College Sweethearts Get Hitched on the Hudson

For college sweethearts Erin and Cory, who met at Tufts University in 2009, wedding planning was a case of location, location, location. “We knew we wanted to get married outside in an area we could share with our friends and family,” recalls Erin. The Connecticut couple, who often spend weekends along the Hudson antiquing in Cold Spring or sipping pints at Peekskill Brewery, found what they were looking for at Monteverde at Oldstone in Cortlandt Manor. To frame the manor’s sweeping river views, ceremony décor, including the huppah — just branches and a cluster of roses — was kept simple. “Neither of us is particularly religious,” adds Erin. “We had a really awesome rabbi, and we worked with him to pick components of the ceremony that were important to us.”

“I loved the organic sequins and that it felt non-traditional,” says Erin of her Karen Willis Holmes wedding dress.
“It was really interesting but still very simple and streamlined.”

At the reception, the couple made a bit more of a statement. “I use a ton of black and white graphic prints in our home, so I knew I wanted to replicate that,” recalls Erin. Bold black and white stripes featured throughout, tempered by pops of jewel-toned florals. They also brought their home life into the catering, with a locally sourced menu of seasonal dishes and the bride’s favorite recipe for gazpacho. “We do a CSA; we care about farm-to-table,” says Erin, adding that they chose to serve dinner family-style to cut down on food waste.

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Up until the day itself Erin and Cory, who worked with a planner, weren’t sure how everything would turn out. “It was awesome,” says Erin. “Walking into the tent and seeing all these pieces come together, it was more beautiful than we had ever expected.”

The Details:

Photographer: Jessica OH Photography; www.jessicaohphotography.com
Venue: Monteverde at Oldstone, Cortlandt Manor; 914.737.6555; www.monteverdeatoldstone.com
Event Design & Coordination: Whimsy Weddings; 610.419.4444; www.whimsy-weddings.com
Catering & Cake: Foremost RAM Caterers, multiple locations; 201.664.2465; www.foremostcaterers.com
Invitations: Weekend Paper Co., Richmond, VA; www.weekendpaper.com
Dress: Karen Willis Holmes (www.karenwillisholmes.com) purchased at Sash & Bustle, Toronto, ON; 647.340.5850; www.sashandbustle.com
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Makeup & Hair by Dallas; 512.387.0834; www.makeupandhairbydallas.com