Jeff and I attended the Bykenhulle’s second annual bridal show last Sunday, on that gorgeous, sunny sixty-degree day.  We couldn’t have asked for better weather in early March for couples to check out the grounds of the Bykenhulle House.

The Bykenhulle is one of the lovely and lesser known historic homes available for a wedding in the Hudson Valley.  Built in the 1800′s, it’s a perfect space for an intimate wedding reception.  You and up to 5 other couples can take over the grounds for an entire wedding weekend.  It’s just a beautiful spot.

Our table was set up in Ivy Hall, a suite available for accommodations.  It has the feel of a renovated barn, with high ceilings, dozens of windows to let in the light, cherry floors, a baby grand piano and spindle windows over the stairs leading up to the four poster bed in the loft.

Okay, I’ve got a confession to make…I have an awful sweet tooth.  That’s why I avoid sweets almost all the time.  Once I start, it’s hard to quit.  Which meant I was in BIG trouble on Sunday…

I succumbed to the raspberry cake from McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods.  It was like velvet!  Nothing like those “raspberry jelly” cakes I’ve had before, this was creamy and delicious.  And the carrot cake from Lola’s Catering…moist and delectable.  Pastry chef Robin sent us home was almost half a carrot cake that sits in the refrigerator right now, tempting me…

With a wedding planned at the Bykenhulle later this year (and hopefully more to come) it was so fun to reacquaint ourselves with the spot.

Photo by Fleur Phillips

After last weekend’s storm, I think it’s official.  Winter is here. Ready or not.

But December can be a great time to have your wedding, Hudson Valley style.

Why?

Let me share a few secrets…

• You’ll save money on decorations.  Catering halls around the Hudson Valley are already decked to the hilt, trees draped in tinsel, ornaments, lights, wreaths, even mistletoe.  You won’t have to do much to add to the holiday feel, and that saves you a bundle.
• You’ll save on booking your wedding vendors.  Here in the Hudson Valley, corporations are cutting back on their holiday events and weddings are few in December.  Less demand means that catering halls, wedding DJs and photographers will be eager for your businesses.  That translates to DISCOUNTS.
• December is typically NOT known for huge snow storms.  (Leave it to last weekend to make a liar out of me.)  Especially if your Hudson Valley wedding is in early December, you’ll avoid the foul weather and take advantage of savings and that holiday charm.
• Your family may already be coming into town.  If that’s the case, combining your wedding festivities with holiday travel to the Hudson Valley is a winning combo.

If you’re planning a winter wonderland wedding in the Hudson Valley, some things to consider:

– Cold Weather.  It’s likely your photographer will want to take you into the wild, freezing outdoors for pictures.     Make sure you can handle the cold.  Or buy an elegant faux fur wrap or cloak to keep you warm.

– Travel.  If your guests are coming from out of town, you might end up with cancellations if you run into bad weather.  We got hit with a snow storm that dropped 18 inches on the Hudson Valley during one January wedding a few years back.  The couple was supposed to have 85 guests attending…only 27 people showed up.

– Environment.  It’s not as pretty in December…unless you’re blessed with snow, in which case you deal with travel issues.  The Hudson Valley is known for its gorgeous fall foliage, but once it falls from the trees it’s mostly naked branches and brown lawns.  Make sure you choose an indoor location that has lots of photographic interest to compensate.

What do you think about winter weddings?  Leave me a comment.