team headshots and bios

A message from Sarah Fichtman, owner and founder of Bisou Weddings & Events:
I dove head first into event planning while living in New York City. From private weddings in the Hamptons, to larger than life fashion events in Manhattan, there was no doubt that I had found my calling in this industry. When our family moved upstate after our first born, I launched Bisou in one of the busiest wedding areas in the state, and have never looked back.
Weddings are my passion, and I put my heart and soul into each and every event. At Bisou, we work hard, laugh often, and our infectious spirit always brings a ray of sunshine into every meeting, into every relationship, and ultimately into all of our events.
I am dedicated to making your wedding as unique as you, as fabulous as you, and so seamlessly executed, it will feel like a dream.
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Amanda- Senior Planner
Ever since my first job putting dresses away at David’s Bridal, I fell in love with the wedding industry. After graduating in 2012 from Siena College with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I knew I wanted to get into wedding planning. Fast forward 4 years, and thanks to Sarah I’m able to make my dream come true!
Wedding planning is a magical process, and being part of our clients' most special day is such a rewarding experience. My favorite part of any wedding is watching the groom see his bride for the first time. My heart melts every single time, and yes I cry at every wedding!
In my spare time I love coaching the varsity cheerleading team at Schalmont High School in Rotterdam NY, spending time with friends and family, and traveling...lots and lots of traveling. It’s good for the soul!
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Meryl- Social Media Guru/Junior Planner
I am an Ithaca College senior and am beyond thrilled to return to the Bisou Weddings and Events team! Event planning perfectly suits my meticulous, yet fun-loving, personality; I am a serious organizer, thoughtful stylist and I love to craft the details that make every celebration a unique experience.
My favorite part of the event planning process is putting together the creative design elements to make a Pinterest-perfect event. I believe the marriage of strategic coordination, expert communication, and artful design is the magic behind a brilliant event.
When I’m not working with Bisou, you can find me outside drawing in my sketchbook, playing with my lovable cat Matzohball, watching Grey's Anatomy, or traveling the world!
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Maria- Senior Planner/Assistant Extraordinaire
I am a student at The College of Saint Rose studying communications with a concentration in public relations and advertising. I am beyond thrilled to be working with Bisou and love every aspect of the wedding day from set up to cake cutting. I especially love seeing the reception space come together, and I am known for putting together place card displays at lighting speeds. My favorite part of the wedding day is hearing our couples' unique vows and readings during the ceremony. I also love ensuring that everyone is taken care of and having the time of their lives.
When I’m not working at Bisou, I practice dance (one of my greatest passions), teach POP Pilates, and plan dinosaur egg hunts for Sarah’s three adorable kids!
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Anna Waterhouse- Junior Planner
I am overjoyed at the opportunity to join the Bisou Wedding and Events team this summer! I am currently a student at Muhlenberg College, double majoring in theatre and media/communications. I love to use my planning skills in many ways, and most recently, I’ve been involved as a stage manager on numerous productions at Muhlenberg.
When I’m not calling cues, I enjoy practicing dance, adding to my ever growing Pinterest boards, and calculating how long until the next season of Sherlock comes to Netflix. I love Disney with a passion and I truly believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after. I can’t wait to help make clients’ dreams become their reality, all while making sure they’re not worried about a thing. I’ve always known that whatever I do in life, all I want is to make people happy. And what’s happier than a wedding?!