Bride, Groom and Fireworks. Sarah Seeds and Michael Pizzano's Colony Wedding in Woodstock, NY.

Hudson Valley Weddings, Love in the Valley

Behind the Scenes of a Love Story and a Wedding at Colony Woodstock

By inside + out | December 5, 2025

Once again, we celebrate our series “Love in the Valley” today with a Colony Woodstock magical wedding.

People come to the Hudson Valley for weddings because it just feels extraordinary—sweeping river views, rolling hills, orchards, cozy small towns, historic venues, and that “away from it all” vibe without being far from the city. And the changing seasons make every photo look amazing. It’s the kind of place where everything feels relaxed and beautiful, offering an unforgettable backdrop for every style of celebration.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, so many of us were forced to find new ways to connect, stay in community and remain creative, leading to a surge in virtual communities. For NYC-based creatives Sarah Leeds, a full-time actor, writer, and producer, and Michael Pizzano, a senior media producer and indie filmmaker, a shared Zoom writers’ room became the backdrop for an improbable love story. What began as a professional accountability group during the 2020 lockdown evolved into a remote romance built on laughter, creative inspiration, and intellectual connection.

In this love story, Sarah and Michael share the heartwarming details of how they went from the isolation of lockdown to falling in love online, their memorable first in-person date, and the magical proposal that cemented their journey from virtual connection to lifelong partners.

INSIDE+OUT: Congratulations on your marriage. Where are you originally from, and how did you both meet?

Sarah Seeds: I was born in Baltimore, MD, but I found myself coming to NYC to pursue a career in acting. It has been an adventure, and I’m now a full-time actor, writer, and producer in Film/TV. Mike and I met in a Zoom writers accountability room during the deep lockdown in 2020. It was a pleasant surprise, as I wasn’t looking for anyone…

Michael Pizzano: I was born and raised in New York— I grew up in the Bronx and I am a NYC public school kid! I work as a senior producer of branded content at Vox Media, but my passion is indie filmmaking, both directing and writing. I met an actor at the Cannes Film Festival a while back, and when the COVID shutdown hit NYC in 2020, this colleague, now close friend, suggested I join a writer’s accountability group he was running to keep motivated on creative projects while we were all trapped at home. I was unsure at first, but ended up joining. I’m so happy that I did because that’s where I met Sarah!

What was your first impression?

Sarah Seeds: I thought he was funny and handsome, but I had walls up. We really connected on our humor, and when he talked me into a “private Zoom” to ask about a publicist, I was truly taken.

Michael Pizzano: In typical Zoom fashion, I heard Sarah speaking before I found the little box with her face. I had arrived late – I was overseeing a remote style commercial shoot (a la lockdown,) so I joined the creative group in the middle of a script reading. At the end, they did a Q&A, which I didn’t really participate in as a latecomer, and I will never forget hearing Sarah bring her thoughts on how to punch up a certain part of the script. I was thinking: who is this person with these incredible and wild ideas? I loved it. So I was smitten right then and there.

To be honest, she was the main reason I decided to come back to that group the next week. Funny thing, she missed the next two sessions, which, honestly, was a good thing because I was able to appreciate all this group had to offer, which was a lot. Seeing Sarah and getting a sliver of time to get to know her better, to make her laugh, to hear her amazing ideas, became the highlight of my week in an insane time. Eventually, it became “how do I get to know you better outside of this group, 1 on 1?”

At this point, Sarah was staying with her parents at their place outside Richmond, VA. I was still in NYC, crashing at my mom’s in the Bronx (it made more sense for us to hunker down together rather than isolate separately). Sarah had gotten a show on Amazon and used a publicist, and I was launching a web series of my own called Lockdown Living. We met up remotely to discuss both, and in this 1-hour-long first meeting, I think we talked business for maybe 5 minutes and had a BLAST talking about everything else for the rest of the time. I followed up by saying how much I loved speaking with her and that I wanted to meet with her again, either socially or romantically. We started secretly meeting once a week outside of the writer’s group for about 4 weeks until she came back to NY, and we started dating in person. So yes, we are a COVID romance. We dated remotely for about 4 weeks before meeting in person, and none of this even comes close to how I felt when I first met her in real life, which was mind-blowing.

