Biz and Micah
For pretty much her entire life, Biz Zast has been immersed in the world of horse racing. Every summer, her father, a former racetrack president who used to own and breed horses, took his family on vacation to Saratoga Springs, New York, to be close to the action. So when Micah proposed to her after five years of dating, there was no question that they'd tie the knot in Saratoga Springs. They wanted an out-of-the-box venue, so they settled on Fasig-Tipton, a thoroughbred sales and auction house. "The grounds are beautiful and simple," says Biz, "yet so chic and different."
The Stationery
Stationer Cheree Berry, a friend of the bride's, designed the invites. "I knew she would get my style and be a blast to work with," says Biz. One fun flourish: A Dark & Stormy drink ticket for the reception.
The Bouquet
Biz's vibrant bouquet included 'Romantic Antike' roses, begonias, zinnias, carnations, and gartenmeister fuchsias bound with a wide striped ribbon.
The Bridesmaids
A beaming Biz posed with her sister (left) and sister-in-law, who (along with Micah's brother and his best friend) stood up with the couple at the ceremony.
The Boutonnieres
Carnation boutonnieres were knotted with graphic ribbons.
The Welcome Bags
To get guests into the sporting spirit, each "track bag" welcome tote held a booklet of betting tips, a newsletter outlining the best local spots, racing-form pencils, tickets to the races, and Saratoga chips and spring water.
The Venue
Guests caught the sport of kings at Saratoga Race Course, a short walk from the venue, before the wedding and again at the next-day brunch. As two friends were leaving, they handed the bride and groom a ticket for the next race as an impromptu wedding gift. "They had made a $3 bet on two long shots," says Biz. "We won $3,100!"
The Ring Bearer
The bride's nephew (quite literally) held his horses in one hand and the ring pillow—personalized with needlepoint by Biz's mother—in the other.
Shady Ceremony
The leaves of an enormous sugar maple acted as a canopy over the couple's I do's. Before trading vows, Biz and Micah asked three couples in various stages of matrimony—eight months, eight years, and 34 years—to speak at the service. "This was my favorite part," Biz says. "Each had an incredibly unique take on marriage."
Graphic Grouping
Mini striped envelopes sealed with red "Toss Me" stickers held oversize confetti. Wedding programs came in a matching cherry shade.
Family Affair
The bride's relatives, including her dad (left), brother Jon, and flower-girl niece Vivian, were all smiles at the ceremony.
Black Tie Affair
Preceremony drinks were served from one of Fasig-Tipton's stalls, each of which is named after a famous horse; the couple posed inside Black Tie Affair. "It felt fitting," says the bride, who accessorized her Peter Langner gown with a J.Crew birdcage veil.
The Cocktails
Cocktails were served in keepsake glasses with "Dark & Stormy" written on the front and the recipe on the back.
Call to the Post
"Sam the Bugler," who works at the nearby racetrack, marked the occasion by playing his horn as the newlyweds made their way to the cocktail tent.
The Escort Cards
Paper rounds attached to pleated ribbons acted as clever escort cards.
The Table Numbers
For centerpieces, Eugenia topiaries were set in gleaming pots tied with grosgrain ribbons and small Z charms. Huge white balloons anchored by horseshoes that Biz's dad sourced from a local supplier made the table numbers easy to spot. Menus were folded and slipped into cheery linen napkins sewn by Biz's mom.
Taste-Bud Tempter
Guests were served a first course of tricolor tomato and burrata salad. The accompanying coral napkins were hand-made by the bride's mom.
The Toasts
The bride's dad and sister led a toast to the newlyweds.
The Party-Goers
Revelers included Micah's former roommates, who playfully pinned their escort cards onto their lapels.
Dancing Duo
Biz and Micah had a laugh while twirling around the dance floor at the reception venue: a large barn. Though the band was scheduled to stop playing at 11 P.M., "We asked them to play another hour to keep the party going!" says Biz.
Daddy's Girl
Biz and her father, Vic, chose "It's All in the Game," by Tommy Edwards, for their father–daughter dance. "My dad hasn't missed a racing season at Saratoga in 40 years," says Biz. "Getting married here held a lot of sentimental value for me."
The Favors
Black cotton favor bags printed with a gold horseshoe held a pair of Dark & Stormy glasses, a bottle of Gosling's Rum, a can of Barritts ginger beer, and custom coasters.
Sources
Location: Fasig-Tipton
Event Coordination: Katie O' Weddings & Events
Catering: Mazzone Hospitality Events
Flowers: Ariella Chezar
Wedding Photography: Matt Gillis
Stationery: Cheree Berry Paper
Calligraphy: Feast Fine Art & Calligraphy
Music: Creations featuring Kim Sozzi
Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Co.
Hair and Makeup: Angela Wakefield and Emily Potter of Make Me Fabulous
Confetti: Artistry in Motion
Balloons: Balloon Salon
Cocktail Napkins: For Your Party
Welcome Bags: Bagmasters
Chips: Moon Brand
Shoe Bag and Coasters: Branders
Rum: Gosling's
Highball Glasses: Discount Mugs
Ginger Beer: Barritts