Moroccan Theme Wedding in Albany, NY

It would be hard to choose a “most beautiful moment” from Abigail Keeler and Jesse Hord’s wedding and reception Saturday, October 14th. Certainly Abigail outshone everything. The colors, both of the gorgeous Northeast fall evening, and the rich jewel tones of the décor, were stunning. The ceremony was at The Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, where black iron candelabras ringed with lilies and greens lined the aisle. The bridesmaids’ gowns were an emerald green cut, and with gold bangles on their upper arms, their radiance foreshadowed the reception’s Moroccan theme.

The Keeler’s Loudonville home and grounds were transformed for the reception. Eight sleek black Mercedes, all manned by drivers from Keeler Auto, brought the wedding party. From the circular driveway, guests walked through the home’s entryway and foyer and were greeted at the long marquee leading outdoors by butlers offering champagne. Hanging lanterns led the way into a cocktail tent whose clear sides and top let in a canopy of foliage color. Silver bowls piled with pyramids of lemons and limes, and the tables had teal underlays, with sheer cloths swirled with gold on top. The tent flaps were open, and glowing fire pits beckoned outside.

A gong announced dinner, and as the curtains to the dinner tent were raised, guests were entranced by a parade of belly dancers circling with waitstaff in red Nehru jackets. Salads were served, and the dancers performed a phenomenal show, as guests took in their finery and the richness of the colors around them. Gold chargers and flatware, gold napkins folded with the menu inside were offset by remarkable centerpieces that rose two or three feet above each table. Wrought iron structures, like Eiffel Towers, were lined with deep reds and maroons, roses, amaranth and and lilies, and festooned at the top with iridescent peacock feathers. The dance floor was a mosaic design, and the band, the very celebrated 13-piece Bob Hardwick Orchestra kept everyone dancing into the morning hours.

The cocktail tent, meanwhile, had been transformed during dinner into a Moroccan lounge, complete with couches and ottomans, royal blues, teals and golds, and Moroccan lamps. Some guests, sporting maroon fezzes, enjoyed cigars and camaraderie, reclining in the lounge. As the band and then the DJ played, as stars gathered in the cloudless sky, the night found its own perfect pitch, glimmering, jewel-like.

Service Providers
Coordination: Lisa Light, Ltd.
Décor: David Michael Schmidt, Renaissance Floral Design
Music: Bob Hardwick Orchestra
Transportation: Keeler Motor Car Co.
Catering: Glenn Sanders Mansion
Photographer: Gina Renzi