Yes, Andy Mele proposed in Paris, the city of love. And Lisa Rainwater admits that her wedding dress, by Brit Stewart Parvin, was fairly traditional. But after that, this dynamic duo — both environmentalists and writers — didn’t follow any rules for their May 10 nuptials at Opus 40, the six-acre environmental sculpture carved out of an old quarry in Saugerties. The bride donned hot-pink heels to walk down the aisle to a U2 song, and the ceremony incorporated personalized vows as well as some American Indian elements. They even piled their favorite books on the tables. “The most important thing was that we were having fun,” says Rainwater. “We wanted to make the wedding our own.” The reception got started with blackberry mojitos; Bridge Creek Catering of New Paltz handled the “casual” buffet — which included the “most amazing little duck tacos,” says Rainwater. Decorated with gilded and sugared nuts and fruit, the chocolate ganache cake from Calico Patisserie in Rhinebeck was also a big hit. Looking back, Rainwater offers this advice to prospective brides: “Make sure you get references before you hire someone — and then make sure you call them.”
(For more photos and details about the Mele/Rainwater wedding — and to view even more real Hudson Valley weddings — see our “Valley Vows Weddings Exclusive” on-line feature.)