When did you know he/she was “the one” and who said “I love you” first?

Sarah Seeds: I knew pretty quickly – although I didn’t admit it to myself. I look at my journals from lockdown, where I can see/document myself falling in love with him, and how much fun, kindness, and love he gave me. It was magical to find someone I was both intellectually, creatively, and physically attracted to. It felt too good to be true, but it wasn’t. He also wrote an episode of his series, Lockdown Living, about our first virtual date, and it was funny and fantastic! That hooked me. He said I love you first, and for the first time in my life, I said it back immediately.

Michael Pizzano: Oh, I was in immediately. She drove me absolutely crazy in the best way possible — and still does.

When we were dating remotely, we would lose track of time for hours. I think we talked for over 6 hours one night. Even now, we’ve been together over 5 years, we’re married, and sometimes we’ll just be hanging out, doing nothing, and suddenly it is 3 am. She is literally my best friend.

I said I love you first, and it was completely by accident. I had known it for a while and didn’t know how or when to say it, and it just slipped out! She, of course, caught it, and I owned the moment. I said something along the lines of: “Yes, I am very much in love with you,” — and I was over the moon that she told me she loved me back.

What drew you to the Hudson Valley for your wedding?

Sarah Seeds: Woodstock, NY, became our safe haven during lockdown. We’re big on travel, but since we were limited during COVID, we often traveled to Woodstock to enjoy its beautiful setting, artistic expression, food, and hiking. Our heart is there, and it’s our safe place to rejuvenate and creatively recharge.

Michael Pizzano: Woodstock was our escape during lockdown, and still is today. It is a special place for us, and it only felt right to make it part of our wedding and share it with all of our family and friends! And as Sarah already said — whether it’s the food, the shops, or the people you meet, an incredible amount of artistic expression and love is infused with the culture of the area — and you can’t beat the access to nature that surrounds it.

How did the proposal happen?

Sarah Seeds: Mike should take this. He did a phenomenal job and planned the whole thing on our rooftop. It was beautiful, and I had no idea. He’s always so kind and loving, so I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

Michael Pizzano: I had gotten Sarah’s family’s blessing in July of 2023 (I had secretly spoken to her dad, mom, and brother, and we were all so excited). I had this idea that her family would come up to NYC to surprise her (Sarah was feeling a little homesick at the time; it was during the SAG-AFTRA strike, and she was a strike captain, so she was in trenches, so to speak, for months on end). I was trying to organize all our families, but between Sarah’s and my work and the film projects we had in motion, it was impossible to plan. Thanksgiving was looming, and my family was going to Richmond for the Holiday, but it was very important to me to propose in NY. Sarah and I are New Yorkers, after all!

I had one weekend left before the holiday and only a week to plan it, so I called the most incredible person I know, my older brother Matt (also someone with film production experience), and we produced the hell out of the proposal! He came over, and we did a “location scout” of the roof of my apartment building. We mapped out the whole event, from when/where I’d bring Sarah to how we’d decorate and how the whole thing would go down. Matt asked me what I wanted the main feeling of the proposal to be, and I chose: Magical!

I bought a ton of paper lanterns and lights to really make the rooftop glow. At the same time, I contacted all of our closest friends and told them I was throwing a surprise party for Sarah, now that the actors’ strike was over. I was worried someone would let it slip, so I felt a cover story was necessary for most of the attendees (they were told what was really going on when they arrived to help set up). Our friend Edward (who ended up being our Flower Boo at the actual wedding) was in the know and was tasked with keeping Sarah distracted all day so we could set up. They were recording a podcast together at the time, so it was an easy sell. I met them for a post-podcast cocktail. Edward casually left and met up with the team back at our apartment.

Sarah and I spent the afternoon very casually retracing the steps of our first in-person date, and, coincidentally, the day of the proposal turned out to be our literal anniversary. I got my brother’s OK text and brought Sarah to the roof to show her “how incredible the skyline looked,” or something along those lines. I talked her into closing her eyes, walked to the center of a forest of lights on our roof (our song was playing in the background), and I proposed.

