its doors. The shop carries more than 500 bridesmaid dresses and more than 170 mother of the bride/groom dresses, as well as a “Little White Dress” collection. “LWDs are huge right now,” Mullen explains. “Whether it’s for a bride looking to elope, a bride wanting to change out of her gown at the end of the night to party, or a bride looking for a rehearsal dinner/shower dress, we love helping brides expand their wardrobe!”
An appointment at Styled by Lily works much the same way as an appointment at Lily does: Each customer is assigned a stylist who will sit down with them at the start of their appointment to discuss the details of the wedding and their vision. From there, the stylist pulls dresses for the customer…and her friends or mom; the space offers two bridesmaid suites divided by a curtain that can open up to accommodate larger parties. Styled by Lily also allows bridesmaids who aren’t local to order online or over the phone, and can ship dresses anywhere nationwide.
“Bridesmaid appointments at Styled are fun, as you get to be more creative in pulling together different styles, colors and fabrics,” Mullen says. “And mother of the bride/groom appointments are so rewarding, as many women have not worn a formal gown in a long time and we have the opportunity to make them feel confident and beautiful.”
Bridesmaid dresses can dictate the theme of an entire wedding; make sure you get it right by shopping at Styled by Lily.
25 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs ● 518.871.1754 ● styledbylilysaratoga.com
The 408 Event & Occasion (Photography by Jessica Gregg)
Beyond the Ballroom
For a chic alternative to traditional wedding venues, look no further than The 408 Event & Occasion, a private event space located on the second floor of Cantina.
If you live in Saratoga, chances are you’ve been to Cantina. Over the last decade and a half, the hip Mexican restaurant, with its irresistible margaritas and bottomless chips and salsa, has established itself as the uncontested heart of downtown. Tourists and locals alike gather at the expansive first-floor bar for happy hour, at booths and tables for work lunches and family dinners, or on the open-air rooftop for the kickoff to an unforgettable girls’ night out. The vibes, as you probably know, are immaculate.
But there’s a pretty good chance that, even if you live in Saratoga, you haven’t been to the restaurant’s second floor: a hidden-in-plain-sight private event space known as The 408 Event & Occasion. Since opening in the fall of 2019, The 408 has been Saratoga’s premier venue for couples looking to get married in an elegant yet casual setting right in the thick of downtown Saratoga.
“The 408 is perfect for the couple who is looking for a stylish alternative to a traditional ballroom venue,” says owner Heath Ames. “It has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Broadway and sophisticated décor unlike anything else in the area. And it’s walking distance from many hotels.”
The space itself holds 150 people for a cocktail party–style event, which Ames says tends to be more common among their couples than traditional seated dinners. “We find that many couples who choose The 408 want to forgo traditional seating charts and opt for a more fun dining experience,” she says. “Our space encourages mingling, so we often book larger parties with a buffet and it works great.” As for the food itself, couples who love Cantina can opt for Mexican food at their wedding, but The 408 offers many more food and beverage offerings, including wine country, steak house, Little Italy and Mediterranean packages, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres and comfort food stations.
The best part? Weddings at The 408 are extremely customizable; each client receives a custom proposal tailored to their specific needs. In other words, if you want to add a cocktail hour on the Cantina rooftop, that’s possible. And if you want to transform the space to meet your vision of your perfect wedding day, an in-house event planner and coordinator is there to help. “We had a Halloween-themed wedding, and one couple filled the space with LED balloons that made the whole place sparkle,” Ames says. “We love our space, and it’s extra special when couples make it their own with unique décor.”
Make Me Fab owner Alayne Curtiss has been in the beauty business for more than 30 years.
The Name Says it All
Downtown Saratoga salon Make Me Fab is ready to make your wedding day seamless and, well, fab.
You only get married once—or twice, or three times…We’re not judging! Either way, planning a wedding can be totally overwhelming, especially when you haven’t done it before. So it pays to seek out vendors who have been around the wedding block a time or two. That’s what you’ll get when you work with Make Me Fab.
“I’ve been in the bridal beauty business for more than 30 years and have seen any and every situation,” says Make Me Fab owner Alayne Curtiss. “I know the details and requirements of every venue, and most of the wedding vendors. I also train my staff in these details so it catapults them years ahead of their experience. Plus, we have a full-time dedicated bridal coordinator to answer questions any time—day or night.”
