One Another’s Dream | Jon & Heather Marry at Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs

How does this story begin? On Match.com.

Jon and Heather met online, followed it up with a blind date shortly after, and have gained nothing but momentum in developing a strong relationship ever since. Heather described Jon as being a romantic – and I don’t think that quite puts into perspective the extent of his ability to dream big in the romance department. I would love to tell you how Jon proposed to her during a work conference in Vancouver. But even better than the words I could use to describe how he rented a helicopter, whisked her away to a secluded river enveloped in fog and fir trees, and got down on bended-knee– you can check out the visual story yourself because he hired local Canadian photographers (Fill In The Blank Weddings Studio) to capture it all. You HAVE GOT TO SEE their awesome proposal story over here.

They chose the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Spa State Park as the backdrop for where they would exchange their vows and celebrate with their friends and family. Spa Spate Park is kind of a crown jewel in the NYS park system. Between it’s classical architecture, the only active geysers east of the Mississippi, and pristine grounds– it’s not hard to see why.

 

Jon and Heather exchanged little love notes to each other the day of. Heather’s bridal party were begging her to read it out loud, to which she opted not to. That didn’t stop a couple of the ladies from sneaking a peek at it anyway. I just love their reactions while reading the note. So sweet. 

 

Heather’s niece was so precious, she snuck in and began to zip up her dress when no one was looking. She said, ever-so-sweetly, “you cried when you tried on this dress at the store, Aunt Heather.“

“When it comes to relationships and love, you have to find someone who compliments you, someone who has many of the same characteristics that you have and the same interests, but also provides you with a challenge to be a better person.  You know you are in love when you realize that there isn’t a moment in the day when you would rather be away from that person.  Love is something you can’t express in words, but rather it’s in the everyday smiles, glances, touches, and words of affirmation.  Love is knowing that the inner beauty of that person is so much more than anything you can imagine. ” -Heather & Jon

 

Jon and Heather kept the horse and carriage a surprise to everyone – including her father when it was time to head over to the ceremony location in front of the reflection pool.

 

Heather passed Jon a sweet note right before she came down the aisle to meet him. 

 

Jon and Heather chose to braid three strands of rope together into a single Unity Cord. The gold represents God. The purple represents the groom and the white represents the bride. Together, the braided rope demonstrates that their marriage is more than the joining of two lives, but is in unity with God as well. God is woven into every aspect of their life together.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

“Jon has already taught me that I can be loved more every day.  He loves me no matter what I do or don’t do and he is always here to make sure I am being taken care of.  He is selfless and love doesn’t keep tallies or record, it just is and the more time you spend with someone you love, the more you realize they are the one for you. He is caring and devoted, and I can’t express in words how much I love him.” -Heather

“My relationship with my love, Jon, is that of a spontaneous adventure, one filled with excitement, growth, and even a little challenge.” -Heather

 

Speaking of spontaneity, for their first dance they broke out into a coordinated routine to old school rap and other songs like Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Jon’s cousin, Jared B. White, is a professional singer/song writer and wrote and performed a special song for his cousin and new wife. The song is titled One Another’s Dream and here is a snippet of the lyrics:

“Took a big helicopter ride

She was skipping rocks by the river side

When he asked her to be his bride

A tear fell from her eye

Cause they’re best friends united inside the same soul

A house undivided that shares the same goal of

Doing unto others and living one another’s dreams.”

To hear the original song, click here One Anothers Dream 1.

 

Unbeknownst to me, Josh (who second-shoots with me) and I both took a similar picture in the same spot. He photographed Jon’s grandparents, and I photographed the newlyweds. What a unique, unplanned, generational photo to have. I’m sincerely jealous.

 

Jon and Heather didn’t plan or even know about this, serendipitously, the park had a firework show the same evening.

“Dear Jon, 

You don’t know this yet, but since we got engaged I have been writing love letters to you frequently. They have noted our engagement and how much my feelings have grown for you. I can’t wait to give you the journal of letters the night before I marry you! When we first met online, you asked me a question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I responded with, “I would have met my knight in shining armor, and have children.” Little did I know how true that statement would be. You are my hero, my protector, my knight in shining armor, and I fall more and more in love with you every day and in fact, every glance I take of you, whether you see me looking or not. I’ll love you forever, by your side I’ll always be.” -Heather

 

 

Heather and Jon, it was nothing short of the quintessential upstate NY wedding. May your marriage keep that spirit forever rooted in it’s core. And may you always live one another’s dream.

Always,

–K

 

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Jon & Heather had so many amazingly talented vendors that helped bring their wedding to life:

Rings: Tri Gem International Diamond Co.

Attire: David’s Bridal & Brooks’ Brothers & Men’s Warehouse

Florist: Debbie McKinstry with Maida’s Floral Shop Inc.

Officiant: Pastor Kelley Schroder

Venue: The Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs NY

Baker: Dolce & Biscotti Fine Italian Bakery

DJ: Conway Entertainment

Musicians:

1. All Seasons Ensemble 
2. JW Song Company (jaredbwhite@gmail.com)

Stationary: Vistaprint

Transportation: Saratoga Horse & Carriage

Cinematographer: Philip Coltart Films

Photographer: Kelley Elizabeth Photography

 

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To view the Wedding Wednesday series, click here

To view more  full wedding blog posts, click here

 

 

[Kelley Elizabeth Photography is based in Central NY. Wedding photography coverage can be commissioned for the Syracuse, Finger Lakes, North Country and Adirondack regions of New York State as well as Cape Cod, MA. Freelance or on-assignment photography commissioning is without bounds. Contact me for more information. ]