Fall Wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York, this intimate fall wedding celebrated the love of a couple committed to creating a personal and memorable day. Embracing the beautiful autumn color palette, the couple’s vision was realized through elegant details that reflected their unique style.
The bride was a vision in an Elie Saab gown decorated with embroidered leaves. The gown was complemented by a custom mantilla-style veil that featured a discrete button and loop detail, allowing her to wrap it around her wrists, creating “sleeves” for the look. The groom made a statement in a custom blue suit by Leonard Logsdail, incorporating a scarf gifted by the bride into the suit’s lining.
The bridal bouquet from Poppies and Posies was bursting with three different types of dahlia, dusty rose-hued garden roses, and seasonal accents of caramel and burnt orange ranunculus. Tied with a dark blue silk ribbon, it echoed the rich hues of the day.
With 89 guests in attendance, the ceremony was a heartwarming affair enhanced by the music of Sterling Strings. In a delightful twist, the bride walked so briskly down the aisle that she wished to hear the ceremony music in its entirety; we arranged for Sterling Strings to perform their chosen pieces again during the cocktail reception, ensuring they could fully enjoy the pieces! The temperature was 53-55F during the ceremony, but the bright and sunny day with little wind made us feel comfortable about keeping it outdoors in the courtyard in front of the grand maple tree. Guest comfort is always foremost in our minds. As their friends and family arrived, they were offered hot cider to keep them warm. The bride had also sent out an email to all the guests a few days prior to the wedding to remind them to dress warmly as the ceremony was likely to take place outdoors.
Guests transitioned from the courtyard ceremony to the cozy haybarn. The rustic charm of the venue was beautifully complemented by a carefully curated selection of signature cocktails, each a creative nod to the season and the couple's taste.
BADGER FLAME BEET PUNCH with its vibrant hue and complex flavor profile, blending earthy badger flame beet with rich cognac, tarragon honey, cherry vinegar, lemon and clarified milk.
For a twist on a classic, the NASHI PEAR OLD FASHIONED offered a sophisticated experience, featuring poached nashi pear, smooth bourbon, and charred cedar bitters, harmoniously enhanced by a reduction of the pear's poaching liquid.
The PAW PAW DAIQUIRI, a refreshing non-alcoholic option, showcased the unique flavor of shaved paw paw ice, delicately spiced with fig leaf, mace, sumac, and a touch of spice tea.
Guests savored the Kohlrabi Spicy Crab Taco, a delightful bite bursting with flavor, and the comforting Honeynut Squash Soup garnished with pepitas. Potato Croquettes offered a satisfying crunch, while the Kale Tart provided a savoury touch. For those who enjoy the ocean's bounty, the Widow's Hole Oyster was a standout, served fresh and briny. The Farm Tortilla with Kimchi was a fun combination and the Quail Egg & Caviar provided an elegant nod to luxury, while Beet Burgers rounded out the culinary experience as a delicious vegetarian option, showcasing the seasonal harvest.
Entering the silo lobby, guests were greeted by escort cards calligraphed by the talented Megan Fahy in metallic gold ink. Each card was meticulously crafted on rich cobalt blue paper, providing a striking contrast that caught the eye. These cards were arranged organically on a rustic wooden table, creating a warm and inviting display. Guiding guests to their seats while adding to the overall ambiance of the celebration. A large, lush floral arrangement took center stage in a sand-hued ceramic vase. This stunning centerpiece showcased lace hydrangea, delicately paired with dusty rose-hued garden roses, cheerful pink and peach dahlias, and red ranunculus. Vibrant foliage wove throughout the arrangement, bringing a fresh, garden-inspired feel that complemented the autumn setting.
As guests made their way to the upper hayloft for the dinner reception, they were greeted by a hallway lined with flowers and flickering candles, creating an enchanting path that set the tone for the evening ahead. The 16-foot-long head table was elegantly adorned with a collection of low, lush flowers housed in matte-white ceramic vases. Delicate accents of café au lait dahlias and blue nigella added depth, while seasonal vibrant greenery wove through the arrangements. Scattered along the table were bud vases filled with blooms, creating a whimsical yet refined atmosphere. A warm glow was added with taper candles in a miel shade.
The dinner featured thoughtfully crafted pescatarian and vegetarian menus that celebrated fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests were welcomed to their tables with printed menus, each with a whimsical illustration: a mushroom on the vegetarian menu and a lobster on the pescatarian option. The first course featured a Honeynut Squash, paired with ginger and pickled chanterelles, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. For the second course, the vegetarian option showcased This Morning's Farm Egg served with mushrooms and shelling beans. Meanwhile, pescatarian guests indulged in a succulent Maine Lobster, presented with potato and shellfish. The third course pescatarian selection featured Atlantic Halibut, served with darkibor kale, spinach, and a fragrant grecque sauce. For those choosing the vegetarian option, the Cannelloni filled with mushrooms, celery root, spinach, and allium showcased rich, earthy flavours.
Guests were treated to a wedding cake, featuring decadent layers of dark chocolate and raspberry—an indulgent finale to the meal. A particularly charming detail was the couple's playful tribute to their beloved pets: three little cat cake toppers, crafted to resemble their own cats, found a whimsical home around the different tiers of their wedding cake, with two mischievously poking holes into it! To further elevate the dessert experience, a selection of passed desserts delighted guests, including a warm brioche doughnut filled with stone fruit jam, alongside a rich burnt honey and sesame panna cotta and refreshing hazelnut sorbet.
One particularly touching moment occurred during the bride’s dance with her father. In a spontaneous gesture of love, she asked if her mother could join, and the three of them shared the dance together. The groom followed suit, dancing with both of his parents, further emphasizing the significance of their families in this joyous occasion. With a focus on connection with family and friends, this elegant wedding was a true reflection of love and joy. Thank you to Mademoiselle Fiona for these beautiful images!
Planning: Ang Weddings and Events | Venue: Blue Hill at Stone Barns | Photography: Mademoiselle Fiona | Videography: Yarden Lior | Flowers: Poppies and Posies | Beauty: Ombre by E.J | Gown: Elie Saab | Suit: Leonard Logsdail | Calligraphy: Megan Fahy | Invite: Bella Figura | Strings: Sterling Strings | DJ: DJ Cousin Cole | Transport: Red Oak | Velvet Jacket: Suit Supply | After Party Dress: Bronx and Banco
“We couldn’t have found a better planner to work with on our wedding than Tzo Ai. We decided to have a wedding in the Hudson valley area despite the fact that our family all lived out of state in different states, and so having an excellent planner was especially critical! Tzo Ai is clearly very experienced in wedding planning and treats every event like it is her own. ”