While the Make Me Fab team works closely with brides up to a year and a half in advance of their wedding, the big day is when the magic happens. Hair and makeup specialists are available to travel to hotels or Airbnbs for pre-wedding prep, but brides, bridesmaids and other wedding guests can also come to the downtown Saratoga salon for up to 20 percent savings. “Most people want to look like the best version of themselves and not like a hair or makeup artist wants them to look,” says Curtiss. “So we train all of our artists in how to do natural but fabulous makeup looks. We have a very wide range of styles that we can create. Plus, if one of our artists doesn’t nail your vibe, we can most often set you up with a different artist who may suit your style better.” In other words, Curtiss says, “Be honest and speak up about what you like—you won’t hurt our feelings!”
And Make Me Fab has one more offering for brides who want more control over their look that you probably won’t find at other salons. “During Covid, we were shut down and I had to train a lot of brides to do their own makeup,” Curtiss says. “I couldn’t believe that they were often spending more than $450 to purchase all the products that they needed and would probably never use again. So I created several collections for brides at a price point of around $150 in shades that I have used over and over for the past 30 years. Each bridal beauty box comes with the products needed, instructions and a video tutorial, plus a one-on-one session upon request either virtually or in person. So all they need to do is practice, practice, practice.”
To work with a hair and makeup team that’s on your side through every step of the wedding-planning process, reach out to Make Me Fab today.
30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs ● 518.583.2626 ● makemefab.com
Gather Green in Coxsackie (Photography by Jim Lee)
The Mazzone Way
Mazzone Hospitality has grown from a hometown catering company to a bona fide Capital Region wedding empire with an in-house designer, dozens of venues, and—yes—a top-notch catering arm that’s still going strong after more than 40 years.
You can’t talk about the wedding industry in the Capital Region without talking about Mazzone Hospitality. The restaurant, catering and events company got its start when Angelo Mazzone purchased Peggy’s Restaurant in Schenectady and started Canalside Catering in 1980; since then, Mazzone Hospitality has grown into an empire that operates venues, provides off-premise catering, and even now has an in-house designer dedicated to taking your event to the next level.
“Whether you are planning a wedding, social gathering or corporate event, our team is here to bring the spark of an idea to awe-inspiring life,” says Mazzone Hospitality’s Marketing Manager, Devin Manz. “Our talented in-house designer can elevate your special occasion with incredible rental furniture, luxurious linens, cutting-edge lighting, and carefully curated décor. Mazzone Hospitality is your one-stop shop for a jaw-dropping celebration.”
For the easiest, most seamless wedding-planning experience, choose from one of Mazzone Hospitality’s exclusive venues, which include the picturesque Saratoga National Golf Club, the historic Saratoga Hall of Springs, the classic Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia or the modern Loft 433 in Troy. (Other unique venues include the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course, Empire State Plaza, The Wire Event Center, Gather Greene, the National Museum of Racing and the New York State Museum.) Mazzone Hospitality can handle everything, from the china, glassware and tablescapes to a customized menu including passed hors d’oeuvres, raw bar, dessert stations and even your wedding cake. If you opt for a venue not operated by Mazzone, you can expect the same high quality of catering services by their off-premise team, whether your wedding is a backyard ceremony in Vermont or a blow-out barn party in the Hudson Valley.
“For many couples, planning their wedding is the largest-scale event they’ve ever had to manage,” Manz says. “With so many moving parts, it’s important to have vendors like Mazzone Hospitality to take the stress off and ensure the day runs smoothly.”
Sales Manager Eliyana Keisler echos the sentiment. “We are so much more than just a caterer,” she says. “We create small moments in time that translate to everlasting memories.”
743 Pierce Road, Clifton Park ● 518.690.0293 ● mazzonehospitality.com
The Hall of Springs (Photography by JP Elario)
Your Complimentary Wedding Concierge
Discover Saratoga does more than help promote the Spa City—its knowledgeable team can help make your dream wedding come to life.
Everyone knows that Saratoga County is an ideal place for a wedding. It boasts a diverse array of historic and modern venues just seconds from hotels and bed and breakfasts; it’s drivable from major cities including New York, Boston and Montreal; and there’s plenty to do in town besides celebrate love. But did you know that Saratoga’s tourism bureau is ready to help you plan your dream Spa City wedding—for free?
“If you’re considering getting married in Saratoga, your first step should be to reach out to Discover Saratoga,” says President Darryl Leggieri. “Our team is ready to assist you with several complimentary concierge services.” Those services? They include venue recommendations and private tours, assistance with reserving hotel room blocks, assistance with transportation options, and a 10 percent off discount for wedding guests to use at more than 100 local businesses.
“Saratoga has endless possibilities for creating a wedding experience as unique as your love story,” Leggieri continues. “Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate celebration, we would be thrilled to help bring your wedding vision to light and be a trusted resource for any questions you have about your wedding in Saratoga County.”