She said yes (I stupidly asked if she was sure), and when she said, “of course,” I yelled out SHE SAID YES! All of our friends came running out of their hiding spots to cheer! And my mom — who was there from the beginning— was holding an iPad, with Sarah’s entire family virtually present. Then we all went to our apartment and had a party!

You rocked it! A proposal fitting for creative producers. Speaking of creativity…what are you most proud of when it comes to your career?

Sarah Seeds: I created Riding the D with Dr. Seeds (about an unhinged, non-licensed Psychiatrist riding the D train in NY and ‘treating’ people), got distribution on Amazon Prime (then PlexTV), earned an Emmy Consideration, and membership in the Television Academy. I’m also very proud of my work in Doopsy!, acting with Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games) and of how well my sci-fi horror/thriller, Bathed in the Night, continues its festival run with feature package options and investors interested. I recently did theater off-Broadway at The Players in Carol Croland’s Check Please!, and we won an award. It was a joy to jump in last minute and bring it to life! My work within SAG-AFTRA also makes me immensely proud.

Michael Pizzano: I’m proud of every narrative film project I’ve ever made, or helped get made, because filmmaking can be one of the hardest, most taxing artistic undertakings possible – and yet it’s so worth it. Of all the films I’ve made, the moments I am most proud of are when they play in a theater, like at a film festival, and the audience really gets it. Like playing a comedy, everyone laughs and finds joy in the moment. Or with my latest Sci-Fi movie, Robotomy, a satire, and the questions I get from viewers after the fact really make it all worth it. Sarah mentioned the thriller she wrote and starred in, Bathed in the Night. I directed, edited, and produced that film – we did a friends and family screening, and I heard someone gasp during a tense moment. That small, and yet huge, moment is something I am extremely proud of. On the branded content side, when I am part of a documentary-style production, nothing makes me prouder than doing justice to the story and hearing positive feedback from the video subject. If we tell someone’s story and do it right, it feels incredible to do them that honor.

What did the Colony offer that other wedding venues didn’t, and how did that contribute to the desired vibe of your wedding?

Sarah Seeds: From the SECOND we walked into the Colony, we felt at home. It was a Midsummer-Night’s Tavern. It was ethereal and otherworldly. It felt like we were in the woods and a tavern at the same time. It’s so naturally Woodstock, and it gives “Stevie Nicks” energy (we’re big Fleetwood Mac fans.) AND as a performer, a stage is never a bad thing! We also loved that it’s run by artists, and Laura was DIVINE to meet. It just felt like home, and there were no “catches” or things that felt impossible. The custom menu and balcony overlooking everything really made it unique and special. We loved the biergarten outside as well, and we LOVED featuring it during our rehearsal dinner.

“It’s everything I could’ve ever wanted from a wedding venue — from the setup, the space, the decor, the vibe, the staff (who are all amazing).”

Michael Pizzano: It’s everything I could’ve ever wanted from a wedding venue — from the setup, the space, the decor, the vibe, the staff (who are all amazing – I second all the shout-outs from Sarah). It’s indoors, it’s outdoors, it’s two floors – I can’t imagine our wedding in any other location. It’s beyond beautiful, and I feel so lucky that we were able to have our day there. We did the rehearsal dinner there the day before as well, in the biergarten in the back, which almost felt like a second location altogether.

Tell us about the wedding, the vibe, the after-party.

Sarah Seeds: It was a love fest. It was a PARTY. We stayed until 2 am (or later), and the dance floor was constantly packed. From the beginning, we worked with Heather (our fabulous planner), Laura, and Turnquist Collective (our photo/video duo) on special touches that screamed US… including a diverse menu for all diets, fabulous cocktails, incredible music (Expertly Emcee’d by Dave from A Perfect Blend Entertainment), dances, custom movie posters, and more. Our followers were wildflowers.

Michael Pizzano: Sarah nailed it. Love. There was so much love in the room, everyone cried tears of joy, and everyone partied like I’ve never seen. I’ve never been to a wedding where the dance floor was literally packed the entire time.

What were your top 5 things to do in Woodstock for you and your guests the weekend of your wedding?

