A Farm-Inspired Wedding for a New York Foodie

Jared McGuire is a self-proclaimed “phenomenal” cook, but even he couldn’t sit through one of his meals when it came time
to propose to Emily Shoolin. The couple had met two years earlier on OK- Cupid, and their shared passion for all things “back to the land” bonded the two instantly. 

“Jared intended to wait until dessert to pop the question, but only made it past the salad course,” Emily recalls. 

- Advertisement -

That was July 29, 2011, and, 15 months later, the couple, who live in Brooklyn, wed at Apple Barn Farm in Germantown. The rustic
elegance of the farm appealed to the couple. “We are in love with all things fall,” Emily says. “It had bucolic charm and just the right amount of space.” 

Emily and Jared, who hope to run a farm one day, did all of the planning themselves so they could “really dig in and make it our own.” Friends sang, the couple wrote their own vows, and friends told
the story of their courtship through reenacted email exchanges. Their three sisters and two best men stood for the couple. By the end of
the night, Jared was “kissing bald heads,” says Emily, now 33. Emily wore an open-backed lace Vannessa gown by Wtoo by Watters with red patent-leather shoes.

The couple used both an old and a new Kiddush cup during the ceremony to tie in their histories and future together. They also asked family members and close friends to make their specialty pies, cakes, and cookies, which became the dessert table. 

Although the wedding was in mid-October, it was unexpectedly cold, and the outdoor ceremony caused a minor hiccup. “Emily’s grandparents were bundled up and looked like they were from the Old Country! We just laughed about it a lot and thanked our guests profusely—and plied them with wine and dancing afterwards,” says Jared, now 31.

The food echoed the couple’s passion and the time of year. Hudson-based caterer Swoon Kitchenbar used all seasonal, organic, and humanely raised products which, says Emily, “was incredibly important to us.”

- Partner Content -

For Emily and Jared, the wedding theme was about more than décor. It represented an important part of their lives. They compost and belong to a CSA. “Really, we joke about how ‘Brooklyn’ we are,” Emily says, “but in the end, it is a huge part of how we try to live our everyday lives.” 


The Details: Photographer: Turnquist Photography, Hudson (845) 544-3007; turnquistphotography.com. Ceremony/Reception Location: Apple Barn Farm, Germantown (518) 828-8698; applebarnfarm.com. Caterer: Swoon Kitchenbar, Hudson (518) 822-8938; swoonkitchenbar.com. Florist: The Rosery Flower Shop, Hudson (518) 828-9952; roseryflowershop.com. Music: DJ Jordan Matthews, JTD Productions (845) 853-8912; jtdproductions.com. Invitations: Different Designs; etsy.com/shop/differentdesigns10. Bridal Attire: Watters (style: Vanessa); watters.com. Bridal Shoes: L.K. Bennett; 212-309-7559; us.lkbennett.com.

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 23!

Our Best of Westchester Readers' Ballot is open through January 15!

Our Women in Business Awards event is November 21!

Our Best of Business event is October 30!

Our CEOs & Business Leaders Golf Outing is August 5!

Our Best of Westchester Party is July 24!

Our Westchester Home Design Awards event is June 26!

Our Wine & Food Festival returns June 4-9!

Our Wunderkinds event takes place on May 23!

Our Best of Business Ballot is open through May 15!

Our Healthcare Heroes Awards event takes place on May 9!

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.