Our Ceremony Weekend
A Beyond Perfect Weekend
Seldom do we ever get to experience a perfect weekend. This one was beyond perfect.
December 5th - 8th
Venue: The Maker Hotel - Hudson, NY
Officiants: Deborah Cioffi & Michael Wightman
Karl’s Best Person: Aaron Lin
Tommy’s Best Person: John D'Alessio
Achieved Top 5 on Both Our "My Spaces": Jim Olivieri
Family: Michael McGraw, Barbara & Eric Botterbrodt
Night One
Karl and Tommy arrived in Hudson, NY, on Thursday, December 5th, accompanied by our two officiants. We began the weekend settling into a cozy Airbnb just a few blocks from The Maker Hotel, where the ceremony would take place. Hudson’s charm—its blend of small-town quaintness with big-city sophistication, brimming with restaurants, shopping, and personality—set the perfect tone for what was to come.
That evening, we shared an intimate dinner with just our officiants, and family present, enjoying delicious food and the anticipation of the day ahead.
Friday: The Celebration Begins
By Friday morning, our Best Persons had arrived, bringing energy and excitement. The Airbnb quickly transformed into a vibrant hub, with music spinning on the turntable all weekend and the space decorated to reflect the joy of the occasion. We laughed, shared stories, and soaked in the moment while getting ready for the big day.
Before heading to the venue, our photographer captured special moments at the Airbnb as we exchanged gifts over carefully selected wines. These personal touches made the day even more memorable.
The Maker Hotel: A Special Place
The Maker Hotel: A Special Place
At The Maker Hotel, the weekend reached its crescendo. We began with drinks in the lounge, followed by a rambunctious photo session in the library—both spaces that had captivated us during our engagement. Watching our guests’ reactions to the venue, as their jaws dropped just as ours had, was priceless.
The Ceremony
Surrounded by close family and friends, we exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony that reflected our unique journey together. It was exactly what we wanted—personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Jim summed it up perfectly with his advice: “Take your time; this is your moment. We’re all here for you, so breathe, and take your time.” Those words stayed with me and kept me grounded. It was our moment, and it was perfect.
Following the vows, and the officiating of our marriage, we gathered in a private dining room for a seven-course family-style meal. The food seemed endless, and the cocktails flowed freely as laughter and love filled the room. It was everything we dreamed of and more—a celebration that perfectly reflected who we are.
During dinner, we took a moment to go around the room, sharing heartfelt tributes and stories about each person and what they mean to us. These speeches touched us all deeply, blending sentimentality with humor, creating memories—and inside jokes—that the ten of us will laugh about for years to come.
The evening culminated with our wedding cake: a Spiced Vanilla Sponge with Cinnamon Buttercream. Unlike those tales of endless tastings that can take the fun out of choosing a cake, this was everyone’s first time tasting it—even ours—and it was a triumph. A huge thank you to The Crummy Baker for delivering perfection.
The merriment didn’t stop there. Music carried us through the night, weaving its way into every moment as we celebrated until we couldn’t laugh, or toast another drop.
COntinued Shenanigan
The rest of the weekend was filled with more shenanigans, incredible food, shopping, music, and nonstop laughter. Hudson, NY truly charmed us, and we encourage everyone to visit and discover what made us fall in love with this beautiful town.
Our visit coincided with Hudson’s Winter Walk, an enchanting celebration that transformed the streets into a festive wonderland of holiday decorations, music, and cheer. Wandering through the vibrant, bustling streets only added to the magic of our weekend.
This will forever be a weekend we cherish—a perfect blend of love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
