Style Me Pretty

Classic Staatsburg, New York Wedding from Gulnara Studio

We saw their rehearsal dinner this morning, and I am completely convinced if you were newly engaged today, and stumbled across our little blog in your frantic Google search of all things chic in the wide wedding world, this little soiree on the Hudson River would be the reason you would keep coming back to us. It’s Farmyard Chic if I’ve ever seen it, and seen through the lens of Gulnara Studio, it is an unbelievable mix of chickens and chignons, pigs and pretty, soft cheese cakes and sweet and scrumptious love. All I can say is – you better get your gallery on.

Click here to see the entire Farmyard Chic soiree!

As we started to plan our wedding, we knew we didn’t want a New York City wedding as much as we loved living there.  We were hoping to find a place that was available in late summer that would provide our guests a bit of a getaway but that wasn’t a particularly far drive for our tri-state family and friends.  After narrowing it down to a few areas outside of NYC, the search began!  We toured many different places but none seemed to have the right feel.  Then, on our way home from a friend’s wedding in Lake George, we stopped to see Locusts-on-Hudson.  We knew immediately it was everything we were looking for!  It was elegant, it was rustic, and the view over the Hudson River was breathtaking.  Combined with the working farm that spoke to the foodie in both of us, it all came together in such a unique and wonderful way.  It was the exact vision we were looking for yet were struggling to find.  We had hoped we could also find a place where we and our bridal party could stay the entire weekend given our top choice of late summer weekends was the Labor Day holiday.  The different houses on the estate provided us with the option to have everyone stay in one place and celebrate all weekend.  The Locusts ticked every box and we couldn’t stop grinning at each other as we toured the property, we knew this was it! 

The estate provided us so much natural beauty and inspiration to work with.  The windows on the barn were so lovely and Nicola at Lettuce Paper masterfully helped me turn them into a pattern that we used throughout all the stationary for the wedding – envelope liners, custom stamps, menus, and even as a single flourish at times.  As I explored the colors that both Greg and I loved, a peacock theme emerged.  I loved the idea of the vibrant peacock palate against the neutral and natural colors of the estate, especially at that time of year.  Peacocks have a natural elegance which was the perfect complement to The Locusts.  My goal was to incorporate the colors and feather in various different ways so that it didn’t become monotonous or overwhelming.  Linda Baldwin, our amazing florist, was able to help me achieve this.  The colors in the flowers were stunning.  I loved the way the arrangements all came together yet remained unique as we did something slightly different for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  I particularly loved the mint which we used in the bridesmaids bouquets.   As we moved into the evening, the amazing lanterns that lined the path to the tent and also surrounded the pool provided a wonderful ambiance for a late summer wedding. 

Overall, we wanted our wedding to capture the warmth and beauty around us – from both the setting and our family and friends – and to be a reflection of who we were.  As an interfaith couple, we worked to ensure our ceremony and the events of the day reflected each of our backgrounds.  We wanted our guests to feel relaxed and enjoy the entire day, so our goal was to have an evening that effortlessly flowed from start to finish, which it did thanks to our stellar wedding planner and caterer!  I can’t say enough about them both.  Most of all, we wanted our guests to feel as if they were all part of our new extended family!  So after a family style dinner that reflected our love of food and the region, the band took over and it was time to party….and that we did well into the evening, admittedly taking advantage of the pool for the after party!  It was the perfect day and every time I look at my favorite photo of us in front of the wall to wall dart board, I’m reminded of this!!

Photography: Gulnara Studio / Ceremony & Reception: Locusts on Hudson / Wedding Planner: Carrie Wycoff, Events That Matter / Florist: Linda Baldwin Flowers & Event Design / Stationary: Lettuce Paper / Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Mark Ingram Atelier / Hair & Make-up: Sandra Downie Event Design / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Videographer: Fred Marcus / Music: Hank Lane Music & Julie Berman Quartet / Catering & Cake: Oliver Kita Fine Catering / Envelopes, Escort Cards & Table Numbers: Love Jenna Calligraphy / Tables & Chairs: Party Rentals Ltd. / Tent: Sperry Tents

Staatsburg, New York Rehearsal Dinner from Gulnara Studio

Today we’ve got a real treat. We’re spending it with Rebecca + Greg, and their beautiful, beautiful wedding festivities. First up on the agenda is the simply elegant rehearsal dinner, captured by Gulnara Studio. We’re head over heels for this sweet soiree to kick off the love fest. And as much as we love the barn and the pool, the striped straws and the whiskey centerpieces, we love the couple at the center most. The relaxed love that seems to float between them is gorgeous. Spend your morning in the gallery… but make sure to come back this afternoon for the main event!

Click here to see the rest of this sweet soiree in the full image gallery!

From the lovely bride … Growing up on the Jersey shore I visited New York City more than I can remember.  I’d loved it since I was a little girl so I always knew I’d end up there.  What I didn’t know is that my move to the big city after living in London for 3 years would also mean an introduction to my future husband!  After four years of dating and enjoying New York together, Greg asked me to marry him at one of our favorite restaurants in the city.  July 2010 was hot hot hot in New York and as I noted that I had to wear a cocktail ring on a different finger due to the heat, Greg pulled the ring I had been waiting for out of his pocket and said, “Well I hope this one will still fit!”

Venue: Locusts on Hudson / Wedding Planner: Events That Matter / Photography: Gulnara Studio / Second Photographer: Sebastian Kloskowski / Florist: Linda Baldwin Flowers & Event Design / Stationery: Lettuce Paper / Videographer: Fred Marcus / Catering & Cake: Oliver Kita Fine Catering / Tables & Chairs: Party Rentals Ltd.

Haiku Mill Military Wedding from Tamiz Photography + Bella Grace Flowers

It’s no secret that I have a weakness for a man in uniform. Military weddings make my heart pitter with the best of the patters every time. And when said military wedding takes place at the most amazing Hawaiian venue, Haiku Mill, and is filled with a floral design to make Flora herself green with envy, thanks to Bella Grace Flowers Wedding & Event Design, well let’s just say it’s over on this side of the computer screen. Tamiz Photography captured the beauty of the day in such a way that I will be here, admiring away all day in the gallery.

Click here to see the rest of this gorgeous soiree in the full image gallery!

From Stephanie at Haiku Mill … Denise and I designed their wedding over the phone and approximately 4000 miles since she and Stuart were living in Japan throughout the entire planning process. We often spoke on two different days due to our locations on the globe. What could have turned out to be an obstacle was anything but- it was a joy to work with such a calm and collected bride. Denise had some basic ideas about the overall look she wanted, and with a little professional guidance from me, we pulled together a beautiful and ever-so-romantic event.

Photography: Tamiz Photography / Venue: Haiku Mill / Coordinator: Stephanie Shepherd of Haiku Mill / Catering: Maui Executive Catering / Bar Service: Garnish Events / Hair: Adiel Sneary / Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry / Flowers: Bella Grace Flowers Wedding & Event Design / Cake: Cravings Bakery / Linens + Rentals: Maui Rents & Island Rents / Music: Trio d’Amore / Officiant: Joris Watland