A Traditional Wedding at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York

Leah Dudziak (28 and a quality control chemist) and Michael (Mike) Fenley (28 and a civil engineer) became engaged eight years after they met at Syracuse University. He proposed with a cookie that read “Will You Marry Me?” Through tears of joy, Leah said yes. The couple spent their next year planning a traditional wedding in white, coral and metallics that incorporated to their alma mater. Leah and Mike said “I do” in Hendricks Chapel on Syracuse University’s campus. “With strong ties to our alma mater, it was an easy choice to plan our wedding around such a beautiful chapel.” Simple white bows were used as accents along the ceremony aisle. Waiting at the end of the recessional was a surprise visit from Syracuse’s Orange mascot! After snapping a few photos, the couple and their 175 guests moved to the nearby Turning Stone Resort & Casino for their cocktail hour and reception.“A priority of ours was to spend as much time as possible with the friends and family that travelled far and wide to make our day so special,” says Leah. “In that respect, we arranged the cocktail hour to give us enough time to take pictures and be in attendance for it.” The couple served a variety of appetizers, including buffalo chicken tacos with blue cheese before all moved into the reception. White linen covered family-style tables were accented with gold runners, silver chiavari chairs and multiple low centerpieces. Each guest also received a small jar of honey on their ivory napkin as the couple’s wedding favor. After a plated meal, the couple served their three-tier white wedding cake. Leah and Mike's family and friends enjoyed a few forms of entertainment throughout the night. The Maid of Honor, Leah’s sister, ensured they had a memorable reception with her spontaneous 15-minute speech. “She made all of our 175 guests do the wave and proceeded to make everyone fall out of their chairs laughing,” says Leah. The couple and their guests spent the rest of their night dancing to 1990s and contemporary music. “At one point, the entire reception gathered in a circle on the dance floor around Leah's father, Leo, as 'Happy' began playing. He and the rest of the Dudziak and Fenley family took turns breaking it down and losing themselves in the moment.” says Leah.