Sarah Seeds: My top 5 (in no particular order): eat at Sylvia, hike Overlook Mountain, have a drink at Small Talk, look at all the amazing shops, and see a show at Colony. We also had an open-window brunch (12 PM-3 PM) at Tinker Taco. Delicious.

Michael Pizzano: Sarah nailed it — the only two things I would add are Nirvana, an incredible Indian Restaurant, and Woodstock Music Shop, our favorite record store.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding?

Sarah Seeds: It’s almost too much to list. To me, hearing his handwritten vows was incredible. They were so heartfelt, and I started crying immediately (a theme that night). The ceremony itself was surprisingly wonderful – I was thinking so much about the reception, the choreography of our first dance, the speeches – that I forgot how beautiful the ceremony could be. Our officiant, Michael Ovalle (who had never done it before), was INCREDIBLE. The love we felt from him and the way he spoke (and joked) about us touched both our hearts. Also, our forest dance as a couple was a medley, and it was dope! No one knew what we had been working on. The venue was stunning with ivy, and the food was perfect.

Michael Pizzano: How can I pick one moment from the best day of my life? Hearing Sarah’s vows, which we had kept secret until the moment we said them to each other.

The Reveal: The adrenaline was revving that morning. I ran 2 miles first thing in the morning just to try to calm down. And then at the reveal, when I turned around and saw her in her dress for the first time, all the nerves evaporated. It was surreal.

My big brother’s Best Man speech!!! I don’t think any speech in the history of best man speeches will ever top it. It was hilarious, heartfelt, and all so true. But all the speeches were wonderful: my mom’s speech during the rehearsal dinner, Sarah’s dad, her Maid of Honor. Our officiant — holy smokes — another high bar — who can ever top the ceremony that Michael Ovalle led? The venue itself — I already gushed about it, but it’s worth bringing up again that Colony was incredible in every way possible.

Speaking of amazing moments, Turnquist Collective offered to shoot engagement photos for us, but Sarah and I already had engagement-type photos taken while we were on a Nile cruise with National Geographic. We had the idea of recreating famous movie posters to decorate the Colony with — The Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing, and Predator, to be precise — and we pitched it to Turnquist; they were in! That photo shoot was SO fun.

Michael Pizzano and Sarah Seeds by sign on their wedding day. The Colony Woodstock, NY.

WEDDING CREDITS

Wedding Venue: @colonywoodstockny

Wedding Planner: Heather Marcolina @marcolinapro

Photo / Video Team: Turnquist Collective @turnquistcollective

DJ David Nazario: A Perfect Blend Entertainment @apbentertainment

Floral Arrangements: Karen’s Flower Shoppe

String Trio for Ceremony: Capriccio Ensemble @capriccioensemble

School Bus as Hotel Shuttle: First Student Charter Bus | T: 855-272-3222

WEDDING DETAILS

Where did you stay?

Woodstock Way.
They treated us wonderfully on our wedding night (and night after.) It was a gorgeous suite overlooking the Tannery Brook.

How many guests did you have, and where did they stay?

About 120. They stayed in all the boutique hotels in Woodstock (we took it over). In addition to the Woodstock Way, our guests stayed at:

Twin Gables, The Herwood Inn, The Woodstock Inn at Millstream, Morning Glory B&B.
When those were all booked, we had a block at Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center.

WEDDINGS AT COLONY WOODSTOCK

Colony exudes the ambiance of a bygone era, offering your wedding a casual elegance unlike anywhere else. Exchange vows from our gorgeous grand stairway that spills into our ballroom, or live onstage as the rock stars you truly are. Plan your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and day-after Jazz Brunch in a setting that evokes the rustic beauty of the Catskills, hearkening to a nostalgic music and arts culture that took place long before the’ 60s—a Woodstock that celebrates love and the arts, sans tie-dye. Located in world-famous Woodstock, the Colony is just two hours north of NYC, a convenient one-hour drive from Albany International Airport or Stewart International Airport. Situated in the heart of the happening village, Colony is within walking distance of charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and stellar eateries, yet set back just enough to provide your event with ample privacy.