Photo: Jose Reyes Photography
"We wanted our wedding to be rustic and elegant, playing off the colors of the fall foliage in the Hudson Valley," says Brittany, who met Craig while both were attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. The couple decided to host their wedding at the Mount Gulian Historic Site, an 18th-century Dutch Colonial homestead and national historic landmark.
Brittany wore a Priscilla of Boston gown, "I loved its timeless look," she says. The bride accessorized with a birdcage veil from Emma's Bridal Boutique and a pearl necklace Craig bought her for their one-year anniversary.
Ninety of the couple's closest friends and family members gathered in the circa-1740 Dutch-style barn for the ceremony. Every other aisle-facing chair was adorned with a bouquet of dahlias and sunflowers. Later, the wedding party posed for photos in front of the restored manor. The bridesmaids wore Priscilla of Boston dresses, and the groomsmen wore H&M suits.
The bride handled the decorating herself, which included creating the mason jars filled with candles and coffee beans that hung from shepherds hooks. Barrels filled with dahlias and sunflowers were placed near the barn doors.
The cocktail-style reception also took place in the barn. "The space felt cozy and rustic," says Brittany. Guests were served a signature cocktail that combined apple cider, vanilla vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cinnamon, and nutmeg, as well as 36 types of passed hors d'oeuvres , including tomato-soup shooters topped with mini grilled cheese sandwiches. The food was provided by the couple's own catering company, Top Knotch Catering. For dessert, they served pumpkin spice cake filled with cinnamon buttercream, which was baked by a friend who works at the Culinary Institute. Snapshots of Brittany and Craig were on display above the cake table.
After the newlyweds' first dance, to "Everything" by Michael Buble, the best man, Justin, toasted the couple. "As Justin was making everyone laugh, I realized that not only is this the happiest day of my life, but that the best is yet to come," says Brittany.
Photos: Jose Reyes Photography
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston || Veil: Emma's Bridal Boutique || Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston || Ceremony and Reception Site: Mount Gulian Historic Site || Cake: Top Knotch Catering || Photographer: Jose Reyes Photography
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