Blog

The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!

Where to Have Your Micro Wedding: Hudson Valley
Weddings, Vendors I Love, Decision Making Hope Mirlis Weddings, Vendors I Love, Decision Making Hope Mirlis

Where to Have Your Micro Wedding: Hudson Valley

Whether it’s an issue of budget, a desire for intimacy, or simply not wanting to fuss over all the grand details, not every couple wants a huge wedding celebration. Welcome to the Micro-wedding! Here are some lovely options for venues offering smaller weddings in the Hudson Valley - Arrow Park, Blue Hill at Stone Barns & St. Hubert’s Lodge.

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Vendors I Love: HUDSON FILMR
Weddings, Vendors I Love Hope Mirlis Weddings, Vendors I Love Hope Mirlis

Vendors I Love: HUDSON FILMR

There are so many talented and wonderful professionals in the wedding industry. I’ve worked with quite a few, but there are ALWAYS more. Jason followed me on Instagram, and after looking at his feed, He’s very much in the moment with his couples, and his videos are warm and light. Super excited to shine some light on Jay. Without further ado, here’s JASON ALICEA from HUDSON FILMR.

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5 Yoga Poses to Bring Calm on Your Wedding Day
Yoga, Weddings, Healthy Living Hope Mirlis Yoga, Weddings, Healthy Living Hope Mirlis

5 Yoga Poses to Bring Calm on Your Wedding Day

It's important to take time on the morning of your wedding to calm the mind and center the body. This will allow you to release stress and better enjoy the day! Yoga is great for that. Here are 5 yoga poses that counter all of the wedding day jitters. All of them aim to release anxiety in the body and the mind. Feel free to do them by yourself, or grab your partner or some of your friends and do them together.

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Vendors I Love: KRISTY MAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis

Vendors I Love: KRISTY MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

I met Kristy a few years ago at a wedding vendor networking event. Even though we’ve yet to work a wedding together, I really love Kristy’s work. She has an amazing eye. And whether shooting in black and white or vibrant color, she always captures the moment. I guess that’s what a background in photojournalism can do. Without further ado, I am so excited to share more from KRISTY MAY!

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How to Be a Zen Bride: BREATHE
Zen Bride, Weddings, Healthy Living Hope Mirlis Zen Bride, Weddings, Healthy Living Hope Mirlis

How to Be a Zen Bride: BREATHE

Wedding planning is stressful to most engaged couples. You’ve never done anything like it before, and there is an expectation of perfection. Many couples split the duties of planning. However, sometimes I see the bride taking on more of the responsibilities based on skill set or desire. Therefore, additional stress usually falls on the bride. You want to know how to be a Zen Bride? BREATHE.

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Vendors I Love: MAE B FILMS
Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis

Vendors I Love: MAE B FILMS

A planner colleague offered virtual planning as soon as we started quarantine. I saw a videographer on the list of vendors she created that I didn’t know. I decided to reach out to Nikki and say hello. It was clear that she was a passionate filmmaker and that truly reflected in her work. Her short elopement and proposal films are like music videos and they made me smile. I can only imagine the pure joy the couples experience when they watch theirs for the first time. Without further ado, here’s Nikki Miller of Mae B Films!

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Vendors I Love: THE VOW COLLECTIVE

Vendors I Love: THE VOW COLLECTIVE

I met Stacie at a Tuesday Together NYC meeting a few months ago. There was an immediate connection as we talked about the power of words and just how meaningful promises are. Usually I say farewell to my couples at their weddings. That’s when she says hello! I love her outlook on love and commitment, on partnership and longevity. Without further ado, here’s STACIE STINE of THE VOW COLLECTIVE.

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Vendors I Love: ALLISON DAVIS of DAVIS ROW
Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis

Vendors I Love: ALLISON DAVIS of DAVIS ROW

I met Allison Davis of DAVIS ROW a few years ago at a small wedding expo. Our paths continually cross, which is awesome because her positivity and enthusiasm are infectious. I have to fess up and say that I have yet to work with Allison, but gosh, I cannot wait for that to happen on an upcoming wedding ceremony. Last year, she introduced me to one of her couples and explained the way she works and refers potential creative partners. I thought the process was detailed and smart and I was truly taken aback by Allison's care and integrity. Folks, she's undoubtedly an amazing advocate to have. Without further ado, here's ALLISON DAVIS!

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Vendors I Love: JAY McELFRESH EVENTS
Gratitudes, Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis Gratitudes, Vendors I Love, Weddings Hope Mirlis

Vendors I Love: JAY McELFRESH EVENTS

Jay and I worked together a few years ago on a lovely ceremony at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I appreciated the way he knew instinctively how to create mood and energy. I contact everyone involved in the ceremony ahead of time and touch base with them onsite to make sure we're on the same page. It was immediately clear that Jay had my back. He was prepared and ready, and more importantly was a team player. That support shines through as we all strive to make the day as seamless as possible. He's a pro. Without further ado, here's JAY McELFRESH!

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The Ceremony Reading, Alain de Botton [video]

As a wedding officiant, I work with couples to create unique wedding ceremonies. One of my current wedding couples is a pair of writers who are very picky about how certain ideas are expressed in their ceremony. I mean who can blame them? They're writers!

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