A Home Run Kind of Day

When I first met Kara and AJ, I gathered they like baseball. You know, the kind of fans that watch games, maybe go to a few, and have maybe visited the Baseball Hall of Fame a couple times. That describes Kara and AJ, and their families...if you multiply that by 1,000,000,000,000,000 -- you catch my point. 

Kara and AJ are baseball FANS. Kara and her family have been traveling to Cooperstown for at least two decades to immerse themselves in all things baseball. So...this wedding, and all its beautiful details, shouldn’t come out of left field (prepare yourself). Every aspect of the day was on brand, right down to the peanuts and Cracker Jacks. I mean, we had some major league fun (who hates me more than I do right now?).

The event was set to be an intimate affair from the beginning -- right up my...a home run for me. I love weddings like this, where I can learn everyone’s name, and guests can holler for me when they see a photo opp (thanks, Allison!).

The couple got ready at the Railroad Inn before their ceremony at Doubleday Field. Kara said she always wanted to have her wedding on Doubleday, and SHE DID IT. Working with wedding planner & coordinator Plan it with Merritt, we definitely had a rain plan, but Kara was all, “Put me in, coach.” And, away we went! 

Kara’s brother, Erik, officiated. We made it about halfway through, when the rain really picked up, so into the stands we went! We actually continued the ceremony beneath the stands, which I really loved, as it ended up with a “theater in the round” feeling, with Kara and AJ truly surrounded by their friends and family as they exchanged vows.  

After the ceremony, everyone headed back out to the field, where of course the sun was now shining. I followed Kara and AJ as they participated in many beloved pastimes -- a game of catch and a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. 

After that, we jumped on the Leatherstocking Trolley to head to the Otesaga Resort Hotel for their reception.  

This wedding may have been small, but it was mighty when it came to the details. As we went through the day, I was constantly amazed by the attention Kara and AJ put into this special day, down to the paisley tie AJ wore in honor of Kara’s first love, her pup Paisley, or the home plate the couple used as a guest book. 

Thanks to Kara and AJ (and Kara’s dad, Pete), I know more about baseball now than I ever did. Pete’s speech at the reception was extremely touching and incorporated a baseball history lesson -- I may be off base, but I think that’s truly talent. 

I have a new appreciation for the sport, and for its ability to bring people together. Thank you, Kara and AJ, for having me as part of your day! You’re in a league all your own. 

Wedding Coordinator: Plan it with Merritt
Flowers: Art Farm Flowers
Bride Dress: Allure Bridal - Elizabeth Ann’s Bridal Boutique
Bride Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Suit: Kenneth Cole
Maid of Honor Dress: Allure Bridal - Elizabeth Ann’s Bridal Boutique
Ceremony Venue: Doubleday Field
Reception Venue: Otesaga Resort Hotel
Wedding Cake: Otesaga Resort Hotel 
Cupcakes: Yummy Mummy Bakery 
Hair and Makeup: Flawless Salon
Officiant: Erik Wahlstrom
Transportation: Leatherstocking Trolley

A shout out to: Zack and Clayton on the Doubleday Field team; Megan Fabiano with Little Coffee Pup for the custom baseball-themed artwork; June, Steve and the staff at the Baseball Hall of Fame for the amazing hospitality; Megan Chase and team at the Otesaga; and Becky Gill for the general assist.