Photo by Steph

Jen and Tom shared laughter and smiles during the ceremony, as Father Rich spoke about Joseph Campbell and the “heroic journey” of marriage they were about to embark on.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore elegant floor length black gowns and carried bouquets of champagne roses.  The tables were decorated with champagne and white roses and hydrangeas, and guests received chocolate favors.  The cake was layered in gold champagne with a flower on the front.

The Toasts

The toasts highlighted the story of Jen and Tom’s meeting on the Jersey Shore and how Tom was so anxious to see her that a

Photo by Steph

speeding ticket was involved!  Jen’s friends were concerned about a “situation” arising with this Jersey Shore guy, but their fears were quickly set to rest after meeting Tom.

The Music

The dance floor rocked non-stop!  Tom and Jen set the tone by dancing in to the Beastie Boys’ “Sure Shot,” and their opening song, “Sex Machine” by James Brown.  One of the servers told me that she thought the ceiling was going to cave in when she was on the first floor beneath and we were playing, “Party Rock Anthem.”

The newlyweds wanted a dance party, and they certainly made it happen!  Thanks so much for letting us in on the fun.

The Garrison

Photos by Jennifer May

Flowers by Petals by Alice

Photo by Steph

amazing food and high spirits.

The couple chose a perfect song for their first dance, “Apple of My Eye” by Damien Dempsey, a tribute to the irresistible lure of NYC.  Linda had spent five years living in Ireland, but it wasn’t until the two met in New York City that their romance finally blossomed.

THE DETAILS:  Vibrant, fuschia, pink and peach varigated roses with pale green accents on the tables.  Bridesmaids in dark purple gowns.  The beautiful bride carried a striking purple orchid bouquet.  The wedding cake had three square tiers decorated with purple orchids.

Photo by Steph

After the Best Man gave his toast, Brian took the microphone for an impromptu speech, beaming with pride and excitement.  He thanked his guests who came from as far as Ireland as well as the “cast of Jersey Shore.”  “Today, I’m a happy man,” he said.  “Linda, she’s a bit quiet, but she’s happy, too.”  The guests chuckled.

The night included plenty of Irish music, from Planxty and Mundy to U2 and The Frames.  After dinner, Brian

Photo by Steph

coaxed his father to sing an a capella rendition of “Fields of Athenry.”  And the dance floor was packed with our most enthusiastic sing along yet to “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers.

The Garrison outdid themselves by showing guests both Irish and American alike an amazing wedding celebration.  Linda and Brian, thanks so much for including us in your story!

The Garrison

Photos by Michael Polito

Flowers by Petals by Alice

“This room was completely designed around the view.  The carpet, the walls, we wanted it all to be neutral, so that nothing distracts from it.  It’s all about the view.”

If you’ve never been there, that view is a show-stopping, panoramic vista encompassing the Hudson River and the mountains beyond.  On our last visit an eagle soared across the sky at sunset.

This was the setting for Erin and Jess’ wedding.

Erin stood in the gardens before that view at the ceremony, tall and elegant in her simple knee-length white dress, holding hands with Jess.  They smiled at each other and rocked back and forth as the officiant led them through the vows they had written for each other.

The decor Erin and Jess chose for their wedding accentuated the natural beauty of the Garrison’s view.  Guests found their place cards beneath smooth river stones.  And the centerpieces!  Beautiful wildflower arrangements with bursts of coral, chartreuse and blue, surrounded by textured greenery and clematic vines.  Sort of like this photo from the Petals by Alice Flickr account, but with less pink…

Photo from Petals By Alice

Jeff fell in love with them, too, and one sits on our dining room table, still as fresh and beautiful as it was the day of the wedding.

An unexpected guest made an appearance during the cocktail hour, an adorable hummingbird who was trapped beneath the tent over the patio.  He flitted back and forth constantly, trying to escape by flying up, not realizing that an easy exit could be found through the tent’s open sides.

We had such fun with Erin, Jess and their guests, especially working in the groom’s requests for Beirut, Belle and Sebastian, and Death Cab For Cutie.

And in a month of rainy June weddings…it didn’t rain!

The Garrison

Flowers by Petals By Alice