Every summer, over a million people travel to Saratoga Springs to take in the sights and sounds of upstate New York. For some, it’s the jaw-dropping peaks of the Adirondack Mountains and shores of Lake George that draw them to the area, but for most, it’s the Saratoga Race Course.
Widely recognized as the oldest sporting venue in the country, the legacy of the Saratoga Race Course and the beginning of horse racing dates back to August of 1863. Given its rich history and respected traditions, it’s no surprise that Saratoga was chosen to host the156th running of the Belmont after planned renovations shut down Belmont Park.
Setting a single-day attendance record at Saratoga and surpassing recent years at Belmont Park, the first ever Belmont Stakes in Saratoga saw 50,000 fans in attendance. Eager to witness such a historic event, that doesn’t even account for the number of visitors that traveled to Saratoga for other reasons, including the six day Belmont fan-fest or the 25,000 fans that filled the amphitheater and lawn at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a country concert headlined by Hardy with special guests including Kip Moore, Travis Denning and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Still — that wasn’t the hottest ticket in Saratoga the weekend of June 8th.
That’s because just over a mile from the track, the real party was at the Canfield Casino. One of Saratoga’s most unique and timeless wedding venues, the Canfield Casino is highlighted by the calming grounds of Congress Park, intricate detailing and a rich history of its own including illegal gambling and rumored paranormal activity. It’s no surprise that dozens of couples are drawn to the casino each year to celebrate their commitment to one another.
The morning of Saturday June 8th, 2024 was different though. The streets of Saratoga were buzzing with energy like never before. As I entered the doors of The Adelphi Hotel to make my way to the bridal suite, the lobby was filled with guests dressed to the nines in every direction I looked, eager to make their way to the track.
After spending some time taking detail photos (big fan of the Taco Bell sauce packet) and taking advantage of the sprawling staircase for some bridal portraits, we made our way back to the entrance for not just one — but two — first looks. You don’t want to skip the photos, trust me.
If that’s not enticing enough, our next stop was the Saratoga Race Course itself because did you really get married on the same day as the Belmont if you don’t have the photos to prove it? Didn’t think so.
Back at Congress Park, Mariah & Zac’s family, friends and the local ducks joined them for a romantic outdoor wedding ceremony to make their marriage official. Followed by cocktail hour, speeches and their first dance as newlyweds, it wasn’t long before they invited guests back into the parlor for a viewing party of the Belmont. Much to my dismay, I didn’t win any money on the race myself but at least one guest was rumored to have hit the trifecta!
As guests made their way back to their seats for dinner, the dance floor soon reopened with the same energy that the bridal party brought for their entrance to Waka Flocka’s “Grove Street Party”. All I have to say is…it’s a party, it’s a party, IT’S A PARTY!
As promised when I first met with Mariah & Zac to talk through their wedding plans, Zac laced up a clean pair of black and white Nike Air Force 1s and donned a matching snapback with their initials embroidered on the front while Mariah hit the dance floor in a mid-length dress with a bow on the back from bridal boutique Styled by Lily Saratoga.
Last, but certainly not least, was the late night food delivery. As crazy as it might sound, watching the bride’s face light up when she walked back to the bar to find a table lined with all the McDonald’s you could ever want was probably one of my favorite moments. We all know the smile that a Happy Meal has put on our faces at one point or another in our lives, so imagine what a whole damn table must feel like.
If I had to guess though, it probably still doesn’t come close to the feeling of marrying your best friend on one of Saratoga’s most historic days.
To see Mariah & Zac’s full gallery or to inquire about a wedding or elopement of your own for 2025 and beyond, visit https://austinryanphoto.com/booking-weddings.
Venue: Canfield Casino / Photography: Austin Ryan Photo / Content: The Luxe Affair / Catering: Distinctive Catering of Albany & Saratoga / Hair & Makeup: Aranda Artistry /Florals: Price Chopper / Alterations: Mosca Alterations / Dress: Styled by Lily Saratoga / DJ & Photo Booth: Love of Music DJ / Rentals: Clifton Park Rental / Transportation: Premier Plus Travel & Tours / Cake & Dessert: The Cookie Factory NY