Beautiful and classic details combined with views for miles to create an upstate wedding full of relaxed elegance in Rhinebeck.
Allison & Scott
June 9, 2018
Ankony Carriage House
Rhinebeck
Allison and Scott had a very clear idea of what they wanted in their wedding venue: It had to be a private home, removed from New York City, with a view of the Hudson River. They also wanted a place with nearby hotels to accommodate guests, a venue for the rehearsal dinner and brunch, and a home on the property that could be used for family and guests. Their event planner, Claudia Hanlin of The Wedding Library, delivered with the Ankony Carriage House in Rhinebeck.
The venue is a historic Hudson Valley farm, complete with a renovated farmhouse, heritage cattle, and rolling hills.
“The bride and groom were eager that all the details would feel elevated, but not stuffy or too stiff and formal,” says Hanlin. “Their touchstone was tradition, and the classic, lush décor was updated by its tailored elegance and the use of modern materials such as the china, fun dance props, neon signs, and bars.”
The Fashion
The bride chose a Monique Lhuillier gown and veil for the ceremony and wore lacy Louboutins. The bridesmaids chose their flowing, full-length, slate-blue dresses from the salon at The Wedding Library to accent to the color palette of white, gray, and greige.
The groom wore a classic tux from Michael Andrews Bespoke, and the groomsmen were also dressed in classic tuxes.
Allison chose to change her dress and hair for the reception, and Hanlin says multiple changes of outfits, hair, makeup, and accessories is a growing trend for brides.
The Ceremony
The ceremony, which took place in the green fields on the property with the river as a backdrop, stood out with its natural beauty. Guests sat in whitewashed chairs, and a beautiful, floral ceremony arch stood as the altar, only adding to the majestic views as the couple said their “I do’s.”
In addition to the white blooms adorning the arch, the aisle was festooned with flower petals, and two large arrangements were set on antiqued Greek pillars (and were later used to decorate the bandstand).
The Reception
The cocktail hour had a relaxed atmosphere, featuring lounge furniture, lawn games, and bistro lights. A cool jazz trio performed, and guests were able to take in the property.
The couple used marble hexagon tiles as place cards, to ensure they would not blow away, and the bride found the acrylic table numbers on Etsy — both of which are emerging trends.
The reception was set under a white tent, and white was used throughout; there were whitewashed chairs, clean linen cloths and a white dancefloor and bars. White and green flowers with touches of peachy pink accented the décor, and the tables were set with gray china.
Even the tent was decorated to fit the ambience: The poles were adorned with simple tree branches and the entrance to the tent was draped with gauzy fabric, accented with greens and surrounded by glass-enclosed pillar candles.
The team created parallel greenery walls behind the two bars, flanking the bandstand within the tent. The cake and a Champagne tower served as points of interest, and the Champagne was served to guests as they entered the tent.
A 10-piece band provided the music for dinner and dancing, and the couple danced to “Thinking Out Loud” and “Empire State of Mind.”
Toward the end of the evening, guests lounged, enjoying the outdoor bar, cozy throws, and passed desserts. They were also surprised with a photo booth and fun props, a frites food truck that rolled up at the end of the evening, and a fireworks display on the lawn to top it all off. For the favor, the couple gave guests Apolis burlap gift bags filled with Hudson Valley-themed gifts.
The Details
Planner: The Wedding Library
Photographer: Jen Huang
Venue: Ankony Carriage House
Tent: Events Unlimited
Invitations: The Wedding Library
Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Rentals: Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals: designer8* and Linda Baldwin Events
Florist: Fleurs NYC
Bakers: Nine Cakes and Butterfly Bakeshop
Catering: Main Course Catering
